Kaptur Calls Nitschke Center A 'key Component' To Regional Job Strategy

Press Release

Congresswoman Kaptur joined University of Toledo President Lloyd Jacobs and longtime UT backer Norm Nitschke at dedication ceremonies for the $4 million Nitschke Technology Commercialization Complex.

"The Nitschke Complex is yet another key component in a comprehensive strategy for economic growth and job creation in our region," Congresswoman Kaptur said. "We must innovate our way to a stronger, more sustainable economic future, and this center is at the heart of that strategy."

Kaptur praised Nitschke, one of the pioneers of the glass industry in America, for his continued commitment to the region. "It is through the vision and generosity of Norm Nitschke that this commercialization complex is a reality today," she said.

"But you don't get this far without teamwork. EDA provided $2 million in federal funding, for which we are grateful, but equally important was the $2 million match-half from the state of Ohio and half from the Nitschke family."

Kaptur said the commercialization complex highlights the growing importance of the University of Toledo to regional economic development. "This takes our joint efforts at job creation to new heights, building on our successes in alternative energy, biomedical research at the Health Sciences Campus, advanced materials research at the College of Engineering, and transportation research as well."

Kaptur said regional leaders are "well aware" of the nature of global competition. "We know we're engaged in a worldwide competition for jobs and investment," she said. "But make no mistake-these achievements did not happen by accident. They are part of a comprehensive strategy to make our region globally competitive."

She cited collaborations with federal partners such as EDA, NASA, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Transportation. "We will continue to fight for our fair share of federal dollars to help our region grow," she said.

Congresswoman Kaptur also cited the Clean and Alternative Energy Incubator, the new Savage and Associates Complex for Business Learning and Engagement, and the Center for Technological Entrepreneurship and Innovation as key components of the strategy for economic growth.

"We have underscored that commitment to competitiveness by redoubling our efforts at commercialization so that our region can realize the fruits of successes in innovation and entrepreneurship.

"We're putting the world on notice - thanks to the leadership of Dr. Jacobs and his team here at UT and also the vision and generosity of Norm Nitschke - we're in this competition to win."

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