I never thought two days in Columbiana would be so inspirational.

The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber and Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce held their first signature event since executing an affiliation agreement this year. It was the 73rd annual Harvey Awards, named for Harvey Samuel Firestone, the prominent American industrialist and the founder of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company.

The event was held at The Barn at Firestone Farms. The very place where Mr. Firestone grew up. The very place where Firestone, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford would frequently camp out and discuss how they were changing the world forever.

I was inspired by keynote speaker Adam Hickman. The Walt Disney Company executive and former Gallop executive travels the world delivering keynote speeches and providing organizational development for some of the most prominent people, governments and companies on the planet.

He, too, grew up in Columbiana. Graduated from Crestview High School. Lived in many places. Could live anywhere. And chose to plant his roots back in the Mahoning Valley because it’s the best place to raise a family.

I was also inspired by the many business and community leaders recognized at The Harveys. Congratulations to all award winners.

I’m excited about the affiliation between the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber and the Columbiana Area Chamber.

Together, we will have greater influence on state and federal policies to help grow the economy. That was evident when government officials from Columbiana City, Salem, East Palestine and Leetonia participated in our annual Columbus Drive-in.

Together, we are more efficient through economies of scale so we can deliver more services to ALL businesses, including the businesses that make up the heart of Columbiana.

Together, we will have more strength to execute strategic initiatives – growing population, increasing the housing stock, developing the next generation of leaders, supporting our non-profits.

We owe a thank you to Compco Industries, HBK CPAs and Consultants, Humtown Products, ms consultants, inc., and many other businesses who financially supported the Harveys.

Their support means we can keep member dues more affordable for small and micro businesses, lowering the barrier of entry so they can receive chamber benefits like discounts on health insurance, energy, office supplies, and more.

So they can access more networking opportunities. So they can receive more supply chain and procurement opportunities. So they can access more informational sessions to help them succeed.

We owe a special thank you to Compco. We learned a lot about what this family-owned local business does around company culture. How they engage their employees, how they engage in the community, important stuff that is lost when local companies are sold to conglomerates or private equity.

It has been a wonderful experience working with the Columbiana Chamber Board of Directors and city officials. These are the people who are most passionate about Columbiana, who have institutional knowledge about Columbiana, who have a vision for Columbiana.

They are leading us. The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber wants to support their vision and connect it to a broader region.

I look forward to seeing more of and being inspired by Columbiana throughout the year.

–Guy Coviello, president & CEO, Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber

The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber is the Valley’s leading business advocacy organization, providing services and programs to promote the growth of its nearly 3,000 members and their 150,000 employees across the region. Through a robust public policy program and the management of transformational economic development-focused initiatives, the Regional Chamber is working to create a landscape that is favorable for our continued, future and sustained economic growth. For more information, visit regionalchamber.com.