Business briefs
NAMED TO THE BOARD: The Better Business Bureau elected John Burgan, founder of Burgan Real Estate, as chair of its board of directors for 2025.
The board also elected Ed Muransky as vice chair; Rachel Barber, treasurer; Colleen Kelly, secretary; and Jennifer Johnson, past chair.
Joining the board as new members are Cailyn Chrystal, 898 Marketing; Jordan Greenwood, Greenwood Chevrolet; Stephanie Mrozek, Hometown Pharmacy; Jordan Ryan, JAC Management; and Adam Timblin, Schroedel, Scullin & Bestic, LLC.
Directors renewing their terms include Sam Huston, Huntington Bank; Robert Kempe, Premier Bank; Dr. Betty Jo Licata, Youngstown State University; Teri Storey, Masonry Materials Plus; Gregg Strollo, Strollo Architects; and Anthony Trevena of Western Reserve Port Authority.
“We are excited to have such an experienced and dedicated team of leaders guiding the BBB of the Mahoning Valley,” said Melissa Ames, president and CEO of the BBB. “John Burgan’s leadership, coupled with the expertise of our executive officers and new board members, will help us continue promoting trust in the marketplace and supporting businesses in our community.”
CHAMBER ADDITION: Girard resident Kelly McKee-Foos has joined the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber as its marketing and graphics specialist.
In her role, McKee-Foos will work with Monique Bennett, director of marketing, to coordinate and produce the Chamber’s marketing and communications products and activities.
“Kelly is a valuable addition to the Chamber team,” Bennett said. “Her experience is helping to support and elevate our marketing efforts across all our materials and platforms.
Prior to joining the Chamber in February, McKee-Foos was director of marketing for Quickmed Urgent Care. Before that, she worked as marketing and advertising manager for Stambaugh Auditorium in Youngstown.
McKee-Foos is a graduate of Youngstown State University, where she majored in marketing, advertising and public relations and was an active member and president of the Delta Zeta Sorority.
She and husband, Joe, have three children, Conor, Collin and Camryn.
PAIR JOINS BURGAN: Burgan Real Estate has added Matt and Alexis Jones to its staff.
Alexis Jones is originally from Hubbard and attended The Ohio State University for her B.A. and West Virginia University for her J.D. She was an attorney, title insurance agent and business owner prior to joining Burgan. Matt Jones also is originally from Hubbard and attended West Virginia for his bachelor’s degree. Prior to joining Burgan, he was a GED teacher. They are parents to three daughters, Reagan, Palmer and Reese.
ACCOUNTING FIRM EXCELS: HBK CPAs & Consultants, which has an office in Canfield, has been recognized with the “Best of Accounting” award from ClearlyRated.
This recognition is based on client feedback, HBK said in a news release.
HBK achieved a Net Promoter Score of 72.3%, which is more than double the industry average of 38% in 2024.
“This exceptional score reflects the high level of trust and satisfaction our clients have in our services and expertise,” the company said.
A total of 79.5% of its clients gave satisfaction scores of 9 or 10 out of 10, which outperformed the industry average of 48% in 2024.
“This award serves as evidence of our commitment to excellence and allows us to stand out among our peers in the accounting industry,” said Thomas M. Angelo, managing principal and chief executive officer at HBK CPAs & Consultants. “We’re incredibly proud of this achievement, which would not be possible without the dedication and expertise of our entire team.”
OPEN FOR BUSINESS: Whatta-Potato, an eatery specializing in loaded potatoes, opened for business Wednesday in Eastwood Mall in the JCPenney concourse.
Owner India Hogans, a nurse for the past 20 years, turned her lifelong passion for cooking into a reality.
“I’ve always wanted to open a restaurant that wasn’t too small or too big, that offered a unique product,” Hogans said.
Whatta-Potato offers a loaded potato with customers creating their personalized potato dish.
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Business briefs
SHIRLEY RECOGNIZED: Howland High School alumnus Frank Shirley, founder and principal of Frank Shirley Architects in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has been elevated to The College of Fellows at The American Institute of Architects, one of the highest honors awarded in the architectural profession.
Fewer than 3% of institute members hold the designation, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of architecture and to society.
“It is an honor to be a Fellow, to be given a distinction alongside those I hold in the highest esteem, and to be recognized for pursuing my passion in a profession that has given me joy,” he said.
According to the institute, Shirley’s elevation reflects his efforts and expertise in carrying the legacy of historical buildings whether rehabilitating, adapting or designing anew. His contributions are not only through his designs, but through education to architects, homeowners and other stewards of architectural history.
Additionally, Shirley published a widely referenced research study on the lifecycle costs of windows, used by the National Park Service, and authored the book: “New Rooms for Old Houses: Beautiful Additions for the Traditional Home.”
The 2025 Class of Fellows will be recognized June 5 at the institute’s annual Conference on Architecture and Design in Boston.
OPENING SET: Meijer’s Austintown location will open May 8, the privately owned, family-operated retailer announced.
It will be one of three new supercenters opening in Northeast Ohio, increasing the retailer’s store count to 58 in the state. The other 159,000-square-foot supercenters are in Medina and Richmond Heights.
A Meijer Express gas station will open April 10 adjacent to the Austintown location.
“We’re investing heavily to serve the Northeast Ohio community and consistently receiving positive feedback about our value and convenience,” said Todd Anderson, vice president of the Ohio region for Meijer. “Ohio was the first state we expanded to outside of Michigan, and we look forward to continuing that growth this year and into the future.”
The company is accepting applications for part- and full-time employment. Apply online at https://jobs.meijer.com/stores.
REBRANDING AND EXTENSION: Youngstown State University’s STEM Workforce Education and Innovation announced the rebranding and expansion of its IT Workforce Accelerator into the Advanced Technology Workforce Accelerator.
This transformation reflects YSU’s commitment to equipping the workforce with the skills needed at the intersection of information technology, operational technology and advanced wireless networks — driving innovation, resilience, and economic growth in Northeast Ohio and beyond.
With the rapid evolution of Industry 4.0, the demand for a workforce trained in cybersecurity, 5G-enabled IoT, and automation systems is greater than ever. ATWA was created to bridge these gaps, ensuring that talent is prepared not just for today’s jobs, but for the future of work.
“The Advanced Technology Workforce Accelerator is more than a training center — it’s a workforce transformation initiative designed to ensure Ohio remains at the forefront of digital infrastructure and Industry 4.0,” said Lindsey Ekstrand, director of workforce education programs at YSU. “Through innovation and collaboration and by embracing the integration of IT, OT, and advanced wireless technologies, we are preparing workers for high-demand careers that drive economic growth and technological advancement.”
For more information about the Advanced Technology Workforce Accelerator, contact Ekstrand at
lfekstrand@ysu.edu.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM: Owners of new businesses in a four-county area are wanted to compete in a new business award program created by the Meszaros Charitable Fund board of directors.
Participants must come from Mahoning and Trumbull counties in Ohio and Mercer and Lawrence counties in Pennsylvania. Three winners will be selected with prizes ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
Organizers said the program is meant to encourage, create a network of support, promote an active business environment and help inspire others to make an impact in their communities.
The initial award focuses on “New Business” — business owners who have taken the leap of faith for themselves and their ideas. Upon completion of application review, finalists will be invited to an in-person interview with regional community leaders.
Award recipients will be invited to participate in the annual Meszaros FUNd FEAST in August.
For more information, contact Debbie Wiley, business award chair, at Debra.Meszaros049@gmail.com, or Brian Wallace, board president, at BWallace@FringeBenefitServices.com.
Business briefs
LEADERSHIP: The On Board! Training and Governance Academy will take place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 7 at the United Way Volunteer Resource Center, 8133 Market St., Youngstown.
The academy is designed for new and established board members and / or nonprofit leadership and will include content from Charitable University, a new learning platform developed by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. The platform provides tools on some of the most important elements in leading a charitable organization: board governance, governmental filings, financial operations and internal controls, filings and recordkeeping and fundraising.
Participants who complete the daylong training program will be included in the new Leadership Mahoning Valley Board Match program, which will connect individuals interested in serving on boards, with nonprofit organizations in need of board members. Charitable leaders who complete the training will also receive completion credit for the program and their names listed on the Attorney General’s web page as acknowledgment of their commitment to learning about their important roles as sector leaders. They will also receive a completion certificate that can be shared with funders to illustrate their organization’s commitment to soundboard governance practices.
For questions, contact JoAnn Stock, executive director, at JoAnn@regional
chamber.com or at 330-744-2131, ext. 1227.
FUNDING ASSISTS GROWTH: A real estate holding company with property in Austintown recently received a $238,900 state loan as part of its $796,538 development project.
KJ3 Ohio LLC was awarded the funding this month through the Ohio Department of Development’s Regional 166 Direct Loan Program. The program promotes economic development along with job creation and retention by providing low-interest loans to businesses with limited access to adequate capital from private funding sources.
The money will assist in financing the purchase and renovations of a 16,540-square-foot building at 5211 Mahoning Ave. in Austintown. The property is leased to Advanced Technology Partners LLC and Comfort Keepers.
The project will create 43 new full-time-equivalent jobs and retain 181 existing jobs, according to the news release.
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED: Bridgeway Capital’s Business Growth Accelerator, a program that provides support for entrepreneurs through education, coaching and business-building services, is accepting applications for its 2025 cohort.
The program, offered at no cost to participants, will accept applications through March 31.
Facilitated by industry experts in strategy, finance, legal, marketing and more, the Business Growth Accelerator helps emerging and established business owners from the Mahoning Valley refine their fundamentals to achieve operational excellence and pursue entrepreneurial opportunities. These entrepreneurs will graduate with clear goals — especially financial ones — and a thoughtful business plan to make those goals a reality.
Through the application process, Bridgeway Capital will select up to eight entrepreneurs for an established business cohort and 12 participants for an emerging business cohort. Applicants who have been in business for more than four years, have $20,000 to $30,000 in annual revenue, and work full time for their business are encouraged to apply to the established business cohort. The emerging business track applies to those entrepreneurs who do not yet meet those criteria.
To apply or sign up for the information session, visit the 2025 Business Growth Accelerator Youngstown / Warren page in Entrepreneurship Hub at BridgewayCapital.org.
CHAMBER ADDS DIRECTORS: The Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber’s Board of Directors has named 15 new members, as well as officers, for 2025, and reappointed four members to new terms.
New board members are Thomas Benyo, Brilex; Barry Bhola, Trumbull Energy Center; John Demmler, 717 Credit Union; Barb Ewing, Youngstown Business Incubator; Gary Hauck, Vallourec Star, LP Steven Jones, Steven Jones Agency; Joe Koch Jr., Joe Koch Construction Inc.; Erik Liber, HSH Drywall LLC; Joe Lukich, #1 Cochran; John Masternick, Windsor House Inc.; John McNally, Boak & Sons Inc.; Doug Rende, Shapes Unlimited Inc.; Mike Repetto, Foxconn; Greg Toporcer, Discover Global / Top Property Holdings; and Mark Wenick, Farmers Bank Group.
Officers for 2025 are chairman, Matt Blair, Blair & Latell Co., LPA; Immediate past chairman, Michael Schrock, Huntington National Bank; first vice chair, Scott Fleming, Aim Transportation Solutions; vice chair, Jeanne Mosure, ms consultants inc.; vice chair, Jackie Stewart, Encino Energy; and treasurer, Mark Wenick.
Directors reappointed to new terms are Joe Cameneti, Believers Church; Bob Davis, Aqua Ohio; Sabrina Jones, Academy for Urban Scholars Youngstown; and Paul Olivier, Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley.
IDEA EVENT: The Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI), in partnership with Code Youngstown, hosted EVOLVEConnect: Founder Matchmaking Event recently.
More than 60 aspiring entrepreneurs, software developers and tech professionals joined to spark collaborations and launch the next wave of startups.
The event, designed to bridge the gap between founders and technical talent, provided a platform for participants to pitch ideas, network with industry experts and explore potential co-founder partnerships. Through structured networking sessions and engaging discussions, attendees connected with software engineers, developers and tech enthusiasts eager to help bring groundbreaking ideas to life.
“Finding the right technical help or co-founder can be one of the biggest challenges for nontechnical entrepreneurs,” said Chandler Fiffick, senior director of the EVOLVE Entrepreneurship program at YBI.
MARKING 25 YEARS: Columbiana-based STG Communication Services, a leader in wireless infrastructure solutions, is marking its 25th anniversary.
“Our success over the past 25 years is a testament to our dedicated team, valued clients and unwavering commitment to our purpose of building to improve lives,” Jimi Moore, vice president and partner, said.
The company provides service to all major wireless carriers and career opportunities for nearly 100 team members.
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Business briefs
AGENCY ADDS THREE: Palo Creative, a marketing and advertising agency in Boardman, has added three professionals to its team.
Clancy Pannell joins as web designer, while Bill Jupp steps in as client manager. Additionally, Krystle Kimes joins as client associate.
After serving six years in the military, Pannell pursued a design degree from Kent State University with a minor in marketing. With 12 years of professional experience in design — including eight years in agency work — he specializes in digital design for B2B and B2C clients.
Jupp brings more than 20 years of experience managing marketing strategies across agency and in-house roles. A graduate of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh with a background in 3D animation and web design, Jupp has honed his expertise working with industrial industries, manufacturing and distribution clients ranging from small businesses to enterprise-level organizations.
Kimes brings 15 years of experience as an Emmy-nominated and Ohio Associated Press Award-winning TV news producer. Her expertise in storytelling, combined with in-house marketing experience at a manufacturing company, equips her with a perspective on delivering successful campaigns.
ACQUISITION: Nationwide logistics provider SDS Logistics, headquartered in Boardman, has acquired DSS Logistics, a South Carolina-based 3PL with a strong presence in the Information Technology Asset Disposition (ITAD) industry.
The acquisition strengthens SDS Logistics’ commitment to providing logistics services across the nation, while also enhancing its expertise within the growing ITAD sector. The deal will see Darrell Hogan, an ITAD industry veteran with more than 35 years of experience, join the SDS Logistics leadership team.
“We are thrilled to bring Darrell Hogan and the talented team from DSS Logistics into the SDS family,” said Tom Shapiro, co-founder and CEO of SDS Logistics. “This acquisition allows us to further expand our capabilities and continue to deliver best-in-class services to the ITAD industry. Integrating DSS into our operations is a perfect fit, and we’re excited to leverage their expertise, unique perspectives, and culture of innovation to serve our clients even better.”
The acquisition positions SDS Logistics as a dominant force in the ITAD space, combining industry-leading logistics services with deep expertise in IT asset disposition. By merging resources and talent, the company is poised to provide solutions for its growing client base while maintaining its dedication to high standards of customer service and operational excellence.
NEW ROLE: Victoria Kress, a distinguished professor in Youngstown State University’s counseling program, will be the American Counseling Association’s president in 2026.
She serves on the ACA’s governing council.
“This is a real peak moment for me,” Kress said.
For nearly three decades, she has worked on legislative changes, including securing Medicare reimbursements for counselors, which opened up access to mental health services for older adults.
Her advocacy efforts also include securing positions for counselors in the Ohio Department of Corrections. Though, it’s her advocacy for vulnerable populations, particularly children, that fuels much of her work. As the new ACA president-elect, these goals will remain at the forefront of her agenda, ensuring that counselors continue to serve and protect the most at-risk members of society.
In addition to her work in counseling and advocacy, Kress has been involved in study abroad programs, including a recent trip to Rwanda, where she worked with students in the region. This international experience reflects her broader view of the counseling profession and its impact across global communities.
NEW HIRE: Carrie Johnson has joined DeSalvo Construction Company of Hubbard as its new accounting professional.
Most recently, she served as an office manager at Dark Horse Custom Spreader Trucks & Dark Horse Soil Stabilization, where she played a role in developing accounting procedures, managing payroll and overseeing financial reporting for two startup companies. Prior to that, she held administrative roles at Jubilee Ministries International and Harbor Properties of Christian Family Services.
Johnson holds an associate degree in Accounting from Sawyer Business School.
“Her extensive experience and leadership in financial management will be invaluable as we continue to grow and enhance our operations,” said Joe DeSalvo at DeSalvo Construction.
Johnson will oversee payroll, general ledger management, bank reconciliation and human resources support.
STRATEGY DISCUSSION: The Mahoning-Shenango Valley Chapter of the Exit Planning Institute will present “Strategic Life Planning for Business Owners: Designing Your Future with Clarity” 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. March 27 at Waypoint 4180, Canfield.
Led by Scott Couchenour, a strategy coach, the workshop will guide participants through practical steps to create a well-rounded plan that supports both business and personal aspirations.
Session objectives include clarifying vision and priorities; creating a strategic action plan; optimizing your role and decision-making; leveraging support and resources; and developing a 90-day implementation plan.
The session is for business owners who want to take a proactive approach to their future, ensuring they have a clear plan for what comes next — without pressure, uncertainty or reactive decision-making.
The cost is $40. Attendance is worth three EPI hours. The deadline to register is March 17.
For more information, visit exit-planning-institute.org/events.
HYNES HONORED: Hynes Industries, a leader in advanced roll forming and complementary, custom metal fabrication solutions has been named to Smart Business Network’s 2025 Evolution of Manufacturing list. The award recognizes companies that have successfully leveraged innovation and investment to drive industry-leading growth, efficiency and workforce development.
The company has manufacturing facilities in Youngstown, Painesville and Kokomo, Indiana.
For 100 years, Hynes Industries has been a cornerstone of Midwest manufacturing and today has evolved to serve the demands of high-growth markets such as solar energy, automated material handling, truck / trailer manufacturing and commercial /industrial.
A key milestone in this transformation has been the 2024 integration of an advanced in-line weld mill at its Youngstown facility, the largest single capital investment in company history. This technology enhances production capabilities by enabling the manufacturing of closed-section profiles with superior strength, eliminating costly secondary operations and significantly reducing lead times for customers.
“Hynes Industries has built its reputation on adaptability, precision and customer-centric innovation,” said Rick Organ, president and CEO of Hynes Industries. “The manufacturing landscape is evolving rapidly, and we have embraced that change – not just by upgrading our capabilities, but by investing in the people and processes that drive long-term success in Youngstown, Painesville and Kokomo.”
ONE OF THE BEST: HD Growth Partners, an accounting firm headquartered in Liberty, was recently included in the 2025 Best Remote and Hybrid Workplaces in America rankings, hosted by Best Companies Group.
HD Growth Partners was listed in the top 15 small / medium-sized workplaces in the nation. This recognition highlights their commitment to fostering a workplace culture that empowers its team to thrive.
These awards celebrate excellence in company culture by identifying and honoring outstanding employers across the United States. Companies are evaluated through rigorous data-driven assessments, including employee feedback, workplace policies, and practices.
“We’ve made substantial investments into our infrastructure over the last few years to create a firm of the future and to be recognized for this in such a short period of time shows the quality of the work of our team. I’m extremely proud of what we’ve built and what we continue to build for the future,” Tim Petrey, CEO of HD Growth Partners, said.
SECURITY TALK: BBB Youngstown will present a program about small businesses and IT security noon to 1 p.m. March 19 at Garden Kettle, 8049 Market St., Boardman.
Millie Baldwin, president of Delta Telecom, will be the speaker. She will discuss password management, data backup, phishing awareness and other cybersecurity strategies.
BBB-accredited businesses are invited to attend.
There is no cost to attend, but participants are asked to RSVP by calling 330-744-3111 or email info@youngstown.
PINBALL WIZARDS WANTED: The first-ever Corporate Pinball Challenge and Fundraiser will take place noon to 4 p.m. March 25 at Past Times Arcade, 419 N. State St., Girard.
The team-building event will feature four-person teams representing each participating business. Businesses can have multiple teams.
The fee to register is $200 per team and includes lunch. Each team will play for a charity of their choice, with the tournament champion’s designated organization receiving the proceeds. Players are guaranteed at least eight games.
Awards for the winning team and its participants will be given at the end of the event, which also includes time at the start for networking, practice and lunch. Play will begin around 1 p.m. after a brief overview of the tournament’s format. Trophies will be given to the winning team and its participants.
Ahead of the tournament, on March 25, Past Times Arcade will provide free admission March 15 to tournament participants to practice.
Participants must register by March 19. For more information, visit business.regional chamber.com/events.