COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio is ending its ties with trade offices overseas as a new semiprivate nonprofit entity prepares to take over the job creation duties of the state's Department of Development.
A spokesman for Gov. John Kasich confirmed the change Sunday.
The state says improvements in communications technology and faster travel options have decreased the need to have foreign offices.
Development Director Christiane Schmenk said the department is shrinking its global markets division in light of the looming transfer of some functions to JobsOhio. The global markets division was allotted $3.5 million in the state budget for the current fiscal year and no money for the following year.
The governor's office says three jobs will be eliminated, and other employees will move to other positions in the department.