SPRINGFIELD — The state controlling board approved more than $1 million in grants and loans to businesses in Clark County on Monday.

Thirty One Gifts, a personalized gift items manufacturer and distributor, was approved for a $250,000 rapid outreach grant, the final phase in state incentives for locating in Springfield, said Nicolle Racey, company spokeswoman.

The incentives are in exchange for creating 500 jobs in a three-year period. As of October, Thirty One had 215 employees.

State Sen. Chris Widener, R-Springfield, said it is a combination of incentives and money invested by companies that will improve the local economy.

“The real benefit is to combine with what companies are already willing to invest to bring new jobs to our community,” Widener said, citing Thirty One Gifts more than $6 million building investment as an example.

Another local company, Tech II, is receiving an $800,000 loan in exchange for creating 22 new jobs in a three-year period. The plastic food packaging plant will use the funds to purchase new equipment to create more plastic packaging, as well as do some research and development.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0371 or emason@coxohio.com.