Ed Looman, Progress Alliance executive director, outlined the mission of the economic development organization at the January meeting of the GFWC/OFWC Woman's Club of Steubenville held at the Starkdale United Presbyterian Church.

The alliance, formed in 1996, is publicly funded and also receives private support from the local business community, he noted.

It's three-point mission includes creation of new jobs, working with existing businesses for continued growth and development and marketing Jefferson County as a prime location to live, work and play.

The enumerated existing assets of the community include Franciscan University, Trinity Health System, Eastern Gateway Community College, a secondary education system, highway system, river transportation and a great work force.

Looman concluded with an announcement of many new projects in the works and predicted a good year in 2010.

Before the luncheon, Shirley Mitchell read a poem, "The Month After Christmas," and offered the invocation.

Shirley Valuska and Ann Wright were hostesses, and Ann Burks was a greeter.

Martha Alloggia presided and reported that 155 pieces of apparel donated by members, including socks, gloves, hats, scarves and underwear, had been delivered to the City Rescue Mission for Christmas.

Eleanor Weiss was appointed secretary pro-tem during the absence of Lillian Losey.

Marge Bedortha, corresponding secretary, read thank-you notes from the Jefferson County Historical Society, Trinity Health System Foundation/Tony Teramana Cancer Center and the Salvation Army for contributions received.

The election of officers was postponed until the Feb. 1 meeting.

Sue Hershey, president of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, will be the featured speaker.

Judy Brancazio and Kathy Mills will be hostesses for the February meeting.