Staff report

The Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber announced Monday it is working with eight state chambers of commerce to promote issues affecting Ohio’s metropolitan areas.

The Valley-based chamber, as part of the Ohio Metro Chambers Coalition, announced its advocacy priorities for the year.

Focus areas include the following:

• Expanding Ohio’s labor force.

• Attracting and developing talent.

• Increasing housing opportunities.

• Growing businesses.

• Expanding energy sources.

• Supporting transportation infrastructure.

“Like the other metropolitan areas of Ohio, the Lake-to-River region is poised to grow the talent pool, housing stock and overall economic prosperity of this great state,” Guy Coviello, president and CEO of Regional Chamber, said. “Our abundant energy deposits, unique maritime capabilities and vast transportation infrastructure will help the entire state increase its economic prosperity.”

The coalition will discuss these priorities with state executive and legislative leaders as Ohio’s biennial budget and other key programs and policies are being developed.

“Ohio’s moment is now, and the momentum is palpable,” said Baiju R. Shah, coalition chair and president and CEO of Greater Cleveland Partnership. “To sustain our business growth, we must expand our workforce, attract more talent and continue investing in innovation.

“We must also accelerate the development of housing and energy generation while ensuring a strong business environment. The metro regions are the primary hubs of both business and population, and their vitality is crucial to the state’s economic growth and prosperity.”

In addition to the state’s metropolitan areas, the coalition represents 76% of the state’s population, 82% of its overall GDP; and 80% of its overall employment base.

Coalition partners also feature the Greater Akron Chamber, the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber.