Congressmen talk business at Talmer function

Staff report

BOARDMAN

Local U.S. representatives came to Boardman on Friday to talk about the Mahoning Valley’s business climate with area business people.

The event, hosted by Talmer Bank & Trust, brought together business owners, professionals and centers of influence to hear U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Howland, D-13th, and U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson of Marietta, R-6th, talk about what’s happening in Washington and here in the Valley.

“My job and Ryan’s job is to make sure what we do empowers the people to innovate and create jobs at home,” Johnson said.

Johnson highlighted the innovation happening here and the advances in education at Youngstown State University.

Ryan highlighted some of the economic development projects taking place in both Mahoning and Trumbull counties including the DoubleTree Hilton that’s coming to downtown Youngstown.

Both Johnson and Ryan discussed the concern they hear from business owners about government getting in the way of business.

“They don’t want Washington to be a part of the problem. They want us to be a part of the solution,” Ryan said. “I hope after the election we can start being a partner in all the challenges we face together.”