Group to showcase what’s best about Boardman

Keeping a positive attitude and creating a new spirit of cooperation in Boardman Township just got a little easier.

A new civic group, Boardman Community Pride, was introduced to the public at the Regional Chamber’s Good Morning Boardman event June 3 and will join several other new and re-energized groups to keep Boardman “a nice place to call home and more.”

The group was originally known as the Boardman Branding Committee and aformed to advise township trustees on how to promote a positive image for the township. The group has expanded its membership and scope of service. Its primary purpose will be to promote pride in the community, it will also serve Boardman Township Trustees as a sounding board, idea generator and facilitator for community feedback and events.

“While we want to keep Boardman ‘a nice place to call home,’ we also want to keep it a great place to start and run a business, to get quality healthcare and to get a top-notch education for your children,” said group founder and Boardman Township Trustee Larry Moliterno. “And yes, a nice place to go for dinner or a movie, watch a baseball game or visit the park.”

Recently, the group conducted research among residents in nearby communities to determine local “attitudes and images” of Boardman. Additional research was undertaken with business owners and realtors. The results helped shape the group’s goals and plans.

“We are the busiest township because we have a lot to offer,” Moliterno continued. “No other Valley community has the combination of hospitality, business, healthcare, retail and even worship (52 churches) that Boardman has available to residents and visitors. The BCP is helping us get this word out.”

The group is working on conducting neighborhood meetings and developing a promotional website and a community event calendar. The BCP will also organize special projects designed to engage township residents, gather ongoing feedback and promote the positive aspects of Boardman.

While the website is being developed, supporters and interested parties can visit the group’s page on Facebook by using search term Boardman Community Pride.

The all-volunteer group may also function as an organizing body for community projects. Members represent citizens, businesses, public institutions, healthcare and other important segments of Boardman Township.