Friday, June 20, 2003
YOUNGSTOWN -- A bid to bring a Boeing aircraft plant to the Mahoning Valley is being supported by economic development officials from throughout Northeast Ohio.
The management council of Team NEO, a regional economic development group launched earlier this year, has sent a letter in support of the local effort to a consultant working for Boeing. The letter said that Boeing could draw on the combined strengths of communities in Northeast Ohio if it chooses the Mahoning Valley site.
Thomas Humphries, president of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, said the letter resolves any question that the Mahoning Valley would be shortchanged by the group, which includes Akron and Cleveland.
"Here is a major project early on, and we have the support of both cities," he said.
Besides Akron, Cleveland and the local chamber, Team NEO includes economic development groups in Canton and Lorain.
The local chamber, which handles economic development for Trumbull and Mahoning counties, has asked Boeing to consider a site near the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. Boeing is searching for a site to build its next commercial airliner. The plant would employ up to 1,200 people.