V&M Star president and CEO honored by Regional Chamber

BOARDMAN — Roger Lindgren, president and chief executive of V&M Star, was named Business Professional of the Year by the Regional Chamber.

He and others were honored Thursday at the chamber’s Salute to Business breakfast at Mr. Anthony’s.

“At a time when U.S. steelmakers face international competition, we couldn’t have a finer leader than Roger at the helm of a company in our own backyard,” said Frank Hierro, chamber chairman.

Hierro noted the company’s successful environmental record and quality rankings.

He said Lindgren spends much of his time testifying on behalf of the steel industry in Washington, D.C., and Columbus and participates in Building Mahoning Valley, a group that is seeking to improve the quality of life and economic competitiveness of the area.

V&M Star, which produces steel pipe, has plants in Youngstown and Houston. Lindgren joined North Star Steel, which used to own the Youngstown plant, in 1969 as a project engineer at its mill in St. Paul, Minn.

The chamber also honored the five organizations as business advocates. Those selected have brought sports to the area.

They are Mahoning Valley Phantoms, Mahoning Valley Scrappers, Mahoning Valley Thunder, Youngstown State University and the Youngstown Steelhounds.