One of the largest economic development projects in the Mahoning Valley’s history has helped Ohio earn a 2026 Silver Shovel Award, a national recognition for excellence in economic development.

Area Development magazine cited Kimberly-Clark’s $800 million manufacturing facility in Trumbull County and its planned creation of 491 jobs among the projects that helped Ohio earn the award in the category for states with populations between 8 million and 12 million. The annual Silver Shovel Awards recognize states that attract high-impact economic development projects generating significant capital investment and job creation.

“This recognition is another sign that the Mahoning Valley’s momentum is real,” said Guy Coviello, president and CEO of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber. “From being named the No. 2 hottest housing market in the nation to ranking No. 23 nationally for economic development, we’re proving that working together and a common goal can position our region to attract major investments.”

The Kimberly-Clark project is the result of years of work by local, regional and state partners to bring the investment to the Valley.

The project began when Sarah Boyarko, the chamber’s former chief operating officer and now vice president of economic development with Lake to River Economic Development, introduced the former BDM Steel property to Kimberly-Clark’s site selector. The project advanced through the leadership of Shea MacMillan, the chamber’s former vice president of economic development, and the work of Anthony Trevena and his staff at the Western Reserve Port Authority. Lake to River Economic Development, a regional affiliate of JobsOhio, also played a key role in bringing the project across the finish line.

“This recognition is a testament to what can happen when strong partnerships, strategic site redevelopment and a shared vision come together,” Trevena said. “The transformation of the former BDM Steel site into a world-class Kimberly-Clark facility reflects years of coordinated effort and investment in our infrastructure.

“We are proud to have helped position the Mahoning Valley to compete for and win projects of this scale, and this award underscores that our region is not only ready for major industry, but leading the way.”

Bringing Kimberly-Clark to Warren also required strong collaboration from local governments. Trumbull County commissioners, the city of Warren, Warren Township, Howland Township and the Trumbull County Planning Commission worked alongside economic development partners to support the project through tax incentives and other measures that helped make the investment possible.

“Kimberly-Clark’s investment in Trumbull County ranks among the most significant in our region’s history,” said Dani Robbins, CEO of Lake to River. “Sarah Boyarko and her team led the site selection for this project, engaged JobsOhio and other economic and workforce development partners and advocated for the incentives that strengthened the case for locating here, and we’ve stayed at the table since, connecting the company to local suppliers and community partners as it puts down roots here.

“Recognition like this validates the kind of collaboration that keeps landing major projects in the Lake to River region.”