Board OKs funds to aid VXI growth

Staff report

COLUMBUS — The state Controlling Board has approved $500,000 in road- project funds to help VXI Global Solutions expand its downtown Youngstown call center.

VXI has committed to creating 500 full-time jobs at its Youngstown call center, with average hourly wages of $10.88, according to documents.

The funds approved Monday are paying for an extension of Hazel Street, connecting Commerce Street to Rayen Avenue, to “sustain additional traffic and provide a direct roadway to Youngstown State University,” according to documents.

“Students ... are anticipated to make up a significant part of the work force for VXI.”

The total road project will cost about $1.2 million, and the city of Youngstown has committed to paying the balance.

VXI is investing about $6.6 million in its Youngstown operations, which is in the former Phar-Mor corporate office downtown.