×

Business briefs

TOP RANKING: Mercy Health Rehabilitation Hospital ranked in the Top 1% of 892 inpatient rehabilitation facilities that qualified to be ranked in the IRF database of Netsmart Technologies Inc. for cases discharged between October 2024 and September 2025.

“We are thrilled to see our team recognized for delivering exceptional, patient-centered care,” said Melessa Scattino, CEO of Mercy Health Rehabilitation Hospital. “Rankings like this evidence our team’s success against ambitious, data-driven benchmarks. Our team has shown, once again, that we are providing industry-leading care right here in Youngstown.”

The rankings were determined by using Netsmart’s program evaluation model, a case-mix-adjusted and severity-adjusted tool that provides facilities with a composite performance score and percentile ranking drawn from approximately 80% of all IRFs in the country.

CAST IN STEEL: When Youngstown State University junior Ely Vuksanovich presented her work at a national steel industry conference in December 2025, she was not only representing her student organization, but years of hands-on learning and leadership at YSU.

Vuksanovich, a mechanical engineering technology major who began her studies at YSU in 2022, recently represented the chapter at the Steel Founders’ Society of America Technical and Operator’s Conference in December 2025. There, she delivered a presentation on the chapter’s winning entry from April 2025’s Cast in Steel competition, speaking to an audience of approximately 120 industry professionals.

As a result of her presentation and technical work, Vuksanovich was selected for a mentorship opportunity and awarded a $3,000 scholarship. The mentorship pairs her with an experienced industry professional specializing in high-alloy steel, allowing her to gain hands-on insight into advanced casting techniques and real-world applications.

“This was a huge deal,” Vuksanovich said. “It’s a very exclusive conference, and most people don’t even know it exists unless you’re invited. Being able to present our work and then be offered a mentorship and scholarship was incredibly meaningful.”

The AFS chapter’s 2025 Cast in Steel competition entry focused on producing a George Washington sword using innovative casting techniques.

The team designed a mold with a draining riser to maximize benefits and reduce defects.

FAMILY BUSINESS EVENT: Whitney Haslam Johnson and JW Johnson, managing partners of Haslam Sports Group — owner of the Cleveland Browns, Milwaukee Bucks and Columbus Crew — are the keynote speakers for the fifth annual Family-Owned Business Recognition Dinner.

Sponsored by the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber, the event will take place 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 18 at The Lake Club, 1140 Paulin Road, Poland.

As leaders of one of the nation’s most visible family-run sports organizations, the Johnsons bring a compelling perspective on family enterprise, professional sports and community impact.

Whitney Haslam Johnson’s vision and direction helps lead the organization business, utilizing her expertise in communications, marketing, brand, fan and team member experiences to influence the organizational ethos of win-fan-community. The daughter of Jimmy and Dee Haslam, she worked at Pilot Flying J from 2004-2024.

JW Johnson helps lead the strategic direction of the organization’s business side, particularly focused on media, marketing, partnerships, fan experience and digital content.

The event, presented in partnership with Huntington, HBK, Roetzel & Andress and JFS Wealth Advisors, will honor 16 family-owned businesses. Of the honorees, four will be recognized in the categories of Success in Succession, Social Impact, Growth Story and Local to National Presence.

For more information, visit https://regionalchamber.com/ and click the “Events” tab.

HUMPHREYS NAMED: iSynergy, a local digital marketing agency specializing in SEO strategy and digital growth, announced that Maci Humphreys has joined the team as the social media manager. In her role, Humphreys develops engaging social media strategies, compelling visual content, and effective connections for client audiences across digital platforms.

Humphreys is a Boardman native. She graduated from Ursuline High School and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design from Youngstown State University, along with a minor in Marketing. During her time at YSU, she was recognized for her academic excellence, earning placement on the President’s List for three semesters and the Dean’s List for five.

“Maci brings a strong creative foundation paired with a thoughtful understanding of marketing strategy,” said Steve Cross, owner and creative director at iSynergy. “Her design background and attention to detail make her a great addition to our team, and we’re excited to see her creativity come to life for our clients.”

Outside of work, Humphreys said she enjoys cooking and baking, painting, staying active at the gym, and playing on her family’s bocce team. Her strong ties to the Youngstown area and creative passions add to the perspective she brings to iSynergy and its clients.

PERFECT PASS RATE: Akron Children’s Pediatric Residency Program achieved a 100% board pass rate among its most recent graduating class, surpassing the national average and reflecting the program’s emphasis on academic preparation and clinical training.

“This is a significant accomplishment and shows that we have prepared our residents well for clinical care,” said Dr. Sabrina Ben-Zion, interim program director of the Pediatric Residency Program at Akron Children’s. “Board certification represents rigorous standards beyond a state medical license and demonstrates specialized expertise in caring for infants, children and adolescents.”

The residency program emphasizes consistent board preparation throughout training. Residents complete quarterly test-question requirements, with performance benchmarks tailored to their level of training, to encourage ongoing engagement with exam content rather than last-minute studying.

Academic progress is supported through structured advising. Each resident is assigned an academic adviser and meets quarterly to review performance, including standardized test preparation. The program director also meets with each resident twice a year to review overall progress.

While board success is an important milestone, Akron Children’s focuses on preparing residents for real-world pediatric practice. Residents are exposed to high patient volumes and a wide range of medical conditions, helping build clinical confidence and readiness.

“Our goal is to graduate competent and compassionate pediatricians who provide excellent care to children,” Dr. Ben-Zion said.

Business briefs

DIAPER DONATION: Huggies, a Kimberly-Clark brand, is teaming up with the National Diaper Bank Network to deliver 15 million donated Huggies diapers in 15 days to celebrate the 15-year anniversary of the national nonprofit.

This milestone donation marks the beginning of a recently expanded partnership, where Huggies, the founding sponsor of the diaper bank, will donate 75 million diapers to the network over three years.

Member diaper banks across the country serving children and families in 33 U.S. states and the District of Columbia will share in the largest single wave donation of diapers from Huggies during the 15-year relationship. This donation also solidifies Kimberly-Clark as the largest donor in National Diaper Bank Network history.

Locally, the diaper network benefits Project MKC, located on Southern Boulevard, Boardman. The organization may be contacted 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 330-758-3434 or mkc@projectmkc.org. Its website is projectmkc.org.

Since its launch in 2011, NDBN and Huggies have championed philanthropic, business and government efforts to end diaper insecurity in the U.S. Together, they have distributed more than 300 million donated diapers and wipes, helping the nearly 1 in 2 U.S. families with young children who struggle to afford diapers and other material basic needs.

ZOTZ T-SHIRT RELEASE: Sweet Memories Vintage Tees in Girard recently announced the release of its first-ever officially licensed Zotz Retro Candy Apparel Collection.

For the first time, the iconic fizzy candy is appearing on officially licensed apparel — a tribute to candy culture, childhood memories, and retro fun.

The debut line features vintage-inspired designs using restored artwork, packaging elements and era-specific branding that reflect the explosive flavor and personality of Zotz. They are available at www.sweetvintagetees.com, in-store at the Girard flagship, and through select retail partners.

Sweet Memories will donate a percentage of every Zotz shirt sold to Akron Children’s Hospital — supporting pediatric care, family services and life-saving programs.

BUILDERS TAP REID: The Builders Association of Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania has added Ken Reid as association services director. He began his role on Jan. 12.

Reid will lead the organization’s workforce development initiatives and support membership engagement, event programming and partnerships across the five-county region the association serves.

He brings more than 30 years of federal law enforcement and executive leadership experience, most recently serving as assistant deputy chief for the U.S. Courts Probation and Pretrial Services in Florida. He retired in late 2025 and returned to the Mahoning Valley shortly after.

“Ken stood out not only for his deep leadership background, but for how closely his values align with our mission,” said Kevin Reilly, executive vice president. “He brings a strategic mindset and a strong sense of purpose to everything he does. He’s a leader, a connector and someone who’s clearly committed to helping shape the future of the building trades in our region.”

Reid is originally from Gettysburg, Pa., and spent part of his career working in Youngstown, where he met his wife, an Austintown native. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Frostburg State University in Maryland.

He and his family recently relocated to Canfield to be closer to both sides of their extended families.

CHIU COUNCIL PRESIDENT: Kevin Chiu has been selected to serve as president of the Mahoning-Shenango Valley Estate Planning Council for the 2026 term.

Chiu is a vice president with Elsass Financial Group and has worked in financial services since 1999. He holds multiple advanced professional designations, including Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Financial Consultant, Accredited Investment Fiduciary and National Social Security Adviser. His practice emphasizes comprehensive financial planning and coordinated estate and retirement planning solutions.

The Mahoning-Shenango Valley Estate Planning Council is a multidisciplinary association of attorneys, CPAs, financial advisers, trust officers and insurance professionals committed to advancing excellence and ethical standards in estate planning across the Mahoning and Shenango Valley region.

Election as president reflects Chiu’s leadership and the esteem of his peers across professional disciplines. During his 2026 term, he will guide the Council’s educational initiatives and foster collaboration among local estate planning professionals.

CREDIT UNION SEMINAR: Credit Union of Ohio will offer its free Financial Fitness Boot Camp virtual workshop at noon Wednesday.

Participants will learn tips to increase their credit score, live within a budget, build a savings plan and stay accountable to financial goals all year long.

“It’s not too late to set yourself up for a successful year financially,” said Credit Union of Ohio’s Senior Vice President Jill Gerschutz. “Attendees of our annual financial fitness boot camp are well equipped with knowledge and resources to build positive financial habits that last.”

Attendees do not need to be a current Credit Union of Ohio member to attend the workshop but those interested in attending must preregister at cuofohio.org.

Credit Union of Ohio serves state employees in all of Ohio’s 88 counties and the entire community of Mahoning and Trumbull counties. It is a $200 million state-chartered credit union with 23,000 members.

CONSUMERS DIVIDEND: The board of directors of Consumers Bancorp Inc., the holding company for Consumers National Bank, declared a quarterly dividend on the outstanding shares of the corporation’s common stock in the amount of $0.21 per share on Nov. 13, 2025.

The dividend was payable on Dec. 15, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Nov. 24, 2025. This quarterly dividend reflects an annualized dividend of 3.57% based on a closing price of $23.50 on Nov. 13, 2025.

Headquartered in Minerva, Consumers National Bank operates 22 full-service bank branches and one loan production office in Boardman.

MERSOL SELECTED: Bryan J. Mersol, a financial professional with the Northern Ohio General Office of New York Life, has been named to the 2025 Forbes Top Financial Security Professionals Best-in-State list for Ohio.

The annual Forbes ranking recognizes distinguished financial security professionals across the country based on rigorous qualitative and quantitative criteria evaluated by independent research firm SHOOK Research, LLC. Selection is based on best practices, client service models, planning expertise, industry experience, compliance history, and overall professionalism.

Mersol, who has been a New York Life agent for eight years, was recognized for his commitment to helping individuals, families, and business owners address financial protection and long-term wealth preservation needs in an increasingly complex financial environment.

“We are honored that Bryan’s name appears on this prestigious list,” said Kevin L. Baumberger, managing partner of the Northern Ohio General Office of New York Life. “New York Life has known for quite some time what a valuable asset Bryan has been to our organization and to the many families and businesses he serves throughout our community.”

Mersol is the president of Mersol Financial Solutions and holds a degree in finance from John Carroll University. He resides in Canfield with his significant other, Emily, along with their two poodles and three cats.

ANGUS ASSOCIATION MEMBER: Kolton Baer of Burghill is a new member of the American Angus Association, the national breed organization headquartered in Saint Joseph, Missouri.

The American Angus Association, with more than 21,000 active adult and junior members, is the largest beef breed association in the world. Its computerized records include detailed information on over 21 million registered Angus.

For more information about Angus cattle and the American Angus Association, visit www.angus.org.

AI AND FINANCES: The University of Mount Union Faculty Lecture will feature Dr. Amber Hunt. This year’s lecture, “Rationality Rewired: How AI is Transforming Financial Behavior” will be held at 4 p.m.Wednesday in Presser Recital Hall.

Dr. Hunt holds a Bachelor of Arts from Mount Union, a Master of Business Administration from Ashland University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Akron. She began a career as an investment banker with Bank One, later serving as a fiscal officer for the State of Ohio, then transitioned into higher education, taking on the role of senior position analyst at the University of Akron. Currently, she serves as the Director of the School of Business and as the lead finance professor.

Tickets to the lecture are free, though required. Please visit mountunion.edu/lecture-series to order tickets.

AN AIR OF EXCELLENCE: The PIA School for Aviation Maintenance have announced its Youngstown campus has been recognized by the Accrediting Commission on Career Schools and Colleges as a 2024-2025 ACCSC School of Excellence.

PIA Youngstown was the first of PIA’s campuses to receive the honor in 2022-23, followed by PIA Pittsburgh (2023-24), and PIA Myrtle Beach and PIA Hagerstown (2024-25).

“At PIA, we are committed to delivering high-quality, industry-aligned training that prepares graduates for careers in aviation maintenance and supports the long-term safety of our nation’s aircraft,” said Suzanne Markle, president and CEO of PIA.

TOURISM DIRECTORS SELECTED: Trumbull County Tourism has announced the appointment of Lauren Lindvig of Bliss 360 Marketing and Renee C. Sherry of Ultium Cells to its board of directors, strengthening the organization’s leadership.

Lindvig brings experience in helping regional small businesses communities share their stories and impact in meaningful, people-centered ways. Sherry contributes her insight from a major regional employer in advanced manufacturing, offering a strong connection to our local and global workforce, industry and a broader economic picture here in the Mahoning Valley.

“As we head into 2026, having thoughtful, engaged board leadership is critical,” said Beth Kotwis Carmichael, CEO of Trumbull County Tourism.

“Lauren and Renee will be important voices at the table as we continue to grow visitation, support our local businesses, and build stronger connections between the travel industry, economic development and our community partnerships.”

Trumbull County Tourism’s board oversees the organization’s strategic direction, financial stewardship and long-range planning while supporting staff in promoting Trumbull County.

Trumbull County Tourism’s Executive Committee includes Alyse Robinson, president; Tyler Williams, vice president; Rosalyn Hill, treasurer; Kelli Denman, secretary; and Carmichael.

For more information about Trumbull County Tourism and its board, visit TrulyTrumbull.com.

Have a business story you would like to share? Send your news to business.com.

Business briefs

ROCKIN’ WITH 7 17: 7 17 Credit Union and Sunrise Entertainment LLC recently announced the launch of the River Rock at the Amp Visa Credit Card available at any 7 17 branch, the Sunrise Inn of Warren and https://www.717cu.com/personal/loans/affinity-cards/amp.

River Rock at the Amp is a popular outdoor concert series that takes place at the Warren Community Amphitheatre every summer. It is about bringing great music to the community and 7 17 is helping make that tradition possible.

Every time a cardholder used the specialized card, 7 17 donates 7.17 cents back to the Amp.

There’s no annual fee and cardholders will have a 7.17% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers.

Sunrise Entertainment will announce its full schedule of events for the River Rock at the Amp 2026 season in April.

VALLOUREC CONTRACT: Vallourec, a global seamless tube manufacturer with a facility in the Mahoning Valley, said on Monday it has secured a contract with Shell, an international energy company.

The contract amount was not disclosed.

The agreement covers the supply of oil country tubular goods, products and services for Shell’s offshore operations in the development of the Orca project, formerly known as Gato do Mato, a deep-water project offshore of Brazil. The expected drilling date is April 2027, and the current drilling plan includes 10 wells, with an estimation of 12,000 to 15,000 tons of pipes.

This contract encompasses the full OCTG scope, including seamless pipes and VAM premium connections for Shell’s offshore wells ranging from 4.5″ to 18″, with carbon and stainless-steel tubulars and associated accessories.

Vallourec will also provide services onshore and offshore — covering desk engineering, material coordination, rig preparation, offshore supervision, and rig return repairs — to support Shell in optimizing operational efficiency.

“After recently winning an order to supply line pipes on this key offshore project, this new contract demonstrates Vallourec’s ability to support its customers across the entire value chain,” said Philippe Guillemot, chairman of the board of directors and chief executive officer of Vallourec Group.

HD PROMOTIONS: HD Growth Partners, headquartered in Liberty, recently has announced the promotion of Megan Roberts to chief operations officer and Donald L. Trummer from CPA to partner.

Roberts brings more than a decade of expertise in operational excellence and FinTech implementation for financial services and accounting firms. Under Roberts’ leadership, her previous firm received the 2022 Financial Technology Firm of the Year Award from its Broker Dealer for successfully implementing eSignature capabilities, automated workflows and a commitment to digital case design. In 2023, she earned the Breakthrough Firm of the Year recognition from the Karbon Excellence Awards for her implementation of practice management software. Most recently, she received the 2024 Golden Harmonica Award, HD Growth Partners’ highest internal honor, for exemplifying core company values and embodying the founder’s spirit of embracing technology with a progressive business mindset.

In November 2025, she was named a Power of Change Honoree by the Ohio Society of CPAs, recognized for her industry leadership and her commitment to advancing the profession through meaningful, people-centered operational transformation.

Trummer is the director of Tax Advisory Services at HD Growth Partners. In this leadership role, he spearheads the firm’s tax advisory efforts, guiding strategy and execution for family-owned and entrepreneur-led businesses. He works closely with colleague Erin Sturrus, CPA, to deliver sophisticated tax planning and compliance solutions.

Prior to joining HD Growth Partners, Trummer brought more than 12 years of tax compliance and planning experience from his work at HBK, where he focused on serving the needs of small and family-run enterprises. His background equips him with insights into the challenges local businesses face and enables him to craft proactive tax strategies that help owners preserve and grow value.

MENARDS HELPS: Menards home improvement store is serving as a drop site as its 2015 Walmart Drive, Bazetta, location for a local food pantry through March.

Menards offers a variety of nonperishable food items that can be donated to the food pantries, from boxes of cereal to cans of soup, for immediate donation. There is a large collection box near the exit doors to place donations.

SEMINARS FOR ENTREPRENEURS: The Business Resource Center at Valley Partners  is offering free, monthly educational seminars year-round designed to equip entrepreneurs and small business owners with the practical knowledge needed to start, sustain and grow successful businesses. 

The seminars focus on essential business topics, including bookkeeping basics, building and understanding business credit, navigating small business loans, grant writing, product pricing and services, and strategies for scaling a business. Sessions are led by a diverse group of regional experts, providing attendees with valuable insights and real-world experience across a variety of industries. 

“Through these seminars, we hope every entrepreneur in attendance is inspired to take their business to the next level,” said Matthew Longmire, business resource manager of the BRC. “The presenters we have scheduled to speak all specialize in a specific field so we can strategically empower entrepreneurs with the information and resources needed to make informed decisions and build sustainable businesses.” 

The next seminar will take place from 1 to 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, at the Valley Partners Office, located at 4319 Belmont Ave, Youngstown. Registration is available at valleyedp.com/upcoming-events.

All seminars are offered at no cost and are open to entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners, and community members seeking to strengthen their business knowledge.

HBRA LEADERS: The Home Builders and Remodelers Association of the Valley has announced its newly appointed leadership and board of directors for 2026. The organization has served Trumbull, Mahoning, and Columbiana counties for more than 80 years.

Zach Tabor of Tabor Landscape & Garden Center is president with Bill Green, Boak & Sons, is vice president.

Newly appointed board members are Gina Shutrump, Howard Hanna Real Estate; Joe Koch Jr., Joe Koch Construction Inc.; Rich Begalla, Window Depot; Bobbie Hosa, Top Advantage Surfaces; Ben Petronelli, Lowe’s Pro; and Luigi Goyzueta, Professional Generator Systems.

Returning board members and past leadership are Rick Galloway, past president, Galloway Construction; Mark Ramunno, NEOCC Company; Joe Conroy, WesBanco; Dave Novak, D&R Garage Doors; Sam Boak, Construction Specialists of Ohio; Jim Grantz, Grantz Family Properties; Mike Pasquale and John Virostko, Pitzulo Home & Remodeling; Rich Abel and Raquel Abel, Banner Supply; Bill Wiery, WW Heating & Air; Georgene Mummey, Image One Uniforms; Jean Estephan, Sky Roofing; Arbutus Downing, Berkshire Hathaway Homes; Bruce Lev, Titan/Lev Construction; Richard Yannone, retired; and Andy Profanchik, APCO Construction.

For more information, visit MyHBAworks.org or call 330-965-9779.

BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE: The Northern Ohio Business Roundtable will present its next meeting at Avalon Inn on Wednesday, Jan. 21, with registration beginning at 11:30 a.m.

The program will feature a special agent with the Department of Homeland Security talking about issues facing employers and how these issues are addressed and resolved; state Rep. Nick Santucci who will talk about the new Ohio tax laws; and Nicolas Romeo, a wealth adviser with Bury Financial Group in Boardman talking about the U.S. economy.

Reservations may be made by calling Robert Carr, chairman of the Business Roundtable, at (330) 719-9066 or bcarr@bmsoinc.com.

Cost of the program is $100 per person and will feature a buffet luncheon.

UPPAL NAMED: Youngstown State University’s Williamson College of Business Administration has announced that Yogesh Uppal, professor of economics, has been appointed associate editor of Economics of Governance. The appointment was extended by Springer on behalf of the journal’s editors-in-chief, Thushyanthan Baskaran and Felix Muñoz-Garcia.

Economics of Governance is an international journal that publishes rigorous, interdisciplinary research on the economic dimensions of governance, including institutions, public policy and organizational structures across the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

“I am honored to join the editorial team at Economics of Governance,” Uppal said. “The journal fosters research at many levels of governance, including corporations, nonprofit organizations, local and federal governments and international institutions, and brings together economists, organizational scholars and political scientists. It is a premier outlet for high-quality, interdisciplinary research on governance as a key driver of business, economic and political outcomes.”

As an associate editor, Uppal will oversee a select portfolio of manuscript submissions within his areas of expertise. His responsibilities include identifying qualified reviewers, evaluating scholarly merit and making publication recommendations in collaboration with the editors-in-chief.

The appointment aligns closely with Uppal’s research agenda, which examines the intersection of economic development, public policy and institutional governance.

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

Starting at $3.23/week.

Subscribe Today