Tour highlights economic success in Ohio

YOUNGSTOWN -- Marking the second stop on a two-week statewide tour, America Makes hosted Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel on Monday afternoon as part of their Heart of Opportunity tour.

The gathering celebrated Ohio's ranking as the best state to do business nationwide in 2026, as determined by the business news channel CNBC.

"I'm not sure our state understands what tremendous opportunities we have and what pathways we have to get you ready to take advantage of those opportunities," Tressel told a packed audience in the additive manufacturing technology building.

John Wilczynski, America Makes' executive director, hosted a panel discussion that also featured Barb Ewing, CEO of YBI, formerly the Youngstown Business Incubator, and Alex Hertzer, executive director of the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition.

"Our goal everyday is to lead the country," DeWine said. "Our goal everyday is to lead the Midwest. This truly is our time. One of the reasons that the lieutenant governor and I are doing this and going around the state is to tell you, 'Thank you.'"

The panel outlined the successes taking place throughout Ohio along with the work of legislators, agencies and businesses.

"Businesses are voting with their own money to come in here," DeWine said.

He added that more open jobs are being filled throughout the state. Workers in the 24-55 age group are finding employment, while statewide unemployment is at historic lows.

"None of this, though, happens by chance," the governor said. "It happens because of a lot of people working very, very hard."

Ewing built upon the Valley's economic success to encompass the Lake to River region of Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties.

"There has never been a better time to be part of Ohio," she said.

Under the Lake to River umbrella, county lines disappear, Ewing said.

"We hear a lot from our state and federal legislators about the community speaking with a single voice -- us coming together with common cause to rally around what's needed." she said. we are willing to step outside of our immediate needs and try to build something bigger and better for everybody."

As more Valley businesses embrace additive manufacturing, it remains tied to its roots.

"Our DNA is manufacturing," Ewing said. "We have always made things here, and I believe that this recognition and what sets us apart is that we have been true to ourselves.

"We are not trying to be something different than who we are."

Tressel said the state -- and the Valley -- must remain committed to being better.

"This is the moment for our young people to grab a hold of that pendulum and work together to make it happen."