LISBON, Ohio – Brittany Smith, assistant director of the Columbiana County Port Authority, updated the board of directors on several projects this week, including the Business Retention & Expansion program aimed at developing a deeper understanding of businesses operating in the county.

According to Smith, the team at the CCPA has revitalized the BR&E program with a fresh strategy and updated marketing materials and, as part of the renewed effort, has identified 30 manufacturing businesses throughout the county to engage through targeted meetings by the end of the year.

In the past month, according to Smith, meetings have been held with six companies, three of which have already led to promising project opportunities that are in progress or which have been shared with the CCPA’s JobsOhio regional partner, Lake to River Economic Development. 

“While we’re focusing on 30 key businesses, our outreach is ongoing. We’re always open to forming new connections across the county,” Smith said. “The core objective of the BR&E program is to develop a deeper understanding of the businesses operating in Columbiana County, assess their needs and offer meaningful support where possible.” 

One consistent challenge identified in their assessment has been workforce, and Smith said nearly every business they have met with has an immediate need to hire at least three to five employees.

In response to that need, the CCPA will soon launch a Job Opportunities section on its website, which will allow local businesses to submit job openings that will be promoted by the port authority team, complete with direct links to applications, to help connect the businesses with qualified candidates, Smith said. 

“Through these efforts, we aim to strengthen our local business community and support the continued growth of Columbiana County’s economy,” Smith told the board.

Smith also reported that since the board’s last regular meeting, two significant grant applications have been submitted, including one for $250,000 through the ARC/GOA Area Development Program to support the CCPA’s Downtown Building Revitalization and Signage Pilot Program and a second one through the Port Infrastructure Development Program requesting $2,654,052 to assist the S.H. Bell Co. in East Liverpool with a dock expansion project.

Smith said this is the team’s second attempt at securing PIDP funding, with the 2024 application not awarded.

“We are making solid progress on projects we administer on behalf of the county commissioners,” Smith said. “The Flex Grant project is preparing to go out for bid in the coming weeks, and all three 2024 CDBG projects are now under contract.”

New to the CCPA team is the Manufacturing the Future Awards program, launched in collaboration with the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center and the Cleveland-based Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network. The program honors students who are prepared to enter the next generation of the manufacturing workforce.

Smith said six “exceptional” students from CCCTC’s welding and machining programs were recognized in three categories: Most Employable, Most Improved and Most Innovative. They were celebrated at a special luncheon in late April, where she said they were also surprised with scholarships – funded by Magnet and the CCPA – that will help them cover the cost of essential items such as work boots, uniforms, tools and personal protective equipment, all of which she said are critical resources as they take their first steps into manufacturing careers.

To further honor their achievements, two commemorative gear-shaped plaques have been installed outside CCCTC’s machining lab, and the CCPA team planned on attending the career center’s senior awards ceremony this week where the students will again be recognized and presented with their awards. 

“We are excited to continue this tradition in the years ahead as we invest in and celebrate the promising talent driving the future of manufacturing in Columbiana County,” Smith said.

Seniors in the machining program who received awards are:

  • Most Employable: Preston Smith, Beaver Local, $1,000.
  • Most Improved: Spencer Suica, Lisbon, $500.
  • Most Innovative: Athan Mays, Crestview, $500. 

Seniors in the welding program who received awards are:

  • Most Employable: Alex Rawson, United Local, $1,000.
  • Most Improved: Logan Kirkbride, Beaver Local, $500.
  • Most Innovative: Gordon Sonntog, Beaver Local, $500.