On Thursday, March 17, officials from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), US Economic Development Administration (EDA), and Ohio Governor’s Office of Appalachia visited Youngstown.
Gayle Manchin, Federal Co-Chair of the ARC announced $21 million in funding from the latest round of the ARC’s POWER Initiative, including $1.35 million for the Youngstown Business Incubator. Following the announcement, a roundtable discussion was held, with Alejandra Castillo, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development for the EDA, and John Carey, Director of the Governor’s Office of Appalachia participating.
Several other entities from Appalachian states were represented as well, discussing the future of the Appalachian region.
Following the discussion, Manchin toured the Youngstown Business Incubator. Secretary Castillo went on a tour of several sites in the area, highlighting sites that have benefited from EDA funding, and showing sites that hope to receive EDA funding. Director Carey went on a tour of sites relevant to the ARC, including Campbell City School District, United Way of Trumbull, and Ashtabula County Airport Authority.
Eastgate took part in both tours, with representatives accompanying both Secretary Castillo and Director Carey. The day presented a great opportunity for those invested in the development of the local region to show the needs and potential of the area.
Eastgate's Exectutive Director Jim Kinnick and ARC Program Manager Kathy Zook with ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin.
Manchin, Carey, Castillo and others at the round table discussion.
Eastgate's Director Jim Kinnick and Economic Development Planner Mark Ragozine with Assistant Secretary Castillo on a tour of the Youngstown State University Excellence Training Center.
Co-Chair Manchin on a tour of the Youngstown Business Incubator.