Valley on track in diversifying local economy

YOUNGSTOWN

As the Mahoning Valley sets out to rewrite its narrative and continue with the work of diversifying its economy, area experts say it will become increasingly important to strengthen all local industries and build a better marketplace that doesn’t rely on a single sector.

Thus far, that goal is on track. But it remains difficult to overlook the economic boom being brought on by shale gas activity and the underlying businesses cropping up to support it.

“When Youngstown went through the steel meltdown it was a one-trick pony,” said Mike Conway, executive director of the Mahoning Valley Economic Development Corporation. “Our efforts should be focused on developing not necessarily in support of shale activity, but in conjunction with it.”

Aside from such growth, there are many sectors within the Valley’s economy experiencing new measures of independent success.

Sarah Boyarko, vice president of economic development, business retention and expansion at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber, said a number of projects in the manufacturing sector demonstrate the uptick in area economic activity.

For the complete story, read Friday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.