That 3,000 jobs are just the direct jobs. There's usually an economic multiplier from a new job being created that can range from 1.5 to 3.5. So with 3,000 new jobs in the Mahoning Valley, that could result in an additional 4,500 to 10,500 spin-off jobs created!

 

Yes, I am quoting myself! The reason is I want to add to what I wrote... At the rate the tube/pipe business is growing, I think Severstal will bring back everybody (1,100 jobs) to the Warren mill by the end of the year. Plus with the VXI expansion, that's another 200 jobs. So now we're approaching 4,500 direct jobs.

 

Applying the multiplier to that means 6,750 to 13,500 spin-off jobs, for a total of 11,250 to 18,000 new jobs coming to the valley over the next year or so.

 

And like I've posted in the "Youngstown-your Marcellus tool box!" there is a lot more jobs coming as a result of the Marcellus Basin -- perhaps the world's third-largest natural gas field that was a virtual unknown until 2007. And its immense size wasn't known until a report by geologists at Penn State University and the City University of New York, Fredonia, was released in 2008.

 

Now, the jobs created from tapping this natural gas field could top 1 million by the time all the gas is exhausted in perhaps 100 years from now.

1 MILLION new jobs for Youngstown would be GREAT for the region!  Again, I'm really, REALLY hoping that the city is able to make the most of it's geographic location. 

Good stuff

Actually, that's 1 million new jobs for the Marcellus region which covers eastern Ohio, most of Pennsylvania, the southern tier of New York and much of West Virginia (see map below). But I'm hopeful that Youngstown is positioning itself to capture much of the manufacturing business related to this immense field...

 

It's going to take some time over the coming year for the recently announced burst of new jobs to show up in the stats. When they do, rates like these will fall fast.....

 

Unemployment Rates Rise in Valley

March 11, 2010 6:46 a.m.

 

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The city of Youngstown's 14.9% unemployment rate in January was among the highest of Ohio’s cities for the month, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services reported Wednesday. Only Sandusky, with 15.9% unemployment, and Barberton, with 15.0% unemployment, posted higher jobless rates for the month.

 

Not seasonally adjusted, the city’s jobless rate was substantially higher than the Ohio unadjusted rate for the month of 11.8%, and the U.S. unadjusted rate of 10.6%. According to the newly released data, Ohio’s jobless rate was up from 10.7% in December 2009 and from 9.6% a year ago. The U.S. unadjusted rate for January was up from 9.7% in December and from 8.5% in January 2009.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://business-journal.com/clients/business-journal/unemployment-rates-rise-in-valley-p15923.htm?twindow=Default&smenu=1&mad=No

 

Williams Sees Help Coming from D.C.;

City Could Be Policy Demonstration Site

March 12, 2010 7:02 a.m.

By George Nelson

 

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Youngstown and three other cities impacted by the automobile industry could know by May whether the Obama Administration will use the four communities as demonstration sites for using federal resources to address issues such as land use and economic development, Mayor Jay Williams said.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://business-journal.com/clients/business-journal/williams-sees-help-coming-from-dcbrcity-could-be-policy-demonstration-p15939.htm?twindow=Default

 

I noticed that Cleveland was one of the other cities that participated.  I havent heard anything about this in the Cleveland news. 

Software company expects growth with German partner

 

Published: Tue, March 23, 2010 @ 12:06 a.m.By DON SHILLING

[email protected]

 

YOUNGSTOWN

A software company based in the Youngstown Business Incubator is expecting rapid growth as it partners with a German company that will promote its product.

 

Between 10 and 15 workers are expected to be hired this year at Zethus Software, with an additional 30 next year.

 

Brad Myers, chief executive of the downtown company, said he figures to have more than 100 employees in four years as Zethus expands its software development, research and development, and customer support staff.

 

http://www.vindy.com/news/2010/mar/23/software-company-expects-growth-with-ger/

Great news! So is this. If I remember right, this project is supposed to bring about 400 permanent jobs. The good jobs news just keeps on coming.....

 

City Amends Debt Deal on Exal Loan

March 24, 2010 6:42 a.m.

By George Nelson

 

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Exal Corp. is refinancing about $250 million of its existing debt, a maneuver a city official says should improve prospects for a proposed $400 million expansion locally.

 

.....

 

Exal, which manufactures containers for beverages, health and beauty aids and other consumer products at its plant in the city’s Performance Place Business Park, is considering a $400 million expansion at the city’s Salt Springs Road Industrial Park. Last month, CEO Delfin Gibert predicted that a groundbreaking could come as early as April, contingent on Exal’s ability to arrange financing.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://business-journal.com/clients/business-journal/city-amends-debt-deal-on-exal-loan-p16039.htm?twindow=Default&smenu=1&mad=No

Need a job? Move to Youngstown (who'd think of saying that after the last 30 years?).....

 

InfoCision calls for hiring 400 for centers

Published: Wed, March 24, 2010 @ 12:09 a.m.

InfoCision interviews at 2 Valley sites today

 

By DON SHILLING

 

[email protected]

 

The number of call- center workers in the Mahoning Valley is soon to exceed 4,000 as InfoCision Management Corp. expands its Austintown and Boardman staffs.

 

The Akron-based company is adding 400 workers in the area and is conducting interviews today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the two centers.

 

InfoCision already employs nearly 1,000 workers in Austintown and Boardman, making it one of the larger operators of call centers in the Mahoning Valley.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.vindy.com/news/2010/mar/24/infocision-calls-for-hiring-400-for-cent/

A tremendous turnout! And with the great news of the past few months, why not!!

 

Chamber Celebrates Good News of Past Year

March 26, 2010 6:48 a.m.

By Dennis LaRue

 

BOARDMAN, Ohio -- The atmosphere at the annual meeting of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber Thursday was one of gaiety, celebration and laughter as the speakers gave each other figurative high-fives in recounting the good news the Mahoning Valley has enjoyed during the last year.

 

With nearly 600 filling Mr. Anthony’s, the chamber’s annual meeting was the best attended in a decade, chamber President and CEO Thomas M. Humphries noted.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://business-journal.com/clients/business-journal/chamber-celebrates-good-news-of-past-year-p16066.htm?twindow=Default&smenu=1&mad=No

Cross-posted from the "Youngstown- Your Marcellus Tool Box" thread (http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,22242.0.html). I wondered what that skeleton of steel was between I-680 and Poland Avenue. See the pics at the website...

 

 

Dearing Compressor Expands Thanks to Marcellus Shale

Last Update: 3/30 10:05 pm

 

Dearing Compressor and Pump, which packages natural gas compressors, opened in 1945.

 

Thanks to the Marcellus Shale, a natural gas deposit four hours away in Pennsylvania, business continues to grow 65 years later. So much so that officials at Dearing started building a new production facility.

 

The nearly 50,000-square-foot expansion is by no means the first one for Dearing. Its actually the third in a 10 year period.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.foxyoungstown.com/content/news/local/story/Dearing-Compressor-Expands-Thanks-to-Marcellus/WzUuNPAniEqvyKhuLQp4AQ.cspx

VXI Mulls $2.7M Expansion, 500 More Jobs

http://business-journal.com/clients/business-journal/vxi-mulls-m-expansion-more-jobs-p16178.htm?twindow=Default&smenu=1&mad=No

April 8, 2010 10:08 a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- City Council last night approved up to $650,000 in incentives to encourage VXI Global Solutions Inc. to expand its call center operations at 20 Federal Place.

Their growth is amazing -- I'm referring to VXI's and the city's!

BTW, you all might enjoy this (it's a bit dated already with all the positive news in recent months, but the young leaders from the area assure lots of positive energy for a while).....

 

http://westfordlife.com/documents/Top10ReasonstoTakeASecondLook_000.pdf

 

Plus there's this month-old blog that's a cool read, especially near the end of it regarding the people he knows who came back....

 

A remarkable time to be in Youngstown

Youngstown — Posted on March 5, 2010 at 10:57 am

 

We’ve taken it on the chin and had a generous share of speed bumps for many years. That only makes the times we’re living in more remarkable.

 

Professionally, I’ve had a surge of projects in 2010 that has kept me from blogging actively. I’ve added about a dozen clients in about as many weeks, and I’m trying to spend spare time with family and friends.

 

Personally, I’m just so grateful to be in Youngstown right now. The economic development news has been incredible.....

 

READ MORE AT:

http://tylersclark.com/blog/2010/03/a-remarkable-time-to-be-in-youngstown/

VXI Mulls $2.7M Expansion, 500 More Jobs

http://business-journal.com/clients/business-journal/vxi-mulls-m-expansion-more-jobs-p16178.htm?twindow=Default&smenu=1&mad=No

April 8, 2010 10:08 a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- City Council last night approved up to $650,000 in incentives to encourage VXI Global Solutions Inc. to expand its call center operations at 20 Federal Place.

 

Strange that they had that article yesterday and this article today....

 

City Working to Secure VXI Expansion

April 9, 2010 6:42 a.m.

By George Nelson

 

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- VXI Global Solutions Inc. is expected to announce within a month whether it will move forward with a $2.7 million expansion that would double employment at its downtown call center.

 

The city and Los Angeles-based VXI are still in discussions regarding the company leasing the fifth floor of 20 Federal Place, just above its existing call center, said T. Sharon Woodberry, city economic development director.

 

When VXI opened its call center on the fourth floor of 20 Federal last fall, its lease contained a provision giving it an option on the 31,000-square-foot space above it. The company had projected hiring 500 employees within its first year, a target it is on track to reach by next month. The potential expansion is projected to mean another 500 workers.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://business-journal.com/clients/business-journal/city-working-to-secure-vxi-expansion-p16187.htm?twindow=Default&smenu=1&mad=No

Client Needs Move Up VXI Decision;

Good Work Force Key to Expansion Site

April 12, 2010 6:42 a.m.

By George Nelson

 

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Increased demand for services from new and existing clients is accelerating the timetable for VXI Global Solutions Inc. to consider expansion at its Youngstown call center.

 

VXI, which just last October opened a inbound call center at 20 Federal Place, would need to be in its new space by August or early September to meet “some capacity requirements that are more immediate,” said Nick Covelli, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Los Angeles-based VXI.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://business-journal.com/clients/business-journal/client-needs-move-up-vxi-decisionbrgood-work-force-key-to-expansion-site-p16199.htm?twindow=Default&smenu=1&mad=No

A friend of mine who is a well-known economic researcher here in Northeast Ohio responded to a suggestion I had after he read all the depressing economic data in Ohio's newspapers this morning:

 

ME: "Perhaps you should read the Youngstown Vindicator for good economic news. Yes, I'm not smoking something. They are hurting like everyone else now, but by my calculations there's more than 11,000 jobs coming to the Mahoning Valley over the next year!"

 

HIM: "No, Ken. You are not smoking something. It is true that for the last few weeks Youngstown-Warren had the least elevated level of new unemployment claims among Ohio cities. In the three county Mahoning Valley area, Mahoning County actually is currently seeing new unemployment claims that are actually down to 'job growth' levels."

Hopefully, more locals will start to see this, too.

I shared it with the Youngstown media and got a call back from someone at WKBN trying to locate my researcher friend.

Is his name George Zeller?

http://www.wkbn.com/content/news/local/story/Analyst-Sees-Economic-Growth-in-Valley/CdY0Dbr3UEGXvcKzRhEq3A.cspx

Yes

Unfortunately, Mr. Zeller has lost all credibility for many who have connected the WKBN story with this one:

 

Valley jobless rate rises again

Published: Wed, April 21, 2010 @ 12:10 a.m.

By GRACE WYLER

 

[email protected]

 

YOUNGSTOWN

 

Unemployment in Youngstown reached its highest level in more than 15 years in March.

 

The city’s jobless rate rose to 15.1 percent, up from 14.5 percent in February and 13.6 percent in March 2009, the state reported Tuesday.

 

...

 

In Mahoning County, the jobless rate rose to 14.4 percent last month, up from 13.7 percent in February. The county unemployment rate was 12.3 percent in March 2009.

 

More:

http://www.vindy.com/news/2010/apr/21/by-grace-wyler/

You do realize the difference between the unemployment rate and the number of new unemployment claims, right? They are two different measuring sticks. One tells you where are (unemployment rate), the other tells you where you are going (new unemployment claims).

You do realize the difference between the unemployment rate and the number of new unemployment claims, right? They are two different measuring sticks. One tells you where are (unemployment rate), the other tells you where you are going (new unemployment claims).

 

I somewhat understand that.  I tried to explain it (probably incorrectly) here: http://mahoningvalley.info/forum/index.php?topic=8009.0

Please let me know if the link doesn't work.

I like Mayor Williams...

 

Hermitage's LindenPointe Celebrates Growth

April 29, 2010 7:14 a.m.

By Dan O'Brien

 

HERMITAGE, Pa. -- Two major projects under way in this city stand to create a new business culture that will enable the Shenango and Mahoning valleys to emerge more economically diversified and competitive.

 

So said officials during a groundbreaking Wednesday at the LindenPointe Innovative Business Campus that launched construction of an expansion of Butler County Community College and the new Technology Center of Excellence.

 

....In a show of solidarity, Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams attended the event and told the crowd "we will rise an fall as a region."

 

 

READ MORE AT:

http://business-journal.com/clients/business-journal/hermitages-lindenpointe-celebrates-growth-p16345.htm?twindow=Default&smenu=1&mad=No

Two good-news stories from the past week.....

 

Downtown Business Rocks with Elton John

May 3, 2010 6:48 a.m.

By Dan O'Brien

 

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The ear-splitting cheers of the audience were still reverberating throughout downtown a day after one of the most celebrated pop stars in the history of show business rocked the city.

 

"What a great night," Chuck Sop, owner of the Rosetta Stone Café on West Federal Street, said Sunday. "Our place was jam packed by 11:30," he reported, referring to the concertgoers that funneled into his restaurant from downtown's Covelli Centre Saturday evening after Sir Elton John finished a blazing, nearly three-hour show that encompassed the singer/songwriter's 40 years in popular music.

 

Crowds meandered downtown throughout most of the night, injecting a life and spirit that would have been unthinkable a decade or so earlier when the downtown was dismissed by many as a lost cause. But for Elton John fans – most of who were in their 40s, 50s and 60s – the activity downtown was reminiscent of an age when the central business district thumped constantly as the heart and soul of the Mahoning Valley.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://business-journal.com/clients/business-journal/downtown-business-rocks-with-elton-john-p16368.htm?twindow=Default&smenu=1&mad=No

 

And I will continue to argue for a brand-name hotel in downtown Youngstown. If security or reputation is that big of a worry, hire an-duty police officer! KJP

 

Hotels Sold Out but Not from Concert

May 3, 2010 6:42 a.m.

By George Nelson

 

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- This weekend was a good one for hotel operators in the Mahoning Valley, even without taking into account Saturday's Elton John concert downtown.

 

In fact, while several area hotels reported that they were booked at or close to capacity, only one attributed a substantial portion of bookings to the rock legend's local performance.

 

The Holiday Inn Boardman's general manager, Mike Moliterno, said about 25% of his bookings for Saturday night were tied to the concert. "It's definitely helping us," he said, with golf groups and others accounting for the hotel's remaining bookings.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://business-journal.com/clients/business-journal/hotels-sold-out-but-not-from-concert-p16366.htm?twindow=Default&smenu=1&mad=No

A TREMENDOUS six-page article about Youngstown's revival as a center for advanced manufacturing, technology and entrepreneurial spirit....

 

Semper Youngstown

Youngstown, Ohio, of all places, is attempting to reinvent itself as a technology center.

By Bill Donahue |  May 1, 2010

 

There are no hotels in Youngstown, Ohio, population 82,000, and there is no real airport, either. Even before you get there, you have a sense of the place as somehow gutted of commerce. But then you roll into the city, over the highway, and you shudder a bit, for the skyline is sublime. Here is the Central Tower, a graceful 17-story art deco sliver that narrows, à la the Empire State Building, as it reaches its peak. Here, beside it, is the older, more earthbound Huntington Bank building, with its white terra cotta façade.

 

Both of these structures were built for the ages, before 1930, when Youngstown was among the three largest steel producers in the U.S., with a population of 170,000 and dozens of foundries. Wealthy financiers lived upwind from the smokestacks then, in Doric-columned manses on Millionaire's Row. The mansions are still there.

 

You don't really apprehend how desolate Youngstown has become until you pull off the highway and begin navigating the potholes of Southern Boulevard. Here's a concrete-block convenience store with bars on the windows. On some streets nearby, up to 40 percent of the houses are vacant, and down the hill, 200 yards or so from the mayor's office, the brick, hangarlike Wean Steel plant stands vacant amid high, tawny grass. With a 13.7 percent unemployment rate and 3,500 vacant buildings, Youngstown is depressed, failed postindustrial America in distilled form.

 

Keep driving. Turn left onto the city's main drag, West Federal Street,―and then, eventually, you see something weird: a newish green awning, printed with shiny metal lettering. Youngstown Business Incubator, it says. Inside is a guy, Jim Cossler, who calls himself the incubator's "chief evangelist." Cossler is a scrappy fellow, 55 years old and sparely built, balding, with a habit of ducking out onto the street to furtively light cigarettes, his hands fluttering a bit as he cups the match in the wind.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.inc.com/magazine/20100501/semper-youngstown.html

According to this Vindy article, the Inc. Magazine article has already brought more business to the city.

 

Inc. also thinks Youngstown has a bright future

 

Published: Thu, May 6, 2010 @ 12:10 a.m.

By GRACE WYLER

 

[email protected]

 

YOUNGSTOWN

 

Youngstown may be poised to reinvent itself as a high-tech business center of the new century, according to an article in the May issue of Inc. magazine.

 

The magazine, which hit the stands this week, is the latest to tout the city’s determination to break from its reputation of corruption and economic failure and attract new businesses and ideas.

 

...

 

A start-up from Austin, Texas, that was considering relocating to the incubator decided to make the move after seeing the article, Cossler said.

 

http://www.vindy.com/news/2010/may/06/inc-also-thinks-youngstown-has-a-bright-/

Awesome! Power of the pen!

Shrinking right: How Youngstown, Ohio, is miles ahead of Detroit

Terry Parris Jr.

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

 

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- By the summer of 2002, Youngstown had lost more than 100,000 residents, more than half of its population just a few decades earlier. The city had convened focus groups of community stakeholders to find a way out. Common themes came up in these groups: We're not the Youngstown we used to be; we won't be that Youngstown ever again; and we need to shrink to survive.

 

Does that sound familiar, Detroit?

 

A few months later, a few days before Christmas, leaders planned a citywide meeting, co-convened by Youngstown State University President David Sweet and then Mayor George McKelvey. It was to be the culmination of the focus group work. City hall had no idea how many people would actually show up. They thought a few hundred people would be a success.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://modeldmedia.com/features/ytown05022010.aspx

State Grant for McDonald's Warehouse

May 11, 2010 7:02 a.m.

 

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The State Controlling Board has approved a $36,000 Rapid Outreach Grant to support a proposed warehouse in Trumbull County that would supply 488 McDonald's restaurants in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

 

The grant, approved Monday, would be used to assist Anderson-Dubose inc., based in Solon, to finance the acquisition of new machinery and equipment for a 130,000-square-foot warehouse it plans to build somewhere in Trumbull County. The company, founded in 1991, distributes food, paper and beverage products primarily to McDonald's restaurants. It plans to consolidate operations in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://business-journal.com/clients/business-journal/state-grant-for-mcdonalds-warehouse-p16432.htm?twindow=Default&smenu=1&mad=No

A good, long article worth reading...

 

Domestic Steel Industry on the Rebound

May 13, 2010 7:02 a.m.

By Dan O'Brien

 

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – In an increasingly competitive global market, the domestic steel industry possesses significant advantages over companies that ship their products to the United States.

 

....Increased drilling in the shale was one factor in V&M Star's decision to pump $650 million into its Youngstown plant so it could produce OCGT pipe for the energy market.

 

Also, TMK-IPSCO recently cut the ribbon on its $10 million investment in Brookfield where that company intends to process pipe and tube for natural gas exploration.

 

..."Our two biggest concerns right now are availability and pricing," says Mark Marvin, president of Reinforcement Systems, a new company building a new plant in Warren. The project is expected to cost between $20 million and $25 million.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://business-journal.com/clients/business-journal/domestic-steel-industry-on-the-rebound-p16453.htm?twindow=Default&smenu=1&mad=No

This could also go in the Youngstown your "Marcellus tool box" thread but I'll keep it here for now....

 

President Obama's destination: A Youngstown-area steel plant expanding with stimulus help

By Stephen Koff, The Plain Dealer

May 14, 2010, 2:04PM

 

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama will visit V&M Star in the Youngstown area on Tuesday, an opportunity to talk about economic recovery fueled at least partly by the economic stimulus bill passed last year. The trip was announced yesterday but the specific loation was not known until now.

 

V&M in February announced a $650 million expansion in Trumbull and Mahoning counties, a project that's supposed to create 350 jobs and keep 400 more. News of the V&M expansion was cheered by Gov. Ted Strickland in February, who credited Ohio's use of $20 million in stimulus money that helped pay for road improvements and the relocation of rail lines near the current V&M Star Steel Pipe Production Facility.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2010/05/president_obamas_destination_v.html

Turns out the location is on the west side of the river from downtown...

 

One-Stop Opens Office at Oakhill Place

May 18, 2010 6:46 a.m.

By Jeremy Lydic

 

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- As the economic recovery slowly gains momentum and begins to create jobs, the Mahoning County One-Stop is expanding its services to Oakhill Renaissance Place to provide easier access to employment services.

 

...Small businesses are starting to bring back furloughed workers, but not all the open spots are being filled, Borza said. Companies, especially in manufacturing and health care, are posting jobs with One-Stop, and while the jobs are coming in smaller numbers, Youngstown is enjoying better momentum compared to other parts of Ohio, she said.

 

“Youngstown is really starting the recovery,” Borza said. “When we talk to our colleagues across the state, we’re not hearing the good news at the rate that we’re hearing here in Youngstown and the surrounding counties. So that also makes me optimistic.”

 

READ MORE AT:

http://business-journal.com/clients/business-journal/onestop-opens-office-at-oakhill-place-p16494.htm?twindow=Default&smenu=1&mad=No

Turns out the location is on the west side of the river from downtown...

 

One-Stop Opens Office at Oakhill Place

May 18, 2010 6:46 a.m.

By Jeremy Lydic

 

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- As the economic recovery slowly gains momentum and begins to create jobs, the Mahoning County One-Stop is expanding its services to Oakhill Renaissance Place to provide easier access to employment services.

 

...Small businesses are starting to bring back furloughed workers, but not all the open spots are being filled, Borza said. Companies, especially in manufacturing and health care, are posting jobs with One-Stop, and while the jobs are coming in smaller numbers, Youngstown is enjoying better momentum compared to other parts of Ohio, she said.

 

Youngstown is really starting the recovery, Borza said. When we talk to our colleagues across the state, were not hearing the good news at the rate that were hearing here in Youngstown and the surrounding counties. So that also makes me optimistic.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://business-journal.com/clients/business-journal/onestop-opens-office-at-oakhill-place-p16494.htm?twindow=Default&smenu=1&mad=No

 

That's great news, but I'm confused by your first statement.  Did this article, or some other lead you to believe Oakhill Renaissance Place was somewhere else?

Nah, I didn't know where it was. I wish reporters would provide more detail describing where things are. In the Internet age, they can't assume that everyone who is reading their local articles are from the local area.

 

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the Oakhill Renaissance Place was not only in the city of Youngstown, but almost downtown.

Cross-posted from the Obama thread....

 

Obama Localizes Themes for Valley Audience

May 18, 2010 1:55 p.m.

 

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – President Barack Obama sounded familiar themes in his remarks today at V&M Star as he tailored his speech to the Mahoning Valley audience and added conversational asides when departing from his prepared text.

 

"Plenty of folks here have known their own private recessions for 30 years -- even if they haven’t seen one like this, with an unemployment rate here at 14% and families having a tougher time than they’d ever imagined," the president said. "Plenty of folks probably aren’t impressed by another president swooping in to talk to you about the economy, either -- not when the only headline they want to see is 'You’re Hired.' "

 

Obama quickly underscored how federal stimulus funding is helping to pay for $20 million worth of infrastructure improvements at the V&M expansion site, "revitalizing the site next door, preparing it for new construction, and building a rail spur that connects to the Norfolk Southern line that runs through town."

 

READ MORE AT:

http://business-journal.com/clients/business-journal/obama-localizes-themes-for-valley-audience-p16503.htm?twindow=Default&smenu=1&mad=No

Nah, I didn't know where it was. I wish reporters would provide more detail describing where things are. In the Internet age, they can't assume that everyone who is reading their local articles are from the local area.

 

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the Oakhill Renaissance Place was not only in the city of Youngstown, but almost downtown.

 

In addition to that, I'm also happy that this giant hospital complex didn't turn into a huge, vacant, dangerous eyesore.  I believe there has been discussion of the Oakhill purchase on this site, so you're probably aware that it was close to becoming just that.

The only time presidents would visit Youngstown is when they were candidates, promising help but vanishing after they were elected. They didn't want to be associated with such a toxic political environment. But now, since presidents like to be associated with success....

 

Obama Shines Spotlight on Steel's Rebirth

May 19, 2010 7:02 a.m.

By Dan O'Brien

 

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- For Rob Fedor, there's never been a more exciting time in the 43 years he's worked in the steel plant that is today V&M Star.

 

It isn't just the visit of president Barack Obama to the mill Tuesday that fuels the steelworker's optimism. For the first time in years, Fedor says he senses a profound commitment from a company that wants to invest in the American worker and compete toe-to-toe with the rest of the world.

 

"I was here when this plant was still Youngstown Sheet and Tube," Fedor said as he waited with 150 co-workers to hear the president speak after Obama took a short tour of V&M Star's Youngstown plant. "I've seen everything -- I saw this plant go from 2,000 employees to 80. It's really something that's going on now."

 

What's going on is a complete reversal of fortune from the five decades of decline Fedor witnessed as the steel industry in the Mahoning Valley retrenched and shed 30,000 jobs.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://business-journal.com/clients/business-journal/obama-shines-spotlight-on-steels-rebirth-p16512.htm?twindow=Default&smenu=1&mad=No

This article seems more about the general economy of the valley and not just V&M/steel unlike the other articles about Obama's visit in the valley steel thread...

 

Obama touts stimulus payoff

Published: Wed, May 19, 2010 @ 12:01 a.m.

By DAVID SKOLNICK

[email protected]

YOUNGSTOWN

 

President Barack Obama didn’t come to V&M Star with money for economic development in the Mahoning Valley or an offer to provide assistance to help the area’s struggling economy.

 

But Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams said Obama is helping the Valley.

 

Just by coming to the area Tuesday to highlight V&M’s $650 million expansion draws national attention to what’s happening here and what the area has to offer to businesses, Williams said.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.vindy.com/news/2010/may/19/obama-touts-stimulus-payoff/

Youngstown, OH: The Rebirth Of A City

May 18, 2010 - 2:09 PM | by: Ruth Ravve

 

YOUNGSTOWN OHIO- President Obama chose this suffering rust belt community as an example for his speech on jobs and the economy, part of his "Main Street" tour of America.

 

The President wants to show how stimulus money is helping a dying community turn itself around, to "revitalize and redirect" their plans, "We encouraged the private sector...in order to get the economy moving" Obama says.

 

Youngstown leaders say they've been making drastic changes here, trying to pump life back into the economy, as the city grows from the ashes of what was once a thriving, steel manufacturing community. Now, one of every four people reportedly lives in poverty. The unemployment rate is at a staggering 14%, one of the highest in the country. This city that once had 170,000 residents, is now down to less than an estimated 73,000.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://liveshots.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/05/18/youngstown-oh-the-rebirth/?test=latestnews

When a co-worker came back to the office from his lunchtime walk, he said he saw a news crew setting up somewhere downtown, and asked if we could guess where.  Well, my first guess was across the street from the Paramount Theater.  Apparently, it was FOX News.

Do you notice that we're the only two people (with some exceptions) posting articles in this and other Youngstown-Warren threads? I wish more people would notice and get involved in what's going in Youngstown. Here's a great place to learn about it....

 

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=527965361&ref=ts

Well, we've certainly dominated this page.  I'm hoping there are some lurkers who are using this thread to keep tabs on Youngstown, but don't feel they have much to contribute.  (I'm a lurker on several other threads here, for that reason)

Simon Roofing bringing jobs home

 

Published: Thu, May 20, 2010 @ 12:01 a.m.

By GRACE WYLER

 

[email protected]

 

STRUTHERS

 

A family-owned business based in the Mahoning Valley for more than 100 years has made another major investment in the community with the addition of a new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant and sports complex.

 

Simon Roofing, which makes and installs commercial roofing and flooring products, recently opened a new 42,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at 276 State St.

 

http://www.vindy.com/news/2010/may/20/bringing-jobs-home-simon-roofing-opens-factory-str/

The numbers are still high, but many of the recently announced new or recalled jobs won't start to take effect until this spring or summer...

 

Valley's Jobless Rates Drop in April

May 26, 2010 6:39 a.m.

 

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Unemployment rates around the Mahoning Valley dropped in April from the month before, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services reported Tuesday.

 

The Valley's jobless rate fell by more than two percentage points over the month, from 14.5% in March to 12.4% last month, and was also down from the 12.7% rate posted in April 2009.

 

The Youngstown-Warren-Boardman metropolitan statistical area, which encompasses Mahoning and Trumbull counties and Mercer County, Pa., fell to 12.3% in April from 14.0% in March, and was up modestly from 12.2% in April 2009.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://business-journal.com/clients/business-journal/valleys-jobless-rates-drop-in-april-p16565.htm?twindow=Default&smenu=1&mad=No

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Revitalizing downtown revitalization group

 

YOUNGSTOWN - A disbanded downtown revitalization group may be the subject to its own revitalization, if a meeting at the Lemon Grove Café is any indication.

 

It was a packed house at the Federal Street bar and restaurant to discuss the Youngstown Arts and Entertainment Association. It was an informal discussion about the past, present and future of YAEDA.

 

Lemon Grove owner Jacob Harver introduced the evening by saying that Joe Iesue, founder of the Civic Enterprise Network, was looking to organize downtown Youngstown business owners.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://valley24.com/news/2010/may/27/revitalizing-downtown-revitalization-group/

First Place Announces $80 Million Offering

June 4, 2010 6:30 a.m.

 

WARREN, Ohio -- First Place Financial Corp. plans to sell $80 million worth of common stock, the number of shares to be offered and the price range yet to be determined, the company announced Thursday.

 

As an initial step in this process, First Place said, a registration statement was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

"The offering is part of a capital strategy designed to build on the company's strengths and improve its results," First Place said in its news release. "The proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes which may include organic growth and acquisition opportunities, including possible participation in FDIC-assisted transactions."

 

READ MORE AT:

http://business-journal.com/clients/business-journal/first-place-announces-million-offering-p16644.htm?twindow=Default

Another example that Ohio's (and possibly the nation's) economic recovery is being paced by the Mahoning Valley...

 

Homebuilders Hammer Away at Recovery

June 18, 2010 6:48 a.m.

By Jeremy Lydic

 

CANFIELD, Ohio -- While new housing construction plunged nationally in May, the Home Builders Association of Mahoning Valley reports local homebuilders are seeing recovery take hold.

 

Permits fell 17% nationally, but local housing starts stayed relatively level with last year, said the Home Builder’s executive director, Joshua Aikens.

 

Housing starts to date compared to June 30, 2009, fell slightly to 36 in Mahoning County, down from 39 at this time last year. Trumbull County's year-to-date housing starts increased to 22, up from 20 as of June 30, 2009. The numbers show an “unbelievable change from what we’ve experienced over the last couple of years,” Aikens said. Mahoning County endured 50% decreases annually from 2007 to 2008, and from 2008 to 2009. Similarly, Trumbull County saw a decrease of 50% from 2007 to 2008, and more than 60% from 2008 to 2009.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://business-journal.com/clients/business-journal/homebuilders-hammer-away-at-recovery-p16750.htm?twindow=Default&smenu=1&mad=No