Leader Kearney Joins Huntington CEO Steve Steinour and Ohio Government Leadership for Jobs Announcement

Huntington Bank CEO Steve Steinour and Ohio Senate Minority Leader Eric H. Kearney

Today, Ohio Senate Minority Leader Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati) joined Huntington Bank CEO Steve Steinour to announce that Huntington Bank will add 250 new jobs in Ohio over the next four years in support of its new credit card program. The new jobs are a result of a successful public-private partnership (HB 322) that helped level the playing field for Ohio financial institutions to compete against institutions in other states.

Passed with bipartisan support in May 2012, HB 322 would allow Ohio banks, savings and loan associations, savings banks, and credit unions to charge the same or lower rates or amounts of interest, fees, or other charges under a revolving credit agreement that the respective out-of-state financial institutions may charge Ohio revolving credit customers.

“This is a great example of how the General Assembly can partner with Ohio-based businesses to create jobs that will grow our economy,” said Leader Eric H. Kearney. “Through public-private partnerships like this, the General Assembly can level the playing field so Ohio companies will be able to compete more effectively for new businesses and hire more employees.”

Joining the group for the economic development announcement were Governor John R. Kasich, Senate President Tom Niehaus, House Speaker Batchelder and Kenny McDonald, Chief Economic Officer of Columbus 2020.

“Huntington is deeply committed to Ohio. We’re headquarted here and have been since we were founded almost 150 years ago. And we look to Ohio first for any opportunity to expand out business,” said Huntington CEO Steve Steinour. “Ohio and the Midwest are helping lead the U.S. economy our of recession.”

Huntington has made several significant investments in the state during the past several years including a $4 billion lending commitment for small business in early 2010, when it mattered most. Leader Kearney, a small business owner, has also partnered with Huntington Bank in the past on his credit lending forum hosted in the 9^th district to offer tips for small businesses on how to obtain loans during difficult financial times.