DEAN NAMED: Youngstown State University has announced the appointment of Christina Saenger, Ph.D., as the new dean of the Williamson College of Business Administration, effective April 1.

Saenger has served as interim dean since July 2025 and brings extensive experience in academic leadership, strategic planning and business education to the role.

Prior to serving as interim dean, Saenger was associate dean of the Williamson College of Business Administration from 2022 to 2025, helping guide the college’s strategic initiatives and academic programs. She joined the YSU faculty in 2014 and has also served as director of faculty relations, where she led efforts related to faculty support, professional concerns and facilitates solutions in support of a collaborative and collegial academic environment.

As interim dean, Saenger has led major academic, strategic and operational initiatives during a pivotal period for the college. Her work has focused on advancing the college’s strategic plan, strengthening faculty engagement and expanding access to career-relevant business education. She has also guided efforts to modernize curriculum, expand online and accelerated programs and strengthen partnerships that support student success and workforce readiness.

“I am honored to serve as dean of the Williamson College of Business Administration,” Saenger said. “Our college has a strong foundation of dedicated faculty, talented students and meaningful community partnerships. I look forward to working together to expand opportunities for our students, foster innovation in business education and strengthen our impact throughout the region.”

AUTO PARK OPENS: The grand opening of YALCARS Auto Park, located at 152 Continental Drive, Salem, will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. March 27.

Following the consolidation of its three former lots into this expansive new campus March 2, YALCARS introduced a full suite of amenities, including an indoor showroom for pre‑owned and certified pre‑owned vehicles; a full service, reconditioning, and parts center; a detail department;

EV charging stations; a touchless car wash; and customer lounge.

The event will also debut YALCARS Café, a gourmet, automotive‑themed coffee experience.

“We’ve designed a complete automotive destination for our customers here in the heart of Ohio,” said Yigit Yalcin, the auto park’s president and CEO. “This location has served the Salem community for more than 50 years, and we’re honored to carry that history forward.”

We love Salem, and we believe deeply in the economic progress of Columbiana County. Our impact in the pre‑owned market — locally and nationwide through digital sales and deliveries — has brought us to this moment. Now we’re stepping ahead with something better, bigger, nicer and newer for our community.”

BAKERY FUNDED: P&S Bakery Inc., 2716 Intertech Drive, Youngstown, will receive $535,083 to assist in financing the purchase of assorted heavy-duty baking machinery.

The Ohio Department of Development announced the funding through the Regional 166 Direct Loan Program, which promotes economic development, and job creation and retention by providing low-interest loans to businesses with limited access to adequate capital from private funding sources.

P&S Bakery is a commercial baker specializing in meat rolls and sweet rolls. It also supplies private label baked goods for companies across the United States. The project, which has an approximate total cost of $713,444, will create five new, full-time-equivalent jobs and retain 48 existing jobs.

INDUSTRIAL AQUISITION: LT Corporation, a Cleveland, Mississippi-based parent company of manufacturing and service providers, announced last month, the acquisition of Star Manufacturing LLC, doing business as Commercial Metal Forming.

Commercial Metal Forming, headquartered at 4944 Belmont Ave., Liberty, manufactures ASME-code and non-code steel tanks.

“Joining the LT Corporation family of companies is a perfect fit and has been well received by the entirety of the CMF employee team,” said Mike Conglose, CMF’s president and CEO. “Our organizations share similar values, strong cultures, and strategic visions for growth within our sectors of the market.”

Founded in 1920, CMF has been the name behind thousands of pressure vessels, tanks and equipment used across multiple industries. As the largest tank head manufacturer in North America, CMF partners with the people who power manufacturing, energy, transportation and beyond.

CMF services its customer base through manufacturing facilities and distribution centers located in Liberty; Saginaw, Texas; and Orange, California.

“We’re extremely excited to welcome Commercial Metal Forming and all its employees to our family of companies,” said Sean Wessel, LT Corporation president. “This acquisition enhances our operating company portfolio and supports LT Corp.’s continued commitment to growth and expansion in the tank and pressure vessel markets.

“We are confident that, with CMF’s management team under the leadership of Mike Conglose, the company will continue to deliver dependable, high-quality components to all of its customers with speed, integrity and unmatched service.”

APPRENTICE PROGRAM: The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services is urging Ohio manufacturers to take advantage of a new federal incentive program designed to strengthen the advanced manufacturing workforce through registered apprenticeships.

“Ohio’s manufacturing sector is the backbone of our economy, and apprenticeships are a proven way to build a skilled workforce,” said ODJFS Director Matt Damschroder. “This is a great opportunity for employers to invest in talent while reducing costs. We encourage manufacturers to act quickly and take advantage of these funds.”

The American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and administered by the Arkansas Office of Skills Development, offers $3,500 for each eligible apprentice hired by a manufacturer. The incentive can be used to support newly enrolled apprentices, upskilled incumbent workers, and eligible former apprentices entering new advanced manufacturing programs. Apprentices must be registered on or after the application submission date. Incentives will be paid after they complete 90 days of employment.

For questions about the American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund, email OSD.MFGfund@arkansas.gov or call 1-501-682-6546. For more information about apprenticeships in Ohio, visit ApprenticeOhio.

Have business news you would like to share? Email your information to

business@tribtoday.com.