Chamber credits gas and oil industry for increased business inte - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio- The Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber reports it's seeing an increase in strong leads for businesses interested in moving to town.

The Chamber credits the expansion of the oil and gas industry for more companies seeking information and then following up on their inquiries before potentially moving to the Youngstown area.

Without spilling the beans, Tuesday the chamber announced it has new projects they're hoping to announce in the next one to two years.

"There's a variety of manufacturing. We've had inquiries with clothing manufacturing in addition to automotive, some plastics or parts manufacturing. Forty five percent of that list is estimated as oil and gas," said Sarah Boyarko, Vice President of Economic Development, Business Retention and Expansion with the Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber.

Boyarko says confidentiality is key for the Chamber as they work to not only bring the businesses to the region, but also gain their trust.

In 2011, the Chamber says it helped bring businesses to the region and assisted with retaining businesses, which in turn, created more than 1,300 jobs.

Boyarko says she has a positive outlook for 2013.