Valley residents have reason for some optimism this year

Although the Mahoning Valley bid farewell to 2008 with a sigh of relief, given the collapsing national and global economies, there were bright spots during the year that cause us to view 2009 with a sense of optimism.

The Cruze

By any measure, the announcement by General Motors Corp, during the summer that its Lordstown assembly plant had been chosen to produce the Cruze, which will replace the highly acclaimed Chevrolet Cobalt, was one of the top — if not the top — stories of the year in terms of the psychological boost it gave the region.

The Cobalt is built at the Lordstown plant and its success based on quality, performance and price was not lost on the decision-makers in Detroit.

Indeed, the investment of $1 billion by GM in the Mahoning Valley, along with a major infusion of state money, were the silver lining in the storm cloud that was the auto industry.

GM and Chrysler were on the verge of financial collapse when President Bush stepped in and approved a bridge loan for the industry. The result: GM, Chrysler and Ford, which is not as badly off as the other two, have been given some breathing room to make the changes necessary to meet the demands of its customers and of the federal government.

The Cruze, which will enable GM to compete in compact-car market, will be built in the Valley, and we are confident it will match, and perhaps surpass, the success of the Cobalt. That’s because labor and management at the Lordstown plant have developed the right formula for producing a high-quality, cost-competitive automobile.

Youngstown State

Youngstown State University’s 100th anniversary also was cause for celebration and gave us a reason to believe the institution of higher learning will continue to play a major role in this region’s economic revitalization.

With cutting-edge companies such as Turning Technologies, one of the fast growing small software businesses in the country, looking to YSU for its high tech employees, the university has demonstrated the ability and willingness to be a partner in the diversification of the Valley’s economy.

The good and the bad

From a public relations standpoint, 2008 could have been a major disaster had we not had boxing champion Kelly Pavlik to steal the spotlight away from disgraced former Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann.

Dann resigned in shame, and became the subject of statewide and national media coverage. The story line was to be expected: The Mahoning Valley has produced another rogue officeholder.

But Pavlik, with his boxing prowess and his straight talking Youngstown personality, made a compelling story for out-of-town reporters. And, he gave the people of the Valley a reason to hold their heads high.

Without a doubt, Pavlik will continue to reflect positively on the area, while the saga of Marc Dann plays out in the court of public opinion.

Political spotlight

There were some positive political developments last year that should stand us in good stead. Congressman Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, bolstered his reputation in the House as one of Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s rising stars, while Congressman Charlie Wilson of St. Clairsville, D-6th, proved that he has what it takes to be an effective legislator.

In addition, the election of area state Sen. John Boccieri to Congress’ 16th District means that Ryan and Wilson will have an ally who understands the challenges confronting this region.

On the state level, Democratic Sen. Capri Cafaro of Liberty Township will become the minority leader, while Sen. Jason Wilson of Columbiana County will be part of her leadership team.

Yes, the Valley was roiled by the nation’s economic turmoil in 2008, but there is a foundation upon which Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties can build this year.

On Sunday, we will focus on some of the issues that must be addressed in order for the region to keep moving forward.

It could be a happy New Year.