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Ryan Unveils 'Youngstown Maker City Initiative'
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- The Youngstown Maker City Initiative was unveiled today by U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-13, who says it is a direct response to President Obama’s call last month for the creation of "maker cities."
"The Youngstown Maker City Initiative builds on the strength of our community’s manufacturing heritage by pledging to support local efforts that drive economic growth, create jobs, promote new collaborations, inspire our youth and strengthen STEM-based learning opportunities," Ryan said.
The Initiative is a combined effort of the congressman's office, America Makes, The Youngstown Business Incubator, The Mahoning County Convention and Visitors Bureau and others. In addition, Youngstown State University will participate in the Maker University Initiative.
The Youngstown Maker City kickoff week will be held July 31 to Aug. 4. During that week, America Makes will host Make: Magazine’s “3-D Printer Shootout” at its Youngstown headquarters -- welcoming editors, writers and staff from the premier DIY electronics magazine as they conduct thorough tests of 3-D printers for their 3-D printer review issue. The week's events will feature a VIP reception Aug. 4 for invited guest and media and a public, family-friendly event July 31, with local makers showcasing their talents, 3-D printer demonstrations as well as a tour of the America Makes facility.
The official "Maker City pledge" will take place July 31 with Ryan outlining how the community plans to strengthen current Maker programs and create new ones within this organized effort.
While "maker cities" support all types of manufacturing, Youngstown's Initiative will focus on 3-D Printing, thanks to the Youngstown location of America Makes, The National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute, Ryan explained. The pledge will largely be about leveraging this national hub to strengthen local industry and entrepreneurialism.
“Youngstown is setting the standard for 3D Printing, advanced manufacturing and workforce development -- and I am excited that we are working towards becoming a Maker City,” he said. “Becoming a Maker City is a significant step in realizing the full potential of America Makes and Youngstown remaining one of the premier cities in the country to start and grow a business.”
America Makes Founding Director Ralph Resnick describes "the recipe for a Maker City as "fairly consistent -- workforce development, STEM education initiatives, maker spaces, Maker Faires, public/private partnerships, etc. Each city naturally creates a markedly different flavor," he said. "For Youngstown, it’s all about 3-D Printing. From America Makes to Biz3D, we already have a significant footprint in this exciting industry and are excited to support and grow the city’s efforts in this area. ”
Today the Mahoning County Board of Commissioners approved a $20,000 appropriation from the county's bed tax funds to subsidize the week-long event.
Barb Ewing, chief operating officer of the YBI, commended commissioners and the Mahoning County Convention and Visitor's Bureau for the funding support.“This is an opportunity for us to showcase our community to the premier publication of the maker community, Make magazine," Ewing said. "Their involvement in the Youngstown Maker Community kick-off is a testament to the fact that Youngstown and America Makes really are the heartland of this technological revolution.”
Copyright 2014 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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