The Warren Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Foundation was established in 1991 by the former Warren Area Chamber of Commerce to fund various projects in Trumbull County.
The Foundation's beginning can be credited to the vision and dedication of two Warren attorneys: Paul Nader and Bob Cochran, a descendant of renowned attorney Clarence Darrow. Together, they facilitated the development of 10 parcels of land on East Market Street, across from what is now Old Avalon Golf Course.
At the time, the Warren Area Chamber operated the course and aimed to build a new one. While most property owners agreed to option their land for future purchase, one required immediate sale. Raymond John Wean purchased this key parcel on behalf of the Chamber, enabling the acquisition of the remaining land.
Paul and Bob, both members of the Chamber’s golf course committee, recruited famed Ohio-born architect Pete Dye to design the new course—Avalon Lakes Golf & Country Club—which opened in 1967. The course quickly became a success and remains one of the premier golf destinations in the United States.
In 1991, the Chamber sold Avalon Lakes to American Golf of California for $2.1 million and used the proceeds to establish two foundations. A few years later, American Golf sold the course to Avalon Holdings Corporation, where it continues to thrive under Chairman Ron Klingle.
One of those foundations is the Warren Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Foundation. Since its inception in 1991, this foundation has funded programs and projects that promote business retention, expansion, attraction and investment as well as job creation throughout Trumbull County.
The Foundation has more than $900,000; however, only the interest is used to provide money for the grants. By using only the interest, the longevity is assured meaning future generations in Trumbull County will continue to benefit from the vision of attorneys Paul Nader and Bob Cochran, as well as the generosity of Raymond John Wean.
ED Board of Directors
Matthew Blair
Treasurer – Blair & Latell
Jim Gasior
Secretary – Chamber Foundation President
Jeremy Kerola
UNISERV
Ellie Platt
Platt Insurance
Dan Sweeney
Sunbelt-Solomon Solutions
Simon Werle
President – Huntington
Sterling Williams
Sterling-McCullough Williams Funeral Home