Report cards issued on jobs progress

LIBERTY — Area agencies charged with attracting jobs issued a report card on themselves but said they are leaving it up to the community to give them a grade.

The Community Report Card shows these agencies assisted last year in projects that resulted in $192.6 million in business investments. Those companies said they would create 1,721 new jobs and retain 4,717 existing jobs.

“What we’re saying to you — the Valley — is, ‘Does this meet your expectations?” said Reid Dulberger, executive vice president of the Regional Chamber.

The chamber joined with nine other organizations in Mahoning and Trumbull counties in a press conference Wednesday at the Holiday Inn Metroplex.

Officials refused to be drawn into giving themselves a grade, despite calling their tally a report card. Michael Keys, Warren’s community development director, came the closest, saying the agencies get an E for effort and excellence.

Dulberger said 2007 data will be released early next year so year-to-year comparisons can be made.

For more on this story, see Thursday’s Vindicator or www.vindy.com.