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Congressman: Valley working on its image
The Valley’s economic focus is changing, the congressman said.
LIBERTY — There is still a long way to go, but the Mahoning Valley is positioning itself for an economic recovery, U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan said.
The area is working to change its Rust Belt image to a Tech Belt center that embraces high-technology companies, Ryan, D-17th, said during a Regional Chamber breakfast Tuesday at the Holiday Inn MetroPlex.
But it’s a slow process, he said.
“When the next great expansion happens, we must be ready as a community to take advantage,” said Ryan, of Niles.
That means a focus on alternative energy, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, health care and homeland security issues, he said.
As a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, Ryan was able to obtain about $14 million in federal funding late last year, primarily for projects related to those fields.
That included $1.97 million to Parker Hannifin’s Youngstown division for a hybrid hydraulic program, $2.4 million to Ajax Tocco of Warren for research and development of tactical metal fabrication systems, and $1.6 million for Youngstown State University’s Center for Excellence in Industrial Metrology and 3D Imagine Research.
“We haven’t hit a home run,” Ryan said. “We’re nowhere near where we need to be. But there is nobody that can say this community hasn’t turned a corner. There is nobody that can say that.”
The Valley wasn’t prepared for the information technology boom of the late 1990s, causing its economy to continue to struggle, he said.
But with the proper focus, “we have the opportunity I think to produce one of the greatest economic comebacks in history,” Ryan said. “I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I don’t get up every morning — nor do you — to play for second. Never have, never will. We’re here to be at the top. We have the talent and ability here.”
The area’s come a long way in a short period of time, Ryan said.
“We are starting to lay the groundwork,” he said.
skolnick@vindy.com