Growth Report 1: Regional Chamber Influences Public Policy

By Guy Coviello
President and CEO, Regional Chamber

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber experienced unprecedented growth in 2022 with a record 750 new members resulting in a membership of more than 2,900. As the third-largest chamber in Ohio, our size gives us a powerful voice influencing public policy so that the Valley can be more prosperous.

During visits to Washington, D.C. and Columbus, our team and contingent of Valley leaders successfully advocated for public policies that reduced businesses’ taxes and regulations and increased state and federal dollars returning to our community.

In 2022, our region again ranked near the top in the state for securing more than $1 billion of economic investment that will result in the creation of thousands of new jobs and the retention of thousands more. We were proud to work with companies like Foxconn, Trumbull Energy Center and Steelite and welcome their excitement and passion in taking our Valley to the next level.

The chamber launched several initiatives last year: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; a regional workforce coalition; a series of chats to help family-owned businesses and a family-owned business recognition dinner; the Mahoning Valley Logistics Council; a semiconductor supply chain task force; the local government policy conference and more.

With our partners, we are working to expand workforce programs to address our members’ No. 1 challenge. In 2023, we will join with other organizations to launch a repopulation effort aimed at increasing the pool of talented people available for our schools, training centers and employers.

After a three-year hiatus, we are bringing back Leadership Mahoning Valley, the program that has graduated more than 1,200 business and community leaders. The chamber is also launching a Center for Nonprofit Excellence that will provide professional development opportunities and resources to nonprofit organizations. 

We are restoring our local government roundtables to help our communities better compete for state and federal allocations and will implement the Blueprint for Ohio’s Economic Future so we can help to make our state and Valley the No. 1 place to start and operate a business.

In addition, we will bring more benefits and services to our members this year, starting with the launch of a payroll services discount program.

Pictured at top: The chamber dedicated the Magnet East Conference Room Nov. 1. From left: Michael O’Donnell and Darlyn McDermott, Magnet; Jim Gasior, vice chairman of the chamber board; Guy Coviello, chamber president and CEO; Ethan Karp, president and CEO of Magnet; and Michael Garvey, Magnet board member.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.