It's been almost a year since Ohio Govenor Mike DeWine announced the creation of a new economic development district known as Lake to River for all three Mahoning Valley counties plus Ashtabula County.

Now, Niles-based Republican State Representative Nick Santucci has announced the creation of a bipartisan Lake to River Caucus with the goal of streamlining collaboration and opening new discussions about how to support attracting, retaining and expanding business in the new region.

Santucci, who will be the chair of the new caucus, is quoted in a news release saying that Northeast Ohio has great potential for economic growth.

"In the Youngstown, Warren [and] Boardman area, the annual average unemployment rate dropped from 5.7% in 2019 to 4.2% in 2023 and new businesses are opening every day. We as legislators need to work together to keep the momentum going by supporting each other and send a clear message that the areas from Lake Erie all the way to the Mahoning River are open to attract new businesses and jobs to the area," Santucci said.

In addition to Santucci, the caucus will consist of Republican Representative Tex Fischer serving as vice chair, as well as Republican Representatives Sarah Fowler Arthur, David Thomas and Monica Robb-Blasdel and Democratic Representative Lauren McNally.

The caucus is expected to meet monthly.