Chamber Hires Director for New Logistics Council
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber has hired David Wilaj to serve in the newly created position of director of the Mahoning Valley Logistics Council.
Wilaj will oversee the creation of the council and its overall strategy, as well as all economic development projects related to the logistics industry. The Regional Chamber and Eastgate Regional Council of Governments cooperated to create this position in support of the 367 companies in the Mahoning Valley that engage in warehouse, distribution, fulfillment, trucking and third-party logistics.
“The Mahoning Valley is already a significant player in this sector,” the chamber’s president and CEO, Guy Coviello, said. “We want to put things in place so to make sure we continue to be a big player in 2030 and beyond.”
The council will consist of government officials, private-sector employers, higher education institutions, public transportation providers, economic development organizations, utility providers and subject matter experts.
“Bringing together industry experts and focusing on the transportation network, smart corridors, data communications, mobility and electrification will enhance, refine and expedite business retention, expansion and attraction efforts,” said Eastgate’s executive director, Jim Kinnick
With the support of the council, Wilaj will conduct direct outreach to logistics companies throughout the Mahoning Valley. His goal is to identify challenges and opportunities they may be dealing with individually or as an industry and respond to their needs. Assistance could include customized supply chain information for new markets, technical assistance for new products and systems, improving workforce development and advocacy and regulator assistance.
Wilaj, a lifelong resident of the city of Campbell, comes to the chamber with a wealth of knowledge related to project management and market research. He graduated from Youngstown State University with a B.S.B.A and a master’s degree in financial economics.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
