Chamber honors GM team effort

By GRACE WYLER

gwyler@vindy.com

boardman

With the Chevrolet Cruze just weeks away from hitting dealer showrooms, the Valley business community took the opportunity Thursday to recognize the hard work and team effort that brought the new car to the General Motors Lordstown Complex.

The members of United Auto Workers Locals 1112 and 1714, which represent the Lordstown complex, and the plant’s management team were honored with the Salute to Labor Achievement award at the Youngstown/ Warren Regional Chamber’s annual Salute to Business breakfast.

The UAW members “know how important Lordstown is to this Valley,” said Jim Graham, president of UAW Local 1112. He attributed the plant’s survival and success to its resilient work force.

“Luck doesn’t have anything to do with getting the Cruze,” Graham said. “We are just that good — the work force in this Valley is the best in the world.”

The successful collaboration between the UAW locals and Lordstown’s plant management “should be a beacon of where we can go,” said David Green, president of UAW Local 1714.

“When we can come together and work in the right direction for the people and for the company, we can make great things happen.”

Collaboration was the central theme of the event, with honoree Kim Stefanski lauding the teamwork that led to V&M Star’s decision to invest $650 million in a new steel mill in Youngstown.

Stefanski, a partner at the Youngstown-based law firm Stefanski and Associates, was recognized as the chamber’s Business Advocate of the Year for the role he played in helping V&M realize its expansion.

“This V&M project is not a story about one person,” Stefanski said. “It is a story about a lot of people doing everything in their power and ability to change the Valley.”

Keynote speaker Christopher Connor, president of Cleveland-based paint manufacturer Sherwin- Williams, also praised the Valley for its cooperative business spirit.

“The business community here is clearly alive and well,” he said. “It is prosperous and collaborative.”

Connor, who also is the chairman of the regional economic-development organization Team NEO, trumpeted Northeast Ohio’s economic assets, highlighting the region’s skilled work force and low cost of living.

“I think it is safe to say that we are a great place to live and raise a family,” he said. “We should celebrate that.”

Other honorees at the event were Gary Clayman, president of Niles Iron & Metal Co., who was named Business Professional of the Year; and Terry Bishop, philanthropy manager for the Dominion East Ohio branch of the Dominion Foundation, who was recognized as Non-Profit Professional of the Year.