Greetings from 630 Market St. in downtown Steubenville, the home of Progress Alliance, your partner in building a better Jefferson County.

Progress Alliance, as you know, exists to develop new business in Jefferson County, assist and encourage growth of existing business, provide employment for the area's skilled and vibrant work force and market Jefferson County as a great place to live, work and play.

In 2009, Progress Alliance launched a "Be Jefferson Country Proud" ad campaign. Designed by the folks at EM-Media, the campaign was all about instilling positive perceptions in area residents. We used local residents who freely spoke about the virtues of the county and point out why this truly is a wonderful place.

Also in 2009, the organization held the first Best of Jefferson County Awards Dinner. The night was designed to celebrate the success of Jefferson County businesses, industries and individuals. We took time to celebrate what's right about our county and show our pride.

Plans now are in the works for the second annual Best of the County event. Our celebration is scheduled for March 29 and will be held in St. Florian Hall. Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams has accepted an invitation to deliver the keynote address.

Williams is serving his second term as Youngstown's 47th mayor. Youngstown has moved progressively under his leadership. The city's Youngstown 2010 Vision/Planning "right-sizing" initiative has been recognized and rewarded by a number of notable organizations including The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and World Report, the American Planning Association and Governing Magazine to name a few. In its August 2009 issue, Entrepreneur Magazine listed Youngstown among the 10 best cities in the United States to start a business.

The centerpiece of the evening, of course, will be the presentation of Best of the County awards. Currently, Progress Alliance is accepting award nominations. Forms are available on our Web site, www.theburb.org. They also are available at the Progress Alliance office.

Our event is all about defining dedication, accomplishment, commitment and recognition. Our awards are designed to recognize efforts involving business growth, community growth and the best use of human and natural resources.

Award nominees should personify the best effort, the best determination, the best achievement and the best of Jefferson County. My hope is that you will take the time to complete a nomination form and submit it for consideration.

Tickets for the event, priced at $65, now are available. For information on reservations or to RSVP, contact the Progress office at (740) 283-2476.

Progress Alliance strongly believes this county has much going for it. Our second annual Best of the County dinner will provide us a night to reflect on the good things, salute those responsible for positive developments, highlight our accomplishments and celebrate our pride.

In closing, let me invite you to join Progress Alliance in being "Jefferson County Proud."

(Looman is executive director for Progress Alliance. He can be reached at (740) 283-2476 or (740) 381-4119 or via e-mail at elooman@progressalliance.com)