Submitted photo The United Way of Trumbull County hosted its 2026 annual meeting Thursday to celebrate the collective impact being made throughout Trumbull County. Christine Cope, CEO of United Way of Trumbull County, left, and Melissa Maki, United Way Trumbull board chair, right, present Dominick Brown of Ultium Cells with the Give Advocate Volunteer Award, which is the highest annual honor for a for-profit organization.

NILES — The United Way of Trumbull County hosted its 2026 annual meeting to celebrate the collective impact being made throughout Trumbull County while looking ahead to future opportunities to strengthen the community.

The event was Thursday at the Eastwood Event Centre and brought together community leaders, nonprofit partners, businesses, educators, volunteers and supporters.

This year’s theme, “Making Our Mark,” was inspired by the children’s book “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds and reflected the importance of taking small steps that inspire others to create positive change.

The theme also highlighted United Way’s commitment to investing in children and building stronger communities through education, literacy, basic needs support and family stability.

Christine Cope, CEO of United Way of Trumbull County, said “Together, we are making a lasting mark on our community by investing in people, supporting children and families, and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive.”

Artwork created by Warren City School District students was displayed throughout the event, demonstrating how individual contributions can come together to create something meaningful.

Krista Kohut, art teacher at Willard PK-8, shared how approximately 50 students collaborated to create a large octopus artwork using aluminum can lids produced by Novelis, the global leader in aluminum rolling and recycling with operations in Trumbull County.

Guests also were invited to participate in the theme by writing on the back of colorful circles representing “dots,” sharing how they plan to make their mark in the coming year. Together, the circles formed the United Way logo as a visual representation of collective community impact.

Several individuals and organizations were recognized by Melissa Maki, United Way of Trumbull County board chair, and Cope for their support and commitment to the community:

Award recipients included:

• Give Award — 7 17 Credit Union.

• Give Award — Greg and Alice Greenwood.

• Advocate Award — Dr. Bill Ayres, Kent State University at Trumbull.

• Volunteer Award — Foxconn, for providing more volunteers than any other organization.

• Volunteer Award — Howmet, for providing volunteers for extensive yard work projects benefiting seniors and veterans.

• Give Advocate Volunteer Award (highest annual honor for a for profit organization) — Ultium Cells.

• Give Advocate Volunteer Award (highest annual honor in the government/nonprofit category) — Warren City Schools.

• Small Business of the Year — Advance Technology Partners.

• Good Guy Award — Cynthia Cairns, Southwoods Health.

• Good Guy Award — Ken McBride, HD Growth Partners.

• Legacy Award — Bob Nemeth, Stanwade Metal Products.

• Longest Running Workplace Campaign Recognition — 7 17 Credit Union and Diane Sauer Chevrolet.

United Way also recognized the sponsors whose support helped make the event possible, including annual sponsor WesBanco, along with the Cafaro Foundation, Farmers National Bank, Advance Technology Partners (ATP), Novelis and Brilliant Media.

For more information about United Way of Trumbull County or ways to get involved, visit www.unitedwaytrumbull.org or call 330-369-1000.