There is growing enthusiasm over Lordstown Motors, and it's potential boost for the Valley's economy. 

Top executives of the company held a meet and greet event Wednesday with companies interested in doing business with Lordstown Motors as a supplier or service provider. 

The event at Stambaugh Auditorium attracted more than 400 people from 11 states and some foreign countries. Lordstown Motors is looking to connect with companies in the region that will supply the plant and get it up and running. 

"We really want to embrace this region. That's our whole goal.  We're an Ohio company; we want Ohio workers.  We're really about spreading the wealth here, getting not just the workers involved, but the local communities, businesses, and so forth," said John LaFluer, COO of Lordstown Motors. 

LaFluer says hiring will be happening very soon.  "We should be hiring at least 400 people, both salaried and labor by April, May or June,  that timeline.  By the end of the year, a thousand plus people," he said.

And he says the company is still ready to embrace the United Autoworkers Union.  I think there's a lot of advantages to a UAW factory,  I'm not sure everybody agrees, but we feel like the workforce is skilled,".

LaFluer says the company's start-up timeline was enhanced by acquiring the Lordstown plant.

"We have a warm factory that was just running vehicles out in March, so not as much retooling as you might think," LaFluer said.

Potential suppliers attending the event believe Lordstown Motors will be a big boost for the Valley.  "They're so excited to have this happening in the community. It's just exciting to be part of it," said William Corum of Browne Laboratories.

The current timeline calls for hiring 400 people initially, with 1500 jobs projected.  The start of production by year-end and 20,000 vehicles produced in 2021.

The Regional Chamber will conduct another meet and greet next Tuesday.  "It will be for the actual automotive supply chain, those companies that would have an interest in supplying parts for the Lordstown truck,"  Sarah Boyarko of the Regional Chamber.