LISBON – The Columbiana County Port Authority started the year on a high note with the news in January that it signed its first tenant for its new Global Investment Hub in Leetonia.
The first tenant, Humtown Pattern, began its successful 3D printing business with one machine and is still going strong. Humtown now has 13 3D printing machines and has relocated manufacturing operations to the former Gorant’s building on Market Street in Boardman.
Nevertheless, Humtown Pattern recently leased new space in the Hub for its packing operations.
Penny Traina, CEO and executive director of the port authority, says this is exactly what the agency is trying to do: Help businesses get started and grow.
The Hub will be the center of attention Oct. 1-4, when a delegation from Vietnam tours it and the Intermodal Park in Wellsville as part of its trade mission to Ohio.
“How often do you get a world trade mission?” Traina asks, saying the port authority is looking forward to this opportunity to show off its assets.
Meanwhile, a plan approved by the board in May focuses on bettering downtowns in Columbiana County by monitoring vacancies and building conditions, compiling an inventory of the available spaces, and launching marketing efforts.
The initial report indicates about 124 vacant businesses throughout the seven walkable downtowns, with six currently being advertised for sale and two up for lease.
Assistance will be provided to help advertise available properties as part of the plan, Traina says.
The idea behind this plan is creating more marketable downtowns, diversifying business and promoting economic development, she says.
A plan to connect the Greenway Trail from Lisbon to East Liverpool is also in the works. Initial results of a study indicate the best route is along the roadway network between the two communities.
The port authority places an emphasis on business retention and expansion when it visits local companies to determine their needs, Traina continues.
“Are you expanding? What are your needs? What’s your workforce? We can help them with funding, workforce,” assistant director Brittany Smith says.
Traina says her team has been “highly successful” this year in seeking and securing grants.
A $250,000 Target of Opportunity grant was awarded for rehabilitation of a building at 145-165 S. Broadway St. in Salem. A Maritime Assistance grant of $205,000 was awarded to replace a land-to-river ramp at Pier 48 in Wellsville. Another MAP grant is pending for Quality Liquid Feed for molasses storage tanks at the intermodal park.
This month, the port authority will again observe Manufacturing Month Workforce Appreciation Day, honoring the employees of manufacturing firms. The observance this year will take place in Columbiana.
“It’s a good way to celebrate our workforce,” Smith says.
The port authority has honored manufacturing employees in Salem and East Palestine the previous two years with luncheons, T-shirts, giveaways and prize drawings.