2017 CEDS Annual Report

INTERFACE
2017 Annual
Progress Report
Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategy

Annual Report - 2017
Title VI/Non-Discrimination Policy
It is Eastgate’s Policy that all recipients of federal funds that pass through this agency ensure that they are in full
compliance with Title VI and all related regulations and directives in all programs and activities.
No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, low-income status, or limited
English proficiency, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to
discrimination under any of Eastgate’s programs, policies, or activities.
This report was financed by the Economic Development Administration’s Partnership Planning Grant and Eastgate
Regional Council of Governments.

EASTGATE REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
Serving Northeast Ohio since 1973
The Eastgate Regional Council of Governments is a multipurpose Regional Council of Governments for Ashtabula, Mahoning, and Trumbull
Counties, as established by Section 167.01 of the Ohio Revised Code. Eastgate is the agency designated or recognized to perform the
following functions:
• Serve as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) in Mahoning and Trumbull counties, with responsibility for the comprehensive,
coordinated, and continuous planning for highways, public transit, and other transportation modes, as defined in Fixing America’s
Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) legislation.
• Perform continuous water quality planning functions in cooperation with Ohio and U.S. EPA.
• Provide planning to meet air quality requirements under FAST Act and the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.
• Administration of the Economic Development District Program of the Economic Development Administration
• Administration of the Local Development District of the Appalachian Regional Commission.
• Administration of the State Capital Improvement Program for the District 6 Public Works Integrating Committee.
• Administer the area clearinghouse function, which includes providing local government with the opportunity to review a wide variety of
local or state applications for federal funds.
• Administration of the Clean Ohio Conservation Funds.
• Administration of the regional Rideshare Program for Ashtabula, Mahoning, and Trumbull counties.
• With General Policy Board direction, provide planning assistance to local governments that comprise the Eastgate planning area.
GENERAL POLICY BOARD (2018)
Chairman - Pat Ginnetti, Mahoning County Vice Chairman – Julie Green, Trumbull County

TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (2018) CITIZENS ADVISORY BOARD (2018)
Chairman- Gary Shaffer Vice Chairman-Kristen Olmi Chairman- Randy Samulka Vice Chairman- James J. Pirko
Mayor Eric Augustein, Village of Beloit
Mayor Ruth Bennett, Village of Orangeville
Mayor Jamael Tito Brown, City of Youngstown
Mauro Cantalamessa, Trumbull County Commissioner
Mayor John Darko, City of Hubbard
David Ditzler, Mahoning County Commissioner
J.P. Ducro, IV, Ashtabula County Commissioner
James Ferraro, Director, Western Reserve Transit Authority
Mayor Herman Frank II, Village of Washingtonville
Mayor Douglas Franklin, City of Warren
Mayor Richard Duffett, City of Canfield
Frank Fuda, Trumbull County Commissioner
Fred Hanley, Hubbard Township
Mark Hess, Trumbull County Transit
Mayor Arno Hill, Village of Lordstown
Mayor James Iudiciani, Village of Lowellville
Mayor William Jones, Village of Washingtonville
Mayor Harry Kale, Village of New Middletown
Casey Kozlowski, Ashtabula County Commissioner
Paul Makosky, City of Warren
Mayor Shirley McIntosh, Village of West Farmington
Mayor James Melfi, City of Girard
John Moliterno, Western Reserve Port Authority
Mayor Nick Phillips, City of Campbell
John Picuri, District Deputy Director, ODOT District 4
Mayor J. Michael Pinkerton, Village of Sebring
James J. Pirko, Citizens Advisory Board
Representative, Trumbull County
Mayor Glen M. Puckett, Village of McDonald
Daniel Polivka, Trumbull County Commissioner
Kurt Princic, OEPA NE District Chief
Carol Rimedio-Righetti, Mahoning County Commissioner
Randy Samulka, Citizens Advisory Board
Representative, Mahoning County
Mayor Thomas Scarnecchia, City of Niles
Mayor Timothy Sicafuse, Village of Poland
Randy Smith, Trumbull County Engineer
Mayor Dave Spencer, Village of Craig Beach
Mayor Terry Stocker, City of Struthers
Zachary Svette, Trumbull County MetroParks
Anthony Traficanti, Mahoning County Commissioner
Mayor Lyle A. Waddell, City of Newton Falls
Katheryn Whittington, Ashtabula County Commissioner
Mark Winchell, Ashtabula County
Joanne Wollet, Poland Township Trustee
Mayor James Woofter, City of Cortland
Aaron Young, Mill Creek MetroParks

Interface - Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy 4
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The 2017 Annual Progress Report of Interface – Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, or CEDS,
provides an update on changes to our strategy that have occurred during the calendar year and actions that will be
undertaken in 2018.
Eastgate Regional Council of Governments (Eastgate) is the Economic Development District (EDD) for Ashtabula,
Mahoning, and Trumbull counties. Eastgate has a wide-range of responsibilities through its Partnership Planning
Grant through the Economic Development Administration (EDA). These responsibilities include the following:
• Participate in organizations, initiatives, and working groups on the six pillars.
• Provide technical assistance including planning and original research on the six pillars.
• Monitor activity on the six pillars and report on progress in the Annual Progress Report.
• Design and conduct evaluation through performance measures on the six pillars.
• Encourage best practices of the six pillars.
• Conduct long-range economic, environmental, land use, and transportation planning.
• Maintain and update an inventory of community and economic development resources with partners.
• Coordinate upcoming grant deadlines and eligibility information with stakeholders by promoting regional
collaboration and intergovernmental cooperation.
• Prepare and maintain factsheets that may be utilized and repurposed for planning documents and proposals.
• Ensure that regional leadership is well informed on issues of regional significance.
• Continue to address duplications of services by looking for ways to leverage partnerships.
• Sustain input and buy-in on the prioritization and execution of funding for projects.
• Conduct regular meetings with the Regional Economic Development Committee to monitor the status of initiatives
and implementation.
Eastgate works closely with the Regional Economic Development Committee (REDC) in monitoring and implementing
the CEDS. REDC is an ad hoc committee of Eastgate’s General Policy Board (GPB).
Advanced Design & Manufacturing Showcase - African
American Male Wellness Walk - NOCHE REDC
Presentation on Higher Education & Workforce - Additive
Manufacturing Cluster Workshop - Peer Exchange with
Syracuse, New York

CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .........................................................................................................................4
SUMMARY OF EDA ACTIVITY IN THE REGION ............................................................................6
EDA INVESTMENT IN THE REGION ...................................................................................................7
INTEGRATING FEDERAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS ...............................................8
EDA DISTRESS CRITERIA .........................................................................................................................9
ADJUSTMENT TO OUR STRATEGY .................................................................................................13
EVALUATION OF PROGRESS ............................................................................................................14
PERFORMANCE MEASURES ............................................................................................................21
SCHEDULE OF 2017 PROGRAM ACTIVITIES .....................................................................................22
REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE ..............................................................24

SUMMARY OF EDA ACTIVITY IN THE REGION
Valley Growth Ventures: Connecting High-Tech Startups to Capital
Valley Growth Ventures is a for-profit fund created to support high-growth companies across the state of Ohio.
However, the fund prefers startups in Northeast Ohio and particularly the Mahoning Valley that have a B2B
software, IT, energy, additive manufacturing, or advanced materials focus. In 2016, a $250,000 grant from EDA
launched a local partnership between the Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI), the Tech Belt Energy Innovation
Center (TBEIC), the Mahoning Valley Economic Development Corporation (MVEDC), and Youngstown State
University (YSU). Seed funding provided through a $3 million grant from Ohio Third Frontier in addition to local
solicitation of angel investors and other institutions has led to initial interest from startups in 2017.
City of YOU” Marketing Campaign Recognized by OEDA
“City of YOU,” an interactive marketing campaign for the City of Youngstown created by YSU faculty member
R.J. Thompson, was named best in its category by the Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA). The
OEDA selected “City of YOU” as the winner in the Economic Development Marketing category for medium sized
communities (populations of 50,000 to 150,000) for the association’s 2017 Annual Excellence Awards. Creation
of the “City of YOU” campaign was a three-year process for Thompson, and one of several projects funded by a
$250,000 grant awarded YSU and the City of Youngstown by EDA. The funds provided several new tools for the
city, including marketing materials, a new website, a podcast and youth programming.
Golden Triangle: Federal, State and Local Funding Works to Retain Jobs
Collaboration continues for the implemenation of the Golden Triangle Infrastructure Improvement Plan, which was
funded in part by a $37,500 grant from EDA in 2014. In 2017, recommendations from the plan came to fruition
through a $282,000 public funding package that included improvements to access roads, extension of waterlines,
and the addition of fire hydrants that allowed for the expasion of Flex Strut, a local manufacturer, and other nearby
businesses.
POWERing the Future of Industry in the Mahoning Valley
In addition to a $1 million Partnerships for Opportuinty and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER)
grant by the Appalachian Regional Commission, YSU was awarded $2 million for the Mahoning Valley Innovation
and Commericalization Center (MVICC), an advanced manufacturing education and workforce training facility
that will benefit a 14-county, three-state region. The center will be developed as a 24/7 access, shared-use facility
with a manufacturing training lab and group project and workroom space supporting displaced workers, students,
manufacturers, and entrepreneurs. It is expected the project will train 200 workers and create or retain 188 jobs.
City of You Campaign -
Annual Clean Up in Golden
Triangle - Logo for Valley
Growth Ventures

Location Applicant Project Description
Award
Date
EDA Match
Ashtabula County Ashtabula County Recap RLF 1993 $250,000
Youngstown YBI Incubator 1993 $810,836
Trumbull Warren Industrial Park 1996 $951,000
Conneaut City of Conneaut Water/Sewer 1997 $600,000
Youngstown YBI Incubator 1998 $498,000
Vienna Trumbull County Ind Park at Airport 1999 $911,600
Trumbull Trumbull County Const San Sewer Lie 2001 $564,000
Mahoning County Mahoning County Bridge Construction 2002 $1,800,000
Lordstown Village of Lordstown Water Supply Line 2003 $1,300,000
Orwell Orwell Village Infrastructure Improv. 2005 $400,000
Ashtabula City of Ashtabula Industrial Park Dev. 2005 $300,000
Trumbull/Mahoning Trumbull County Sanitary Sewer 2005 $340,000
Youngstown Youngstown CIC Const. Tech Center Building 2006 $2,000,000
Conneaut City of Conneaut Develop Industrial Park 2009 $365,000
Youngstown City of Youngstown/YSU ED Strategy 2013 $219,732
Ohio Ohio State Oil & Gas Strategy 2013 $199,766
Youngstown YBI Incubator 2014 $3,000,000
Howland
Howland/Warren/
Trumbull
Golden Triangle Feasibility
Study
2014 $38,000
Mahoning Valley MVEDC
Valley Growth
Ventures, LLC
2016 $250,000
Youngstown YSU
Mahoning Valley Innovation
& Commercialization Center
2017 $2,000,000
EDA INVESTMENT IN THE EASTGATE REGION
Small Manufacturing, Big Impact: Smart Growth America
Eastgate was awarded small-scale manufacturing and place-based economic development technical assistance
from Smart Growth America, made possible by EDA. Smart Growth America staff, in partnership with Recast Cities
LLC, took a two-day immersive trip to Youngstown in August 2017. The technical assistance sessions were part of an
overall initiative aimed at strengthening existing small-scale manufacturers to revitalize downtowns and corridors
in distressed communities. Eastgate and local partners are taking recommendations from the sessions to develop
a strategy that looks at available real estate and its suitability for small-scale manufacturing, as well as improving
access to capital for “makers” looking to start or expand their businesses.

INTEGRATING FEDERAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
As a condition of the Economic Development Partnership Planning Program, Eastgate has been asked to report on
how activities of the EDD are integrated across federal agencies. Eastgate will provide a report on how it identifies
economic players in the region, participates in diversification summits, informs its stakeholders, and monitors
funding opportunities among other activities. In addition to this report, the list below provides examples of how this
requirement was met in 2017.
• Eastgate is a Local Development District through the Appalachian Regional Commission
• Eastgate is a Metropolitan Planning Organization through the Federal Highway Administration and Federal
Transit Authority
• Eastgate is a partner of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
• Eastgate maintains an extensive guide on economic development organizations that participate throughout the
planning process
• Eastgate supports diversification through Team NEO and programs such as Partnerships for Opportunity and
Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER)
• Eastgate is developing a Metropolitan Transportation Plan that aligns with the CEDS
• Eastgate works closely with state and federal agencies as opportunities arise, including aligning the CEDS with
consolidated plans required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and matching funds for
Department of Agriculture infrastructure projects
• Eastgate monitors grant opportunities on a daily basis through listservs for its stakeholders
• Eastgate participates in Workforce Development Boards under the guidance of the Department of Labor
• Eastgate maintains relationships through Strong Cities, Strong Communities

EDA DISTRESS CRITERIA
Company Location Number of Employees Affected
Penske Vehicle Services Warren/Trumbull 2
Quaker Manufacturing Corp. Salem/Columbiana (bordering) 115
T and W Forge, LLC. Alliance/Stark (bordering) 37
BWAY Corporation Hubbard/Trumbull 55
2017 was a year of uncertainty and hesitation in the Eastgate region and the country as a whole. A new presidential
administration took the helm with the intent of slashing regulations and corporate tax rates, while unemployment in
Youngstown and Warren remained higher than the national average for most of the year. Political affiliations shifted,
with traditionally democratic blue-collar Trumbull County shifting further right. Locally, the democratic incumbent
Mayor of Youngstown was unseated for the first time in 48 years.
Kmart retail locations readied for closure and the local distribution facility faced an uncertain future. Kelloggs
and BWAY (formerly Ball Corporation) ended operations in Trumbull County. The Chevrolet Cruze, the flagship
automobile produced at GM Lordstown, continued to see declining sales as the stinging effects of the 2016
elimination of the facility’s third shift were still evident. The automotive supply chain, which makes up a significant
percentage of local manufacturing activity, continues to wait and see what GM’s next move will be.
The region saw significant investment in the form of a nearly $1 billion natural gas to electricity energy facility, which
has escalated construction employment. A second similar facility is being proposed, touting a second $1 billion price
tag. While we welcome the innovative technology and locals appreciate payments in lieu of property taxes offered
as part of the incentive package, once construction is complete, each facility will employ only nineteen people.
We are at a critical point in our region’s trajectory. Mahoning, Trumbull and Ashtabula counties are resilient, and
decision makers in the public and private sectors are seeing that collaboration and coordination are more valuable
than ever. Eastgate working with local partners to lead the charge. In 2017, the agency brought veteran economic
development practitioner- and former leader of the Ashtabula Growth Partnership- Don Ianone to town to discuss
a collaborative strategy towards prosperity in the region. It’s time to look at economic development differently, for
organizations to come out of their silos and to work together towards attracting and keeping good jobs here.
The Eastgate region will continue to lose population in the coming decades. It is important for our agency and our
economic development and planning partners to constantly be improving and adjusting our strategy to create
sustainable and inclusive growth.
2017 WARN Notices

24-Month Unemployment Rate 2016-2017
24-Month Unemployment in the EDD
The 24-month unemployment in the EDD is 6.5%, compared to Ohio at 5.0%, and the U.S. at 4.9% from January
2016 to December 2017. Compared to the previous 24-month period, unemployment rose in the EDD while Ohio
remained the same and nationally it fell. Ashtabula’s unemployment is unchanged at 6.0% while Mahoning rose
to 6.3% and Trumbull rose to 6.7%. The EDD’s unemployment is 1.6 points higher than the nation. Several times
throughout the year, the metro area had the highest unemployment in Ohio.
Unemployment Rate by County in 2016

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
U.S. 4.9 4.9 5.0 5.0 4.7 4.9 4.9 4.9 4.9 4.8 4.6 4.7
OH 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 4.9 4.9 4.9 4.9 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0
ASH 7.7 7.6 7.1 6.1 5.3 5.6 5.4 5.3 5.6 5.5 5.5 6.1
MAH 8.9 7.2 7.0 6.2 5.8 5.9 5.8 5.8 6.1 5.8 5.6 5.9
TRU 9.6 7.7 7.5 6.7 6.2 6.3 6.2 6.0 6.3 6.0 5.8 6.1
Unemployment Rate by County in 2017

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
U.S. 4.8 4.7 4.5 4.4 4.3 4.3 4.3 4.4 4.2 4.1 4.1 4.1
OH 5.0 5.1 5.1 5.0 4.9 5.0 5.2 5.4 5.3 5.1 4.8 4.7
ASH 8.0 7.5 6.4 5.3 5.1 5.8 5.8 5.7 5.2 5.3 5.2 5.9
MAH 7.5 7.9 8.7 6.0 5.8 6.6 8.1 6.6 7.5 5.9 5.5 5.9
TRU 7.8 8.4 9.2 6.2 6.1 6.8 8.7 6.9 7.9 6.0 5.6 6.1
Source: Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and Bureau of Labor Statistics
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
U.S. Ohio EDD

CANFIELD
STRUTHERS
CAMPBELL
YOUNGSTOWN
BELOIT
CRAIG BEACH
LOWELLVILLE
NEW
MIDDLETOWN
POLAND
WASHINGTONVILLE
SEBRING
WEST
FARMINGTON
ORANGEVILLE
YANKEE
LAKE
LORDSTOWN
MCDONALD
CORTLAND
NILES
WARREN
HUBBARD
NEWTON FALLS
GIRARD
680
680
76
76
76
80
80
0 2 41 Miles
No
Yes
UNEMPLOYMENT
1% ABOVE US
AVERAGE 2015 TO
2016

Per Capita Income
in the EDD
Based on the 2016
5-Year ACS numbers,
the per capita in the
EDD is 78% of the
national income of
$29,829, or below
the threshold set
by EDA of 80%.
Ashtabula County
remains below the
EDA threshold, while
Mahoning and
Trumbull counties
advance above it.
Per capita income
varies drastically from
census tract to tract in
the EDD.
CANFIELD
STRUTHERS
CAMPBELL
YOUNGSTOWN
BELOIT
CRAIG BEACH
LOWELLVILLE
NEW
MIDDLETOWN
POLAND
WASHINGTONVILLE
SEBRING
WEST
FARMINGTON
ORANGEVILLE
YANKEE
LAKE
LORDSTOWN
MCDONALD
CORTLAND
NILES
WARREN
HUBBARD
NEWTON FALLS
GIRARD
680
680
76
76
76
80
80
0 2 41 Miles
No
Yes
PER CAPITA
INCOME BELOW
EDA THRESHOLD
BY TRACT
U.S. $29,829 100%
Ohio $27,800 93%
EDD $23,358 78%
Ashtabula $20,978 70%
Mahoning $24,651 83%
Trumbull $24,522 82%
2016 Per Capita Money Income (5-Year ACS)Threshold Calculation
Source: StatsAmerica - U.S. Bureaus of Census, Labor Statics, and

ADJUSTMENT TO OUR STRATEGY
Under EDA guidelines, the CEDS should be updated every five years. Before 2016, Eastgate updated the CEDS
every three years. As we move forward with developing this strategy and engage our local partners, Eastgate
will continually adjust to better align with regional goals, objectives, and priorities. The goals of the CEDS for the
Eastgate region are as follows:
Workforce/Training & Education
Strengthen human capital for business growth and quality job creation.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Cultivate an environment where individuals learn and advance.
Access to Capital
Provide a network of services and capital for all.
Infrastructure & Site Development
Support the underpinning systems and programs that sustain competitiveness.
Industry & Business Climate
Assist existing and new businesses to encourage investment and increase wealth.
Quality of Life & Community Vitality
Generate a higher standard of living that is attractive to people of all ages.
The 2016 iteration of the CEDS included a Plan of Action, Performance Measures, Resiliency and Technical
Appendices. With additional staff and a renewed commitment to Economic Development planning, the agency will
continue to monitor and promote the CEDS while more actively engaging our community partners.
Our updated CEDS Plan of Action includes:
• Strengthening our Regional Economic Development Committee and creating working groups aligned with the six
CEDS pillars
• Enhancing our performance measures with the support of local partners
• Increasing project submissions through greater outreach and a simplified inquiry process
• Continued coordination and engagement with local partners in the public, private and non-profit sectors
• Intertwining the CEDS with regional transportation planning
• Utilizing the new Eastgate brand identity in CEDS-related publications and increased promotion across platforms

EVALUATION OF PROGRESS
The CEDS contains 125 identified actions across the six pillars. In the first year of 2016, 109 of the actions
progressed. In the second year of 2017, 10 more actions moved forward for a total of 119. Using the scorecard
below, each of the actions was individually rated to determine the advancement of each of the six pillars. From 2016
to 2017, Workforce/Training & Education advanced from 33% to 49% complete, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
advanced from 45% to 58% complete, Access to Capital advanced from 50% to 65% complete, Infrastructure &
Site Development advanced from 47% to 59% complete, Industry and Business Climate advanced from 56% to 64%
complete, and Quality of Life & Community Vitality advanced from 50% to 55% complete.
Score Card:
Pending – 0
Leadership Role Confirmed – 1
Plan in Place – 2
Progress Made – 3
Completed – 4
Workforce/Training
& Education
Innovation &
Entrepreneurship
Access to Capital
Infrastructure &
Site Development
Industry &
Business Climate
Quality of Life &
Community Vitality
64%
55%
Redefining Economic Growth Workshop
49%
58%
65%
59%

Workforce/Training & Education
Aligning Opportunities: Call to Action in Northeast Ohio
In June of 2017, Team NEO, the regional economic development arm for 18 counties including Mahoning, Trumbull
and Ashtabula, released a report titled, “Aligning Opportunities in Northeast Ohio.” Funded by the Cleveland
Foundation, the report shows that the supply of qualified workers in the region isn’t keeping pace with demand for
occupations in manufacturing, engineering, information technology, healthcare and finance. Though the study shows
misalignment between educational credentials and training and in-demand careers in Northeast Ohio, the news
should not be seen as bleak. The alignment report is a call to action to both the business community and institutions
of higher education to come together. For instance, there are not enough qualified workers in 11 of the 18 identified
business sectors. Additionally, by 2020, 65% of jobs will require some sort of post-secondary credential.
Commitment from the National Council on Higher Education (NOCHE), local workforce development boards and
successful models such as apprenticeship programs introduced by the Mahoning Valley Manufacturing Coalition
(MVMC) and the JobsNow promotional initiative of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, will continue to aid
our region in closing the gap between credentials awarded and locally in demand careers.
Collaborating to Prepare the Mahoning Valley for the Future
In October 2017, EDA awarded a $2 million grant to Youngstown State University to help fund the creation of the
MVICC in downtown Youngstown. The center will be used to foster cross-collaborative interdisciplinary projects
between STEM, business, health care, the arts and other fields.
The MVICC will create a space for advanced manufacturing training, instructional as well as general use, and will
train displaced and disadvantaged workers on the most modern advanced manufacturing equipment available
and support the need of highly skilled workers to local businesses.Clients of the center will be offered a variety
of workforce development and educational pathways that will enable them to navigate from entry-level to highly
skilled advanced manufacturing positions, enabling ongoing career versatility and adaptability while giving Valley
companies the opportunity to source local talent to stay competitive.
Closing the Digital Divide to Improve Education and Workforce Outcomes
Lack of dependable internet access creates many barriers for low-income residents of the region. Broadband access
and use of the internet has become essential to access educational materials, medical records, news and other
resources. In addition, job seekers are increasingly directed to search and apply for jobs online. The Youngstown-
Mahoning County Broadband Initiative demonstrates just how deep the digital divide runs in the Mahoning Valley
and aims to improve internet access for residents across age and skill levels.
In 2017, The Broadband Initiative- partnership composed of the Oak Hill Collaborative, the Western Reserve Port
Authority, Eastgate Regional Council of Governments, Connect Ohio and Connected Nation – executed a survey
of residents and business owners as part of a broadband technology action plan to improve the economic potential
of Youngstown and Mahoning County.The results of the survey found that 37% of households in Mahoning County,
many with school-age children, don’t have access broadband internet. To address concerns such as access,
expense, infrastructure investment and educational programming, the organizations involved with the Broadband
Initiative brought more local partners to the table. Government officials, library representatives, telecommunications
professionals, and technology startups are now part of the evolving Digital Literacy Working Group at Eastgate
aimed at addressing many facets of the issue, primarily how broadband internet access is vital for education and
workforce development.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship
New Leadership and Funding Give a Jolt to TBEIC
A $245,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission wa awarded to TBEIC. The grant will be used to
match funds provided by the state to build out the technical capabilities in TBEIC’s shared resources center. The
shared resource lab will be a regional testing facility that will lead to the attraction of entrepreneurs and businesses
to the city of Warren and the Mahoning Valley. It will include a grid-connectivity and simulation lab, as well as
an intelligent device lab, where IoT (Internet of Things) devices can be tested and certified per emerging industry
standards in a grid-connected environment. The center will also be used to help local industry make decisions
regarding investment in new energy-saving technologies through technical demonstrations and testing.
TBEIC provides support for early stage companies in various aspects of the energy industry and added a new Vice
President and Chief Operations Officer in 2017 to take the incubator to the next level
From Newspaper Printing to 3D Printing: YBI’s 5th Building Opens with Help from EDA
The world-renowned YBI opened its Tech Block Building No. 5 in December of 2017 with great anticipation. The
$5.7 million project provides space for early-stage companies developing additive manufacturing technology.
Funding for the building renovations included $1.5 million from the state and $500,000 from the City of Youngstown,
as well as $3 million from EDA.
According to YBI’s projection, Tech Block Building No. 5 the building will house 350 employees in five years, with
an average salary of $52,000, generating $18.2 million in direct payroll. Nearly 20,000 square feet of space is
available for tenants. Companies jumping at the opportunity to take advantage of the amenities offered on the YBI
Campus include Strangpresse LLC, Applied Systems and Technology Transfer (AST2) LLC and JuggerBot 3D.
Sign for MVICC - Aligning Opportunities in Northeast Ohio Report
- Rendering for MVICC - Volunteer Card for Broadband Survey -
Ribbon Cutting at YBI’s Tech Building No. 5

Collective Seeks to Provide More Coordinated Assistance to Entrepreneurs and Small Business
Evolving from the 2016 iteration of Eastgate CEDS, Mahoning Valley is for Entrepreneurs is a cross-sector initiative
aimed at providing technical and financial assistance to small businesses in the Mahoning Valley at all levels of their
development. Businesses in the region accounted for $35.8 billion in sales in 2015, according to the organization’s
charter. However, the need to encourage more startups and help early-stage companies is highlighted by statistics
that reflect the decline over 10 years in the number of businesses operating in the Valley.
The first phase of the initiative involved getting all players around the table, including organizations and agencies that
provide support including capital, financial analysis, growth and business planning and research and development.
While the Mahoning Valley has a wide breadth of resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners, the
efforts of assistance providers were not well coordinated. Mahoning Valley is for Entrepreneurs aims to fill gaps and
assist with the flow of information, so that no one falls through the cracks and there is a marked shift in how local
organizations think about contributing to a new entrepreneurial culture in the region.
With new staff on board to lead the initiative at Eastgate and a new interactive online portal to serve prospective
and existing entrepreneurs in the Valley, 2017 saw more momentum being built around Mahoning Valley is
for Entrepreneurs. Increased programming, client tracking and capacity building for individual agencies and
organizations are goals of the collective moving forward.
Access to Capital
Public-Private Partnership Creates “Fund for Warren’s
Future”
The City of Warren recently combined forces with two prominent
local businessmen and the Community Foundation of the Mahoning
Valley to establish the Fund for Warren’s future, a new entity designed
to support development projects in the city. Anthony Payiavlas, CEO
of AVI Foodsystems and Sam Covelli, CEO of Covelli Enterprises,
will match $50,000 provided by the City of Warren. Additionally,
both Payiavlas and Covelli have agreed to provide up to $50,000
to match contributions from individuals, businesses and institutions,
providing an initial $200,000 for the fund.
The goals of the fund include but are not limited to: encouraging
direct purchase of, or investment in, industrial, commercial and
residential properties in the city; promoting and supporting
entrepreneurial activity in the city through educational programs and
infrastructure development; and creating a proactive culture in the city
which acknowledges that growth is critical to Warren’s future.

Infrastructure & Site Development
Job Hubs: Addressing the Mismatch between Residents and Jobs
Industrial, commercial and residential development in Northeast Ohio has moved further outward in recent decades,
often favoring undeveloped “green field” sites. However, as development moves ever outward, the number of
people living in our region and the number of jobs located here has remained about the same. This leads to people
being increasingly disconnected from jobs. People are increasingly disconnected from jobs. This trend is even
worse for residents of low-income neighborhoods where lack of personal and public transportation makes it nearly
impossible for people to get to work.
The real costs of this mismatch are strikingly apparent: people spend more time and money commuting; businesses
struggle to fill open positions; municipalities spend on infrastructure to support new development while having to
maintain the underutilized assets left behind; and our environment suffers as air quality declines due to long, car-
based commutes. All of these factors, combined with the burden it places on wage earners, contribute to a decline in
our region’s competitiveness.
To address these challenges, Eastgate has joined forces with the Fund for Our Economic Future and other local
planning partners. After careful research and evaluation, the coalition has identified four Job Hubs in Mahoning and
Trumbull counties. They are the I-76/I-80 Hub, Austintown, the Golden Triangle, and the Mahoning River Corridor.
Eastgate’s job hubs have high concentrations of manufacturing and other industry.
Moving forward, the Fund, Eastgate and invested partners will continue to analyze regional Job Hubs to better
understand infrastructure needs, including workforce transportation.
Port Authority Helps Speed Redevelopment of Underutilized
Properties
Oftentimes, disposing of city-owned property is a cumbersome process
that does not exactly move at the speed of business. Under a new
agreement between the City of Warren and the Western Reserve Port
Authority, surplus city-owned property could be developed more
quickly. The agreement will allow the city to transfer property it owns but
no longer has suitable use for to the port authority, which can act at a
comparatively faster pace to develop it.
Through a mechanism provided in the Ohio Revised Code, Warren City
Council members can deem a property unneeded for municipal purpose
and transfer it to the port authority, which could then work directly with
a potential developer without having to put the site out for bid. This
streamlines the process and will further encourage private investment in
the City of Warren.
The first successful transfer under this agreement involved the disposal
and transfer of the SCOPE building along the Mahoning River in
Downtown Warren. A private developer was able to quickly acquire
the property and has plans to turn it into a winery, adding the budding
entertainment district that is shaping up on Courthouse Square.

Quality of Life
Industry& Business Climate
2017 Growth: Steady as It Goes
While 2017 was neither a good or bad year in the Eastgate region, unemployment remained relatively low and
investment locally showed promise. The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber leads the Mahoning Valley’s
aggressive business retention and expansion program. Covering Mahoning and Trumbull Counties, the Chamber
conducts visits with local companies per year in the target industries of manufacturing and warehousing/distribution.
Notable projects include expansions from Ohio Star Forge, Venture Plastics, Anderson DuBose and Trumbull
Industries. The Lordstown Energy Center, a $900 million natural gas-fueled electrical generation facility, has kept
construction trades in work. In the next twelve to 24 months, the Chamber expects to see $2 billion in additional
investment. This injection will create approximately 1,738 jobs resulting in a collective annual payroll of $38.2
million. The Ashtabula Growth Partnership kept pace to the north with six expansion projects and two attraction
projects totaling over $539,150,000 in investment. These projects will create 257 permanent jobs while supporting
more than 3,290 construction jobs.
Youngstown Native Delivers Refreshing Chill to East Side
In 2017 Mitchell Joseph’s company, Joseph Co. International, broke ground at 130 N. Lane Ave. for its $20 million-
plus facility. The Irvine, California-based company has the trademark to a self-chilling beverage can- which allows
a drink to be chilled in less than a minute by turning a knob on the can’s bottom. The Youngstown facility will house
both manufacturing and research and development functions and will employ more than 200 people once complete.
The site will consist of seven buildings and will be the future home of the Joseph Co. East Coast operations.
Healthy Community Partnership Takes Shape
The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley formally organized the “Healthy Community Partnership” in
2017 to strengthen and align grant-making efforts of its affiliated funds related to public health in the region. The
partnership has a long-term goal of improving health outcomes in Mahoning and Trumbull counties.
Using data on county health rankings and with input from area residents, the steering committee pinpointed Healthy
Eating and Active Living as its first priorities. It then further focused its efforts by forming action teams around three
evidence-based approaches – healthy food retail, active transportation and developing and improving parks and
green spaces.
The Healthy Community Partnership is funded through commitments from the Trumbull Memorial Health Foundation,
Western Reserve Health Foundation, the William Swanston Charitable Fund and several component funds of the
Community Foundation. More than $1.5 million has been secured to date to support staff, operations and on-the-
ground actions over the next three years.
Eastgate staff is heavily involved on action teams and steering activities of the partnership and, along with the
Community Foundation and its committed board, staff and partners, looks forward to working alongside residents to
elevate health outcomes in the Mahoning Valley.

Bike Trail for Downtown to Mill Creek Park
The City of Youngstown announced funding of the Center City to Mill Creek MetroParks Connector through the Ohio
Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Clean Ohio Trails Fund (COTF) in the amount of $500,000.00.
This grant directly supports the City of Youngstown’s goals to improve overall health and accessibility through the
design and construction of a safe bicycle and pedestrian shared-use path from the downtown and campus of
Youngstown State University and Mercy Health— to the second largest municipal park system in the United States,
Mill Creek MetroParks.
This project will create local and regional multi-modal links for Youngstown to existing and planned bicycle routes in
Boardman and Niles as well as State Bicycle Route 70 and the 110-mile Great Ohio Lake to River Greenway. The
City is committed to the local match requirement and any funding gaps within the projected total construction cost of
$873,001.81.
This award will support the recent $10.2 million funding request submitted by Eastgate Regional Council of
Governments in October 2017 to implement the SMAR2T Network. This grant application was submitted as part of
the Transportation Infrastructure Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program under the U.S. Department
of Transportation (DOT). This project accomplishes goals to increase access and connectivity set forth in the
Downtown Vision and Action Plan. The grant was submitted by the Youngstown State University Regional Economic
Development Initiative (REDI) on behalf of the City of Youngstown.
Rendering of Mill Creek MetroParks Connector

PERFORMANCE MEASURES
Performance measures allow for benchmarking of progress towards the vision and goals of the CEDS. The
Performance Measures for the CEDS demonstrate some of the key readily available statistics that support the six
pillars. Supervising these metrics will further highlight areas where there is a need for more analysis of best practices
and capacity-building. Given that the CEDS is integrating performance measures for the first time, the following are
baselines that will be updated as data becomes available and planning efforts are integrated.
Year over
Year
Compared
to National
Growth
Workforce/Training &
Education
Labor Force
Participation
Unemployment Rate
Skill Surplus
Sector-Led Initiatives
Innovation &
Entrepreneurship
Innovation Index
Number of
Establishments
SBIR Grants
Access to Capital
Venture Capital
Revolving Loan
Infrastructure & Site
Development
Transportation
Expenditure
Office & Retail
Vacancy
Industry & Business
Climate
Gross Domestic
Product
Total Exports of Goods
& Services
Quality of Life &
Community Vitality
County Health
Rankings
Livability Index
Opportunity Index
Median Household
Income
*methodology and sources in the CEDS

SCHEDULE OF 2017 PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Planning Partnership
Grant Management
Annual Report
Financial Report
Econ. & Demo.
Database
Monitor CD/ED
Stories in Media
CEDS
Updated CEDS
Monitor Project List
Monitor Resource
Guide
Monitor Planning
Documents
EDA Grants
Grant Preparation
Open Grant Coord.
& Monitoring
REDC
REDC Meetings
Membership Review
By-Law Review

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Technical Assistance
Workforce/Training
& Education
Innovation &
Entrepreneurship
Access to Capital
Infrastructure & Site
Development
Industry & Business
Climate
Quality of Life &
Community Vitality
Eastgate staff will continue to conduct technical assistance and engagement through the following committees and
working groups:
AWARE · Business Resource Network · Economic Action Group · Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County ·
Healthy Community Partnership · Invest Health · Mahoning Valley Manufacturer’s Coalition · Mahoning Valley
Young Professionals · Natural Resource Assistance Council · Northeast Ohio Sustainable Communities Consortium ·
NEOTEC · National Association of Regional Councils · Ohio Economic Development Association · Ohio Association
of Regional Councils · OH-PENN Competitiveness Council · Smart Growth America Technical Assistance · Taft
Promise Neighborhood · United Way Trumbull County · Warren/Trumbull Community Improvement Corporation ·
Warren NOW! · Workforce Development Board Area 17 · Workforce Development Board Area 18 · Youngstown
YWCA · Youngstown State University Regional Economic Development Initiative
COMMITTEES HOUSED AT EASTGATE
Eastgate Citizens Advisory Board · District 6 Public Works Integrating Committee · General Policy Board · Grow
Mahoning Valley · Mahoning River Corridor Initiative · Mahoning Valley GIS Partnership · Safe Communities:
Mahoning · Safe Communities: Trumbull · Mahoning Valley is for Entrepreneurs · Technical Advisory Committee ·
Water Quality Committee

REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
REDC was formed specifically for the CEDS planning process. This broad-based committee comes from across
the three-county region and represents government, private sector, nonprofit corporations, and higher education.
This committee has been actively involved in all aspects of the planning process and implementation of the CEDS.
In 2017, the bylaws were revised and became effective January 1st, 2018. The new bylaws and membership are
available on Eastgate’s website.
NAME SECTOR POSITION
Sarah Boyarko PRIVATE
Senior Vice President, Economic Development,
Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber
Bert Cene PUBLIC Director, Mahoning-Columbiana Training Association
Nick Coggins PUBLIC Economic Development Coordinator, Trumbull County Planning Commission
Michael Conway PRIVATE Executive Director, Mahoning Valley Economic Development Corporation
Michael Garvey PRIVATE President, M7 Technologies
Dr. Lance Grahn PUBLIC Dean and Chief Administrative Officer, Kent State University
Michael Hripko PUBLIC Associate Vice President for Research, Youngstown State University
Pat Kerrigan PRIVATE Executive Director, The Oak Hill Collaborative
Michael Keys PUBLIC Director, Warren Community Development Department
Sarah Lown PUBLIC Senior Manager, Western Reserve Port Authority
Greg Myers PRIVATE Director, Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County
James Pirko PRIVATE Commercial Real Estate Agent, Howard Hanna Commercial LLC
Laura Tubo PRIVATE Area Manager, First Energy
Sue Watson Private Project Coordinator - Workforce, Thomas P. Miller and Associates
Mark Winchell PRIVATE Executive Director, Ashtabula County 503 Corporation
T. Sharon Woodberry PUBLIC Director, Youngstown Community Planning & Economic Development

2017 Membership

2017 CEDS Annual Report

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2017 CEDS Annual Report