YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Megan Magnetta took over as executive director of the Mahoning County Convention and Visitors Bureau in 2024 and Tara Mady was promoted to director of marketing and administration.
The county experienced significant economic growth last year, driven by tourism-related activities and strategic marketing campaigns, according to Magnetta.
The Convention and Visitors Bureau launched targeted advertising initiatives across digital, print and social media platforms to highlight local attractions and events.
Partnerships with regional travel influencers and collaborations with local businesses amplified the county’s visibility to regional and national audiences, she says.
Additionally, the bureau introduced seasonal marketing campaigns tailored to attract visitors during peak travel periods. This resulted in a measurable increase in hotel stays, event attendance, and overall visitor spending.
This year the Mahoning bureau unveiled its new identity: Explore Mahoning.
This change marks a shift from the previous name, Youngstown Live, reflecting a broader, more inclusive representation of everything Mahoning County has to offer, Magnetta says.
The rebranding includes an updated logo, refreshed messaging, forward-looking brand positioning, and a modernized color and font palette. These changes are designed to better represent the vibrant, diverse attractions found throughout Mahoning County, she says.
In recent years, tourism has accounted for a total yearly economic impact of over $1 billion in Mahoning County, with over $600 million attributed to direct visitor spending by day-trip and overnight visitors. In Magnetta’s view, this underscores the county’s appeal as a premier tourism destination.
Mahoning County has been ranked among the top four counties in northeastern Ohio for tourism business by sales. The sustained visitor activity in Mahoning County supports over 10,000 jobs, she says.
Looking ahead, the CVB plans to expand a grant program for local nonprofits that bring tourism to the county.