YOUNGSTOWN — Huntington Bank has given $45,000 to Lake to River Economic Development to support the organization’s job creation and business development efforts.

The contribution, according to a release Monday after the presentation, “underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in fostering sustainable economic progress,” in northeast Ohio.

Formed in April, Lake to River is the seventh network region of JobsOhio, the state’s private economic development corporation. The organization’s four-county region is Trumbull, Mahoning, Columbiana and Ashtabula counties.

Said Alexa Sweeney Blackann, Lake to River’s interim CEO, “Economic development doesn’t happen in isolation — it’s the result of businesses, organizations and communities coming together with a shared vision. Support like this from Huntington empowers us to tackle challenges, attract new investments and create opportunities that strengthen our region’s future.”

Sam Huston, Huntington Bank’s local Market President, said the financial institution believes in investing where it can make the greatest impact.

“With a shared value of looking out for people, Lake to River is a great partner in advancing the economic vitality of this region, and we are committed to playing our part in advancing its growth,” he said.

Since it formed, Lake to River has received donations of $100,000 a piece from the Western Reserve Port Authority and Eastgate Regional Council of Governments, two other economic development groups. Lake to River also is funded by JobsOhio.