December 1, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GOVERNOR TAFT OF OHIO NAMED NEW
ARC STATES’ CO-CHAIR

Washington – The governors of the thirteen member states of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) have selected Governor Bob Taft of Ohio to serve as the ARC States’ Co-Chair for 2005.

The Commission is a unique partnership composed of the governors of the 13 Appalachian states and a presidential appointee representing the federal government as the ARC Federal Co-Chair. Its mission is to be a strategic partner and advocate for sustainable community and economic development in Appalachia. Grassroots participation is provided through local development districts—multi-county organizations with boards made up of elected officials, businesspeople, and other local leaders.

Governor Taft has a long-standing record of support for the economic development of the Appalachian Region and was instrumental in helping Ohio become the first ARC-member state to match the annual program funding it received from the Commission.

“The Appalachian Region of our country faces unique challenges in economic development, education, health care, technology access and transportation, and these challenges require innovative solutions,” said Governor Taft. “I am honored to have been elected by my peers as Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission and look forward to working closely with all 12 governors and ARC Federal Co-Chair Ann Pope as advocates for the Region.”

“Governor Taft has long been a great champion of ARC’s economic and community development mission and was the first to match ARC investments with state funds,” said Anne B. Pope, ARC Federal Co-Chair. “I have seen first-hand his commitment to growth and prosperity in Appalachian Ohio, and he will be a strong leader in helping achieve ARC’s goal of socio-economic parity with the rest of the nation.”

Governor Taft was sworn in as Ohio's 67th Governor on January 11, 1999, and was elected to his second term as Governor in November 2002. He began his career in public service as a volunteer teacher for the Peace Corps in East Africa. He has served Ohioans as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, as a Hamilton County Commissioner, and as Ohio's Secretary of State.

He graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in government, received his master's degree in government from Princeton University, and earned his law degree from the University of Cincinnati Law School.

Governor Taft's father and grandfather both served in the United States Senate, and his great-grandfather, William Howard Taft, served as the 27th President of the United States and Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Governor and First Lady Hope Taft have one daughter, Anna.

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