Business briefs
BUSINESS WORKSHOPS PLANNED: The Ohio Small Business Development Center and Export Assistance Network at Youngstown State University is partnering with the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County to host a series of business workshops in October.
The workshops are designed to help those attending discover and capitalize on business opportunities and learn from experts who will teach market research, financial modeling, financing options, exporting opportunities and business resources.
The first session is Oct. 8 with presenter Stuart Gibbs, a business research librarian at the library. The second session is Oct. 17 and will be presented by Steve Schillig, a strategic growth consultant at the Ohio SBDC at YSU. The third session is Oct. 28th with Mariah Carna, an international trade specialist with the Ohio SBDC EAN at YSU.
Each workshop is 5:30 to 7 p.m., with a wrap up 7 to 7:30 p.m. Workshops are free and open to the public however, seating is limited to 50 people per session, so registration is required. Visit the online Business Seminar Registration Form for more information and to register.
HOSPITAL SYSTEM NAMED TO LIST: Akron Children’s has been named on the Forbes list of America’s Best-In-State Employers 2024. The award is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., a statistics portal and industry ranking provider.
America’s Best-In-State Employers 2024 were identified in an independent survey from a sample of more than 160,000 employees working for companies employing at least 500 people within the U.S. The ranking is open to companies from all industry sectors.
Around 4.4 million employer evaluations were considered. An employer’s final score is determined on a state-by-state basis and is built upon two types of employee evaluations — personal, employees’ willingness to recommend their employers to friends and family; and public, recommendations from friends and family members of employees, or members of the public who work in the same industry.
REGIONAL CHAMBER EVENTS: The Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber will host Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and its Public Policy Conference next month.
Yost is scheduled to attend the Lattes With Legislators event 7:30 to 9 a.m. Oct. 7 at the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, 305 Wick Ave., Youngstown.
The chamber’s Public Policy Conference is scheduled 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Grand Resort, 9519 E. Market St., Warren.
At the event, local community and business leaders will have the opportunity to brainstorm with their state associations, local and state government officials and companies to address important public policy issues to develop best management practices to better serve their constituents.
Topics will include economic development site readiness, energy sustainability and workforce development.
Register for both at
regionalchamber.com under the Events tab.
New businesses
NEW STORES AT EWM: Outdoor apparel and gear retailer Sierra Trading Post is coming to the Eastwood Mall Complex, as is Youngstown Clothing Company.
The selection at Sierra Trading Post includes clothing and equipment for camping, running, fishing, skiing, swimming, cycling and hiking. It will be the first Sierra Trading Post in the region.
Construction of the 24,000-square-foot store in the Howland Commons section of the complex is set to begin in the fall. Opening is targeted for late 2025.
Sierra Trading Post started in 1986 as a catalog company in Reno, Nevada, with the first retail store opening in 1990. In 2012 it was acquired by TJX Companies Inc., which also operates T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods, also at the complex.
Youngstown Clothing Company is a local clothing retailer and manufacturer that proclaims pride in its hometown. It will soon open in a 3,500-square-foot store in the mall’s east concourse, next to Books-A-Million.
Founded in 2016, the company produces T-shirts, joggers, hats, sweatshirts and accessories.
RIBBON CUTTINGS: A ribbon cutting ceremony was set for Tuesday to market the opening of a new restaurant, OI2 on Niles Cortland Road, Howland.
The family-owned, carry-out only restaurant serves comfort food, from fried fish to burgers and salads.
On Sept. 21, the Hive, 214 Churchill Hubbard Road, Liberty, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting.
The small business will host yoga classes, photography sessions, small business events, networking events, as well as pop-up markets for other local vendors. A podcasting studio is also located inside the space and is available to use for a fee.
The studio is sponsored by THRIVE 10:10, Trumbull County Grief and Loss in Motion and Triunity Cares.
People on
the move
HERTZER NAMED DIRECTOR: Alex Hertzer has been named executive director of the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition by the organization’s board of directors. He served in the role on an interim basis for six months.
He replaces former executive director Jessica Borza, who is now managing director of workforce services for The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association.
WCBA ASSOCIATE DEAN ENSHRINED: Christina Saenger, associate dean of the Williamson College of Business Administration at Youngstown State University and 1999 graduate of Barberton High School, has been inducted into the Academic Hall of Fame for Barberton City Schools.
Saenger holds bachelor’s in business and organizational communication and an MBA, both from the University of Akron. She earned her doctorate in marketing from Kent State University in 2012.
She worked in the marketing field as a customer service representative, an advertising sales representative, an account executive, a marketing and advertising consultant and as an associate professor of marketing at YSU.
WOMAN SELECTED: Aundrea Cika Heschmeyer, president of MARQUEE, a Youngstown-based strategic communications and special events consultancy, was elected vice president of the Alliance College Alumni Association during the organization’s 2024 reunion in August.
Heschmeyer, a Youngstown native, is passionate about preserving the legacy of Alliance College and fostering a vibrant alumni community.
The association was formed in 2001 to unite alumni, faculty and staff of Alliance Academy, Alliance Technical Institute and Alliance College. It is dedicated to hosting reunions, fostering connections, preserving memories and promoting post-secondary education.
BOARD PRESIDENT APPOINTED: Janice Bolchalk has been appointed president of the board of directors for Direction Home of Eastern Ohio.
In the role, she will collaborate with board members from Mahoning, Trumbull, Ashtabula and Columbiana counties to oversee the organization’s programs, funding allocations and budgeting.
Before she retired, she worked as safety director for Hubbard, and executive director of Second Harvest Food Bank of Mahoning Valley and Interfaith Home Maintenance.
With Direction Home, she has served on several committees and boards, including as chairperson of the advisory council.
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Business briefs
COMPANY HAS NEW WEBSITE: Litco, a Vienna-based company that specializes in transit protection product and load securement solutions, has launched a new website.
The move consolidates two of its prior websites into a single, comprehensive platform that provides users with a seamless and enriched digital experience, according to the company.
Key features include a centralized information hub, enhanced user experience, greater customer support, e-commerce capabilities and streamlined user experience as well as better efficiency.
The company was established in 1962 by Lionel F. Trebilcock. Its products include engineered molded wood pallets and core plugs, custom crates, corrugated void fill and dunnage airbags, and edge protectors.
CLEAN ENERGY EVENT: A clean energy forum is scheduled for 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 9 at Waypoint 4180 in Canfield.
The forum will review the Appalachian Regional Commission CEMA grant and counties in Ohio eligible for the grant, including the Mahoning Valley
The Clean Energy Manufacturing in Appalachia (CEMA) program helps Appalachian manufacturers involved in energy efficiency and green manufacturing. The program offers mini-grants for small- and medium-sized manufacturers and connects them to available grants and tax incentives from federal, state, and regional sources.
Register at eventbrite.com.
AGENTS ACHIEVE DESIGNATION: Eleven agents with Burgan Real Estate have achieved the distinguished designation for Realtors being Accredited Buyer’s Representatives.
The agents are Karen Ament, Haley Beachler, Melissa Birmingham, Martin Dunham, Lisa Goclano, Brett Green, Traci Hardy, Megan Martini, Terra O’Brien, Rhonda Rance and Joan Zarlenga.
To achieve the distinction, agents are required to complete a variety of educational courses, be in good standing in multiple trade organizations, including the National Association of Realtors, complete a formal exam, and documentation showing five completed transactions in which the agent acted solely as a buyer representative.
The distinction is earned by the top Realtors in the country.
FOUNDATION LAUNCHES NEW PROGRAM: The Raymond John Wean Foundation will launch its first Nonprofit Leadership Cohort in early 2025. Over eight months, the program will provide up to 10 mid-career nonprofit professionals with coaching, peer-to-peer learning and opportunities to implement skills learned within their organizations.
After completion, participants can apply for a Wean Foundation Strategic Partners Fellowship, which enables individuals to grow within their organizations and ensures they are fairly and appropriately compensated for their advancement.
The cohort builds on the foundation’s former Emerging Leaders program, a collaborative learning exchange that began in 2013 and engaged more than 80 Mahoning Valley leaders.
The foundation will hold information sessions Oct. 9, 10 and 12 about the cohort. More details are available at weanfoundation.org/get-involved/.
MONEY RAISED FOR AGENCY: Foxconn, which owns the former General Motors assembly plant in Lordstown, raised $36,500 at its recent annual golf outing for NOAS, a foster care and adoption agency in Howland.
Said Cheryl Tarantino, NOAS executive director, “Foxconn has been an excellent host and partner, exceeding our expectations with generous sponsors and golfers. NOAS is grateful to continue to support foster youth and the families who parent them.”
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Business briefs
FIRM RANKED BY CHAMBERS USA: Petrony Law of Poland has been ranked in the Chambers USA Ohio Spotlight Guide 2025 in the area of corporate / commercial law.
In the guide, Chambers USA sought to identify the leading small- to medium-sized law firms in Ohio that offer a credible alternative to the biggest law firms. The ranked firms were selected based on an independent and in-depth market analysis, coupled with an assessment of their experience, expertise and caliber of talent.
Chambers USA is published by London-based Chambers & Partners, a legal rankings and insights intelligence company, which has published an annual ranking of the best lawyers and law firms across the country for more than 20 years.
Chambers USA bases its rankings on qualities including technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment and other categories most valued by clients. Only 0.5% of firms in the U.S. are Chambers ranked.
PROGRAM RECOGNIZED: Ohio Valley Little Melodies has been named a Top Program by Kindermusik International, a provider of music-based education for infants, toddlers and young children.
Cara Vernal is a Kindermusik accredited educator and owner of Valley Little Melodies, which has been serving the Mahoning Valley since 2017. The award recognizes excellence in spreading the developmental benefits of music and movement through Kindermusik’s a cappella studio curricula.
Today, the classes reach more than 250 families per year. Accredited educators on staff include Trista Houck, Stephanie Seville, Katie Toy, Taylor Phillips, Toni Meese and Brianna Rzucidlo.
717 / KSU PARTNER: 717 Credit Union, in partnership with Kent State University athletics, recently announced its designation as the official credit union and banking partner of Kent State athletics. The partnership demonstrates 717 Credit Union’s continued commitment to financial wellness and building stronger communities throughout Portage County and the surrounding areas.
In addition to joint marketing and branding between Kent State and 717 Credit Union, the partnership will involve collaborative engagement with Kent State athletic events and broader community outreach.
CHAMBER EVENT SET: The Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber will host 65th District state Rep.-elect David Thomas for the organization’s next Lattes With Legislators event 7:30 to 9 a.m. Sept. 23 at Hartford Hill Winery, 3864 Bushnell Campbell Road, Fowler.
BBB SERIES: The next in the Better Business Bureau’s Lunch & Learn Series is “QuickBooks Tips & Tricks for Small Businesses” presented by Ken McBride, partner at HD Growth Partners.
The event is noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County — Main Branch, 305 Wick Ave., Youngstown.
There is no cost to attend, but reservations are required. Call 330-744-3111, ext. 111 or email info@youngstown.bbb.org to attend.
PROGRAM EMPOWERS YOUTH: Over the summer, the YBI Youth Entrepreneurship Program, in partnership with Youngstown’s Parks and Recreation Department, offered students at Wick Park an experience in business education.
The weeklong boot camp provided students with a hands-on introduction to entrepreneurship. It culminated in a successful Lemonade Day on Aug. 6, when participants sold their lemonade to the community.
Throughout the boot camp, students learned business fundamentals, including goal-setting, planning, branding, advertising, finances, budgeting and loans. The interactive sessions were designed to encourage creativity and problem-solving while instilling an entrepreneurial mindset in the young participants.
In addition, the students also gained practical experience in teamwork, problem-solving and financial literacy.
Go to ybi.org/ye for more information about the Youth Entrepreneurship Program.
AKRON CHILDREN’S JOINS NETWORK: Akron Children’s has joined the Children’s Brain Tumor Network. Dr. Erin Wright, director of neuro-oncology at Akron Children’s, will serve as a principal investigator for the network.
As a participating site, Akron Children’s contributes consented samples of childhood tissue to help advance understanding of childhood brain tumor biology. Each brain tumor tissue sample is deidentified before undergoing genetic sequencing, a process that converts the samples into data to provide the greatest value to researchers worldwide while protecting the privacy of each child.
PITCH COMPANIES PICKED: The Youngstown Business Incubator recently announced the five companies selected to pitch at this year’s YBI Shark Tank fundraising event.
This year marked one of the strongest showings in YBI Shark Tank history, with more than 70 businesses submitting applications. The participating companies are:
• A Fresh Wind Catering — A woman- and minority-owned business at the Commonwealth Kitchen Incubator in Youngstown and on location with a food truck.
• ARMA — The ARMA glove is the first custom-fit glove designed to eliminate sweat, kill 99.9% of germs upon contact and withstand washing with soap and water for prolonged use.
• GeoFlow ai — An AI platform continuously updates trillions of organizational facts and relationships sourced from billions of websites.
• Spokbee — A Cleveland-based software developer whose product uses AI to help manufacturers configure and sell engineered products online.
• Yo! Crash — A mobile rage room dedicated to purposefully and constructively releasing aggression in a fun and safe environment.
The companies will compete for a substantial prize pool, starting at $30,000. The award potentially can increase, reaching $40,000 if YBI’s sponsorship drive attains $350,000 and $55,000 should it surpass $400,000 in sponsorships.
The fifth annual YBI Shark Tank fundraiser is 5 p.m. Oct. 24 at Mr. Anthony’s in Boardman.
New businesses
NEW STORES OPEN AT EWM: Three new businesses celebrated grand openings Aug. 30 at the Eastwood Mall Complex: Allure Nails & Spa, Above All Cutz Barber Boulevard and Amish Country Market East.
Allure Nails & Spa is in the Great East Plaza section of the complex, next to Buffalo Wild Wings. The salon also offers pampering services, including a lavender stress relief pedicure that features hot stone therapy and a lavender masque.
Above All Cutz Barber Boulevard is in the Boscov’s concourse inside Eastwood Mall. It caters to all and cut, color and waxing services are available for women. On Tuesdays, senior citizen haircuts are $15.
The Amish Country Market East near the children’s play area features an array of authentic Amish-made donuts, pretzels, ice cream and other treats. An array of savory breakfast and lunch wraps are made with pretzel dough. The shop also offers salads, coffee and soft drinks.
RIBBON CUTTING: Trina Williams, owner and operator of A Fresh Wind Catering, recently held the grand opening of her mobile restaurant business at the Oak Hill Collaborative on Oak Hill Avenue, Youngstown. A Fresh Wind is a local caterer specializing in heart-healthy food.
DOGGY DAYCARE OPEN: Janine Soubra has opened Camp Bulldog at 9 1/2 Sheridan Road, Poland.
Camp Bulldog offers canine daycare services 7:30am to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The business has interactive toys, a small breed designated area, one-on-one time with staff and a large outdoor play area with natural grass
Camp Bulldog hopes to coordinate with local rescue agencies to allow rescue dogs the use of our facility on the weekends.
People on the move
BRINDLE APPOINTED: Denise Brindle has been named the new volunteer coordinator for AmeriCorps RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) in Mahoning and Trumbull counties.
Brindle’s background includes roles in sales, administration, marketing and communications, including nearly a decade as a donor recruitment representative for the American Red Cross.
SCHNEIDER JOINS LIBRARY: Sam Schneider has joined the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library system as children’s department manager at the Warren Library.
In her new position, Schneider will help coordinate programming and services for children up to 12 years old with the children’s department at the Warren Library.
Schneider was most recently the early learning specialist with the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County.
She replaces Amanda Adkins, who has relocated from the area.
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