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717 CREDIT UNION RECOGNIZED: 717 Credit Union has been recognized as one of 99 great Ohio workplaces for top talent for the third consecutive year. Named a 2024 NorthCoast 99 award winner by the Employers Resource Council, 717 is among the best northeast Ohio organizations for building and maintaining exceptional workplaces through policies, practices and benefits that attract and retain top-performing talent.

NorthCoast 99 covers a 22-county region of northeast Ohio. Winners, after the application process, were ranked on how they address top-performer attraction, development and retention in the areas of organizational strategy, policies and benefits; talent attraction, acquisition and onboarding; employee well-being; employee engagement and talent development; total rewards; and diversity, equity and inclusion.

The honor comes on the heels of other awards, including 717 being recognized as one of America's best regional banks and credit unions 2024 by Newsweek.

Also, Forbes has included 717 on its list of America's Best Credit Unions in Each State 2024 for the third consecutive year and this year. It was named the No. 1 credit union in Ohio.

LIBERTY FIRM NAMED TO LIST: HD Growth Partners was recently named one of the 2024 Best Employers in Ohio.

The company was listed fourth for small / medium size businesses on Crain's annual list. The company was also recognized for Excellence in HR by winning No. 1 in Employee Experience and Retention.

Best Employers in Ohio was created by Crain's Cleveland Business in partnership with Workforce Research Group.

To be considered, companies had to participate in a two-part survey process. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company's workplace policies, practices, philosophies, systems and demographics. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. This part of the process was worth approximately 80% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final rankings.

AKRON CHILDREN'S PARTNERS WITH WOEBOT HEALTH: Akron Children's has partnered with San Francisco-based Woebot Health to make Woebot for Adolescents available through clinician referral to 13- to 17-year-old patients. Woebot for Adolescents is an evidence-based, AI-powered mental health support tool designed to work in conjunction with therapy.

The three-year agreement provides unlimited distribution of the tool beginning in October, when Woebot will first be delivered under clinician recommendation to patients in three under-resourced rural counties who screen for depression or anxiety during their annual well visit, and later to patients across Akron Children's 44 primary care pediatrics offices.

The app provides support through user-directed, always available, interactive conversations and tools and is intended to encourage healthy lifestyle choices, which may help individuals live well with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Content specific to teens includes media literacy, which walks them through the basics of social media and how to spot what supports them, bullying in school settings, body image and psychoeducation, including gratitude journaling, goal setting, identifying strengths and learning about growth mindset.

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT: The Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber and MAGNET will again partner to honor a Mahoning Valley manufacturer with the chamber's eighth annual Excellence in Manufacturing Award.

Nominations are being accepted for the award, which focuses on a company's longevity in business, growth, product or workforce innovation and achievement.

Nominated manufacturers must be located in Columbiana, Mahoning or Trumbull counties and be a member of the chamber. Candidates are encouraged to self-nominate.

Nominations are due by Oct. 4th. The chamber and MAGNET will present the award at the Chamber's Economic Forecast breakfast Nov. 7 at the Eastwood Events Centre in Niles.

Past recipients for the award include Boardman Molded Products, Haltec Corporation, Quality Switch, Panelmatic Building Solutions, Commercial Metal Forming, Schaefer Equipment, a Division of Wabtec Corporation, and Millwood, Inc.

Contact Kim Calvert with the chamber at (330) 744-2131, ext. 1235, or kim@regionalchamber.com with questions.

LOCAL PRODUCT PICKED UP: Home Depot has picked up a product by Impeccable Air, a residential heating, ventilation and air conditioning company in Boardman.

The retailer online is carrying the company's filtered, wall-mounted return air vent, according to a news release.

The device is designed to provide air filtration, capturing dust, allergens and other airborne particles before they circulate throughout the home.

People on the move

NEW DIRECTOR ANNOUNCED: The Youngstown Area Jewish Federation recently named Courtney Lockshaw as its next financial resource development director.

Lockshaw is replacing Lisa Long, who will become federation CEO on Jan. 1.

Lockshaw began her career at the JCC of Youngstown in the marketing / membership department. Most recently, she was the development director for the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the American Heart Association. During her time with the heart association, she led successful fundraising campaigns, managed relationships with community partners, and organized volunteers.

Her first day with the federation is Nov. 19.

The Youngstown Area Jewish Federation is the umbrella organization for several agencies, including Senior Living by Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, the Jewish Community Center of Youngstown, the Jewish Community Relations Council, and Jewish Family & Community Services.

TWO ACQUIRE STAKE IN COMPANY: Lewis Construction in Warren recently announced two managers, Chris Frazzini and Dan Holko, have acquired a stake in the company, marking a new era of growth, innovation and succession.

The two have a combined 25 years of experience in project management.

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NEW APPAREL LINE: Sweet Memories Vintage Tees in Girard has launched its officially licensed Choward's Candy T-shirt line. The collection features five designs inspired by candy classics.

A portion of the proceeds, $5, from each T-shirt sale will benefit the Akron Children's Hospital NICU. Since 2020, Sweet Memories has donated more than $57,000 to the NICU, and this new line will continue to support this vital cause.

To celebrate the partnership, Sweet Memories will host a tasting event of Choward's Candy on Aug. 25 at their Girard location, 1282 Trumbull Ave. Each customer will receive a complimentary pack of Choward's Violet Gum and can sample a signature Violet Mocktail.

YBI TO HOST EVENT: The Youngstown Business Incubator will host an Introduction to Additive Manufacturing Workflow in-person training event 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 10-12 at YBI, 241 W. Federal St., Youngstown.

The training is free. Register at eventbrite.com after searching for YBI events.

Training topics include understanding additive manufacturing workflow, recognizing the limitations of additive manufacturing, part design using computer aided design, using slicing software and applying concepts for project print.

Email questions to Brittany Engel at bengel@ybi.org.

FOUR TO BE RECOGNIZED: The Warren P. Williamson Jr. College of Business Administration at Youngstown State University will present the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Awards on Oct. 4 at Williamson Hall. The reception and buffet begin at 5:45 p.m. with the award program at 7 p.m.

The award recipients are Ryan Day, chief financial officer of Hynes Industries; Bill Vennetti, partner of Packer Thomas; Heather Chunn, vice president of operations and human resources for the Youngstown State University Foundation; and Nicole DeCenso, finance expert in loan accounting with PNC Bank.

To attend, RSVP by Sept. 20 at ysu.edu/alumni

banquet. For more information, contact the Office of the Dean in the Williamson College of Business Administration at 330-941-3064.

HOSPITALS NAMED TO BEST LIST: Mercy Health's St. Elizabeth Youngstown and St. Elizabeth Boardman hospitals have been named by U.S. News & World Report to its 2024-25 Best Hospitals as High Performing hospitals.

St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital was recognized for procedures and conditions related to cardiology, heart and vascular surgery, specifically in the treatment of heart attack and heart failure.

St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital was recognized for procedures and conditions related to cardiology, heart and vascular surgery, nephrology, and pulmonology and lung surgery, specifically in the areas of heart failure, kidney failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

This is the highest distinction a hospital can earn for U.S. News' Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings.

The annual ratings are designed to assist patients and their health care providers in making informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures.

U.S. News evaluated nearly 5,000 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions. Hospitals awarded a "Best" designation excelled at factors such as clinical outcomes, level of nursing care and patient experience.

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT: The Akron Chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF-Akron) is accepting nominations for its Penny Award. The award recognizes young professionals under 40 from Summit, Stark, Portage, Wayne and Mahoning counties who have made outstanding contributions to the local advertising community. The award pays homage to AAF-Akron's first president and charter member, James Penfield "Penny" Seiberling.

Submit a nomination at aafakron.com/penny-award.

The organization also is accepting nominations for its High Five Awards, which recognize advertising and marketing professionals who go above and beyond the 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. workday.

The awards are MVP - Most Valuable Peer, the Account Services Award, the MARCOMM Award, the Production Award and Intern of the Year.

Submit a nomination at aafakron.com/high-five-awards.

All recipients will be celebrated at AAF-Akron's Annual Meeting on Oct. 17. Nominations close midnight Friday. Nominators and nominees do not have to be members of AAF-Akron.

Submit items for business briefs, new businesses and people on the move to

business@tritboday.com.

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PIA, WINNER LAUNCH PROGRAM: The PIA School for Aviation Maintenance and Winner Aviation are partnering on a new job shadowing program that offers personalized mentorship, hands-on learning experiences and career preparation for eligible PIA Youngstown students who are studying to become aviation maintenance technicians.

The program at Winner Aviation is open to students who have completed at least their first two semesters of training at PIA Youngstown. Participating students spend 90 minutes per day at Winner Aviation for two days a week over the course of six weeks. There, they strengthen their aviation maintenance skills, grow their networks, receive career guidance, enhance their resume, and can potentially even receive job offers from Winner after graduation.

CHAMBER EVENT: The Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber will host its annual Salute to Business breakfast 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Aug. 29, Eastwood Event Centre, 5555 Youngstown Warren Road, Niles.

Robert Schlaeger, chief of staff to the vice president of Foxconn, will be the keynote speaker.

The chamber also will honor Mahoning Valley native Sarah O'Brien, owner of Little Tart Bakeshops in Atlanta, with the Champion Award.

YSU PROFESSOR WINS AWARD: Richard Deschenes Jr. was recently presented the Meritorious Service Award by the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers at the organization's 146th annual meeting.

The award was presented to Deschenes in recognition of his contributions to the engineering profession through his hours of work furthering the society's goals and objectives.

Deschenes, a member of society's Mahoning Valley Chapter, is the chair of the chapter's MATHCOUNTS program.

PREMIER BANK RECOGNIZED: U.S. News & World Report has named Premier Bank one of the 2024-25 Best Companies to Work For.

Premier Bank ranked among the top-rated companies in Best in Banking, Best Companies and Best Companies in the Midwest on factors contributing to job seekers' decision-making when choosing a workplace that best meets their needs.

U.S. News' ratings reflect the evolving sentiments that factor into employee decision making when choosing the "best" company to work for. The ratings then analyze that sentiment against other factors, including quality of pay and benefits, work-life balance and flexibility, job and company stability, physical and psychological comfort, belongingness and esteem and career opportunities and professional development.

This year, the ratings expanded to encompass 549 companies across the overall best company list, 24 industry lists and four regional lists.

TEAM AWARDED: The Farmers National Investment team based out of Farmers National Bank is a winner of the Circle of Excellence award from Cetera for 2023. The annual awards event, known as the Circle of Excellence, recognizes the accomplishments and leadership of Cetera's top financial professionals.

The local program was recognized as a top producing investment program, and Farmers senior investment executive, Phil Lammers, was recognized individually as a top performer. Lammers ranked No. 1 individually in Ohio.

Lammers, who has been with Farmers National Investments for more than 15 years, is based out of Farmers' Niles location and assists customers daily to find clarity on their financial journey.

The program manager of the Farmers National Investments team is Dan Cvercko. He represented the team, with Lammers, at the awards presentation in May in Florida.

YSU TEAM PLACES FIRST: The Youngstown State University Chapter of the American Foundry Society won first place in a surprise competition category "Excellence in Material Selection, Analysis, and Processing" at the Cast in Steel competition in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

An annual event held by the Steel Founders' Society of America, the competition challenges university students to use modern casting tools to design and produce a functioning version of a tool, decided on by the judges, that is traditionally manufactured with another method. This year's competition featured more than 40 teams from across the world.

The 2024 competition challenged teams to produce a Halligan bar -- a multipurpose tool used by firefighters to gain access to building spaces and vehicles, and for other emergency uses. YSU's student team produced their version, named "The Halliguin," which was judged for its design, casting quality and performance by practical testing.

Led by Brian Vuksanovich, professor and faculty advisor, the team was made up of mechanical engineering and mechanical engineering technology students, including Coleman Buchanan, Andrew Prokop, Elly Volz, Ely Vuksanovich, Jonah Montgomery and Katie Chludzinski.

EVENT RAISES FUNDS: Encino Energy, Ohio's No. 1 oil producer and one of the state's leading natural gas producers, donated $100,000 to local groups making positive impacts in their communities.

The money was raised through the company's annual Vendor Charity Classic, held July 24 at Avalon Lakes Golf Course in Howland.

Each group received $20,000.

Among them was the Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber Foundation, a group focused on local economic development in the Youngstown-Warren region, and the Brightside Project, a nonprofit centered on equipping and empowering children in Columbiana County and northeast Ohio by nurturing their well-being.

People on the move

D'ANDREA JOINS 717: Mark D'Andrea recently joined 717 Credit Union as vice president of finance and analytics.

In his new position, D'Andrea will hold a leadership role responsible for overseeing the financial planning, reporting and analysis functions within the credit union. He will provide direction and guidance for financial initiatives, ensuring accurate reporting, comprehensive analysis and effective planning to support the credit union's financial goals.

D'Andrea earned a bachelor's degree in finance and a master's degree in business administration from Franklin University.

LOCAL WOMAN TAPPED: Aspasia Lyras-Bernacki, co-owner of Penguin City Brewing Company in Youngstown, was recently elected to an at-Large position on the Ohio Craft Brewers Association board.

She started her two-year term Thursday.

Founded in 2007, the association is a nonprofit guild that works to promote, preserve, diversify and unify Ohio's craft brewing industry.

ATTORNEY JOINS FIRM: Keith H. Petersen recently joined Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell as an associate attorney in the firm's office in Warren.

Petersen focuses his practice on civil litigation, estate planning and probate, family law and landlord / tenant matters. He had been with Wiles & Richards, a law firm in Willoughby since 2022.

Petersen graduated in 2021 from the Cleveland State University Marshall College of Law. He holds a master's of music degree from the University of Miami, Florida, and bachelor's of music degree from Youngstown State University.

DIRECTOR NAMED: Farmers National Bank of Canfield has selected a new director of Treasury Management.

Heathyr Ullmo, senior relationship manager, Treasury Management, will be promoted to lead the department upon the retirement of Jim Dean.

Ullmo has been working in Treasury Management for 15 years, with 20 years in the financial services industry.

Treasury Management is a set of services that businesses can utilize to streamline processes and promote efficiency, including managing of daily cash flows, understanding the financial decisions being made within a company and preventing fraud.

Submit items for business briefs, new businesses and people on the move to business@tritboday.com.