YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber presented its 2025 Government Achievement Award to Ohio House Majority Whip Nick Santucci during the Salute to Elected Officials event Nov. 24 at the Grand Resort in Howland.
The award is presented in partnership with Lake to River Economic Development.
Santucci, R-64th, earned leadership roles early in his tenure and has advanced initiatives that strengthen economic and workforce competitiveness across the Mahoning Valley, a news release from the Regional Chamber states.
Santucci created and chairs the Lake to River Caucus to streamline collaboration and open new discussions about how to attract, retain and expand business in Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties – the seventh JobsOhio region. He helped secure major regional funding wins in the latest state operating budget, including $2 million for the Eastern Ohio Military Affairs Commission to support construction and repair projects at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station, the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport and Camp James A. Garfield; $250,000 to support the study and planning of an oil and natural gas pipeline through the Lake to River counties; and $500,000 for repairs at Eastwood Field.
In the current General Assembly, Santucci has introduced legislation aimed at strengthening Ohio’s competitiveness in the areas of economic and workforce development, including a grant program to help small manufacturers purchase new equipment and measures to establish the Ohio International Trade Commission and the Ohio Defense Commission. He also represents Ohio on a national level through the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Midwestern Legislative Conference, serving on four committees to which he was appointed by Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman.
Santucci was also instrumental in securing funding from the All Ohio Futures Fund for the Western Reserve Port Authority to support site preparation, construction of regional transportation improvements and remediation of environmental conditions at the Kimberly-Clark site in Trumbull County.
Santucci was honored alongside federal, state and local officials during the Regional Chamber’s annual event, which brings leaders together to strengthen relationships and celebrate public service.
Pictured at top: State Rep. Nick Santucci and Michael McGiffin, vice president of engagement and investor relations for Lake to River Economic Development. (Photo by LA Images Photography)