On February 9, 2023, Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown applauded Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine for proposing that the state invest $150 million in innovation hubs to bolster economic development and announced a partnership to pursue a hub anchored at America Makes.
“The City of Youngstown, in partnership with many organizations already excelling in research and technology to advance workforce development right in our downtown, is ready to compete for these funds and play its part in propelling Ohio’s economy,” Brown said. “Hopefully, our work here in Youngstown is strong enough to consider us for this type of state investment.”
Brown was referring to America Makes, which is already designated the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute, the Youngstown Business Incubator and the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, all downtown, as well as many other private-sector institutions and corporations from around the country, focused on additive manufacturing research, technology, and workforce development.
“We already have a good partnership with the state and a track record of success for developing the additive manufacturing workforce,” America Makes Executive Director John Wilczynski said. “Additive is revolutionizing how we make parts for the auto industry, medical products, and the vast defense industry. We’d be honored if the state considered us.”