EMTEC to close; CEO blames state funding

The Edison Materials Technology Center will end operations June 29, eliminating 17 jobs.

In a letter dated June 1 to EMTEC members, Frank Svet, the organization’s president and CEO, cited changes in state funding.

“Due to program changes for the state fiscal year 2013 (which begins July 1, 2012), the Ohio Department of Development, Office of Technology Investments, will not request the Edison Materials Technology Center to submit a proposal for funds” for EMTEC’s continued existence, Svet wrote.

EMTEC’s executive board plans a membership meeting June 14 for the purpose of dissolving EMTEC and electing a three-member board to oversee the dissolution, Svet’s letter said.

Founded in 1987 and based in Kettering, EMTEC has worked to boost companies’ development and commercialization of materials, alternative energy and other technologies.

No one at the state government level has explained the funding change, Svet said Thursday, but he added he is sure it’s related to budget pressures.

“It’s like any other grant,” Svet said. “You’re at the discretion of the grantor.”

There wasn’t enough time to pursue other funding sources, and as a nonprofit, EMTEC can’t suddenly become a for-profit consultancy, he said.

Last year, EMTEC received $1.25 million from the Ohio Department of Development, Swenson and Svet said. That was leveraged to achieve $6.4 million in total funding, mostly in grants from other agencies.

Members have been asked to approve these nominations for the new board: John Barber, president, IAP Research; Larry Dosser, president of Mound Laser and Photonics; and Patrick Hood, president of Cornerstone Research Group.

Members also have asked to approve the dissolution.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2390 or tgnau@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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