15 counties to meet for economy

Attendees will discuss ways to improve Northeast Ohio's economy.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
CITY HALL REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Residents of 15 Northeast Ohio counties -- including Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana -- will meet Saturday in Akron to discuss a citizen initiative to develop a plan to improve the area.
The goal of the event is to find ways to create more jobs and better economic opportunities for the area.
Voices & amp; Choices, the citizen initiative created more than a year ago, held 11 workshops, including one in Youngstown and another in Champion, both in August, to get input on regionalism from local government, business, church and civic leaders, and other citizens.
Those involved in the effort want to provide economic priorities and choices for business and community leaders to consider with the end result being to improve the economy of Northeast Ohio.
Among those from the Mahoning Valley planning to attend Saturday's event is Steven Hinz, 34, who owns 19 properties on Youngstown's North Side.
Much to offer
Youngstown has a great deal to offer, including inexpensive real estate and quality cultural facilities such as Mill Creek MetroParks and the Butler Institute of American Art, said Hinz, who moved to Youngstown from Grand Rapids, Mich., six years ago.
"I'm excited to share ideas Saturday and to tell those at the event about the benefits of Youngstown," he said.
About 70 philanthropic organizations from Northeast Ohio created Voices & amp; Choices to encourage regionalism among 15 counties to improve the area's economy.
Also planning to attend Saturday is Lois Klein, a 70-year-old Poland resident who grew up on Youngstown's South Side.
"The voice of the people will be heard," she said. "If we are to help Youngstown and Warren, we have to think larger. We have to have the assistance of people from throughout Northeast Ohio."
Klein doesn't know what to expect Saturday but is interested in hearing the ideas of people from other parts of the region about what can be done to improve the economic climate of this part of Ohio.
skolnick@vindy.com