Trumbull County Planning Commission Honors Valley Partners Director

Teresa Miller recognized for nearly 20 years of economic development leadership in the Mahoning Valley.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:07am

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A photorealistic studio still-life image of a polished metal trophy or award, using dramatic lighting and shadows to symbolize the honor bestowed upon Teresa Miller by the Trumbull County Planning Commission.The Trumbull County Planning Commission's recognition of Valley Partners director Teresa Miller's leadership and impact underscores the vital role of regional economic development organizations.Warren Today

The Trumbull County Planning Commission has recognized Teresa Miller, executive director of Valley Economic Development Partners, with its 'Something Good' initiative for March. Miller has dedicated nearly 20 years to strengthening the Mahoning Valley through economic development, small business support, and expanding access to capital for entrepreneurs.

Why it matters

Under Miller's leadership, Valley Partners has expanded its impact across the region, increasing lending programs, securing nearly $30 million in funding for small business development, and achieving designation as a certified Community Development Financial Institution. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Miller and her team assisted over 750 small businesses in securing approximately $35 million in Paycheck Protection Program funding, helping preserve jobs across the Mahoning Valley.

The details

Planning commission members said Miller began her career with Valley Economic Development Partners as a portfolio manager and rose through the organization to become executive director in 2020. In recognition of Women's History Month, the planning commission honored Miller's leadership and commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening small businesses, and advancing economic opportunity throughout the Mahoning Valley.

  • Miller has dedicated nearly 20 years to strengthening the Mahoning Valley.
  • Miller became executive director of Valley Economic Development Partners in 2020.

The players

Teresa Miller

Executive director of Valley Economic Development Partners, recognized by the Trumbull County Planning Commission for her nearly 20 years of leadership in economic development, small business support, and expanding access to capital for entrepreneurs in the Mahoning Valley.

Valley Economic Development Partners

A regional economic development organization that has expanded its impact under Miller's leadership, increasing lending programs, securing funding for small business development, and achieving designation as a certified Community Development Financial Institution.

Trumbull County Planning Commission

The planning commission that recognized Teresa Miller with its 'Something Good' initiative for March, honoring her leadership and commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening small businesses, and advancing economic opportunity in the Mahoning Valley.

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What they’re saying

“Teresa Miller has dedicated nearly 20 years to strengthening the Mahoning Valley through economic development, small business support and expanding access to capital for entrepreneurs.”

— Nicholas Coggins, Assistant Director/Director of Economic Development, Trumbull County Planning Commission

The takeaway

This recognition of Teresa Miller's leadership at Valley Economic Development Partners highlights the important role that regional economic development organizations play in supporting small businesses, fostering entrepreneurship, and driving economic opportunity in communities like the Mahoning Valley.