A public-private non-profit Ohio coalition highlights the values of Crown Equipment Corp in a blog promoting the state's business climate.

James Dicke III, president of New Bremen, Ohio-based Crown, is shown in a display advertisement underscoring the forklift manufacturer's achievements: "Crown is the number one electric lift truck brand in the United States and the world's sixth-largest manufacturer of electric lift trucks."

The main headline says: "Jim Dicke balances his career and his family life". The text extols Crown's "strong work ethic and problem-solving skills" and in-house production of "85% of its components, mostly in Ohio."

In the US, Crown manufactures in New Bremen; Greencastle, Indiana; Kinston, North Carolina; Celina, Ohio; Fort Loramie, Ohio; and New Knoxville, Ohio. Outside the US, Crown manufacturing occurs in Sydney, Australia; Suzhou, China; Roding, Germany; and Queretaro, Mexico.

Two brothers, the late Carl H Dicke and Allen A Dicke, founded the company in 1945. Carl's son and chairman emeritus, James F Dicke, joined Crown later in the same year. Today, his son, James F Dicke II, is chairman and chief executive officer, and the latter's son, James F Dicke III, serves as the company president, becoming the fourth generation of the Dicke family to hold this position.

The Columbus-based Ohio Business Development Coalition develops and executes a targeted, proactive sales and marketing strategy to position the state for business development and expansion opportunities. The coalition provides the state department of development, regional economic development organisations and chambers with qualified leads and effective retention and expansion tools.