HEATH-NEWARK-LICKING COUNTY PORT AUTHORITY
                      PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAM


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE					CONTACT:
May 6, 2003	                 Rick Platt, 740-788-5500 ext. 35

     AEROSPACE AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER EXPECTS A BUSY MONTH
           COATC Hosting Major Community Events in May

HEATH, OHIO – Though known as the Base by many in the community for 
its days as an Air Force Base, the Central Ohio Aerospace and 
Technology Center (COATC) is fast establishing itself as a base for 
community and business events.  In addition to V.I.P. visits by 
corporate officials of the COATC’s major aerospace tenants, the 
COATC is host to several major events this month.

On Wednesday, May 14, the COATC will host Licking County Perspectives, 
an economic development conference jointly conducted by the Port 
Authority, Licking County Planning Commission, and the Newark & 
Licking County Chamber of Commerce.  The event includes national- 
and state-level speakers presenting topics aimed at acquainting 
community leaders with important components of economic development 
in Licking County.  A train ride on the Heath-Hebron line of the 
Panhandle Rail line is also planned.  A special web site has been 
set up for the event at coatc.com/partners.

On Saturday, May 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the COATC hosts 
the Licking County Chapter of the American Red Cross for Super 
Safety Saturday.  The first-ever Red Cross event, designed to 
promote summer-time safety, will include water, auto, motorcycle, 
bicycle, fire, food, and many other safety activities in conjunction 
with craft sales,  antiques, a flea market, and lots of fun and food.
 
Friday, May 30 is Take Your Pulse Day at COATC.  Billed as three events 
in one, visitors can expect a variety of health screenings by the Heath 
Rec Center staff, view improvements to the newly-remodeled COATC 
Conference Center managed by Aramark, and answer survey questions in a 
customer satisfaction survey being conducted by the Port Authority 
all in the afternoon from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The COATC is located off of Irving-Wick Drive West, one mile east of 
State Route 79 in Heath.  Additional information is available on line 
at COATC.com.

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