Forward Lawrence Delivers Annual Report

NEW CASTLE, Pennsylvania – Forward Lawrence, a countywide economic and community development initiative, presented its annual report during a virtual members meeting Dec. 7.

During the meeting, the Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation and the Lawrence County Regional Chamber of Commerce highlighted 2022 Forward Lawrence activities.

Economic Development projects included Stonecrest Business Park, Steelite International’s warehouse expansion, the completion of the IBEW Apprenticeship Training Facility, the Keystone Compliance expansion and the Enterprise Park District Multi-Modal Project. The recently announced PA State Small Business Credit Initiative is in place to assist for-profit county businesses in making capital purchases. Applications are currently being accepted.

Chamber highlights included restructured membership levels, including two newly created levels to assist local businesses: New Business Membership and Small Business Membership. The chamber assisted with 10 grand openings in the county and increased media activity with
the Forward Lawrence News e-newsletter, The Tuesday Grind blog, Chamber Chat video series
and a revamped website.

After the meeting, one seat was filled on each board. Judy Shaffer, president of Ellwood Specialty Steel Group, was elected to a class four Economic Development board position. Tom McKinley, chief technology officer at OhanaLink, was elected to a class four chamber board position.

Both boards also elected new officers. Kimberly Koller-Jones was elected chamber president, and Tom McKinley will be vice president. The Economic Development board chose Lisa Nentwick as president and Eric Karmecy as vice president.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.