On May 4, Southwest Ohio will vote on a statewide ballot issue that authorizes the renewal and continuation of Ohio's Third Frontier (OTF) program. The purpose of OTF is to firmly establish Ohio as an innovation leader, fuel long-term economic growth and create jobs in our state. Third Frontier was initially funded by issuing state bonds. The first round, approved by Ohio voters in 2005, expires in 2012. The new bond issue provides $700 million in funding over four years and will not raise our taxes!Statewide, the results of OTF are both visible and verifiable - 571 small businesses created, attracted or capitalized; more than $6.6 billion in economic impact generated; and an average return on the state's investment of 22 percent per year.These results make the OTF the envy of other states that are trying to transform their economies; something I'm often told by my out-of-state counterparts. Ohio is funding cutting-edge research that leads to the following:• New innovations and products; • Early stage funds that provide capital for fledgling companies; • Business assistance services to small technology businesses that enable them to attract qualified management and other talent; • Working capital for established companies to develop new product lines and purchase equipment for production of those products; and • Outreach programs that are attracting new companies of all sizes to Ohio. No other state has a comprehensive program that supports creation, attraction and growth of technology-based companies. During the last three years, this program has made a huge difference for our growing life science cluster in SW Ohio. Companies have spun out of P&G Pharmaceuticals, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati and the community at large. We are seeing an unprecedented number of younger engineers, scientists and physicians who are dedicated to developing and commercializing medical and environmental products that will improve our health and quality of life. We're creating exciting, sustainable jobs for our college graduates, assisting in the transformation of manufacturing jobs from declining industries to growing industries and fueling an engine that enables us to sustain a diversified economy in SW Ohio. These facts prove that we're on the right track with the OTF and provide validation for voting for Issue 1 on May 4.