WARREN, Ohio – Trumbull County commissioners Wednesday presented a check for the remaining $500,000 of support for Valley Vision, a strategy to increase economic prosperity and improve the quality of life across the Mahoning Valley.
Commissioners made the presentation to Mahoning Valley Partners, which is leading Valley Vision, composed of the Western Reserve Port Authority (serving as fiscal agent), Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, The Youngstown Foundation, Eastgate Regional Council of Governments, Valley Economic Development Partners and Lake To River Economic Development.
In late 2023, Trumbull and Mahoning County commissioners each committed $1 million to Valley Vision. Mahoning County allocated the entire amount at that time, while Trumbull County allocated half for 2024 and half for 2025.
“Our commitment has been reaffirmed by the new board after a positive review with Lake to River and the other economic development partners,” Trumbull Commissioner Denny Malloy said in a news release.
Anthony Trevena, executive director of the Western Reserve Port Authority, thanked commissioners for the contribution.
“We are grateful to the board of Trumbull County Commissioners for making it possible for economic development efforts in the Mahoning Valley to move to the next generation,” he said. “The partners have already accelerated progress because of their support. We look forward to celebrating any successful new projects soon.”
Valley Vision strategies focus on growing the population, launching a housing strategy, preparing more sites for businesses to locate in the Valley, investing in small businesses, funding opportunities for those starting businesses, providing more job opportunities for people living in underserved geographical areas, creating additional scholarship opportunities to retain more youths, uplifting the Valley’s nonprofits and boosting the arts, culture, tourism and other industries that impact quality of life.
“After one year implementing the Valley Vision strategy, all the agencies involved have far exceeded expectations,” Regional Chamber President and CEO Guy Coviello said. “I’m grateful that these partnering economic development agencies are so successful, and I’m grateful that the commissioners recognize the success.”
Other members echoed those sentiments.
“We are appreciative of the support from the Trumbull County Commissioners,” said Jim Kinnick, executive director of Eastgate Regional Council of Governments. This commitment allows the regional partners to further develop the shared vision of economic vitality for the Valley.”
Teresa Miller, Valley Economic Development Partners executive director, said that agency is excited to be part of Valley Vision’s regional efforts to continue advancing the Valley’s economic growth and prosperity.
Alexa Sweeney Blackann, interim CEO of Lake To River Economic Development, emphasized the group effort.
“Economic development is a team sport, and the Trumbull County Commissioners’ commitment ensures that we all have the resources to compete and win for the Mahoning
Valley,” she said. “At Lake to River, we know that sustained economic success comes from collaboration, participation and a shared vision, and we applaud Ccommissioners for investing in the future of our region.”
Lynnette Forde, president of The Youngstown Foundation, highlighted the importance of the commissioners’ investment.
“The leadership and financial investment of the Trumbull County Commissioners are very significant in growing the confidence of our community in a future where better jobs, education access and healthier neighborhoods are a fact of life,” she said.
Pictured at top: From left are Jim Kinnick, executive director of Eastgate Regional Council of Governments; Trumbull County Commissioner Tony Bernard; Guy Coviello, president and CEO of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber; Teresa Miller, executive director of Valley Partners; Alexa Sweeney Blackann, interim CEO of Lake to River Economic Development; Sarah Lown, public finance manager for the Western Reserve Port Authority; JoAnn Stock, executive director of the Center for Nonprofit Excellence; and Trumbull County Commissioners Denny Malloy and Rick Hernandez.