Ohio Governor Ted Strickland Elected 2009 ARC States’ Co-Chair January 2009

WASHINGTON, January 13, 2009—Ohio Governor Ted Strickland has been elected by his fellow Appalachian governors to serve as the 2009 states' co-chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). He succeeds Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour in this position.

"It is an honor to be selected by my fellow Appalachian governors to serve as ARC states' co-chair," said Strickland. "When you grow up in small-town Appalachian Ohio, you see hard work and determination every single day. While there's never been any shortage of ability in the place I call home, we have to make sure there's no shortage of opportunity."

Strickland has made expanding access to higher education a top priority for Appalachian Ohio. "A commitment to education and training will strengthen the Appalachian Region today and for decades to come," he stated.

ARC Federal Co-Chair Anne B. Pope congratulated Strickland on being selected ARC states' co-chair by the Appalachian governors. "He is from Appalachian Ohio," Pope said, "and is well versed in the economic development challenges that the people of Appalachia are facing. He brings a proven commitment to addressing these challenges with care and resourcefulness. The Appalachian Regional Commission is sure to benefit from having Governor Strickland in this key position, and I look forward to working with him on programs that will advance economic opportunities to create jobs and promote growth."