MAHONING VALLEY Jobs program needs volunteers

THE VINDICATOR, YOUNGSTOWN
Enthusiasm for working on the plan has been enormous, its leader says.
By DON SHILLING
VINDICATOR BUSINESS EDITOR
YOUNGSTOWN -- Community leaders developed a plan to improve the Mahoning Valley, but now they need people to carry it out and raise $8 million.
Three organizations should be in place by mid-April to run the three main parts of Jobs For Our Valley, said Reid Dulberger, project director.
The initial steps for raising the money to fund the plan also should be taken by then, said Dulberger, who is executive vice president of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Goals targeted: The effort's leadership team announced a series of goals last month. They are centered on improving the area's image, upgrading education and creating high-tech jobs.
A yearlong planning phase was initiated and funded by the chamber. The 18-member leadership team, which includes union, business and political leaders, is running the effort.
Volunteers who worked on the planning are relieved of their responsibilities, although there have been many people who have said they would help on the implementation phase, Dulberger said.
"The enthusiasm to get something done, to make a change, is enormous," he said.
Marketing team: The chamber has agreed to form a regional marketing team to improve the area's image both locally and nationally. The cost is expected to be $2.3 million.
The leadership team has asked the Technology Leadership Council to take responsibility for the goals in technology development. The cost is projected at $4.1 million.
Dulberger said he is waiting to hear back from the council but is hopeful the group will agree. The council was formed last year by Mahoning County commissioners, but would be expanded.
The plan calls for the creation of a Council for Regional Educational Excellence to oversee the educational goals. Dulberger said he was to meet today with people who are interested in being on the council. The cost is projected at $1.9 million.
The three groups will have three years to complete initiatives outlined in the plan. Dulberger said, however, that the plan is a minimum level and he hopes the groups accomplish more. The plan has 23 initiatives, most of which are targeted for short-term action.
Raising money will be left up to the leadership team. Dulberger said the leadership team doesn't want the three implementation groups to have the additional responsibility of raising money, but it hasn't decided on how it will form a fund-raising group.