Welcome to the Business Journal Archives
Search for articles below, or continue to the all new BusinessJournalDaily.com now.
Search
Local.com
Sites Boost DevelopmentThese days, it seems every community in the country loves to talk about economic development. I was quite pleased, in fact, to find local Web sites that offer valuable information for businesses looking for a place to land.The Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport's Web site does a great job of promoting economic development. Two especially helpful sections -- "Air Cargo" and "Global Industrial Park" -- contain a wealth of information. I didn't realize, for instance, that about 65% of all U.S. manufacturing plants are located within 500 miles of the Vienna Township airport, or that three business parks are adjacent to the facility. Each is described in detail, complete with a map and a contact person. I also learned that the airport has ample air cargo facilities that can accommodate just about any size operation, even a cargo hub. Information also is presented on freight forwarders -- those folks who arrange and manage the transportation of freight.In Mercer County, Pa., Penn-Northwest Development Corp. was formed for the primary purpose of attracting new business. It comes as no surprise, then, that the agency's Web site is a storehouse of information -- not the least of which is a list of available sites and facilities. Benefits are highlighted, centering on location advantages, the region's well-trained work force and its infrastructure. Be sure to check out the financing/incentives section, which outlines opportunities ranging from loans to venture capital to work force development assistance.Since 1979, the Mahoning Valley Economic Development Corp. has helped more than 1,300 companies, its Web site notes. Those who doubt the site's claims of help are invited to check the "Success Stories" section, which profiles MVEDC's involvement with such local companies as Delphi Packard Electric, Firestone Farms Links golf course and Ghossain's Mid-East Bakery. Available space and amenities of the Youngstown Commerce Park are included as well, and visitors are invited to sign up for a free e-newsletter.In Struthers, the Castlo Community Improvement Corp. is a nonprofit organization founded for the purpose of attracting industry and prospective employers. The Castlo CIC manages the Castlo Industrial Park and actively works to promote the 1,470-acre Mahoning River Corridor of Opportunity. At its site, colorful maps illustrate available space and features in the industrial park. Here, too, a list of financial assistance available to Castlo companies is showcased.Development of a slightly different sort is offered by the Youngstown Business Incubator. Located in downtown Youngstown, the YBI's two buildings have been renovated to the tune of some $2.4 million and now house young and growing companies. The focus here is on technology-based business. YBI offers qualifying firms low-cost space and a wide range of development services including counseling, business plan review and patent/invention assistance. While it's not an economic development agency, Lordstown's Web site makes it clear the village means business. Amid the obligatory history, list of government officials and such are sections on village growth and comprehensive descriptions of no fewer than seven industrial parks. Of course, maps and contact names are included as well.The Eastgate Council of Governments also is actively involved in economic development by overseeing regionial planning and government projects.One of the don't-miss links is to the nonprofit Mahoning Valley Technical Procurement Center, operated in conjunction with MVEDC. The center assists local businesses in identifying and securing government contracts, and subcontracting opportunities --all at no cost to the businesses."