YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — AJ Sumell, professor of economics at Youngstown State University, says the regional economy has “positive momentum” heading into 2026 and is more diversified than it was six or seven years ago.
He notes that while the loss of about 1,300 manufacturing jobs at Ultium Cells in Lordstown is a “negative shock,” long-term prospects are brighter with planned projects such as Kimberly-Clark’s $800 million plant in Warren and Foxconn’s proposed conversion of the former GM Lordstown plant.
Sumell says employment levels have recovered from the pandemic and that job growth has broadened across sectors, with construction and mining seeing the largest gains in 2025.
He adds that, based on current data, there is no sign of an impending recession, and he expects “relatively modest growth” in 2026.
Read more in Dan O’Brien’s story HERE.