Government Affairs
The workings of federal, state and local government and their effects on the Mahoning Valley business community are the focus of the Government Affairs division. The Regional Chamber is an advocate for local business interests and seeks to influence those at all levels of government to improve the economic vitality of Youngstown, Warren and surrounding areas.
The division provides the following services to accomplish its goals:
Government Affairs Council (GAC)
Comprising a diverse group of local business leaders, the GAC is the eyes and ears of the Regional Chamber when it comes to politics and government and their effect on doing business. The GAC researches issues and offers opinions to Chamber leadership on the best actions to support local business. The group also hosts roundtables to provide Chamber members with direct access to state- and federal-level policymakers so that the Valley's priorities receive support in Columbus and Washington.
Public Policy Agenda
The Public Policy Agenda provides a roadmap for areas in which the Chamber hopes to focus its attentions. Topics covered under the current Public Policy Agenda include education and workforce development, military affairs, economic development and other areas of interest and concern for local business.
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Public Policy Conference Bios
Government Affairs Council Programs & Events
The Government Affairs Council (GAC) launched its monthly Lattes & Legislators series in July 2017 and never looked back. The series has become a great success and grown tremendously since, as we have invited numerous state and federal officials to join us and spend time educating our members on significant issues. The program provides for direct communication between government officials and community members.
Furthermore, we have worked to ensure that we are better prepared to withstand any future economic development crises through advocacy of the Valley, proving with one voice that we are a formidable and appealing option for investment. We do this through additional annual events such as the Columbus Drive-In that brings 70-80 business, community and local government leaders to Capitol Square; the Washington, D.C. Fly-In, which takes vested leaders to meet with members of Congress and the White House; and Salute to Elected Officials, which experienced record attendance in recent years, with more than 250 elected business and community leaders attending.
Click here to view all Chamber events & programsGovernment Contact List
Chose a link below for a list of who represents you on the local, state and federal levels.
Link to Local, State & Federal Elected OfficialsContact us:
Lyle Huffman
Vice President of Government Affairs
330-744-2131, ext. 1214
Lyle@regionalchamber.com
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COUNCIL
The Regional Chamber is fortunate to have a talented cross section of business and non-profit leaders who serve on the Government Affairs Council (GAC). Members of the council volunteer their time and talents to oversee the focus of our government affairs initiatives. The GAC considers important legislative issues affecting the state and region and recommends action by the Regional Chamber Board of Directors. The Council also provides direction in formulating the Chamber’s Public Policy Agenda and hosts political update events throughout the year featuring federal, state and local government officeholders and candidates.
Council Members
| Matt Blair | Attorney, Blair & Latell Co., LPA |
| Kevin Brogan | Director of Marketing, Hollywood Gaming |
| Joe Cameneti, Sr. | Lead Pastor, Believers Christian Church |
| Guy Coviello | President & CEO, YWRC |
| Michael Cunnington | Govt. Affairs Mgr., Dominion Energy |
| James Dascenzo | Principal, Hill, Barth, and King LLC |
| Matt DeWine | Government Affairs, Foxconn EV Systems |
| Charles George | CEO, HAPCO |
| Roberta Hiller | CEO, YCAR |
| Ashley Karlen | Manager of Government Affairs, Charter Communications |
| Claudia Kovach, Second Vice Chair | Vice President, City Machine Technologies |
| Mark Lamoncha | President/CEO/Owner, Humtown |
| Sean Logan | President, Sean Logan & Associates |
| Jeff Magada | Executive Director, Flying High. Inc. |
| Robert Marino, Jr. | Assistant Superintendent, Trumbull County ESC |
| Jeanne Mosure, Vice Chair | Vice President, Public Affairs, ms consultants |
| Josh Prest | Executive Director, EOMAC |
| Kevin Reilly | Executive Vice President, The Builders Association |
| Neil Schor | Attorney, Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell, Ltd. |
| Gary Soukenik | President & CEO, Seven Seventeen Credit Union |
| Jackie Stewart | Director of External Affairs, Encino Energy |
| Anthony Trevena, Chair | Executive Director, Western Reserve Port Authority |
| Terrell Washington | Owner/Operator, H.L.W. Fast Track |
| Mark Wenick | Chief Wealth Management Officer, Farmers Bank Group |
| Ralph Zerbonia | President, Universe Central Corporation |