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LHP Software celebrates new home at tech park

Source: Republic October 15, 2005, Section: News, Page A6
By Paul Minnis

A $2.3 million building made with 11,000 square feet of steel, 7,000 square feet of glass and 1,200 cubic yards of concrete was hailed Friday as the latest addition to Columbus' high-tech vision. LHP Software LLC, which already has a downtown office, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony outside its new building at the certified technology park at 1888 Central Ave. About 100 people attended, including Rep. David Yount, R-Columbus, who congratulated the city for its drive to make the structure a reality.

"Any mayor in the United States would be proud," added Mayor Fred Armstrong, who spoke next during the 20-minute ceremony.

LHP, an engine software and information technology consulting company, plans to move into the building's first floor by November and lease space to TLS on the first floor and Tata Consultancy Services on the second floor.

TLS is a Columbus Internet provider, Web development and network consulting firm, and Tata is an India-based software development and research company.

Columbus Economic Development Board President Brooke E. Tuttle said workers would earn in the $60,000 range, consistent with the city's goal for highly skilled, highly paid technical jobs. "The county worked hard to see this day happen," he said after the ceremony. "The more companies we can get to come here, the more who will want to join them."

The technology park, which occupies Columbus Municipal Airport property, already is home to the ArvinMeritor North American Information Technology Center, Columbus Learning Center and other entities. Tuttle said the entire park should be filled in the next 10 years.

Chamber of Commerce Board President Rich Stenner said after the ceremony that city officials have set a sound strategy.

"To see it implemented is very exciting," he said. "This is one of those monumental days we'll look back on."

During the ceremony, Ryan Hou, an LHP co-founder, said LHP is committed to Columbus and looks forward to "growing the base here."

The day concluded with an afternoon open house.

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