Staff report

Mark Lamoncha, president and CEO of Humtown, was recently selected as Ohio’s Small Business Person of the Year for 2026.

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced this year’s Small Business Persons of the Year winners from the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Awardees from across the United States will be honored May 3-4 during National Small Business Week in Washington, D.C.

Humtown, with locations in Boardman and Columbiana, is a global leader of conventional and 3D printed sand cores and molds.

“Small businesses are big business for America,” Lamoncha said. “We largely drive America’s employment and the prosperity of our local economies.

“I’m honored to accept this award on behalf of all Ohio small business owners who innovate, work hard to grow their companies and create opportunity for their fellow Ohioans.”

Humtown is a third-generation family-owned company and has served the foundry industry for more than 60 years. The business started out as a pattern shop in 1959.

His business and civic leadership roles include serving as a board member, Ohio State Board of Education; president, Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition; and as a board member of the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association and the YSU STEM Advisory Board.

Each year, the SBA celebrates National Small Business Week by recognizing the achievements of outstanding small business owners and entrepreneurs across the United States. The winners have been invited to attend ceremonies in Washington, D.C., May 3-4, where they will be honored with their individual award along with special recognition of the runner-up and the naming of the 2026 National Small Business Person of the Year.

To see all the 2026 awardees, visit www.sba.gov/nsbw.