YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Majority Whip Nick Santucci is the recipient of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber’s 2025 Government Achievement Award, presented in partnership with Lake to River Economic Development.
Santucci, who represents the 64th Ohio House District, was named vice chairman of the House Economic and Workforce Development Committee in his first term and to the House leadership team as a majority whip in his second term.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Government Achievement Award from the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber,” he said. “Years ago, in my role with the Chamber, I had the privilege of presenting this award
to elected officials whose leadership I admired. To now stand on the other side, as a recipient, is a true full-circle moment for me. This recognition reflects not only my work, but also the support of my family, colleagues and the community I am proud to serve, and I am extremely grateful.”
Lyle Huffman, executive vice president of government affairs and community impact at the Chamber, said Santucci has proven himself to be a thoughtful and effective leader who understands the challenges and opportunities of the region.
“His work at the Statehouse shows a real commitment to collaboration and policies that strengthen the Valley’s economy, grounded in his deep understanding of the business community,” Huffman said.
Santucci created and chairs the Lake to River Caucus to streamline collaboration and open new discussions about how to attract, retain and expand business in Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties – the seventh and final JobsOhio region.
He was crucial in securing major regional funding wins in the latest state operating budget, including $2 million for the Eastern Ohio Military Affairs Commission to support construction and repair projects at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station, the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport and Camp James A. Garfield; $250,000 to support the study and planning of an oil and natural gas pipeline through the Lake to River counties; and $500,000 for repairs at Eastwood Field.
In the current General Assembly, Santucci has introduced legislation aimed at strengthening Ohio’s competitiveness
in economic and workforce development, including a grant program to help small manufacturers purchase new equipment and measures to establish the Ohio International Trade Commission and the Ohio Defense Commission. He also represents Ohio on a national level through the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Midwestern Legislative Conference, serving on four committees to which he was appointed by Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman.
Additionally, he was instrumental in securing funding from the All Ohio Futures Fund for the Western Reserve Port Authority to support site preparation, construction of regional transportation improvements and remediation of environmental conditions at the Kimberly-Clark site.
“Majority Whip Santucci’s impact continues to grow across our region,” said Michael McGiffin, vice president of engagement and investor relations with Lake to River Economic Development. “He brings people together, focuses on results and never loses sight of the communities he represents. His leadership in helping secure the $17 million All Ohio Futures Fund investment for the Kimberly-Clark project exemplifies his commitment to driving opportunity for the people of this region, and we’re proud to recognize the representative for his efforts and achievements.”
Santucci will be honored at the Chamber’s Salute to Elected Officials at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 24 at The Grand Resort, 9519 E. Market St., Warren. Lake to River is the Government Achievement Award sponsor.
The annual event brings together local, state and federal government officials with business and community leaders from across the Valley to foster connections and celebrate public service.
The cost is $10 per elected official, $50 per Chamber member and $60 per non-member.