Columbiana Co. has economic-development summit

By D.A. WILKINSON

wilkinson@vindy.com

SALEM

At the end of the Economic Development Summit in Columbiana County on Monday, two men approached Chris Mather and David Nestic with their business cards, sat down and started talking.

It was exactly what officials wanted when they came up with the idea of the summit — businesspeople networking.

Mather is the president of Jump Start Inc. in Cleveland, a business that Mather said funds “high-impact entrepreneurial activity.”

Nestic is a member of Salem council and has been active in reviving the Salem Area Industrial Development Corp. as a vehicle to help local growth.

Mather, who works with Nestic, said that some 60 percent to 80 percent of all jobs created come from small businesses.

Columbiana County, Mather said, has to be quick and be prepared for business opportunities.

Mather noted, “The county has a mammoth amount of talent.”

Summit participants were also told that many of the best ideas for business start-ups come from home.

Columbiana County Engineer Bert Dawson said that infrastructure is a key to helping development by providing roads and water and sewer service.

One speaker quoted fabled basketball coach Bobby Knight as saying that beyond having the will to win, “You have to have the will to prepare to win.”

The event at the Salem Community Center was sponsored by the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, the Columbiana County Commissioners and the Salem Area Industrial Development Corp.

Private corporations provided financial support.

Another county summit will be next year in East Liverpool.