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Business briefs

BOETCHER HONORED: Martin J. Boetcher, a lawyer with Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell Ltd., has been named to the Ohio Super Lawyers list for 2026, marking his second year in a row on the roster.

Published by Ohio Super Lawyers magazine, the list is based on peer review by lawyers throughout Ohio. About 5% of the state’s attorneys are selected to appear on the list.

Boetcher was recognized under the Employment & Labor category in 2025 and has secured distinction in that same practice area for the coming year. He serves clients throughout the Youngstown, Warren and Salem areas on matters of employment, workers’ compensation and general civil litigation. He is certified as a specialist in workers’ compensation law by the Ohio State Bar Association.

Boetcher has practiced law for more than 30 years with HHM and its predecessor firms. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Akron School of Law and a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from The Ohio State University. Boetcher also is an alumnus of the Stadium Dorm, where he resided during his time at Ohio State.

MERGER ANNOUNCED: HD Growth Partners, a tax, accounting and business advisory firm headquartered in Youngstown, this month announced its merger with Onpointe Advisors, an advisory firm based in Shaker Heights.

“This merger is about bringing together two talented teams who share the same passion for helping business owners,” said Tim Petrey, CEO of HD Growth Partners. “By combining our strengths, we can provide even greater expertise, tools, and guidance to help companies grow and succeed across Ohio.”

The merger brings HD Growth Partners to more than 80 employees statewide, with offices in Youngstown, Shaker Heights and Cincinnati. A newly renovated office in the Tower East Building, adjacent to the Van Aken District in Shaker Heights, will serve as a hub for the firm’s strategic expansion into the Cleveland market.

HD Growth Partners and Onpointe Advisors are both recognized for their people-focused cultures and leadership in fostering growth, innovation, and excellence for their clients and their teams.

Under the HD Growth Partners name, the combined team will provide an expanded range of services to business owners across Northeast Ohio.

“This merger will enable us to deliver greater value to our clients at every level of service,” said David Leavitt, partner. “They will continue to receive the same personal, relationship-driven service that is our hallmark, now with the added benefit of a larger team and deeper resources.”

RECOGNIZED: Youngstown State University’s newly redesigned website, ysu.edu, has been recognized with a Silver Award in the Institutional Website – Update / Refresh category of the 13th Annual Education Digital Marketing Awards.

The awards celebrate innovative and effective digital communication efforts across the education sector. This year’s competition saw more than a thousand entries from colleges, universities and secondary schools across the country. Submissions were judged by a panel of education marketers, advertising creative directors and industry professionals who evaluated creativity, design, functionality and strategic impact.

YSU’s redesigned website — launched in April — was developed to offer a faster, cleaner, and more user-friendly experience. The updated ysu.edu features modern design elements, simplified navigation and enhanced functionality to help prospective students, current Penguins, faculty, staff, alumni and community members easily access the information they need. The site is fully responsive across devices and built with accessibility and engagement at its core.

The redesign was shaped by campuswide feedback and crafted to better showcase YSU’s academic programs, campus life and university news.

YSU joins a distinguished list of institutions honored for digital innovation across 34 categories, including 229 that received Gold Awards, 139 that received Silver Awards and 79 that received Bronze.

Have a business story you would like to share? Email it to business@tribtoday.com.

Business briefs

VALLEY INVESTMENT: Youngstown Clothing Co., a locally rooted and family-owned apparel brand, has opened the doors to its new retail storefront at 3801 Boardman-Canfield Road, Canfield.

The opening marks a major milestone for the Youngstown-born company: the purchase of its own building, signaling a long-term investment in the Mahoning Valley’s economy and community.

The new storefront showcases the brand’s full signature line of USA-made apparel, along with a curated selection of accessories and gifts. The shop also debuts a new “Youngstown Made” section featuring handcrafted products from makers across the Valley, supporting the broader local creative economy.

“Buying this building changes the game for us,” co-owner Matt McClure said. “We’re not just renting space anymore — we’re planting our flag. This is an investment in the community that built us.”

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

A formal grand opening celebration is planned for March, coinciding with the company’s 10th anniversary.

“We’ve spent a decade celebrating Youngstown’s past, but this new store is about investing in its future,” McClure said. “It took a lot of grit to get here–and we’re just getting started.”

For more information, visit ytownclothing.com.

SANTUCCI HONORED: The Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber presented its 2025 Government Achievement Award to Ohio House Majority Whip Nick Santucci during the Chamber’s Salute to Elected Officials event last month at the Grand Resort in Howland. The award is presented in partnership with Lake to River Economic Development.

Santucci, who represents the 64th District, quickly established himself as an impactful legislator, earning leadership roles early in his tenure and advancing initiatives that strengthen economic and workforce competitiveness across the Valley.

Santucci created and chairs the Lake to River Caucus to streamline collaboration and open new discussions about how to attract, retain and expand business in Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties — the seventh and final JobsOhio region. He was crucial in securing major regional funding wins in the latest state operating budget, including $2 million for the Eastern Ohio Military Affairs Commission to support construction and repair projects at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport and Camp James A. Garfield; $250,000 to support the study and planning of an oil and natural gas pipeline through the Lake to River counties; and $500,000 for repairs at Eastwood Field.

Additionally, he was instrumental in securing funding from the All Ohio Futures Fund for the Western Reserve Port Authority to support site preparation, construction of regional transportation improvements and remediation of environmental conditions at the Kimberly-Clark site.

WRIGHT CHOSEN: Jessie Wright, assistant professor of accounting in Youngstown State University’s Williamson College of Business Administration, has been recognized as a 2025 Power of Change honoree by The Ohio Society of CPAs.

The award, presented during OSCPA’s Women, Wealth and Wellness Conference on Nov. 18 in Columbus, honors women across Ohio who champion workplace equity, mentor and elevate future leaders, contribute to their communities and break barriers for women in the profession.

Wright, a faculty member in YSU’s Lariccia School of Accounting and Finance, is recognized for advancing the accounting profession through mentorship, community engagement and student professional development. A former practitioner and nationally certified CPA, CVA and CGMA, she is known for guiding emerging accounting professionals and empowering women entering the field.

“This is such an honor, and I feel blessed to be recognized among such an impactful group of women,” Wright said. “The accounting profession is full of strong, supportive female leaders, and I’m grateful to contribute to that legacy.”

In addition to honoring Wright, OSCPA recognized student scholarship recipients at the luncheon, including Youngstown State University accounting student Raquel K. Diaz-McClendon, a sophomore minoring in nonprofit leadership. Diaz-McClendon was selected based on academic achievement and leadership potential.

SURVEY OPEN: The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, in partnership with the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber, is inviting for-profit businesses across the region to participate in the 2025 Business Outlook and Trends Survey, now open through Dec. 15.

This five-minute survey gives business owners and key decisionmakers the opportunity to share data that directly informs the Fed, service providers, policymakers and community stakeholders on economic changes, which in turn will benefit their business and others.

The analysis disseminated through the Cleveland Fed and its partners will provide businesses with intelligence on demand for regional goods and services, labor markets, prices and costs, which they can use to inform their decision-making process.

Survey responses are confidential and no personal information is required.

Take the survey at https://bit.ly/4ibcMZ7.

SISTERS ANNIVERSARY: Spellbound Sisters Bookstore and Café, 7095 Lockwood Blvd., Boardman, will host its one-year anniversary celebration Dec. 20.

The first 50 customers will receive a Spellbound Sisters Challenge Coin, granting them access to try new café recipes for free for an entire year.

Throughout the anniversary weekend, guests can expect storewide sales; local author visits and signings and café specials.

The event is free to attend.

LINERT CITED: Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber Director of Community Impact Brenda J. Linert has earned a certificate in Workforce Development Fundamentals after completing a national training program designed to strengthen the connection between economic development and talent.

Linert finished the rigorous six-week curriculum offered jointly by the International Economic Development Council and the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Foundation. The program equips professionals to address education gaps and align workforce needs through expert-led sessions, interactive learning, practical exercises and a final exam.

“Brenda’s commitment to expanding her expertise shows in everything she does for our community,” said Lyle Huffman, the Chamber’s executive vice president of Government Affairs and Community Impact.

“This training sharpens her skills and elevates the Chamber’s efforts to strengthen the Valley’s workforce and talent landscape. Her leadership is already making a measurable difference and this certificate only amplifies that impact. We’re fortunate to have someone with Brenda’s drive and dedication guiding such critical work for our region,”

Linert of Austintown joined the Regional Chamber in early 2024. She leads the Chamber’s work to expand the Valley’s population and workforce and to improve and grow quality housing across the region. She also oversees the Chamber’s Housing and Population and Talent Expansion councils.

Have a business story you would like to share? Email it to business@tribtoday.com.

Business briefs

HATTON JOINS STAFF: Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell Ltd. has announced the addition of Jenna Hatton as an associate lawyer in its Warren office. She supports the firm in multiple practice areas, with a focus on business transactions and corporate law, as well as estate planning and probate matters.

Hatton recently earned her Juris Doctor degree from Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee, Wis., after completing her undergraduate degree in business administration at Ohio University. The Springfield Local Schools alumna is a Petersburg resident.

Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell, Ltd. is a regional law firm with offices in Warren and Salem.

BUDGET WEBINAR: An Ohio capital and federal budgets webinar for nonprofit organizations will take place 8:30-9:30 a.m. Tuesday.

The free webinar is designed to help nonprofits learn more about state and federal funding opportunities.

Christina Frass, assistant director at the Ohio Office of Budget and Management, and Ariann Smith, district outreach representative with U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce’s office, will lead the session. They will discuss the upcoming Ohio capital budget; tips for community projects; how nonprofits can navigate the federal budget process; Congressional Research Service requests; letter of support requests / processes; and an overview of Community Project Funds.

Understanding these processes can help nonprofits plan projects, pursue funding more effectively and identify opportunities that support their work.

The event is presented by the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber.

To register, visit https://shorturl.at/PSgh9.

NEW PARNERSHIP: Russell Real Estate Services announced last month it has partnered with Mayo Realtors.

This partnership comes less than one year after Volpini Real Estate merged with Russell.

Mayo Realtors was founded in 1959.

“From the first conversation with the Russell leadership team, it was clear we share the same culture and commitment to people first,” said John McCarthy, Mayo Realtors broker. “Both companies have deep family roots and a passion for helping our clients and agents succeed.”

Founded in 1962, Russell Real Estate Services is one of Ohio’s largest independent brokerages.

CERTIFICATION EARNED: Two students from Youngstown State University’s Williamson College of Business Administration have earned the Certified Global Business Professional credential, a national certification recognizing comprehensive knowledge in international business.

Moritz Bayer, a senior finance major from Vienna, Austria, and James Slessor, a senior supply chain management major from Auckland, New Zealand, passed the CGBP exam administered by NASBITE International, the National Association for Small Business International Trade Educators.

The CGBP credential demonstrates professional competency in global business management, marketing, supply chain management and trade finance. It serves as a benchmark for individuals pursuing careers in international commerce and is increasingly recognized by major employers nationwide.

Bayer served as an export specialist with Humtown Products, focusing on export documentation and international market research. He also interned with the Ohio Small Business Development Center at YSU as a Beeghly Fellow, where he continues to develop expertise in market research, exporting and government contracting. He plans to graduate in May 2026 and pursue a career in finance or global trade.

Slessor interned with Haltec Corporation in Leetonia, supporting international sales and customer service. This fall, he joined the SBDC and APEX Accelerator at YSU as a Beeghly Fellow intern, assisting regional companies with export readiness and government contracting. He plans to pursue a career in international sales and logistics after graduation.

GRANT WEBINAR: A free webinar focused on grant writing will take place 10-11 a.m. Dec. 19. The event is presented by the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber.

This session will help nonprofits improve their funding approach, plan competitive projects and better identify opportunities that support their mission.

The nonprofit team at KO Consulting will provide an in-depth look at building an effective grant strategy; conducting strong grant research; and best practices in grant writing.

The presentation will run 30-40 minutes, followed by a Q&A session.

To register, visit https://shorturl.at/2rLqA.

Have business news you would like to share? Email your information to business@tribtoday.com.

Business briefs

HATTON JOINS STAFF: Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell Ltd. has announced the addition of Jenna Hatton as an associate lawyer in its Warren office. She supports the firm in multiple practice areas, with a focus on business transactions and corporate law, as well as estate planning and probate matters.

Hatton recently earned her Juris Doctor degree from Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee, Wis., after completing her undergraduate degree in business administration at Ohio University. The Springfield Local Schools alumna is a Petersburg resident.

Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell, Ltd. is a regional law firm with offices in Warren and Salem.

BUDGET WEBINAR: An Ohio capital and federal budgets webinar for nonprofit organizations will take place 8:30-9:30 a.m. Tuesday.

The free webinar is designed to help nonprofits learn more about state and federal funding opportunities.

Christina Frass, assistant director at the Ohio Office of Budget and Management, and Ariann Smith, district outreach representative with U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce’s office, will lead the session. They will discuss the upcoming Ohio capital budget; tips for community projects; how nonprofits can navigate the federal budget process; Congressional Research Service requests; letter of support requests / processes; and an overview of Community Project Funds.

Understanding these processes can help nonprofits plan projects, pursue funding more effectively and identify opportunities that support their work.

The event is presented by the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber.

To register, visit https://shorturl.at/PSgh9.

NEW PARTNERSHIP: Russell Real Estate Services announced last month it has partnered with Mayo Realtors.

This partnership comes less than one year after Volpini Real Estate merged with Russell.

Mayo Realtors was founded in 1959.

“From the first conversation with the Russell leadership team, it was clear we share the same culture and commitment to people first,” said John McCarthy, Mayo Realtors broker. “Both companies have deep family roots and a passion for helping our clients and agents succeed.”

Founded in 1962, Russell Real Estate Services is one of Ohio’s largest independent brokerages.

CERTIFICATION EARNED: Two students from Youngstown State University’s Williamson College of Business Administration have earned the Certified Global Business Professional credential, a national certification recognizing comprehensive knowledge in international business.

Moritz Bayer, a senior finance major from Vienna, Austria, and James Slessor, a senior supply chain management major from Auckland, New Zealand, passed the CGBP exam administered by NASBITE International, the National Association for Small Business International Trade Educators.

The CGBP credential demonstrates professional competency in global business management, marketing, supply chain management and trade finance. It serves as a benchmark for individuals pursuing careers in international commerce and is increasingly recognized by major employers nationwide.

Bayer served as an export specialist with Humtown Products, focusing on export documentation and international market research. He also interned with the Ohio Small Business Development Center at YSU as a Beeghly Fellow, where he continues to develop expertise in market research, exporting and government contracting. He plans to graduate in May 2026 and pursue a career in finance or global trade.

Slessor interned with Haltec Corporation in Leetonia, supporting international sales and customer service. This fall, he joined the SBDC and APEX Accelerator at YSU as a Beeghly Fellow intern, assisting regional companies with export readiness and government contracting. He plans to pursue a career in international sales and logistics after graduation.

GRANT WEBINAR: A free webinar focused on grant writing will take place 10-11 a.m. Dec. 19. The event is presented by the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber.

This session will help nonprofits improve their funding approach, plan competitive projects and better identify opportunities that support their mission.

The nonprofit team at KO Consulting will provide an in-depth look at building an effective grant strategy; conducting strong grant research; and best practices in grant writing.

The presentation will run 30-40 minutes, followed by a Q&A session.

To register, visit https://shorturl.at/2rLqA.

Have business news you would like to share? Email your information to business@tribtoday.com.

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