Economic Development
YOUNGSTOWN/WARREN REGIONAL CHAMBER
City Centre One, Suite 500
Youngstown, OH 44503
330 744-2131
Regionalchamber.com
Guy Coviello, president & CEO: 330 744-2131, ext. 1234
Sarah Boyarko, COO & senior vice president, economic development: 330 744-2131, ext. 1108
Kim Calvert, vice president, marketing & member services: 330 744-2131, ext. 1235
Warren-Trumbull Community Improvement Corp.: Regionalchamber.com/aboutthechamber/Community-Improvement
Newsletter signup: Regionalchamber.us12.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6a2761961cae19eb0907e7a66&id=041466cc0b
Through several divisions including Economic Development, Government Affairs and Sales & Services, Events & Marketing, the Chamber’s mission is to provide economic development, advocacy and business services that promote growth of members and the Mahoning Valley. The Community Improvement Corp. encourages and promotes industrial, economic, commercial and civic development of Trumbull County and municipal corporations.
SHENANGO VALLEY CHAMBER
41 Chestnut Ave.
Sharon, PA 16146
724 981-5880
Svchamber.com
Olivia “Libbi” Brown, executive director
Newsletter subscription: Svchamber.com (near bottom of home page)
Advocating for the business community, promoting strategic collaborations between business and community partners, providing valuable benefits and services to members and being a leader for economic development and quality of life is the mission of the Shenango Valley Chamber, which serves more than 400 businesses in and around the Valley area. The Chamber offers opportunities for businesses to network, grow and invest… The Lunch & Learn program includes networking, lunch and a 20-minute interactive presentation designed to assist businesses and employees on such topics as social media, business law and marketing.
SALEM AREA CHAMBER
210 E. State St.
Salem, OH 44450
330 337-3473
Salemohiochamber.org
Lori Jewell, executive director
Chamber newsletters: Salemohiochamber.org/news-and-events/newsletters
The Salem Chamber functions as the nonprofit organization of business and professional people to encourage retail, service and industrial investments, promote the community’s self-image and initiate work in other non-commercial areas such as education, social services, human relations and national, state and/or local legislation that impacts the business community. Member benefits include Business After Hours meetups, ribbon-cuttings for new businesses, the Salem Area Safety Council, business seminars and Business Connection meetings, community events such as the annual Golf Outing and Small Business Saturday and business referrals.
SOUTHERN COLUMBIANA COUNTY REGIONAL CHAMBER
529 Market St.
P.O. Box 94
East Liverpool, OH 43920
330 385-0845
Sccregionalchamber.org
Lisa Blasdel, executive director
Formed in 2013 through the merger of the St. Clair Township and East Liverpool chambers, the SCCRC has more than 140 members with businesses in these areas. The mission in part is to advance community growth through cultivating economic development. Chamber benefits and functions include networking opportunities, educational programs such as quarterly Sunrise Breakfast Forums and discounts on health and other insurance products.
LAWRENCE COUNTY REGIONAL CHAMBER
325 E. Washington St.
New Castle, PA 16101
724 658-1488
Lawrencecounty.com
Alex McCoy, CEO: Amccoy@lawrencecountychamber.org
Linda D. Nitch, director of economic development: Nitch@lawrencecounty.com
Forward Lawrence: Forwardlawrence.com
724 658-1488
Among the Chamber’s critical goals are promoting a diverse and sustainable economy and local quality of life. In addition to help with funding opportunities for businesses, the Chamber is a partner in the Forward Lawrence project, which focuses on economic development activities such as helping current businesses remain open or expand, attracting new businesses, growing small businesses and making improvements to infrastructure, the business climate and workforce development.
GROVE CITY AREA CHAMBER
119 S. Broad St.
Grove City, PA 16127
724 458-6410
Grovecityareachamber.com
Local Employment Postings: Grovecityareachamber.com/community-3/job-openings
Beth Black, executive director
Membership application form: Grovecityareachamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2021-membership-form.pdf
Local job opportunities board: https://grovecityareachamber.com/community-3/job-openings
With a membership base of nearly 300, the Chamber is committed to a prosperous Grove City area, a key component of which is economic development. To that end, the Chamber works in collaboration with other local organizations that have a local, community-wide, county or regional focus. Special events include Christmas in the Park, an annual open-to-the-public trade show, the annual Grove City Area Foodie Fest and more. Membership benefits include a free ribbon-cutting, free listing in the bi-annual Community Guide and consultation with Chamber marketing professionals, business referral services and more.
GREENVILLE CHAMBER
182 Main St.
Greenville, PA 16125
724 588-7150
Greenvillechamber-pa.com
Janice Schwanbeck, executive director: 724 588-7150
Newsletter signup: Greenvillechamber-pa.com/blog
Job opportunities board: Greenvillechamber-pa.com/jobs
Overall Chamber objectives include economic development, promotion of the local community in the northern Mercer County area, providing educational and tourist-related information and providing a suitable environment for expansion of existing businesses. The Chamber is directly involved in providing more jobs, improving education, keeping a watchful eye on government at all levels and providing many other programs. Member-to-member perks provide discounts for members and their employees, and ribbon-cuttings provide ceremonial openings for new or newly renovated and/or relocated businesses.
LISBON AREA CHAMBER
120 N. Market St.
Lisbon, OH 44432
Lisbonchamberofcommerce.com
330 424-1803
Susan Shank, president
The Chamber’s mission is to aid and promote development of commercial, financial, professional, industrial and civil interests in the Lisbon area and help with development of old, new, starting, expanding and/or relocating businesses. Annual events include the Johnny Appleseed Festival and Christmas parade.
NEW WILMINGTON AREA CHAMBER
P.O. Box 214
New Wilmington, PA 1612
724 946-5074
Ww4.newwilmington.biz
Tom McKinley, president
Working with businesses, institutions, local stakeholders, government and individuals, the chamber strives to grow economic development in the Mercer and Lawrence county corridor as a whole. Membership benefits include free business listings, networking opportunities and involvement in making a measurable economic difference in the local area.
COLUMBIANA AREA CHAMBER
333 N. Main St.
Columbiana, OH 44408
330 482-3822
Columbianachamber.com
Erich Offenburg, executive director: 330 482-3811
Several sections of the Chamber’s website are under construction at the time of this writing including Jobs for You! and the Business Toolbox, but the Events section, links to other business, education and job websites are up and running.
NEWTON FALLS AREA COMMERCE ASSOCIATION
17 E. Broad St.
Newton Falls, OH 44444
330 872-4015
Facebook page: Facebook.com/NFACA
Soon-to-come website: Newtonfallsaca.com
The association is comprised of local businesses and organizations that support and promote Newton Falls businesses and the community. Membership is open to all businesses and individuals. The association is a member of the Northern Ohio Area Chamber, thus offering member benefits including group health insurance, Workers’ Compensation group rating programs, credit card and payroll processing, employee wellness program, website development and more.
EAST PALESTINE AREA CHAMBER
Eastpalestinechamber.com
P.O. Box 329
East Palestine, OH 44413
330 425-2128
Eastpalestinechamber.com
John Davis, president
The Chamber is dedicated to the long-term advancement of economic development and civic well-being for the East Palestine, Unity and Negley areas through business education, innovation and continued pursuit of excellence in business management, operations and service. Chamber members are eligible to submit applications for financial support for building/storefront construction and repair and acquisition of business-critical fixed assets.
WELLSVILLE AREA CHAMBER
439 Riverside Ave.
Wellsville, OH 43968
330 843-3475
580 593-5080
Bruce Thomas, executive director
Karen Kania, member services
Comprised of business professionals and local residents, the Chamber supports and promotes the community by bringing people and organizations together, nurturing networking and in general accentuating local commerce and maintaining economic stability. Employees of member businesses are invited to join various volunteer committees to make new connections, share ideas and stay up to date on area events and happenings.
U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
1615 H St. NW
Washington, DC 20062-2000
202 659-6000
Uschamber.com
America Works Initiative: Uschamber.com/major-initiative/America-works-initiative
Suzanne Clark, president & CEO
Since its founding a quarter of a century ago, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization, advocating for policies that help businesses create jobs and grow the economy. The Chamber’s America Works Initiative recognizes that there are too many people without jobs and too many jobs without people to fill them and works to solve these issues by helping employers develop and discover the talent they need. Following is a list of state chambers and those in the five-county region:
OHIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
34 S. Third St., Suite 100
Columbus, OH 43215
614 228-4201
Ohiochamber.com
Steve Stivers, president & CEO: 613 228-4201
Candace Frank, director, member engagement: 614 629-0922
Chamber Business Academy: Ohiochamber.com/business-academy
With members ranging from small businesses to international companies, the Ohio Chamber represents the Buckeye State’s business voice. The Chamber champions free enterprise, economic competitiveness and growth, promotes its pro-business agenda with elected officials and manages membership services that help Chamber members run their businesses. The Chamber’s Business Academy partners with top business leaders, employment lawyers and legal experts to deliver productive webinars and content that provide business insights and resources.
PENNSYLVANIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
417 Walnut St.
Harrisburg, PA 17101
800 225-7224
Pachamber.org
Mary Oliveria, chief membership officer: 717 720-5568
Allen Norton, workforce development: 717 720-5563
The Pennsylvania Chamber is the largest broad-based business association in the Keystone State with more than 9,700 member businesses of all sizes and industry sectors that represent nearly 50% of the private workforce in the Commonwealth. Membership benefits include events and training, business development, employee-benefit assistance, money-saving products and services, publications and grassroots business advocacy.
TEAM NEO
1111 Superior Ave., Suite 1600
Cleveland, OH 44114
216 363-5400
TeamNEO.org
Bill Koehler, chief executive officer: 216 363-5420
Sylvio Mecone, senior director, business development: 216 363-5430
Jay Foran, senior vice president, industry and innovation: 216 363-5407
As the JobsOhio Network Partner, Team NEO is a business development organization and JobsOhio Network partner focused on accelerating economic growth and job creation throughout the 18 counties of northeast Ohio.
WESTERN RESERVE PORT AUTHORITY
100 E. Federal St., Suite 422
Youngstown, OH 44503
234 288-9696
NEODFA.org
Anthony Trevina, chief executive officer: Atrevina@westernreserveportauthority.com
Online project application Form: Neodfa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/ProjectApp-fillable.pdf
WRPA’s mission is to promote financing and economic development activities in Mahoning and Trumbull counties with a primary focus on job creation. Community development services include, but are not limited to, securing grants for brownfield assessment and clean-up and the Mahoning River Corridor Initiative. WRPA can provide bond financing of large construction projects, issue bonds for the purpose of making proceeds available to an entity, Property Assessment Clean Energy (PACE), Tax Incremental Financing and conduit revenue bonds. Incentives for the four enterprise zones are up to 75% in the city of Youngstown and up to 60% in other communities. Advantages of the three foreign-trade zones include duty referral, reduction, exemption and elimination and no import quotas.
COLUMBIANA COUNTY PORT AUTHORITY
7860 Lincole Place
Lisbon, OH 43920
330 424-1800
Ccpa-ohioriver.com
Penny Traina, chief executive officer
Wellsville Intermodal Facility contact: Larry Heck, 330 853-3533
The Port Authority owns and leases industrial plant complexes, barge/rail/truck cargo transfer facilities and a fiber optic network in Mahoning and Columbiana counties as well as owns and sells/leases property in two industrial parks, the World Trade Park in Leetonia and the Intermodal Facility in Wellsville. The Trade Park and intermodal facility are designated as Foreign Trade Zones. Approximately 45 acres are available in the 126-acre Trade Park.
OHIO COMMERCE CENTER
5232 Tod Ave. NW
Lordstown, OH 44481
330 399-1804
Ohiocommercecenter.com
Frank Sutliff, manager: 330 399-1804
Owners: Spirongo Lordstown LLC: 330 395-8791
This nearly 1.5 million square-foot facility offers cost-effective manufacturing, storage and distribution space that can be tailored to tenants’ specific needs. The complex includes nine warehouses, eight outdoor concrete storage pads and additional outdoor storage. Amenities include onsite intermodal access (rail and truck) and convenient access to air and waterway transportation.
CASTLO COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT CORP.
100 S. Bridge St.
Struthers, OH 44471
330 750-1363
Castlo.com
Sarah Lown, executive director: Slown@atrevenawesternreserveport-com
CASTLO’s mission is to advance, encourage and promote industrial, economic, commercial and civic development within the cities of Campbell, Struthers and Lowellville and Coitsville and Poland townships. CASTLO Industrial Park, the first repurposed, shovel-ready brownfield development in Ohio, has established a community fund to provide leadership, mentoring and workforce training programs. The park offers 120 acres of industrial land and buildings with access to two Class I rail lines and ready interstate access. Eligible industries can receive up to 50% real estate tax abatement for up to 10 years through the Enterprise Zone Tax Abatement program.
CASEYUSA INDUSTRIAL PARK
Campbell, OH 44405
Caseyindustrialpark.com
Contact: Paul Ulam, 412 592-6946
Casey Industrial Park is a one million square-foot industrial facility on 60 acres of fenced-in land accessible by roads and rail service provided by Ohio Central. The facility is in an enterprise, thus enabling prospective tenants to take advantage of state and municipal support programs.
PENN-NORTHWEST DEVELOPMENT CORP.
3580 Innovation Way
Hermitage, PA 16148
724 662-3705
Penn-Northwest.com
Rod E. Wilt, executive director
Gary T. Dovey, vice president, business development
PNDC specializes in business development in northwest Pennsylvania, looking to partner with new businesses and those planning to expand. The mission is to attract new business and industrial investment, provide outreach and retention services to support retention and expansion of value-added business and industry and provide coordination and support services for economic development in the Mercer County, Pa., region. Since its establishment in 1985, PNDC has participated in more than 400 such projects, resulting in creation of nearly 10,000 jobs and retention of more than 15,000.
SHENANGO VALLEY ENTERPRISE ZONE CORP.
165 Euclid Ave.
Sharon, PA 16146
724 342-1300
SVEZC.com
Jim Cardamon, zone coordinator: 724 866-0639
The SVEZC has provided low-interest loans to business and industry since 1985. The purpose of the zone is to promote job growth and help municipalities take advantage of business expansion opportunities. Local government redevelopment authorities, nonprofit economic development organizations and other nonprofit organizations and business district authorities are eligible. One-time planning grants of up to $50,000 are available under the program, as are basic grants up to $50,000 for up to seven consecutive years. Competitive grants-to-loans up to $500,000 can be loaned to private-sector firms in the zone.
MERCER COUNTY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
3580 Innovation Way
Hermitage, PA 16148
724 662-3705, ext. 1585
MCIDA.penn-northwest.com
Douglas W. Riley, chairman
An arm of Penn-Northwest Development Corp., MCIDA issues tax-exempt bonds as standalone transactions that are loaned to businesses and can be used to finance land, building and new machinery and equipment. Eligible companies primarily include small manufacturers and nonprofit 501(c))(3) corporations.
MERCER COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION
2491 Highland Road
Hermitage, PA 16148
724 981-2412
MCRPC.com
Daniel Gracenin, executive director
The Commission assists its 39 member municipalities undertake and implement a variety of community and economic development plans and projects each year. Services include preparation of comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, grant writing, community facility planning, environmental assessments and grant writing.
SHENANGO TOWNSHIP BUSINESS HUB
1000 Willowbrook Road
New Castle, PA 16101
724 658-4460
Shenangotownship.org/community/office-space-commercial-leasing
Justin Data, planning director: 724 658-4460, ext. 160
The Hub serves as a one-stop location for resources to new and expanding businesses in Shenango Township, Pa. Links are provided to a number of resources including the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance and Lawrence County Economic Development plus
WARREN REDEVELOPMENT & PLANNING
333 Harmon Ave. NE
Warren, OH 44483
330 841-2738
Anthony Iannucci Jr., executive director: 330 841-2566
The nonprofit WRAP, formed in 1980, assists commercial development throughout Warren through purchase, stabilization and resale of commercial properties, provides public project management and assists private developers with site selection, project design and financing. WRAP also manages the Warren Business Exchange, a hybrid business incubator that provides structured guidance for existing early stage and start-up businesses and helps local businesses with federal, state and/or local incentive programs.
YOUNGSTOWN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
City Hall
26 S. Phelps St.
Youngstown, OH 44503
330 742-8700
T. Sharon Woodberry, director, economic development: 330 744-1708
Vickie L. Davanzo, business development recruiter: 330 744-1708
Youngstownohio.gov/cped-economic
List of available space: Youngstownohio.gov/available_space
The City of Youngstown’s Economic Development Division has a wealth of economic tools and services to encourage existing and new businesses as well as businesses interested in relocating to Youngstown and create or retain jobs. Programs include the Opportunity Zone Tax Credit Program, HUBZone Empowerment Contracting Program, Ohio Enterprise Zone Program, interim float loans and business park incentives.
YOUNGSTOWN CENTRAL AREA COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT CORP.
242 W. Federal St., Suite 304
Youngstown, OH 44503
330 779-0601
Ycacic.com
David Kosec, president
Downloadable economic development contacts: Ycacic.com/documents.html
The agency’s mission is to revitalize the central business district through pursuit and promotion of downtown Youngstown’s development activities. This includes promoting jobs and activity, encouraging and supporting commercial, retail and residential activities, creation of an Arts & Entertainment District, creation and promotion of a safe and clean downtown environment.
NEW CASTLE COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Municipal Building
230 N. Jefferson St.
New Castle, PA 16101
724 656-3500
Shawn Anderson: 724 656-3505
Newcastlepa.org/departments/community-economic-development
Listing of available jobs: Newcastlepa.org/work/city-employment
The department annually receives funding from various sources to support local community and economic development projects including Community Development Block grants. Funds from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are used to revitalize the downtown, including acquisition, demolition, parking lots, parks and streetscape improvements. The Enterprise Zone Revolving Loan Fund provides a source of funding to pursue economic development activities through public/private investment initiatives that result in expansion of job opportunities for the city.
APPALACHIAN PARTNERSHIP INC.
35 Public Square
P.O. Box 456
Nelsonville, OH 45764
740 753-5359
AppalachianPartnership.org
Jack Lee-Harris, Appalachian Growth Capital information contact: 740 644-6209
The Partnership is a nonprofit organization that represents businesses and institutions from Ohio’s 32 Appalachian-designated counties including Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana. It is the corporate parent to subsidiary organizations Appalachian Growth Capital, Ohio Southeast Development and Ohio Wood Products. The AGC arm partners with local and regional banks and secondary lenders to support businesses in the region.
GROWTH PARTNERSHIP FOR ASHTABULA COUNTY
35 W. Jefferson St.
Jefferson, OH 44047
440 576-9126
Ashtabulagrowth.com
Greg Myers, executive director
County Employment Resource Guide: Ashtabulagrowth.com/employment-resource-guide
Workforce Development Resources: Ashtabulagrowth.com/workforce-development
Growth Partnership, formed in 1990, is the county’s lead economic development organization, with an action plan that includes growing the next generation of companies in the county, building a skilled and talent-based work force and helping the county compete for and attract funding to strengthen local infrastructure, education, workforce development and other vital development resources.