Business briefs
BRITE RECEIVES FUNDS: BRITE Energy Innovators in Warren has been awarded a Constellation E2 Energy to Educate grant for $24,960, allowing the organization to launch the BRITE Clean Energy Education & Outreach Program.
The initiative is all about sparking innovation in the community and inspiring students to re-imagine the landscape of energy.
Energy to Educate has provided nearly $6 million in grant funding, reaching more than 290,000 students since the program was launched in 2010.
WINNERS ANNOUNCED: The 12 local organizations that will be featured in the fourth annual WRTA Holiday Lights Campaign are ACTION Mahoning Valley Mobile Truck, AMYA Marie Foundation, Dorothy Day House, Healthy Hearts & Paws, National Alliance for Mental Illness, MOAB House, Persayus Way Project, Senior Support Action Group, Angels for Animals, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Thrive Mahoning Valley and Veterans Outreach.
The organizations will be featured on signs on WRTA buses and other media through the end of 2023, and will be entered into two drawings for special marketing campaigns.
STEM NAMES INTERN OF THE YEAR: Youngstown State University’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics has named Samantha Bachochin as Intern of the Year.
Bachochin, a junior from Youngstown, is pursuing a double major in biology with a pre-medical focus and forensic sciences complemented by two minor fields of study in chemistry and public health.
During the summer, Bachochin interned at the Mahoning County Coroner’s Office.
At YSU, Bachochin has served as an undergraduate research assistant in the microbiology research laboratory. Her contributions have been evident in the Sars-CoV-2 Wastewater Project.
In addition, Bachochin participates in the Sokolov Honors College and dedicates her time to weekly volunteer work at Akron Children’s Hospital Beeghly Campus, specifically in the surgery department.
Upon completing her undergraduate studies, Bachochin plans to pursue a medical degree with the goal of specializing in forensic pathology.
PURPLE STAR AWARDS ANNOUNCED: Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) is among a group of five Ohio colleges and universities recently designated Collegiate Purple Star campuses for their efforts to support students with military backgrounds.
With the latest round, 51 schools that earned the designation since 2022.
Ohio was the first state to offer the designations, which advance the work already done by the state’s PreK-12 school system to create the Purple Star designation for those schools that worked to become military-friendly.
Colleges and universities in Ohio are can apply for the designation, which is determined by a Collegiate Purple Star Advisory Committee appointed by the chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
DOMINION OFFERING ENERGY AUDITS: Dominion Energy is offering customers to take stock of their home’s energy efficiency through a free home energy assessment to help them save energy and money during the upcoming winter season.
Dominion Energy is partnered with CLEAResult to do a home evaluation to determine where it is using or wasting energy.
A certified home energy auditor provides recommendations on how to save energy to improve your home’s comfort, available rebates, and free energy-saving products, including high-efficiency shower heads, kitchen and bathroom faucet aerators, carbon monoxide detectors and water heater pipe wrap
To schedule an appointment, customers can visit Dominion’s online scheduler or call 877-287-3416. When scheduling, customers must populate the discount code box in the online scheduler or mention the promocode FREE. Discounted appointments cannot be applied to the 2023 Nest Thermostat promotion.
CDL PROGRAM LAUNCHES: Ohio has launched a new program to help alleviate the cost of commercial driver’s license training for Ohio employers.
The Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Training Program will provide $3 million in tax credits to Ohio employers to support the upskilling of current and future employers in today’s high-demand economy.
Employers of all sizes and industries who are registered to do business in the state and employ Ohio resident W-2 employees are eligible to apply. Employers can earn tax credits for half of approved training costs, up to $25,000 in tax credits.
The tax credit applies to the training and / or credentialing of current and prospective employees. Eligible training can be conducted by external training providers on the Ohio-approved CDL course provider list or qualified internal training instructors. Credentials must be for Class A or Class B state-issued CDLs.
The application and program guidelines are available at development.ohio.gov/CDL. Applications are due Dec. 1. Applications will be accepted and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
FARMERS TO HELP SALVATION ARMY: Farmers National Bank is dedicating a day of volunteering to ring the bells at the Salvation Army’s red kettles 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday.
Area locations include Sparkle Market, Cornersburg; Giant Eagle, Canfield; Southern Park Mall, Boardman; Walmart, Salem; Devine’s, Hubbard; Giant Eagle, Howland; Sparkle Market, Niles; Sam’s Club, Warren; Giant Eagle, Elm Road, Warren; and Sparkle Market, Lake Milton.
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Business briefs
MEIJER STORES DONATE: The Meijer Supercenters in Niles and Boardman participated in the third annual Meijer Team Gives fall program, enabling employees at each to donate $10,000 to nonprofit organizations in the Mahoning Valley.
The Boardman store donated $5,000 to the Melina Michelle Edenfield Foundation to go toward research for pediatric brain tumors and the families affected, and $5,000 to the Piggyback Foundation of Youngstown to allow children with an ill family member some normalcy, including an afternoon of fun, having a dinner out for the family, tutoring and enrolling in extracurricular activities.
The Niles store donated $5,000 to Needles Eye Christian Life Center, which provides prevention, intervention and counseling to drug addicts, alcoholics and their families and $5,000 to Sahara Club II, which helps people with alcoholism receive help.
Store employees select the nonprofits to help.
In the most recent grant cycle, $3 million was given to nearly 500 nonprofits in communities. Since the program’s start in 2021, more than $10 million has gone to nonprofits across the Midwest.
CREDIT SCORE WORKSHOP PLANNED: Those looking to learn more about how credit scores work can attend Credit Union of Ohio’s free virtual workshop noon Wednesday.
Attendees will learn what makes up a credit score, tips to improve a credit score and how building and maintaining a healthy credit score will positively impact an individual’s financial future.
Registered for the session and learn about other upcoming events at cuofohio.org.
Credit Union of Ohio serves state employees in Ohio and the regional communities of Geauga, Mahoning, Portage, Trumbull counties.
FREE CONTRACTOR WORKSHOP AVAILABLE: The Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation and the Minority Business Assistance Center at the Youngstown Business Incubator are offering a free workshop for contractors to learn more about becoming a full-lead abatement contractor.
The event is 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the incubator, 241 W. Federal St., Youngstown. Register at tinyurl.com/mbacworkshop by Tuesday.
Tiffany Sokol, YNDC’s housing director, will share about a program that offers contractors training for free.
Support also is available for minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses through YBI’s Supply Chain Diversity program, as the program offers procurement opportunities through anchor institutions, universities, government and industry leaders.
Karrington Griffin, director of the program, will be talking about these opportunities at the event as well.
YSU LAUNCHES NEW GRADUATE PROGRAM: Youngstown State University’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and the College of Graduate Studies have launched a new graduate program to begin in fall 2024.
The Master of Science in Data Science & Statistics is an interdisciplinary program built around a curriculum that will enhance learners’ knowledge and application of data science and statistics, including the use of “big data” to help solve problems and provide insight, according to the university.
The program will take advantage of the relationship between YSU faculty members, the YSU Data Mine and those involved with the Purdue University Data Mine, a learning and research-based community created to introduce students to data science concepts and equip them to create solutions to real-world problems.
External initiatives in the region and state to attract employers, such as Ultium Cells in Lordstown and Intel in Columbus will only increase the need for more employees trained in data science and statistics.
BON SECOURS MERCY HEALTH RECOGNIZED: Bon Secours Mercy Health has received two national recognitions for its commitment to empowering the careers of women leaders and creating a place employees and clinicians love to work.
The health care provider was recognized by Seramount, a strategic professional services and research firm dedicated to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace, as one of the Top 10 Companies for Executive Women and one of the 100 Best Companies.
The top 10 companies are: AbbVie, Bon Secours Mercy Health, Bristol Myers Squibb, General Mills, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Johnson & Johnson, Lexmark International, L’Oreal USA, State Farm and Zoetis Inc.
Mercy Health-Youngstown is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health and serves the Mahoning Valley, where it has three hospitals: St. Joseph Warren, St. Elizabeth Youngstown and St. Elizabeth Boardman. The greater health system spans five states and includes 48 hospitals and 60,000 employees.
PREMIER BANK LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN: Premier Bank has launched its fourth annual “Powered By (kind) People. Fueled By You.” campaign.
The tagline is a reflection of Premier Bank’s commitment to the community. Powered By (kind) People represents the sense of passion the bank’s associates have for supporting local communities, coupled with the bank’s commitment to giving back. Fueled By You represents the inspiration that the bank’s clients and communities give them to give back and spread kindness in the places they call home, according to a release.
The bank has invited associates to participate in its Community Volunteer Program, which is designed to give them the opportunity to represent Premier Financial Corp. through events and organizations they are passionate about. The program provides paid volunteer time for employees annually.
Premier Bank also has invited 13 of its community partners throughout their markets to join in a video series titled, “Powered by (kind) People. Fueled by You. Video Series,” as they work to spread kindness and support programs to benefit families in the communities they serve.
People on the move
NEW MARKETING DIRECTOR AT FARMERS: Farmers National Bank has appointed Julianna Begalla as its director of marketing.
In the role, Begalla, who joined Farmers in 2022 through the merger with Cortland Bank, will oversee the marketing department and work with Farmers Chief Retail and Marketing Officer, Amber Wallace, on branding strategies and marketing initiatives that support the financial institution’s growth.
At the former Cortland Bank, she was vice president / marketing, communications and investor relations officer, responsible for developing and executing the bank’s marketing strategies.
PROMOTIONS AT FOUNDATION: The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley recently announced the promotion of two of its longtime staff members — Rachael Chacon, now senior director of operations and communication, and Sarah Lowry, now senior director of community impact.
In addition to their tenure with and contributions to the foundation, the shifts in roles also are in response to community needs and will allow the organization to better support local nonprofits and community residents.
Chacon and Lowry assumed their new roles at the beginning of November.
In her new position, Chacon, who has been with the foundation since 2016, will dedicate half of her time to leading the performance and functions of the organization, which includes technology, human relations and facility management. The other half of her time is spent developing and implementing a communication strategy for the foundation’s services and impact.
Lowry will continue to support the Healthy Community Partnership, a collaborative aimed at addressing the region’s poor health outcomes, which she formerly directed, while enhancing the foundation’s commitment to grant investments, community leadership and advocacy.
NEW TEAM MEMBERS AT BRIGHTON: Brighton Realty and Management has added Debbie Parisi, a licensed Realtor since 1992, to the firm.
Parisi has served as president of the Youngstown Columbiana Association of Realtors, and was one of the first in Mahoning County certified as an E-Pro associate to assist clients with their online real estate search. Also, she is a graduate of the Realtors’ Institute and is a certified new home specialist.
She also is a managing partner for Iron Sights Armory LLC Canfield, which specializes in traditional firearms and training.
Also recently joining the firm was Patricia Ariss, Realtor emeritus.
Ariss has been a broker since 1974 as the owner of Area Real Estate. She was the 1979 president of the Youngstown Board of Realtors. And along with real estate, she worked as a critical care nurse locally and was a school nurse at Cardinal Mooney High School.
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Business briefs
INTEL GRANT FUNDS SCHOLARSHIPS: Youngstown State University, a member of the Ohio TechNet Northeast Ohio Semiconductor Workforce Consortium, received funds for scholarships from Intel Corporation as their latest initiative toward major investments in Ohio.
Four students were selected out of 44 applicants. Each received a $1,000 scholarship. The students were: Alexander Corley, Cynderila Patrick, Anthony Spear and Madison Wigley.
Intel plans to invest $20 billion in Ohio for a new semiconductor manufacturing site that is set to generate 7,000 construction jobs and 3,000 permanent positions in engineering and manufacturing. The facility aims to support Intel’s upcoming products and is coupled with initiatives, including funding for the Ohio Semiconductor Education and Research Program, to nurture a skilled talent pool.
AIM EMPLOYEE HITS MILESTONE: John Reed, chief information officer and vice president of technology for Aim Transportation Solutions, recently marked his 30th year with the trucking company.
His work with the company began in 1993 when he responded to a job ad in the newspaper, and has been with the company as it has grown to more than 1,000 employees and 100 locations across the U.S.
He and his team have earned the company three Commercial Carrier Journal Innovator Awards, including one this year for the Aim Navigator smartphone app and its Road Rescue feature, which allows Aim customer drivers to request roadside service from the app.
Reed, a graduate of Youngstown State University with a degree in applied science, was recently named board chairman for the Youngstown Business Incubator.
APPLICANTS FOR RESEARCH PROGRAM SOUGHT: Akron Children’s Hospital is seeking college sophomores and juniors for its 10-week 2024 Summer Pediatric Research Scholars program.
Students begin the program in early June and commit to working at least 24 hours per week at the hospital on their research study. Each student is paired with a clinical investigator who mentors the student while conducting a specific clinical research project.
Students also have a chance to shadow clinical teams in various hospital departments, and meet once a week as a class to learn about study design, research methods, biostatistics, and pediatric health care career opportunities. At the conclusion of the program, the students present their project findings to peers, mentors, hospital staff, and family members.
A stipend for the program is given as a paid scholarship to each student’s college or university. Participants are responsible for their own housing and accommodations.
The application, which must include two reference letters, essays, and a resume, will be accepted through Nov. 17. To apply, visit www.akronchild rens.org/sprs. A selective interview process will be conducted after the conclusion of the application period. Previous formal research experience is not required.
MERCY TO RECOGNIZE LEADERS: The Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley will celebrate the accomplishments of three health care providers at its annual Health Care Visionary Awards at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the DeYor Performing Arts Center, 260 W. Federal St., Youngstown.
The honorees include:
• Dr. Anthony F. Cutrona,who will receive the Mahoning Valley Leadership in Health Award. He specializes in infectious disease and has worked nearly 40 years at Mercy Health-Youngstown in various leadership roles.
• Mercy Health-East Palestine Primary Care will receive The Heart of the Mission Award. The physicians and staff there are recognized for their commitment to East Palestine and response to the Feb. 3 train derailment.
• Mercy Health-Youngstown, Mission Team will receive The Continuing the Legacy Award. The Spiritual Care and Mission Team is committed to caring for the spiritual needs of Mercy Health patients, families and staff of all faiths.
Tickets cost $50 and can be purchased at mercyfounda tionmv.ejoinme.org/hcva23. Admission may also be purchased at the door, no cash sales.
FELLOWS CHOSEN: Three Youngstown State University business students were among six selected for the John D. Beeghly Fellows Program. They are:
• Rebecca Catlos of New Middletown, a double major in marketing and supply chain management with a minor in entrepreneurship graduating in spring 2024.
• Jakob Peters of Boardman, an economics major with a minor in international business who is expected to graduate in December.
• Dylan Brown of Youngstown, a finance major with a minor in entrepreneurship graduating in spring 2024.
The program provides students with a paid fellowship working with the Ohio Small Business Development Center at YSU. Through projects such as marketing research; preparation of financial statements; export readiness studies; country research; business plan development; cash flow analysis; and sales forecasts, students gain valuable career-related work experience and can position themselves to be competitive in the job market upon graduation.
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