Tech Belt innovation center receives $30K grant

Staff report

WARREN

The Tech Belt Energy Innovation Center has received $30,000 from the PNC Foundation, which will be used to fund the center’s operations.

The center, to be located on West Market Street on Courthouse Square, will provide resources and services to help early-stage companies develop and commercialize advanced- energy technologies.

“PNC is committed to supporting business growth in the Mahoning Valley,” said PNC Regional President Ted Schmidt. “The hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of the firms involved in TBEIC play a critical role in the economic development and sustained growth of the community.”

The center’s board also last week hosted a round-table discussion with Joseph Stanislaw, Ph.D., an expert in the advanced-energy field.

Stanislaw, a Champion Township native, served as a director for Gov. John Kasich’s 21st Century Energy and Economic Summit in September. Stanislaw helps clients develop advanced-energy services and strategies.

“It is great to see the Tech Belt Energy Innovation Center making progress and gaining momentum, given its potential to have a strong economic impact in Northeast Ohio,” Stanislaw said.

TBEIC is designed to be a mixed-used facility aimed at accelerating the development of early-stage energy technologies.