Trumbull County commissioners this morning presented a check for the remaining $500,000 of support for Valley Vision, an aggressive strategy to increase economic prosperity and improve the quality of life across the Valley.
Commissioners made the presentation to Mahoning Valley Partners, which is leading Valley Vision and comprises 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 County Commissioners 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.
Trumbull County Commissioner Denny Malloy said, “Our commitment has been reaffirmed by the new board after a positive review with Lake to River and the other economic development partners.”
Anthony Trevena, executive director of the Western Reserve Port Authority, said, “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. 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 here, investing in small businesses, funding opportunities for those starting businesses, providing more job opportunities for people residing in underserved geographical areas, creating additional scholarship opportunities to retain more youth, uplifting the Valley’s valuable nonprofits and boosting the arts, culture, tourism and other industries that impact quality of life.
Regional Chamber President & CEO Guy Coviello added, “After one year implementing the Valley Vision strategy, all the agencies involved have far exceeded expectations. I’m grateful that these partnering economic development agencies are so successful, and I’m grateful that the Commissioners recognize the success.”
Other members of Mahoning Valley Partners also expressed their gratitude for the Commissioners’ support:
“We are appreciative of the support from the Trumbull County Commissioners. This commitment allows the regional partners to further develop the shared vision of economic vitality for the Valley.”
— Jim Kinnick, Executive Director, Eastgate Regional Council of Governments
“Valley Partners is grateful for the support of the Trumbull County Commissioners. We are excited to be a part of Valley Vision’s regional efforts to continue advancing the economic growth and prosperity for the Valley.”
— Teresa Miller, Executive Director, Valley Economic Development Partners
“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. At Lake to River, we know that sustained economic success comes from collaboration, participation and a shared vision, and we applaud Commissioners for investing in the future of our region.”
— Alexa Sweeney Blackann, Interim CEO, Lake To River Economic Development
“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.”
— Lynnette Forde, President, The Youngstown Foundation
From left are: Jim Kinnick, executive director, Eastgate; Trumbull County Commissioner Tony Bernard; Guy Coviello, president & CEO, Regional Chamber; Teresa Miller, executive director, Valley Partners; Alexa Sweeney Blackann, interim CEO, Lake To River; Sarah Lown, public finance manager, Port Authority; JoAnn Stock, executive director, Center for Nonprofit Excellence; and Trumbull County Commissioners Denny Malloy and Rick Hernandez.