Officials from local villages, cities, and Columbiana County gathered at a recent meet-and-greet hosted by the Columbiana County Port Authority (CCPA) to learn about the Lake to River Economic Development initiative. This event, held at the CCPA headquarters in Lisbon, aimed to inform local government representatives about the new economic development entity and its mission to spur growth and innovation across the four counties it encompasses: Columbiana, Mahoning, Trumbull, and Ashtabula.
Introduction of Lake to River Economic Development
Formation and Purpose
Lake to River Economic Development was established following an announcement by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine in late April. It represents a new JobsOhio network region dedicated to transforming eastern Ohio’s economic landscape. This four-county area was previously part of Team NEO, a JobsOhio partner serving northeast Ohio, including Cleveland. However, the formation of Lake to River recognizes that the Youngstown-anchored region has distinct needs and opportunities, necessitating a separate JobsOhio network region to better address its unique economic context. The press release highlighting its formation underscored that the area was the last major-metro media market in Ohio without its own JobsOhio region, aiming to enhance growth, innovation, and community development from Lake Erie in the north to the Ohio River in the south.
Interim CEO Alexa Sweeney Blackann introduced the Lake to River team and outlined the organization’s purpose and strategic vision. She emphasized that JobsOhio, established as an economic development entity for the state, operates independently of government funding, instead relying on private funds. This financial structure allows JobsOhio to commit long-term support to companies and projects, fostering sustainable development. Blackann explained that the Lake to River region emerged in response to input from business and community leaders who advocated for a distinct network that could leverage its regional affinities with Pennsylvania and West Virginia, apart from the Cleveland-centric Team NEO region.
Key Team Members and Their Roles
Leadership and Responsibilities
Blackann introduced her team members, describing their individual roles and contributions: Vice President of Engagement and Investor Relations Michael McGiffin, Vice President of Economic Development Sarah Boyarko, Director of Project Management David Wilaj, Director of Site Strategies Jason Neal, and Director of Talent Engagement Matt Falter. Although Director of Research Michelle Phillips was not present, she was acknowledged as an integral part of the team. Blackann stressed the immense opportunities available for the four counties under the new network, highlighting the potential for stronger local relationships and tailored economic strategies.
McGiffin addressed the gathering, praising the collaborative spirit he observed among the communities and officials in Columbiana County, which he found distinct from other areas. He underscored his dual responsibilities of ensuring communities receive necessary services and monitoring funding sources. McGiffin emphasized the importance of local investment alongside state support to foster meaningful economic development. His remarks resonated with attendees, highlighting the collective effort needed to realize the region’s economic potential.
Community Engagement and Economic Development
Boyarko discussed her role in supporting local business expansion projects and attracting new investments, as well as managing an active business retention program. She described the efforts of Lake to River staff in collaboration with the CCPA team, led by CEO/Executive Director Penny Traina. Boyarko expressed enthusiasm for the evolving partnership and the promising prospects it presented. She encouraged officials to bring potential projects and growing businesses to Traina’s attention, who, in turn, would liaise with the Lake to River team to explore ways to support community needs. This approach aimed to ensure that local businesses could thrive and that new investments would be strategically directed to benefit the region.
Throughout the event, the importance of communication and collaboration was a recurring theme. Opening remarks by county Commissioner Roy Paparodis and state Representative Monica Robb Blasdel reinforced this sentiment. Paparodis conveyed the commissioners’ backing of the initiative and the significance of ensuring local voices are heard. Blasdel highlighted the role of collaboration in her efforts to provide legislative tools and support for the region. Their words underscored the vital need for cohesive efforts among various stakeholders to drive the economic narrative forward.
Collaborative Efforts and Legislative Support
Importance of Communication and Collaboration
Opening remarks by county Commissioner Roy Paparodis and state Representative Monica Robb Blasdel reinforced this sentiment. Paparodis conveyed the commissioners’ backing of the initiative and the significance of ensuring local voices are heard. Blasdel highlighted the role of collaboration in her efforts to provide legislative tools and support for the region. Highlighting the role of legislative support, Representative Blasdel mentioned pending legislation related to the Ohio River aimed at opening further opportunities for riverside communities, emphasizing the need for robust legislative frameworks to complement grassroots efforts in driving economic growth.
Upcoming Opportunities and Legislative Tools
An announcement was made regarding an upcoming session where attendees could learn more about JobsOhio’s Vibrant Communities and Small Business Grant programs, scheduled for later that week in Salem. This session aimed to provide deeper insights into the support mechanisms available through JobsOhio and how communities could tap into these resources. By fostering partnerships and leveraging both local and state resources, Lake to River aims to transform the economic landscape of eastern Ohio, bringing about sustainable growth and innovation. The introduction of Lake to River marks a significant step in tailoring economic strategies to the specific needs of Columbiana, Mahoning, Trumbull, and Ashtabula counties.
Future Prospects and Community Involvement
Tailored Economic Strategies
The meet-and-greet event underscored the extensive collaborative efforts required to drive economic development in the region. The introduction of Lake to River Economic Development marks a significant step in tailoring economic strategies to the specific needs of Columbiana, Mahoning, Trumbull, and Ashtabula counties. By fostering partnerships and leveraging both local and state resources, Lake to River aims to transform the economic landscape of eastern Ohio, bringing about sustainable growth and innovation. The collaborative spirit demonstrated at the event is expected to translate into practical, impactful economic strategies that will drive the region’s future.
Engaging with Lake to River
Officials from local villages, cities, and the broader area of Columbiana County recently gathered at a meet-and-greet event sponsored by the Columbiana County Port Authority (CCPA). Held at the CCPA headquarters in Lisbon, Ohio, the primary purpose of the gathering was to acquaint local government representatives with the new Lake to River Economic Development initiative. This initiative focuses on fostering growth and innovation within Columbiana, Mahoning, Trumbull, and Ashtabula counties.
The event provided a platform for officials to understand the goals and strategies of this economic development entity. The aim is to create a cohesive effort to stimulate economic activities and leverage the strengths and resources of the four counties involved. Through collaboration, the initiative seeks to enhance the economic landscape, encourage investments, and ultimately improve the quality of life for residents in the region.
Bringing together diverse local leaders under one roof allowed for a comprehensive discussion about the future of economic development in the area, emphasizing the importance of unity and shared goals for regional prosperity.
