Government Affairs & Community Impact

The Regional Chamber’s Government Affairs division is dedicated to understanding and influencing the workings of federal, state and local governments to support and strengthen the Mahoning Valley’s business community.

By serving as a powerful advocate for local businesses, the Chamber works to shape public policy that enhances the economic health and competitiveness of Youngstown, Warren and surrounding communities.

Our Government Affairs team actively engages with lawmakers and public officials to promote legislation and initiatives aligned with the Chamber’s mission to promote growth for our members and the broader region. From regulatory reform to economic development policies, we strive to create a business-friendly environment where companies can thrive.In tandem with our advocacy work, the Chamber’s Community Impact department, in collaboration with strategic partners, leads efforts to lay the groundwork for long-term regional prosperity. The initiatives include population and talent expansion, workforce development and accessibility, housing and leadership training.

Public Policy Agenda

At the start of each Ohio legislative session, the Regional Chamber sets public policy priorities reflecting Mahoning Valley employers’ needs. These member-driven priorities align with the Chamber’s mission to promote member and Valley growth. The Chamber advocates for its members by reducing business costs, improving business climate, fostering regional collaboration and creating opportunities for success. Additionally, the Chamber advises policymakers on how laws and regulations affect the  Valley’s global competitiveness.

Each section of this Public Policy Agenda focuses on the Chamber’s priorities, which work to condition the landscape for economic development.

Download the Public Policy Agenda Here!


Policy Spotlight

Note that we track a number of public policy issues that impact our members, but we will highlight a few policy matters here.

      House Bill 2 and Senate Bill 32 – Child Care Cred

  • Submitted written proponent testimony for both pieces of legislation.

  • Both House Bill 2 and Senate Bill 32 propose establishing the Ohio Child Care Cred Program, which would share childcare costs among employees, employers, and the state. Both bills allocate $10,000,000 in funding for fiscal year 2026. 

  • Child Care is included as a priority in both the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber’s and the Ohio Metro Chamber Coalition’s Public Policy Agendas.

  • The Regional Chamber partnered with Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries to conduct a Community Needs Assessment which found Child Care as the second largest barrier to employment in our region.

  • Tri shares model has seen success in other states

     Senate Bill 2 - Energy Generation

  • Senate Bill 2, introduced in Ohio's 136th General Assembly, aims to enhance the state's electric grid. The bill's stated purpose is to increase power generation capacity while simultaneously improving affordability and reliability for Ohio consumers. The document's opening section explicitly declares this legislative intent. Essentially, it's a proposal to modernize and strengthen Ohio's electricity infrastructure.

  • Aspects of the bill are in line with the energy portion of our Public Policy Agenda as it promotes deregulation, local investment in energy infrastructure through its Priority Investment Areas, and provides property tax exemptions based on property of utilities used to generate electricity or transport/transmit natural gas.

Council Members

  • Matt Blair | Attorney & Partner, Blair & Latell Co., LPA
  • Joe Cameneti, Sr. | Lead Pastor, Believers Christian Church
  • James Dascenzo | Principal, Hill, Barth, and King LLC
  • Matt DeWine | Government Affairs, Foxconn EV Systems
  • Charles George | CEO, HAPCO
  • Roberta Hiller | CEO, YCAR
  • Ashley Karlen | Manager of Government Affairs, Charter Communications
  • Sarah Keeler | Special Assistant of Government Affairs, YSU
  • Claudia Kovach, Second Vice Chair | Vice President, City Machine Technologies
  • Ben Kroeck | Business Development Manager, Dominion Energy
  • Mark Lamoncha | President/CEO/Owner, Humtown
  • Sean Logan | President, Sean Logan & Associates
  • Jeff Magada | Executive Director, Flying High. Inc.
  • Robert Marino, Jr. | Assistant Superintendent, Trumbull County ESC
  • Michael McGiffin | Vice President of Engagement & Investor Relations, Lake to River
  • John McNally | Vice President of Administration & General Counsel, Boak & Sons
  • Nico Morgione | Director of Government Affairs, YWRC
  • Jeanne Mosure, Vice Chair | Vice President, Public Affairs, ms consultants
  • Josh Prest | Executive Director, EOMAC
  • Kevin Reilly | Executive Vice President, The Builders Association
  • Steve Remillard | Trumbull Asset Management, Trumbull Energy Center
  • Alexander Steeb | Operations Manager, America Makes
  • Jackie Stewart | Director of External Affairs, Encino Energy
  • Anthony Trevena, Chair | Executive Director, Western Reserve Port Authority
  • Terrell Washington | Owner/Operator, H.L.W. Fast Track
  • Mark Wenick | Chief Wealth Management Officer, Farmers Bank Group
  • Ralph Zerbonia | President, Universe Central Corporation
State Operating Budget


Newsletters

View our bi-monthly GA Newsletters here:

February 2025  |  April 2025  |  June 2025


Government Affairs Council Programs & Events

The Government Affairs Council offers a series of programs and events designed to foster meaningful connections between public officials and the business, nonprofit and philanthropic communities. These initiatives create opportunities for education, advocacy and engagement on the issues that matter most to the Mahoning Valley. Whether through regular forums, signature advocacy trips, or special events, the Council empowers local leaders to stay informed, influence policy and strengthen the region’s voice at every level of government.

Since its launch in July 2017, the Lattes & Legislators series has become a dynamic platform for dialogue with state and federal officials on critical legislative and policy matters. It has become a trusted forum for open, direct communication between government leaders and the communities they serve.

Beyond regular programming, the council plays a vital role in advocating for the region’s economic resilience and long-term development. Through a united voice, we champion the Valley as a strategic, investment-ready region.

Key advocacy events include:

  • Columbus Drive-In – Mobilizing more than 100 business, community and government leaders to Capitol Square for high-impact advocacy on state-level priorities.
  • D.C. Fly-In – Connecting regional stakeholders with members of Congress and White House officials to shape federal policy conversations on issues that impact the Valley.
  • Salute to Elected Officials – A premier networking event honoring public servants that brings together hundreds of elected, business and community leaders.

Together, these programs amplify the Valley’s voice and strengthen its position at the local, state, and national levels.

Click here to view all Chamber events & programs


Community Impact

Through strategic partnerships, the Chamber is shaping the future of the region by advancing initiatives that support lasting prosperity—growing our talent pipeline, strengthening workforce pathways, expanding housing availability and empowering the next generation of leaders.

Recognizing the critical need for abundant, accessible and quality housing in the Valley, the Regional Chamber established a new Housing Council.

The Council brings together board members and key stakeholders to address housing challenges and opportunities throughout the region. Its focus includes improving existing housing stock, encouraging new residential development and leveraging public and private resources

Through this initiative, the Chamber aims to enhance housing availability and attainability, ensuring that the Valley is well-positioned to attract and retain talent while supporting long-term community growth.

We are also in the process of establishing the Population and Talent Expansion Council as an official committee of our Board of Directors. This council will focus on key initiatives such as job training, workforce development, population growth, and strategies to create a more welcoming region.

In addition, we have partnered with Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries to work to break down barriers that hinder many Valley residents from entering or re-entering the workforce.

Through shared data, strategic planning and coordinated community engagement, we have aligned efforts to address the most pressing workforce challenges in the region. This includes tackling issues such as transportation, childcare, mental health and substance abuse issues and life skills/soft skills

To help power the work, the PNC Foundation contributed a $50,000 workforce development grant to the Regional Chamber.

Newsletters

View our bi-monthly Community Impact Newsletters here:

September 2024  |  November 2024  |  January 2025  |  March 2025  |  May 2025


Center for Nonprofit Excellence

Launched in 2024 under the Regional Chamber, the Center for Nonprofit Excellence supports nonprofit organizations with training, resources, and tailored consulting to help them maximize their community impact.

In its first year, the Center assisted several organizations with strategic planning, fundraising, and operational improvements, including the Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley, Oak Hill Collaborative & Flying HIGH Inc., Youngstown Country Club and Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Council

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility (DEI&A) program is structured to address and reduce disparities in unemployment, educational attainment, household income, health outcomes, and business success. This is achieved by strategically enhancing supply chain engagement, procurement access, employment pathways, and workforce training opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and businesses.


Contact us:

Lyle Huffman
Executive Vice President of Government Affairs & Community Impact
330-744-2131, ext. 1214
Lyle@regionalchamber.com


Brenda Linert
Director of Community Impact
330-744-2131, ext. 1114
Brenda@regionalchamber.com


Nico Morgione
Director of Government Affairs
330-744-2131, ext. 1112
Nico@regionalchamber.com


Vern Richberg
Director of Economic Opportunity & Inclusion Initiatives
330-881-8181
Vern@regionalchamber.com


JoAnn Stock
Executive Director of Center for Nonprofit Excellence
330-744-2131, ext. 1227
JoAnn@regionalchamber.com