Port Authority recognized

LISBON -- Statewide recognition for outstanding leadership to the community and area schools highlighted Columbiana County Port Authority news when the board met recently.

Both the CCPA and the Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board received the Outstanding Leadership Award at the Ohio Educational Service Center Association recognition program during the Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference in Columbus last month.

Both were nominated by the Columbiana County ESC, along with Columbiana County ESC Superintendent Anna Marie Vaughn, who received the Carol E. Austin Lifetime Achievement Award. She's retiring at the end of the month after 37 years service to public education in the county.

CCPA Executive Director/CEO Penny Traina accepted the award on behalf of the port authority. Marcy Patton, executive director of the CCMHRS Board, accepted on behalf of her board and Vaughn was also in attendance to receive her award.

"We were very humbled and honored to be recognized," Traina said, thanking her staff and board.

"Without my strong staff and the support of my Board of Directors, we could not be as successful as we are," she said.

The nominating statement describing the port authority's accomplishments said the CCPA "has made significant contributions to the community by promoting economic development and infrastructure improvements. It has played a crucial role in attracting businesses, creating jobs, and enhancing transportation and logistics, ultimately boosting the local economy and quality of life for residents in Columbiana County."

The statement noted how the port authority helped make high speed Internet available to schools, hospitals, commercial and government entities, how through membership in the Columbiana County Business Advisory Council the port authority provides information, support and technical assistance to address workforce needs and also supports students and educators in the county.

The description for the CCMHRS Board noted the positive impact on the community through critical support and resources for people with mental health issues and addiction. The board was also described as "a strong advocate for education and is committed to providing support and guidance to all districts in Columbiana County."

The CCMRHS Board partners with the county ESC to provide evidence-based prevention programs to meet the needs of area school districts and provides technical assistance to serve county youth as part of a coalition looking at needs of school districts.

Vaughn became county ESC superintendent in 2004 after working with the ESC as a consultant, supervisor, director of special education and assistant superintendent. The description of her accomplishment said she has developed partnerships over the years aimed at meeting the needs of all students.

"Her leadership style always focuses on the needs and well-being of the students, teachers, staff and the broader community, making her a true servant leader," the description said.

In other port authority business, Traina showed board members two framed pictures presented to the port authority by Lisbon resident Stevie Halverstadt, whose father, Ray Lewis, was the first chairman of the CCPA when it was newly formed. One photo shows the Port Development Plan Proposal dated June 23, 1977 and the other shows all the newly sworn in officers of the CCPA, including Lewis.

For the Global Investment Hub, the CCPA received commendations from state Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel, R-Columbiana, and Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio. Blasdel also recognized the CCPA during October, which was Manufacturing Month. Traina said the Manufacturing Month celebration in East Palestine was a success, with more than 200 meals served to local manufacturing employees in the East Palestine area.

The CCPA board approved two lease agreements with the Community Action Agency of Columbiana County for space rented in the lower level of the CCPA building on Lincole Place, Lisbon, with one at $2,147 per month for the food pantry and one at $3,685 per month.

The next regular meeting of the CCPA board will be 5 p.m. Jan. 23.

mgreier@mojonews.com