Local officials attend business attraction presentation

By Brandon Klein | February 11, 2015 at 12:00a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

Local officials were provided some insight on how companies decide on which community to locate their operations.

The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber had the presentation Tuesday morning at ITT Technical Institute, 1030 N. Meridian Road.

Sarah Boyarko, the chamber’s vice president of economic development, said the presentation was intended to “increase the level of communication” between elected officials and the chamber in the Mahoning Valley.

“We just want to make them aware of the process,” she said.

Typically, companies and consultants ask the chamber for information about available properties, utilities, demographics and incentives.

Additionally, communities can contribute to the process with rezoning practices, incentive packages, and attending groundbreaking or ribbon-cutting ceremonies, she said.

In 2014, the chamber completed 13 projects, which created more than 480 jobs. Among those projects were the Ontario-based Matalco Inc.’s new manufacturing facility in Lordstown and Laird Technologies in Warren.

Stephanie Landers, a deputy administrator for Boardman Township, said the presentation was informative.

“We look forward to working with the chamber,” she said.

The presentation will take place again from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Thursday at Trumbull Business College, 3200 Ridge Road, Howland.

Boyarko said two more are planned in the coming months.