20120319-NEWS--1-NAT-CCI-CL_-- 3/16/2012 2:34 PM Page 1 $2.00/MARCH 19 - 25, 2012 INSIDE NorTech to play bigger shale role Interest in converting to natural gas cars grows and flexible electronics. on creating jobs related to advanced Group will prepare potential employees, In this case, however, it’s already energy. As fuel prices have continued to clear that eastern Ohio is about to Though evidence suggests that a rise, Northeast Ohio companies are push area companies to supply industry undergo a major increase in shale drilling bonanza is on the way, the pushing to develop an alternative gas drilling. Oil and gas companies oil and gas companies could end up using natural gas. PAGE 3 By CHUCK SODER boom, a move that represents a are scooping up land, drilling test wells buying parts and services from out- ALSO:
[email protected] change of pace for NorTech. and making big statements about of-state companies, Mr. Karpinski ■ Merger activity The organization will continue how much money they’ll spend in said. And many of the new jobs could brisk among In NorTech’s eyes, shale gas pursuing its main focus, which is to Ohio over the next few decades. go to more experienced workers from credit unions counts as advanced energy. help nascent technology industries Even so, NorTech has a role to play, out of state, he said. locally and The economic development group take root in Northeast Ohio. The said vice president Dave Karpinski, NorTech can help solve those nationally. aims to help Northeast Ohio capi- industries to which it gives most of who heads the nonprofit’s Energy problems, he said.