Newswise — TOLEDO, Ohio, Oct. 3, 2012 – ProMedica is pleased to announce that Randy Oostra, president and chief executive officer, has been appointed to serve on the Ohio Third Frontier Advisory Board until March 14, 2014. Oostra was appointed by Gov. John R. Kasich to the 16-member group which provides guidance to the Ohio Third Frontier Commission. As a member of this board, Oostra will represent the not-for-profit healthcare sector along with leaders from industry, academia, and government, who advise on strategic planning and general management and coordination of programs associated with the Ohio Third Frontier.

The Ohio Third Frontier, established in 2002, is focused on boosting the state’s economic prosperity by supporting companies and organizations committed to job creation, research, developing new technology-based products, and innovation.

The Ohio Third Frontier’s strategic intent is to create an “innovation ecosystem” that supports the efficient and seamless transition of great ideas from the laboratory to the marketplace. The $2.3 billion initiative supports existing industries that are transforming themselves with new, globally competitive products and fostering the formation and attraction of new companies in emerging industry sectors. Ohio Third Frontier provides funding to Ohio technology-based companies, universities, nonprofit research institutions, and other organizations to create new technology-based products, companies, industries, and jobs. In May, the Ohio Third Frontier was extended through 2015.

“It is a tremendous honor to be appointed by our Governor to help lead this initiative and provide opportunities to companies devoted to keeping Ohio on the cutting edge,” says Oostra. “At ProMedica, innovation is one of our core values to emphasize our dedication to enhancing the quality of health care and ensuring that patients experience the best possible medical outcomes.”

“As a leader of a not-for-profit healthcare system with a focus on innovation, Randy will bring a unique and thoughtful perspective to the Ohio Third Frontier Advisory Board in helping maximize the economic growth of the state through commercialization of innovative technology, products and processes," says Stephen Staelin, chairman of the ProMedica Board of Trustees.

The Ohio Third Frontier is administered by the nine-member Ohio Third Frontier Commission. Legislatively, the Commission is comprised of three state officials and six regional representative appointed by the Governor, who are responsible for the allocation of funds appropriated by the Ohio General Assembly to support programs and activities associated with the Ohio Third Frontier.

For more information about ProMedica, visit www.promedica.org.

Toledo, Ohio-based ProMedica is a mission-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization formed in 1986. ProMedica has more than 14,300 employees and nearly 1,700 physicians with more than 400 healthcare providers employed by ProMedica Physicians. Its 11 hospitals and more than 306 facilities offer comprehensive diagnostic, medical and surgical specialties in heart and vascular, oncology, orthopaedics, neurology, and women and pediatric services. ProMedica’s mission is to improve health and well-being, with a strong focus on wellness and clinical excellence, as well as innovative, community advocacy programs that address health-related issues such as hunger and obesity. For more information, please visit www.promedica.org.

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