The Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber has joined chambers from across seven Midwest and Great Lakes states in support of a coordinated reopening of the economy.

In a joint statement Thursday, 41 chambers from Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota and Wisconsin wrote that successfully combating the novel coronavirus “will require aggressive, collaborative action among governments, health care professionals, businesses and citizens.”

“Recognizing that our economies are interconnected and that people regularly cross state boundaries to access jobs, services and supplies, we support the efforts of our governors to work together to establish coordinated recovery plans and protocols that will strengthen our economy and preserve our health and safety.”

Gov. Mike DeWine has proposed a gradual reopening of Ohio’s economy starting May 1. More details are expected to be released Monday.

The Youngstown Warren chamber early this month launched a program to help businesses in the Mahoning Valley navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. The Emerge Initiative gives direct help in several key areas, from U.S. Small Business Administration loans to state and federal orders, and communicates daily updates to local businesses.