Even though Ultium Cells LLC in Lordstown isn't open yet, that's not stopping the company from getting some recognition.

Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber's Director of Economic Development Projects, Shea MacMillan attended the Mid-America Economic Development Council's (MAEDC) Comptetitiveness Conference in Chicago to accept the Economic Impact Deal of the Year Award (Large Division) for the Ultium Cells project.

This award recognizes a project having a significant and measurable impact on a city, county and region that has already broken ground and is in the initial phase of implementation.

The measurable impact could include a capital investment, jobs, supplier network, economic impact or new partnership initiatives that positively improve the community. 

The $2.3 billion Ultium Cells battery plant in Lordstown will result in the creation of 1,110 jobs and elevate the Valley as a destination for future investments in electric vehicle-related supply chains.

MacMillan says this project requires a lot of collaboration and is bringing the community together.

"The focus we are seeing from our regional partners to leverage the Ultium project to continue the momentum around vehicle electrification fairs well for our community's future," MacMillan said.

MacMillan presented the transformative opportunity that the Ultium project brings including the fact that Taiwan's Foxconn is partnering with Lordstown Motors, as well as the existing manufacturers investing to become part of the EV supply chain forming a localized cluster.