Rising Tides Eastern Ohio: Advancing Our Region Through Manufacturing and Workforce Innovation
Rising Tides Eastern Ohio: Advancing Our Region Through Manufacturing and Workforce Innovation
Rising Tides Eastern Ohio isn’t just a program; it’s a bold regional initiative redefining the economic landscape of Eastern Appalachian Ohio. Led by the YBI’s Advanced Manufacturing team, Rising Tides focuses on workforce development, industrial innovation, and long-term economic resilience in seven historically underserved counties: Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning, Columbiana, Jefferson, Belmont, and Monroe.
Backed by $1.7 million in federal POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and matched with nearly as much in local investment, Rising Tides responds to the urgent need for economic revitalization in communities impacted by the decline of the coal industry.
Building the Future: Not Just Recovery, but Reinvention
Rather than acting as a short-term fix, Rising Tides Eastern Ohio is strategically positioning the region for long-term success in future-focused industries:
– Advanced manufacturing
– Defense and aerospace
– Semiconductors
– Clean energy
These sectors are more than buzzwords; they represent high-wage, high-demand career paths with the potential to reshape Eastern Ohio’s economic identity.
Local Collaboration, Regional Impact
At the core of Rising Tides is a powerful Internal Project Team (IPT) comprising deeply rooted, high-impact regional partners. Together, they provide specialized services in:
– Workforce training and upskilling
– Business development
– Technology commercialization
– Federal grant readiness
– Supply chain support
This collaborative approach ensures the program delivers customized, community-driven solutions that match local needs with scalable outcomes.
Measurable Goals by 2026
Rising Tides is on track to:
– Directly support 140 businesses
– Train 200+ workers
– Create or retain 20+ jobs
– Attract $9 million+ in private investment
– Support the commercialization of emerging technologies developed in the region
These outcomes position the initiative as a model for inclusive, sustainable economic development.
A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats
True to its name, Rising Tides is about inclusive prosperity. The initiative focuses not only on growing companies but also on supporting communities that have long been overlooked. Every solution is local. Every strategy is designed to lift the whole region.
With an emphasis on equity, innovation, and future-readiness, Eastern Ohio is no longer reacting to change; it’s leading it.
Are You a Business or Leader in One of the Seven Counties?
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, manufacturer, educator, or community advocate, Rising Tides is here to support you. Now is the time to get involved, get connected, and help shape the future.
Contact the YBI Advanced Manufacturing Team HERE
Rising Tides Partners
The Rising Tides initiative is made possible by a strong coalition of regional leaders, each contributing their expertise to build a stronger, more resilient future for Eastern Ohio:
– Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber of Commerce
– Lake to River Economic Development Organization
– Ashtabula Growth Partnership
– Columbiana County Port Authority
– Sustainable Opportunity Development Center of Salem (SOD)
– BRITE Energy Innovators
– America Makes
– Belmont County Community Improvement Corporation
