Ohio Lt. Gov. Fisher touts plan to stimulate state’s economy

YOUNGSTOWN — A long-range plan to stimulate the state’s economy will prove to be beneficial to the Mahoning Valley, said Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher.

“Every single initiative will help the Mahoning Valley grow,” Fisher, who also is the head of the Ohio Department of Development, told The Vindicator today. “The 33 new initiatives are applicable to the Mahoning Valley.”

The plan — Ohio, Home of Innovation Opportunity or OHIO for short — focuses on increasing the state’s per-capita income, the number of jobs, its population, and expanding productivity through innovation by 2020.

It also includes components to improve the state’s perception, create a more globally competitive economy, grow and attract an educated and entrepreneurial work force, build sustainable and vibrant communities and operate government at the speed of business.

The plans creates at least a dozen regional economic development centers that would bring together innovation and higher education to foster new business investment.

One of those locations would be in Youngstown and promote further partnerships between Youngstown State University and business owners, Fisher said.

“This is a way to help create a hub for the Mahoning Valley for business,” he said.

For the complete story, see Saturday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.