Business briefs
ECONOMICS TALK: John A. List, ranked among the world’s most influential economists, will deliver Youngstown State University’s Fall 2025 Paul J. Thomas Lecture in Economics at 6 p.m. Oct. 15 in the Williamson College of Business Administration auditorium.
His lecture, “Using Field Experiments to Change the World?” will explore how real-world experiments can reshape public policy and business practices, from reducing carbon emissions and advancing education reform to addressing the gender pay gap.
List is the Kenneth C. Griffin Distinguished Service Professor of Economics and director of the Becker Friedman Institute for Research in Economics at the University of Chicago. He is widely recognized as a pioneer of field experiments in economics, with Nobel laureates and peers describing his work as revolutionary.
He is the author of several acclaimed books, including “The Why Axis” (with Uri Gneezy) and “The Voltage Effect,” a Wall Street Journal, New York Times and USA Today bestseller. His research has influenced decision-making in government, philanthropy and major corporations such as Uber, Lyft, Virgin Atlantic and Walmart.
According to RePEc, List is ranked the fifth most influential economist in the world. He has also served on the Council of Economic Advisers and is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Econometric Society.
The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited to 250 guests.
LEACH NAMED: Lake to River Economic Development has named Sarah Leach as its executive coordinator. In this role, Leach will manage executive administrative operations, support internal and board communications, and help coordinate key initiatives led by the CEO and leadership team.
Leach brings a background in hospitality sales and coordination, having most recently served as sales coordinator for three Marriott properties under CTW Development in Canfield. Her experience includes contract management, event execution, client communications and marketing support, which are skills aligned with Lake to River’s dynamic and fast-paced environment.
As executive coordinator, Leach will be responsible for maintaining the CEO’s calendar, preparing materials for board and committee meetings, supporting internal project tracking and facilitating day-to-day operations in the Lake to River office. This newly created position serves as an important internal function at a time of accelerating regional activity.
“We’ve built a high-performing team of professionals who understand what it takes to drive results in economic development,” said Alexa Sweeney Blackann, Lake to River interim CEO. “Adding Sarah to that mix gives us more capacity to execute with precision, keep pace with opportunity and deliver for our region.”
Leach, a Poland native, graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of science degree from Youngstown State University.
NOMINATIONS OPEN: The Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber and MAGNET again will partner to honor a Valley manufacturer with the Chamber’s ninth annual Excellence in Manufacturing Award. Nominations are now 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.
Past recipients for the Excellence in Manufacturing Award include Boardman Molded Products, Haltec Corp., Quality Switch, Panelmatic Building Solutions, Commercial Metal Forming and Schaefer Equipment, a division of Wabtec Corp.
Nominations are due by Oct. 3. The award at the Chamber’s economic forecast breakfast Nov. 5 at Eastwood Event Centre in Niles.
Those with questions about content for the nomination should contact Kim Calvert, the Chamber’s executive vice president, Membership, Events, MarComm at 330-744-2131, Ext. 1235, or Kim@regionalchamber.com.
RECOGNIZED: Akron Children’s has been named to the Forbes list of America’s Best-In-State Employers 2025. This award is presented in collaboration with Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.
Forbes and Statista selected America’s Best-In-State Employers 2025 through an independent survey from a sample of more than 160,000 U.S. employees working for companies employing at least 500 people within the U.S.
More than 2 million employer evaluations were considered. The final score is based on two types of employee evaluations: those given by employees themselves and those given by friends and family members of employees, or members of the public who work in the same industry.
“This award, voted on by current and former employees, is a testament to our culture as an innovative, inclusive workplace that supports staff in their professional and personal lives,” said Rhonda Larimore, chief human resources officer for Akron Children’s.
Have a business story you would like to share? Email your information to business@tribtoday.com.
Business briefs
MOON RISES: The Youngstown Area Jewish Federation named Fawne Moon as the director of Levy Gardens Assisted Living, part of the continuum of care offered by Senior Living by Youngstown Area Jewish Federation.
Moon is currently director of Adult Day Services at Heritage Manor, also part of the services offered by the Federation. She will now oversee both programs.
She brings more than 20 years of experience to the role. She spent 12 years as a school nurse, 11 years in long-term care and one year as an infectious disease nurse.
“I’m excited and honored to have been chosen to lead Levy Gardens Assisted Living,” she said.
Moon attended Penn State University’s Associate of Arts program and received her RN from Eastern Gateway Community College. She earned her RN-BSN from Franklin University in Columbus. She and her husband live in Sharon, Pa. She has two sons and recently welcomed a granddaughter.
Senior Living by Youngstown Area Jewish Federation provides care for older adults at various stages of life at Heritage Manor Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation, Levy Gardens Assisted Living, and Adult Day Services at Heritage Manor. To learn more, visit yajf.org/seniorliving.
ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT: Brandan J. Washington, executive director of operations at the Jaylex Event Center, was elected as the president of the Glenwood Neighbors Business Association.
Washington is a native of Youngstown and is a graduate of Chaney High School. He continued his academic studies at Youngstown State University and the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science.
Washington oversees the operations of the Jaylex Event Center, located at 2110 Glenwood Ave., which is a refurbished historic sacred worship center of Victory Lutheran Church. It is now a facility offering venue space for private gatherings and public galas.
As association president, Washington seeks to promote businesses and transportation systems appropriate to the needs and scale of the community, while assuring that development respects and augments the neighborhood’s context.
The mission of the Glenwood Neighborhood Association is to conserve and enhance the neighborhood’s aesthetic appeal, safety and community character, including historic buildings, parks and open spaces.
A second-generation of Washingtons representing business and community leadership, Brandan is the son of James E. and Wanda Washington and the father of a son, Carter.
BOARD APPOINTMENTS: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio is announcing the appointment of four community leaders from the Mahoning Valley to its Greater Akron / Canton / Mahoning Valley Community Trustees.
Joining are Denise Holt, architect, Strollo Architects; Elizabeth Farbman, attorney, Roth Blair; Stan Okusewsky, attorney, Roth Blair; and Christine Rhoades, former Physician arrangement compliance executive officer, Mercy Health.
The new trustees will bring their professional expertise, community connections and passion for service to help advance the mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio, which is to provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families and promote healing when children need health care.
They join current trustees Vito Abruzzino, Columbiana County prosecuting attorney, and Candace Turpack, private bank relationship manager, VP at Huntington Bank.
“Families in the Mahoning Valley rely on RMHC Northeast Ohio programs every day — whether it’s a place to stay near their child’s hospital care, a comforting meal, or a pediatric Care Mobile improving access to care,” said Craig Wilson, CEO. “We are grateful for the leadership and commitment of our trustees, who ensure we can continue to meet these needs in Northeast Ohio.”
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE: Windsor House, Inc. has announced the launch of the W.I.N.G.S. Foundation — Workforce Initiatives for Needs, Guidance, and Support — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization program created to provide financial and emotional support to Windsor House employees during times of personal crisis or hardship.
W.I.N.G.S. was established as a lifeline for employees navigating unexpected challenges such as medical emergencies, natural disasters, loss or other personal crises. The foundation reflects the enduring values that have guided Windsor House since 1959: People, Caring, Commitment, and Integrity.
“The W.I.N.G.S. Foundation is a natural extension of who we are as a company,” said Danny Rowland, director of marketing at Windsor House, Inc. “We are a family, and families take care of one another. W.I.N.G.S. ensures that our team members never have to face hard times alone.”
Built by and for Windsor House employees, W.I.N.G.S. is funded through voluntary contributions from staff, friends and supporters who believe in the power of compassion and community.
For more information, visit www.Wings-Foundation.org.
Have a business item you would like to submit? Email it to business@tribtoday.com.
Business briefs
STUDIO SALUTED: Valley Little Melodies, located in Canfield, 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 the owner of Valley Little Melodies, which has been serving Canfield and surrounding area families since 2017. The Kindermusik Top Program award recognizes excellence in spreading the lasting developmental benefits of music and movement through Kindermusik’s “a cappella” studio curricula.
“At Kindermusik, our mission is to reach every child with the power of joyful music-making,” said Kelly Green, president of Kindermusik International. “To be recognized as a Top Program means these Accredited Educators are not only delivering high-quality, research-backed musical learning, but they are also tremendous brand ambassadors — bringing Kindermusik to life for families, community organizations, and schools in their communities.”
Valley Little Melodies joins a select group of early childhood music programs who offer Kindermusik classes around the world. Vernal and her team reach more than 250 families per year. Vernal’s team includes Trista Cramer, Toni Meese, Stephanie Seville, Taylor Phillips and Brianna Rzucidlo
HOSPITAL HONORED: Akron Children’s has earned national recognition from the American Medical Association for its efforts to combat physician burnout and foster professional fulfillment. The hospital received a Bronze Joy in Medicine designation, awarded to organizations that put proven strategies in place to support doctors’ well-being and help them thrive while delivering patient care.
Organizations that meet the rigorous criteria of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program are leaders in the national effort to transform health care work systems and address the root causes of burnout among care teams.
“This recognition affirms our commitment to prioritizing our clinical team’s well-being as essential to delivering the highest quality care for children,” said Dr. Tarun Bhalla, chief clinical officer at Akron Children’s. “By addressing burnout and fostering a culture of wellness, we strengthen both our caregivers and the families we serve.”
Burnout among U.S. physicians peaked at 62.8% in 2021 during the COVID pandemic, according to research. But thanks to strides made to address burnout at the system level, the national physician burnout rate ebbed to 45.2% in 2023. Despite improvements, physician burnout levels remain much higher than other U.S. workers. Continued efforts are essential to ensure doctors receive the support they need to thrive and achieve national health goals.
Have a business story you would like to share? Email it to business@tribtoday.com.
Business briefs
FOCUS ON EXPORTS: The International Export Trade and Resource Seminar will take place 8:30 a.m. Sept. 19 at Haltec Corporation, 120 Industry St., Leetonia.
The seminar is designed to equip businesses with the tools and insights they need to navigate the world of international trade and supply chain management. Keynote speaker will be Maria Arraiza-Monteux, a supply chain operational excellence expert with more than 30 years of experience in operations and devoted to building capability in the end-to-end supply chain.
Topics will include tariffs and trade policy updates, risk mitigation strategies, export internship program, and supply chain management and operational excellence.
The speaker list also includes Mousa Kassis, director of the EAN at YSU, with Mariah Hauser, international trade specialist with the EAN at YSU, serving as panel moderator.
“By bringing together expertise in tariffs, risk management, internships, supply chain management and operational excellence, this seminar offers practical tools and resources for manufacturers, executives, export managers and supply chain professionals who are navigating the complexities of international trade,” said Joe Merlo, the Chamber’s director of member engagement.
The cost is $25 per person. Breakfast and refreshments will be provided. Register at regionalchamber.com under the Events menu item
The seminar is presented by MAGNET and the Ohio SBDC Export Assistance Network at Youngstown State University, in partnership with the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber.
For more information, contact Merlo at 330-744-2131, Ext. 1216, or Joe@RegionalChamber.com.
NEW LOCATION: Enlightened Massage Therapy and Holistic Health Center will open its new Youngstown location at 2000 Canfield Road with a free, family-friendly grand opening 1 to 7 p.m. Sept. 20.
The event will feature product demonstrations, giveaways, a drum circle and more.
Guests are invited to bring hygiene items for donation to Thrive 10:10, a local nonprofit serving families in the Mahoning Valley. Each item donated during the grand opening earns an entry into drawings for themed gift baskets that include product samples, tote bags, crystals, therapeutic audio CDs and T-shirts. One winner will receive a complimentary massage session.
Enlightened Massage Therapy & Holistic Health Center was founded by Larissa Giles, LMT PTA, a licensed massage therapist, physical therapist assistant and holistic wellness advocate.
For more information, contact Giles at larissa@enlightens.me or 330-843-0307.
FOCUS ON SAFETY: The NEO Safety Expo, presented by On Demand Occupational Medicine, will take place 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Holiday Inn Boardman-South, 7410 South Ave., Boardman. Doors open at 8 a.m.
The event is designed to equip employers, safety professionals and team leaders with the tools, knowledge and connections to improve workplace health, wellness and safety.
The expo features expert-led breakout sessions, a vendor showcase and networking opportunities tailored for industries of all types and sizes.
The cost is $45 per person. To register, visit https://shorturl.at/pOagm.
MERCY HEALTH RECOGNIZED: For the fourth year in a row, Mercy Health-St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, Mercy Health-St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital and Mercy Health-St. Joseph Warren Hospital have been honored with the Partner for Change Award from Practice Greenhealth, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to environmental sustainability in health care.
The Partner for Change Award recognizes hospitals that demonstrate superior performance in sustainability, with broad programs covering waste minimization, energy efficiency, sustainable procurement and environmentally preferable practices. The repeated recognition reflects Mercy Health’s ongoing investment in both environmental responsibility and community well-being.
“At Mercy Health, we recognize that the health of our communities is inseparable from the health of our environment,” said James Armour, vice president, Mission, Mercy Health-Lorain and Youngstown. “By continually pursuing more sustainable operations, we’re reducing our environmental impact and creating a safer, healthier future for our patients, associates and neighbors.”
Mercy Health’s approach to sustainability includes reducing waste, minimizing the use of hazardous chemicals, conserving energy and water, promoting environmentally responsible purchasing, and sourcing sustainable food and supplies. These efforts ensure that care delivery promotes long-term health for individuals and the planet alike.
Have a business story you would like to share? Email it to business@tribtoday.com.