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AI CONFERENCE: A public policy conference, "Big Issues. Bold Ideas. Our Region's Future," will take place 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 19 at Stambaugh Auditorium.
How will the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and data centers affect the Mahoning Valley -- and what opportunities and challenges could it create for our economy?
Join the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber for a program exploring AI, data center development and the public policy issues shaping Ohio's economic future.
The program will feature Benjamin Harvey, D.Sc., founder of AI Squared and Research Scientist and professor at The Johns Hopkins University, for a keynote presentation on how the AI boom can drive local economic growth.
A featured data center policy discussion will bring together Guy Coviello, Steve Stivers and Ken McDonald for a conversation moderated by Lake to River Economic Development. The discussion will explore different economic perspectives on data center development, including opportunities and considerations related to energy, infrastructure, investment and public policy, followed by audience Q&A.
Registration includes breakfast pastries, networking and a full hot buffet luncheon. Cost is $50 for regional chamber members and $75 for nonmembers.
To register, visit hq.regional
chamber.com/events.
ZEIGLER NAMED: Farmers National Banc Corp. has appointed Andrew Ziegler as its Northeast Ohio regional president.
This leadership position comes as Farmers continues to expand its presence across Ohio, most recently through the acquisition of Middlefield Bank. Farmers' Northeast Ohio region encompasses the greater Akron, Canton and Cleveland areas. Ziegler is based at the Canton regional headquarters.
With nearly two decades of experience in commercial banking, Ziegler joined Farmers in 2024. Throughout his career, he has cultivated deep relationships with businesses and communities across the region, drawing on experience gained through leadership roles with leading regional and national financial institutions.
"We're thrilled to have Andy leading our efforts in Northeast Ohio," said Todd Simko, senior executive vice president and chief banking officer for Farmers. "He understands this market and knows what it takes to build lasting relationships. His leadership will be a tremendous asset as we continue to grow our presence and deepen our commitment to clients across Northeast Ohio."
In his role, Ziegler will provide strategic leadership across the region, leveraging Farmers' expanded retail and lending footprint following the integration of Middlefield to drive growth and strengthen the bank's presence.
ANDRE TABBED: ELLWOOD Aluminum, a manufacturer of large-diameter aluminum ingots, billets, rectangular slabs, and cast plates based in Hubbard, has welcomed Jason Andre as production control director to its team to oversee scheduling, inventory, and production efficiency.
Andre is a graduate of Youngstown State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial and Systems Engineering, followed by his Master's of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership. In his new role, he will oversee and manage production planning, scheduling, inventory management, materials planning, warehousing,
logistics and the procurement of raw materials to support operations.
"I am eager to take on this role and lead the efforts in streamlining our operations at ELLWOOD Aluminum," the Liberty resident said. "My focus will be on keeping operations running smoothly and efficiently while continuing to deliver exceptional aluminum products to the customers."
Using vertical direct chill casting technology and a fully equipped lab, ELLWOOD Aluminum has the capacity for casting, processing, and quality monitoring of large aluminum ingots in round and rectangular shapes.
To request a quote, visit ellwoodaluminum.com, call 330.534.8668, or email easales@elwd.com.
RIBBON CUTTING: The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber will join Westchester Apartments for a ribbon cutting at noon Wednesday at 4815 Westchester Drive, Austintown, Ohio, celebrating the continued transformation and investment in the apartment community.
Over the past several years, ownership has reinvested millions of dollars into the property with a focus on improving the resident experience, enhancing the appearance of the community and strengthening Westchester Apartments for the future.
The investment has included extensive improvements throughout the property, including complete hallway upgrades with new carpeting and fresh paint; major parking lot improvements, including repaving, patching, sealing and new striping; and significant interior apartment upgrades and renovations. Westchester Apartments has also continued to invest in its maintenance department, which has earned numerous five-star resident reviews over the past three years.
Additional improvements include professional lawn care and landscaping services provided by Enviroscapes, the installation of dog walking and pet waste stations, and Spectrum fiber optic upgrades providing residents with access to improved high-speed internet infrastructure.
These improvements represent more than cosmetic upgrades and reflect Westchester Apartments' continued commitment to providing residents with a well-maintained, attractive, comfortable and professionally managed community.
For more information, contact Eric Diehl at eric@brookfallgroupllc.com.
CREDIT UNION PROMOTIONS: 7 17 Credit Union has announced the promotion of Sherri Bercheni to senior vice president of Retail Operations and Member Experience, recognizing a career journey that began more than 27 years ago in an entry-level position and has grown into one of the organization's most influential leadership roles.
A lifelong advocate for member service and community banking, Bercheni's promotion reflects her professional accomplishments and the opportunities available through local organizations committed to developing talent from within. She began her career at 7 17 as a member services representative and later served as a branch general clerk before advancing through a series of leadership positions, most recently as first vice president of Retail Delivery and Operations.
In her new role, Bercheni will provide leadership for retail operations, member experience, remote delivery, and deposit growth initiatives across the organization. She will also oversee Burton and Middlefield branches, with that regional leadership footprint expected to grow as 7 17 explores opportunities for future branch expansion.
Known throughout the organization for her operational expertise and member-first leadership style, Bercheni has played a key role in strengthening the credit union's retail delivery strategy while helping drive growth across multiple business lines.
Others promoted at 7 17 include:
Megan Rupert has been promoted to Vienna Branch manager. Rupert, who has been with 7 17 for four years, will oversee member service and manage the daily operations of the branch.
Jenna Durham has been promoted to assistant manager of the Larchmont branch. Durham has been with 7 17 for 10 years and will assist in overseeing member service and daily branch operations.
Mandy Lew has been promoted to assistant teleservices manager. Lew has been with 7 17 for five years. In her new position, she will assist in directing the daily operations; formulate and direct the sales programs within the credit union call center.
Kait Hertzer has been promoted to market director. In her new position, she is responsible for driving growth, profitability, and community impact across assigned markets.
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