The Greater Akron Business Development Mission to Israel will include 24 individuals representing 22 public and private institutions in the Akron area.

Plusquellic, entering his 20^th year as Mayor of Akron is making his 4^th trip to Israel. In 2005, he led a delegation of American Mayors to Jerusalem as President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors(2004-05).

"Israel is developing new technology business and manufacturing innovations at a rapid pace," said Plusquellic. "Their companies are coming to the United States and we can create opportunities for them in Greater Akron so that our residents can be employed."

The delegation will meet with Israeli government and economic development officials who have expressed an interest in forming partnerships with U.S. companies. Also leading the delegation are Congressman Tim Ryan (D-Niles) who represents Ohio’s 17^th District, and Joseph Kanfer, Chairman of Akron’s GOJO Industries, which manufactures the Purell brand of skin care products.

"We can create partnerships in the areas where we excel - - polymers, advanced materials, and healthcare, " Plusquellic said. "We will be looking for partners with whom our local businesses can collaborate on technical innovations or with whom they can establish joint ventures. The principal function of our overseas efforts remains creating jobs in Greater Akron, and helping to retain our existing workforce."

"Akron is competitive among American cities," said Robert Bowman, Akron’s Deputy Mayor for Economic Development. "With our access to transportation and our position at the center of the nation’s polymer research, design and manufacture, Akron has significant advantages for Israeli companies. With the combination of biotech industries that are succeeding in northeast Ohio, we’re asking Israeli entrepreneurs to take a look at Akron as their U.S. base."

Bowman also said that since 1998, almost $2 billion has been invested in 62 new manufacturing operations in the region, and Greater Akron also boasts 2,115 business expansions for the same period.

Other Akron area companies who will be represented on the trade mission include Akron General Health System, Advanced Elastomer Systems, ASW Services, Bridgestone Americas, Brouse McDowell, Children’s Hospital, Flexsys, INCLUDIS Manufacturing Software, LMA Commerce, Ltd., Lancer Dispersions, Omnova Solutions, Summa Health System, Thomarios, Inc., and Rubbermaid.

Public and non-profit organizations participating in the Israeli tour are the City of Akron, the University of Akron, the State of Ohio Department of Development, and Polymer Ohio, Inc.

Planning for the Israeli Mission has been a collaboration between the Ohio Israel Chamber of Commerce, with assistance from GlobeChem Marketing, and the Akron Jewish Community Board. SGI Global Business Advisors, LLC, international business consultants to the City and County developed and coordinated the program both here and Israel.