By Marie McCain
The Cincinnati Enquirer

UNION TOWNSHIP - A program designed to spur interest in manufacturing technology among college-age students in Clermont, Hamilton, Brown and Adams counties will be announced today by leaders of the Clermont County Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber members also will hear from U.S. Rep. Rob Portman during their legislative luncheon session at the Holiday Inn, Eastgate. The event will begin at 11:30 a.m.

Portman, R-Terrace Park, will offer his insights on the war with Iraq. He'll also talk with a group of about 50 Clermont County high school students who'll attend the meeting, officials said.

The education initiative, to be called the New Product Technology Academy, will be funded with a $256,000 allotment from the Southern Ohio Agricultural and Community Development Foundation, and a $25,000 donation from ZF Batavia, the transmission manufacturing company in Batavia.

Pam Wilson, the chamber's vice president of operations, said the academy will provide better trained workers for regional manufacturers.

Courses will be taught at vocational schools and training centers, including University of Cincinnati-Clermont College, Southern Hills Career Center in Brown County, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, and Great Oaks Institute of Technology and Career Development.

Officials expect the programs to yield about 200 jobs and begin by the end of 2003.

E-mail mmccain@enquirer.com