Staff report

Ohio House members from Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana and Ashtabula counties formed the Lake to River Caucus to streamline collaboration and open new discussions to attract, retain and expand businesses in the region.

State Rep. Nick Santucci, R-Niles, chairman of the caucus, said it was created to help Lake to River Economic Development, a district formed in April 2024 by JobsOhio to stimulate job creation and business growth in the four counties.

Lake to River was the seventh network region of JobsOhio, the state’s private economic development corporation. Before that, the four counties were part of Team NEO, which included 18 counties in total.

Santucci said creating the economic region “is a unique opportunity to attract new businesses to this part of the state. There is so much potential for growth in Northeast Ohio, and it’s great to see JobsOhio recognize this.”

He added: “We as legislators need to work together to keep the momentum going by supporting each other and send a clear message that the area from Lake Erie to the Mahoning River is open to attract new businesses and jobs to our region.”

State Rep. Tex Fischer, R-Boardman, the caucus’ vice chairman, said, “Collaboration is key to making sure our region gets what we deserve. We have a great group of representatives in this region and I couldn’t be more excited to work with each of them to help move our community forward.”

The other caucus members are Lauren McNally, D-Youngstown; David Thomas, R-Jefferson; Monica Robb Blasdel, R-Columbiana; and Sarah Fowler Arthur, R-Ashtabula.