CIC board briefed on new state program

Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner detailed a “pretty powerful tool” her office created during her appearance before the Community Improvement Corporation Board of Trustees this week.

“Our 'Better Lives, Better Ohio' is a database of social index data we are making available to all Ohioans. This information provides communities, nonprofits, businesses, elected officials and private citizens with easy access to information about the quality of life in their communities," Brunner said.

She noted the web site provides information about each of the state's 88 counties and the state itself.

The secretary of state added the site is intended to empower communities, non-profit organizations, elected officials, citizens and students by identifying strengths and tackling challenges.

Better Lives, Better Ohio can be accessed by visiting the secretary of state’s website:  www.sos.state.oh.us.

100 are back on job in Yorkville

About 100 employees at the Severstal North America cold rolling steel mill at Yorkville have received an early Christmas present, as they are back to work.

"It is a really nice Christmas gift for these people to get back to work," said Jerry Conners, president of United Steelworkers Local 1223. "There are a lot of smiling faces in there right now because they are ready to replace that unemployment with a paycheck."

Severstal laid off 1,900 employees in May, including those at Yorkville. The company did continue operations at its Follansbee coke plant in a reduced capacity.

Last month, Severstal announced plans to restart the Yorkville plant in mid-December. Conners said company leaders began calling back workers during the final week of November. He expects production at the plant to get on line this week.

"We have about 100 in there right now. We will probably add some more this week when we start production," he said. "If we get to full production later this year, we could have as many as 250 people working."

EGCC growth will be close to home

The future growth of Eastern Gateway Community College throughout its four-county service district will be widespread and kept close to the communities it serves.

 That is the assurance of the college as plans and ideas for its physical growth are currently under discussion in wake of the pledge announcement from Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland and Congressman Tim Ryan, to seek funds to establish a college presence in downtown Warren.

 "The college is consistently planning and implementing its original concept to provide a virtual learning atmosphere and to use existing facilities at the four career centers in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties," said Eastern Gateway President Dr. Laura Meeks.

Officials noted the establishment of a campus in downtown Warren would not diminish the importance of the college's campus in Jefferson County.

Central administrative functions for the college are expected to remain in Jefferson County even with planned expansion throughout Columbiana, Trumbull and Mahoning counties as the college grows.

Second annual Best of County dinner set for March

The second annual Best of Jefferson County Awards Dinner, sponsored by Progress Alliance, will be held on Monday, March 29 in St. Florian Hall.

The social hour will begin at 6 p.m. with dinner to follow at 7 p.m. Information regarding tickets will be announced at a later date.

Progress Alliance currently is accepting nominees for 2010 awards.

Nomination forms are available on the organization’s website, www.theburb.org and also can be obtained at the Progress Alliance office, 630 Market St. in downtown Steubenville.

Office will close for the holiday

The Progress Alliance office will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 24 and Friday, Dec. 25 in observance of the Christmas holiday.

Normal business hours will resume on Monday, Dec. 28.

The staff at Progress Alliance wishes you all a very merry Christmas.