The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber has again partnered with the Greater Cleveland Partnership, Greater Akron Chamber and Medina County Economic Development Corporation in Ohio and the Shenango Valley and Lawrence County chambers in Pennsylvania to build a list of companies within the respective region that are hiring and willing to offer work opportunities to displaced workers from General Motors Lordstown, Magna Seating and Comprehensive Logistics.
The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber has again partnered with the Greater Cleveland Partnership, Greater Akron Chamber and Medina County Economic Development Corporation in Ohio and the Shenango Valley and Lawrence County chambers in Pennsylvania to build a list of companies within the respective region that are hiring and willing to offer work opportunities to displaced workers from General Motors Lordstown, Magna Seating and Comprehensive Logistics.
This list, comprising companies in both states, will be distributed to those employees who may be looking for other employment and can fill available positions.
Marcy Angelo, the Chamber’s manager of Business Development and workforce initiative JobsNow, said, “In an effort to keep individuals living and working in the area, we realize the importance of marketing employment opportunities to displaced workers at General Motors and supplier companies. The Chamber and our regional partners are a resource for these individuals and companies, and while we will continue working toward a positive end result, we will also be prepared regardless of the outcome.”
She went on to say that the list is just a sampling of employment opportunities in the region. The Chamber included a larger footprint since all of the displaced workers may not reside in the Valley. The list also includes education and training programs offered in the Valley specifically, while regional partners will compile like programs in their markets.
Joe Roman, president and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, noted, "The Greater Cleveland Partnership is pleased to work with our partners at the Regional Chamber and other area organizations with this joint effort."
“It’s important for us to work together,” agreed Alex McCoy, CEO of the Lawrence County Regional Chamber of Commerce. “This is an issue for more than just one community. Our workforce is both great and regional in nature. The state line that separates our chambers means nothing to workers who cross it daily.”
When GM announced the elimination of the Lordstown Complex’s third shift in late 2016, followed by the elimination of the second shift in mid-2018, the Chamber also then provided a list of employment opportunities to GM’s administrative and union leadership to distribute to displaced workers. Through feedback from companies on that list and individuals who took advantage of applying for those available opportunities, the Chamber learned that many of the GM workers did secure new positions and remained in the workforce.
The list may be accessed at www.regionalchamber.com/economicdevelopment/edworkforce/jobsnow. For additional information or comment, please contact Marcy Angelo at (330) 509-2420.