Lake County Times

U.S. Congressman Dave Joyce, who represents Ohio’s 14th district, took part in a business roundtable hosted by Lake to River in Warren, Ohio on Wednesday. The event brought together business owners and industry leaders to discuss ways the federal government can support economic development in Ashtabula County and the Mahoning Valley.

Joyce highlighted the value of Lake to River for businesses across Eastern Ohio. “Since its inception, Lake to River has been a major asset to businesses across Eastern Ohio,” said Congressman Joyce. “This was a wonderful opportunity to meet with business owners and industry leaders and discuss what issues they are facing on the ground. I greatly appreciate Lake to River for hosting me, and I am excited to continue working with them in the future.”

Michael McGiffin, Vice President of Engagement and Investor Relations at Lake to River, acknowledged Joyce’s ongoing involvement with local economic efforts. “We are incredibly grateful for Congressman Joyce and his staff’s partnership,” said McGiffin. “His efforts have been monumentally positive for economic development in our region, and we appreciate his constant desire to stay informed on current issues and opportunities. His focus and influence are helping Lake to River expand and attract businesses, making a real difference in our communities.”

James Dascenzo, Principal and National Director of Manufacturing Solutions at HBK, discussed manufacturing policy during the session. “It was an honor to participate in the Lake to River Economic Development roundtable with Congressman Joyce and discuss the critical role manufacturing plays in Ohio’s economic future,” said Dascenzo. “The OBBBA represents a significant opportunity to strengthen American manufacturing competitiveness, and I was pleased to share our perspective on technical improvements, particularly around Qualified Production Property expensing, that could make the legislation even more effective for manufacturers in our region. HBK remains committed to supporting policies that help our manufacturing clients thrive and continue driving innovation and job creation throughout the Lake to River corridor.”

Sarah Keeler from Youngstown State University commented on topics addressed during the meeting. “On behalf of Youngstown State University, I applaud Congressman Joyce on his unwavering loyalty and commitment to the Mahoning Valley,” said Keeler. “His roundtable in Warren covered some hard issues – energy, workforce, and education – and he has proven to be a champion for our region.”

Matthew DeWine of Foxconn also attended: “Foxconn had the pleasure to attend a roundtable discussion with Congressman Dave Joyce at the Medici Museum in Warren, Wednesday afternoon,” said DeWine. “We always welcome the opportunity to talk with our local leaders about how we can make our communities the best place to work and live.”

Lake to River was created as an economic network partner of JobsOhio by Governor Mike DeWine in April 2024. It is a private nonprofit focused on site development, attracting new businesses, and improving infrastructure across four counties: Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning, and Columbiana. The organization has already obtained hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants aimed at revitalizing communities within its service area.

The area covered by Lake to River employs over 243,000 people through more than 15,000 establishments; regional GDP reached $29.3 billion in 2022.

Congressman David Joyce has represented Ohio's 14th district since 2013 after succeeding Steve LaTourette (https://www.congress.gov/member/david-joyce/J000295). Born in Cleveland in 1957, he lives in South Russell (https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/J000295). He earned both his undergraduate degree (1979) and law degree (1982) from the University of Dayton.