Chamber Welcomes Director of Mahoning Valley Logistics Council

Kim Calvert
Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber

The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber recently welcomed David Wilaj to the team in the newly created position of director of the Mahoning Valley Logistics Council.

Wilaj will oversee the creation of the council and its overall strategy, as well as all economic development projects related to the logistics industry. The Regional Chamber and Eastgate Regional Council of Governments came together to create this position in support of the 367 companies in our market working in the industry that includes warehouse & distribution, fulfillment, trucking and third-party logistics. Through its current Business, Retention, Expansion and Attraction (BRE&A) program, as well as its government affairs efforts, the Regional Chamber continues to hear a variety of industry opportunities, especially around emerging technologies, as well as challenges.

“The Mahoning Valley is already a significant player in this sector,” Regional Chamber President & CEO Guy Coviello said. “We want to put things in place so to make sure we continue to be a big player in 2030 and beyond.”

The council will consist of government officials, private-sector employers, higher education institutions, public transportation providers, economic development organizations, utility providers and subject matter experts who will take advantage of emerging technologies that would lead to explosive job growth in electric vehicle manufacturing, as well as autonomous and connected mobility and the greening of the planet that these rapidly changing sectors will produce.

Eastgate Regional Council of Governments Executive Director Jim Kinnick said, “I am excited about the opportunity to advance the logistics and distribution initiatives with the creation of the Mahoning Valley Logistics Council. Bringing together industry experts and focusing on the transportation network, smart corridors, data communications, mobility and electrification will enhance, refine and expedite the BRE&A efforts. I welcome David and applaud the Chamber’s collaborative efforts to strengthen and grow our region’s economy.”

With the support of the council, Wilaj will be conducting direct outreach to logistics companies throughout the Valley to learn of ongoing challenges and future opportunities they may be dealing with individually or as an industry and respond to their needs accordingly. Such assistance could include customized supply chain information for new markets, technical assistance for new products and systems, improving workforce development and advocacy and regulator assistance. His work will also include ongoing open dialog with the council and others individually or in a group setting to ensure transparency and a coordinated effort forward to retain and grow the logistics industry as whole.

The lifelong resident of the City of Campbell comes to the Chamber with a wealth of knowledge related to project management and market research. Wilaj graduated from Youngstown State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Financial Economics.

If you have an interest in joining or learning more about the council, please reached out to Wilaj at 330.744.2131, ext. 1107, or at david@regionalchamber.com.