Fisher gathers data on Valley businesses

The state is taking a
‘proactive’ approach, the lieutenant governor says.

By DAVID SKOLNICK

VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER

YOUNGSTOWN — Rather than waiting until businesses find themselves facing serious economic problems, state officials want to address those concerns now, said Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher.

With that in mind, Fisher, who also serves as the director of the state’s Department of Development, spent Monday in the Mahoning Valley talking with various business officials about their needs.

“We’re taking a proactive outreach approach to keep businesses here by asking them what we can do to help them,” said Fisher, a Cleveland Democrat. “We want to know what we can do to help companies now rather than wait until they come to us in emergencies.”

Among Fisher’s stops Monday were the General Motors complex in Lordstown; and V&M Star and Fireline Inc., both in Youngstown.

V&M manufactures seamless steel tubes primarily for the U.S. oil and gas industry. Fireline produces ceramics and vacuum-formed ceramic fiber components mainly for jet aircraft engine parts.

Fireline is looking to build an addition of about 60,000 to 70,000 square feet across the street from its Andrews Avenue location beginning in mid-2008, said Roger D. Jones, its founder.

The company could use financial assistance from the state for infrastructure improvements so it can invest its money in equipment and materials, Jones said.

Fisher said he is optimistic the state can help the 40-year-old company. He added that he is very pleased that the future of the GM complex in Lordstown appears to be secure.

“That is one of the greatest assets of not only the Mahoning Valley, but the state of Ohio,” he said.

State Sen. Capri Cafaro of Liberty, D-32nd, who traveled with Fisher on Monday, said the most important thing the state can do is help companies in Ohio retain and increase the number of jobs at their facilities.

Fisher said he travels throughout the state meeting with various companies to determine their needs.

“Economic development is all about getting ahead of the curve,” he said.

skolnick@vindy.com