The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber’s Director of Government & Public Affairs Nick Santucci and Manager of Business Development Shea MacMillan were recognized at the Ohio Economic Development Association’s (OEDA) Annual Excellence Awards Ceremony in Columbus on Wednesday for their efforts in economic development and government affairs.

Santucci was named the winner of the 2019 Excellence in Marketing & Communications Award for his work in organizing the Regional Chamber's Columbus Drive-In and Washington, D.C. Fly-In. In overseeing both events, he is working to advance the Valley’s priorities through one unified voice. Both the Drive-In and Fly-In garnered participation from business, government and civic leaders. Santucci’s efforts in 2018 and 2019 have already yielded impressive results, with $3.6 million from the state's operating budget designated to the priorities of the Valley. 

MacMillan was selected as a finalist for the OEDA’s 2019 Economic Development Rookie of the Year award. In his role at the chamber, MacMillan has managed more than $4.6 million in capital investment projects that created 71 new jobs and retained 491 existing jobs throughout the two-county area. He also participated in the creation of the Mahoning Valley Rail Commission, which will assist with rail development and a proactive regional rail strategy. MacMillan recently launched an economic impact analysis service for the Regional Chamber, drawing on his background and expertise in economics to offer this new tool to our membership and the broader community.

Regional Chamber COO Sarah Boyarko said, “I couldn't be more pleased to have these two gentlemen working in our Economic Development department. They always go above and beyond to serve the companies in our market and the Valley as a whole. It's always impressive to be recognized by your peers. They should be proud of their efforts.”

OEDA is a professional association for economic developers that provides a broad range of services, including peer networking, continuing education and exposure to best practices. The Annual Excellence Awards Luncheon Ceremony takes place as part of the OEDA Annual Summit, the association’s largest conference and celebration of economic development in Ohio each year.  

The Regional Chamber is currently managing $1.5 billion of pending economic development projects that could result in the creation of nearly 1,000 new jobs.