CONTENTS

Welcome from the Chamber 8

From the President’s Desk 12

Breaking New Ground 16

Events 22

Rising Tides 30

Leaf Relief 38

New Members 44

Ribbon Cuttings 52

Hartford Hill Winery + Brewery 56

Member Search 57

WELCOME FROM THE CHAMBER

A s fall settles in the Valley, I am reminded once again of the incredible resilience and spirit that define our region. In this issue of Valley Business Magazine, we are proud to showcase stories that reflect not just the economic momentum around us but the heart and determination of the people who make it possible.

Our cover feature, Building Hope, highlights a true revival taking shape across Youngstown and Warren. For the first time in a long time, new homes are being built in communities rebuilding after years of struggle. Thanks to the vision and persistence of the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation and Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership—along with the craftsmanship of Joe Koch Construction—families now have the opportunity to own high-quality, attainable homes right here in the Valley. It’s not simply about new walls and roofs; it’s about community stability, wealth-building and a renewed sense of pride.

The promise of new growth is not confined to housing. In Rising Tides, we explore how the Youngstown Business Incubator and its partners, including the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, are reshaping the future of manufacturing in our region. Backed by a $1.75 million federal grant, this initiative is providing resources, training and technical support to manufacturers across seven Appalachian counties. From advanced energy to aerospace, these efforts ensure our businesses can compete—and lead—on the national stage.

Equally inspiring is the story of Leaf Relief, one of Ohio’s first medical cannabis dispensaries and today the state’s last independent minority-owned operator. Born from founder Terrell Washington’s personal health journey, his commitment to customer care, community impact and job creation reflects the entrepreneurial spirit that has always driven the Valley forward.

Throughout this edition, you’ll also find coverage of our region’s dynamic events, the arrival of new Chamber members and the many ribbon cuttings that mark businesses opening their doors or expanding their footprints.

At the Chamber, we know that progress doesn’t happen overnight. It takes years of planning, many conversations and the steady hands of people committed to building something better. The stories in this magazine are more than updates—they are signs of what is possible when a community refuses to settle for decline and instead insists on renewal.

As you explore these pages, take pride in knowing each story contributes to the Valley’s ongoing renewal. Together they paint a picture of a region not only rebuilding but also reinventing itself through new homes, stronger industries, bold entrepreneurs and thriving businesses. These are not just individual successes but part of a larger pattern of progress that is steadily strengthening the Valley for the future.

Kim Calvert

Executive Vice President, Membership, Events & MarComm

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

A little bit of this, and a little bit of that . . .

• In an effort to grow our population and workforce, we held our inaugural Intern Day on Aug. 4. Nearly 70 collegiate students, interning over the summer at local businesses, spent a day at Eastwood Event Centre learning about why, after graduation, they should launch their careers right here in the Valley.

Help came from the Mahoning Valley Young Professionals, who were able to have closer peer-to-peer conversations than us old folk, and who assured the interns they would be welcomed into their network. We also appreciate all the companies who released their interns for a day, which concluded with a Mahoning Valley Scrappers ball game.

Future efforts will be to target collegiate athletes and Junior Achievement students.

Between Youngstown State University, Hiram College and others, there are hundreds of college athletes, many of whom are from out of town. After spending four or more years here, we will do everything we can to convince them they should never leave.

• Junior Achievement of Eastern Ohio announced the creation of the Economic Education & Workforce Center at the Eastwood Mall. The center, which will house JA BizTown and JA Finance Park, will attract some of the best and brightest from throughout northeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania since the nearest other BizTowns/Finance Parks are in Columbus and Pittsburgh.

This will be our chance to explain why the Valley is the best place to launch a career and start a family.

• Eastgate Regional Council of Governments is spearheading the effort to bring a utility pipeline from Lake Erie to the Ohio River following the state Route 11 right-of-way. We began pushing for this in 2012 when Avalon Holdings owner Ron Klingle introduced the idea as a way to fully capitalize on the robust Utica Shale play.

That play has grown since then, as the supply of oil is much larger than previously known and the natural gas play continues to move further and further north.

• Recent data from ConstructConnect puts into perspective the sheer size of Ohio’s economic resurgence. In 2024, Ohio ranked No. 4 in the nation in nonresidential construction starts, at more than $2.9 billion. Perhaps even more impressive is that we jumped 232% over the prior year.

We have had our fair share right here in the Valley, thanks to projects like the West Warren Industrial Park and the North Jackson Commerce Center. We will continue to contribute in 2025 thanks to Amazon in Bazetta and Kimberly-Clark in Howland.

• We continue to advocate for the passage of the Susan Muffley Act, which would restore the pensions of thousands of Delphi salaried retirees. The impact on our economy breaks down like this:

• With around 5,100 Delphi retirees in Ohio, restoring pensions could mean an estimated $510 million injected into the state’s economy.

• Typically, economic multipliers range from 1.5 to 2, meaning the total economic impact could be between $765 million and $1.02 billion for Ohio.

• A sizable portion of this, potentially hundreds of millions, would directly benefit the Valley and surrounding areas.

• Each retiree might receive an average of around $100,000, boosting local spending power. This infusion of funds can stimulate economic growth across Ohio.

Guy Coviello

President & CEO of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber

BREAKING NEW GROUND

Partnerships Fuel a Surge in Attainable Housing Across the Valley

A coordinated effort to expand attainable, high-quality housing in the Valley is moving from concept to construction.

Two leading community development organizations—Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation (YNDC) and Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership (TNP)—have partnered with Austintown-based Joe Koch Construction to deliver dozens of new homes across Youngstown and Warren.

The projects mark a turning point in the region’s housing strategy—focused on homeownership, neighborhood stability and long-term community wealth.

A Targeted Push in Youngstown

Over the summer, 16 homes were going up in several neighborhoods—Crandall Park on the North Side, Lincoln Knolls on the East Side and Idora on the South Side, as well as a part of the Seventh Ward and on the West Side. Each area is part of an ongoing and active Neighborhood Action Plan. The detailed, parcel-based plans were developed by YNDC, the Mahoning County Land Bank and the City of Youngstown.

The homes are a mix of ranches, Cape Cods and two-story models, all featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms, open layouts, front porches, first-floor laundry and two-car garages. Prices are capped at $180,000. Buyers may qualify for up to

$28,000 in down payment assistance—$10,000 from the city’s “At Home in Youngstown” program and up to $18,000 through Huntington Bank. A 15-year, 100% tax abatement applies to each new build.

The land bank assembled the lots through tax foreclosure. Construction financing comes via a below-market loan from Bon Secours Mercy Health’s Direct Community Investment program. The Ohio Department of Development’s Welcome Home Ohio grant—received by the land bank—the Raymond John Wean Foundation and the Youngstown Foundation also contributed support.

Youngstown is funding sidewalk repairs, street tree removal and other infrastructure work near build sites. Additional partners include the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, city planning staff and local and state lawmakers who helped secure grant funding.

“Collectively, the local affordable housing campaign is gaining steam, and we are proud to contribute to its momentum,” said Debora Flora, land bank executive director.

These new homes build on work done by YNDC, including completions on Bernard Street and Mineral Springs Avenue. There also were two duplexes on Glenwood Avenue that are finished or nearing completion. Through July, 37 units were under construction or recently completed, and Joe Koch Construction is building them all.

“The reason we are doing this is to provide a quality, affordable option, particularly for people in that lower- to middle-income strata, working people who otherwise are never going to be able to afford a new house that costs $400,000 to $500,000,” said Ian Beniston, executive director of YNDC.

It’s not just about new housing, but home renovations, helping homeowners, improving infrastructure and removing blight.

“For me, it’s always about more than a house. For us, it’s also about the people,” said Beniston, which is why YNDC also provides housing counseling before and after the purchase.

“The reason for that is because we sincerely want them to be successful. We don’t want to build a new house and five years later be back there and it’s one of the vacant homes on the block that we have to renovate, so it’s positioning people to be successful in homeownership, or generally improving their housing situation,” Beniston said.

BUILDING NEW IN WARREN

In Warren, TNP broke ground in early July on four new homes at the site of the former Emerson Elementary School on the city’s northwest side. The project represents a new direction for the nonprofit, which since 2010 has focused on blight removal, property renovation and side-lot transfers.

Getting to that point, much like with YNDC, was the natural evolution of the organization.

“I think it was always going to be that. We didn’t know where we were going to build, what grant we were going to use … but the idea was always to get to this point,” said Matt Martin, TNP executive director.

The Emerson site—donated by Warren City Schools to the Western Reserve Port Authority, then sold to TNP—offered a rare chance to build multiple homes on a single, contiguous property. Each house will be approximately 1,450 square feet, with three bedrooms, full basements, first-floor laundry and detached garages.

Homes will be sold at or near market rate, with affordability restrictions and owner-occupancy requirements. Down payment assistance and housing counseling are available through YNDC’s regional support programs.

The Warren project is funded by a $700,000 Welcome Home Ohio grant awarded to the Trumbull County Land Bank, which TNP manages, plus a $500,000 match provided by TNP.

TNP began its work in 2010 with more than 1,500 vacant homes across the city and real estate values near historic lows. Since then, the group has demolished more than 1,300 blighted structures and renovated more than 500 homes. A January 2024 housing inventory reported fewer than 400 vacant homes remaining and a stronger market—conditions that led to the decision to start building.

It was around 2022-23 when TNP, in earnest, approached Warren City Schools about former, vacant school sites for new home construction. There were other sites in the mix—all were attractive because they are right in the heart of residential neighborhoods and offer the opportunity for scale—but the former Emerson School site near the corner of Drexel Avenue NW and Moncrest Drive NW won out, in large part because of the relationship TNP has with the Northwest Warren Neighborhood Association.

“We own a thousand lots throughout the city, but there is a reason we bought one from someone else to do our first project. We will do infill housing, one here, one there, even sometimes maybe two or three where we have a couple of lots, but the ability to put four houses in one spot was very attractive to us,” Martin said.

The Emerson site could accommodate more homes. Future builds could involve TNP or a private developer, Martin said.

Joe Koch Construction Builds Locally

Joe Koch Construction is serving as the builder for both the Youngstown and Warren projects. The company won bids for both projects.

The company was established in 1984 by Joe Koch Sr. as a framing contractor and grew to become one of the framing contractors for StanJim Homes, one of the largest home builders/developers in the region at the time. By 1988, the owners of StanJim Homes approached Koch about acquiring their company.

He did, and over the years Joe Koch Construction has completed more than 1,500 homes and another couple hundred remodels across the Valley. Its relationship with YNDC began in 2021 with two builds of zero-step homes—geared toward senior citizens—on Mineral Springs. The project with TNP is the company’s first with the organization.

Koch’s son, Joe Koch Jr., came to work for the company in 2012 just a few days after being part of the College Baseball World Series with Kent State University. Then, home building was slow—the company had gone from building 50 to 80 homes a year to zero in 2011, Koch Jr. said.

But they persevered. In their favor—they had several properties and access to capital, so they built a spec home on Turner Road in Austintown. It was a new model, a rebirth of sorts for the company.

“My dad and I always use the adage in business, ‘strive to be the mighty oak.’ We were the mighty oak when everybody else was falling over during the hard economic times in the late 2000s. We were the ones with the strong base, and I give (credit) to my dad because he made several good business decisions and didn’t get overextended,” Koch Jr., vice president, said.

Koch Jr., who emphasized the importance of the company staying local and growing capacity to support demand, said YNDC’s projects on Mineral Springs and Bernard Street are examples of homes that change the narrative around affordable housing.

“Anyone who has a negative opinion toward affordable housing should drive through Mineral Springs and Bernard Street in Youngstown. It will positively show you what can be done in a city like Youngstown or a city like Warren,” Koch Jr. said.

“YNDC is doing it right, and I don’t just say that because I work for them. I say that because I believe in their approach. It’s the same type of approach TNP is doing with the Emerson school property—strategically develop areas not just with one or two homes, but with multiple quality homes on a given street or in a neighborhood. That’s the only way you will start seeing positive results,” he said.

Koch Jr. also serves on the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber’s board of directors and its Housing Council. Martin and Beniston also are members of the council, where they contribute to housing strategy conversations across the region.

For the builder, being a member of the council provides dual perspective—it allows him to recognize opportunities for his company, as well as the community.

“And that has been a different set of glasses I have had to wear since being part of the Chamber, that you are part of something bigger than just Koch Construction. At the same time, I do also realize we have unique attributes as a company, including owning several developable properties, to offer to this area,” Koch Jr. said.

EVENTS

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Warren Philharmonic Orchestra

Oct. 4, 7 p.m.

Lakeview Auditorium

300 Hillman Drive, Cortland

Cost: $30 at the door for adults, $15 for students

Contact: Call (330) 399-3606 or email at

[email protected].

Youngstown Playhouse Youth Theater presents: A Midsummer Night’s Dream - Youth Theater

Oct. 11-12, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 13, 2:30 p.m.

Main Stage at The Youngstown Playhouse

Amanda - She Didn’t Mean to Die

Oct.11, 7 p.m.

Powers Auditorium at The DeYor Performing Arts Center

Tamburitzans

Oct.19, 3 p.m.

Ford Family Recital Hall at The DeYor Performing Arts Center

OMEA Honors Choir

Oct. 25, 1:30 p.m.

Concert Hall at Stambaugh Auditorium

Silent Film with Organ

Oct. 26, 4 p.m.

Concert Hall at Stambaugh Auditorium

Vampire Circus

Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m.

Powers Auditorium at The DeYor Performing Arts Center

The Uncle Louie Variety Show

Nov. 7, 8 p.m.

Ford Family Recital Hall at The DeYor Performing Arts Center

Michael Anthony Forney presents: Should I Get Married?

Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m.

Ford Family Recital Hall at The DeYor Performing Arts Center

Stambaugh Youth Concert Band

Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m.

Concert Hall at Stambaugh Auditorium

Yellow Brick Joel

Nov. 14, 8 p.m.

Ford Family Recital Hall at The DeYor Performing Arts Center

OMEA Honors Band

Nov. 22, 1:30 p.m.

Concert Hall at Stambaugh Auditorium

Tuba Christmas & Craft Show

Nov. 30

Craft Show, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Tuba Christmas Concert, 3:30 p.m.

Stambaugh Auditorium

Dana School of Music presents: Carols & Cocoa

Dec. 3, 6 p.m.

Ballroom & Concert Hall at Stambaugh Auditorium

Cornell Gunter’s Coasters, The Drifters & The Platters

Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m.

Concert Hall at Stambaugh Auditorium

Christmas in the Air

Dec. 5, 7 p.m.

Concert Hall at Stambaugh Auditorium

Sal “the Voice” Valentinetti

Dec. 5, 8 p.m.

Ford Family Recital Hall at The DeYor Performing Arts Center

Ballet Western Reserve presents: The Nutcracker

Dec. 6, 7 p.m.

Dec. 7, 2:30 p.m.

Powers Auditorium at The DeYor Performing Arts Center

YSU Youth Orchestra

Dec. 7, 4 p.m.

Concert Hall at Stambaugh Auditorium

BENEFITS

Potential Development’s Mahoning Valley Trivia with a Twist

Nov. 6, doors open at 6 p.m.

The Lake Club, Poland

Cost: Elite Table of 8 is $1,500. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Contact: Jodi Harmon at (330) 727-8884 or

[email protected], or visit potentialdevelopment.org.

Eye Ball of the Mahoning Valley: Sailing to New Sights

Nov. 15, 5:30-11 p.m.

Eastwood Event Centre, Niles

Cost: $250 per guest.

Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Contact: Leah Sakacs, executive director, at (330) 750-1867 or

[email protected].

FESTIVALS

Mahoning Valley Coffee Trail to Benefit the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley

Oct. 6, 9 a.m.

Trail guides are available online only at rescuemissionmv.org/coffeetrail. Twenty-four local coffee shops are participating. Sponsorships are available.

Contact: Lynn Wyant at [email protected].

Family Fall Fest

Oct. 18, 4-7 p.m.

Masters Pavillion, Boardman Park

The event will have carnival games, bouncers, live music, face painting, mini pumpkin decorating, bonfire and non-haunted wagon rides.

Cost: Free

Sponsor opportunities are available.

LUNCH & LEARNS

Oct. 2, 11:30 a.m.

Georgeanna Parker, Boardman Park

Discussing frequent Medicare questions and volunteering.

Cost: Free but space is limited. Sponsor opportunities available.

RSVP to Boardman Park office (330) 726-8105.

Nov. 6, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Lariccia Community Center, Boardman Park

Discussing common mental health topics.

Cost: Free but space is limited. RSVP to Boardman Park office

(330) 726-8105.

HOLIDAY THEMED EVENTS

Spooktacular Halloween Drive-Thru

Oct. 14-31

Boardman Park

Enjoy a free spooky family-friendly experience with dozens of creatures lighting up Boardman from your vehicle. Drive through and tune your radio to 88.9 FM to enjoy the music and get into the Halloween spirit.

Sponsor opportunities available.

Not So Haunted House by Gateways to Better Living

Oct. 17-18, Time TBD

The old Casals Building in the Austintown Plaza.

Special Halloween event for kids of all ages and abilities. Sensory friendly.

Cost: Free

Sponsor opportunities available.

Contact: Kristie Murphy at (330) 792-2854, ext. 238 or [email protected].

Pumpkin Carve Out Contest

Oct. 17, 5-8 p.m., Oct. 18, 1-8 p.m., Oct. 19, 1-5 p.m.

Bocce Court, Boardman Park

Cost: $5 for your pumpkin.

Pumpkins will be lit and on display at the bocce court as part of the Spooktacular Halloween Drive-Thru.

Pumpkin Carving

Oct. 10, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Fellows Riverside Gardens

Have fun carving pumpkins for display at our annual Pumpkin Walk at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Carving tools available or bring your own. Meet at the large tent at the far end of the parking lot.

Cost: Free, no registration required.

Contact: Call (330) 740-7107, ext. 129.

Pumpkin Walk at Twilight

Oct. 12, 4-8 p.m.

Fellows Riverside Gardens

Indulge in the spirit of fall as you meander through the beautifully adorned garden pathways illuminated by glowing pumpkins. Mill Creek MetroParks merchandise along with food in the Garden Café will be available for purchase. Limited parking is free on-site with additional parking available in lots along McKinley Avenue.

Cost: Free

Contact: Call (330) 740-7107, ext. 129.

Christmas at the Mill

Nov. 29-30, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Lanterman’s Mill

Enjoy the traditional holiday atmosphere at Lanterman’s Mill. Fire-roasted chestnuts, unique handcrafted gifts for sale and festive entertainment will lift your spirits. Santa will visit the mill on both days. Indulge in some tasty treats from the concession stand. To share the holiday spirit with others, bring a new hat, scarf or a pair of mittens to decorate the “Giving Tree.” Donated items will warm up children and adults in need this winter.

Cost: Free

Contact: Call (330) 740-7107, ext. 129.

Boardman Community Christmas Event

Dec. 7, 3 p.m.-5 p.m.

Lariccia Community Center, Boardman Park

Cost: Free with hot chocolate, fire pits on back patio, children’s games and holiday craft making. The community is encouraged to decorate a Holiday Wildlife Christmas Tree.

Reserve a tree in advance by calling the park office at (330) 726-8105 or emailing [email protected]. A sign for each group will be made for their designated Holiday Wildlife Tree.

Drive-Thru Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights

Dec. 7–Jan. 6, 5 p.m.-10 p.m.

Drive-Thu Boardman Park

Boardman Park will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland with more than 21 holiday light creations. Tune your car radio to 88.9 FM as you enter the park to enjoy the fantastic Christmas light displays synchronized to your favorite holiday classics.

Cost: Free

Santa’s Winter Workshop

Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Lariccia Community Center, Boardman Park

Children will enjoy a holly jolly fun-packed day of events organized with our event partner, Olivia’s Grace.

Cost: $12 pre-sale for children, $15 per child at the door. Tickets can be purchased at oliviasgrace.com or the park office in person or by calling (330) 726-8105.

Frost & Lights: A Festive Holiday at the Gardens

Dec. 7-Jan. 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fellows Riverside Gardens

Join us for Frost & Lights: A Festive Holiday at the Gardens, a joyful celebration full of twinkling lights, festive trees and holiday cheer for all ages.

Here’s what’s in store:

Festival of Trees

Dec. 7-Jan. 4, closed Mondays

Marvel at a stunning indoor display of beautifully decorated live trees.

Winter Nights

Dec. 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28, 5-7 p.m.

Take a frosty evening stroll through the gardens glowing with dazzling outdoor lights. Keep an eye out for your favorite holiday characters making special appearances.

Festive Finds Weekend

Dec. 13 & 14, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Shop local and discover handcrafted treasures at this holiday shopping event. The perfect chance to find those last-minute, one-of-a-kind gifts.

Cost: Free

Contact: Call (330) 740-7116

OTHER EVENTS

Mom and Son Date Knight

Nov. 14, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Lariccia Community Center, Boardman Park

Cost: $12 per person for Boardman residents, $15 for non-residents. Registration opens Oct. 14 at boardmanpark.com.

Senior Fun Day

Oct. 16, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Lariccia Community Center, Boardman Park

Cost: $2 and includes a guest speaker, lunch, exercise and bingo. Limited to 80 individuals. RSVP to Boardman Park office (330) 726-8105.

Senior Fun Day

Nov. 20, 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Lariccia Community Center, Boardman Park

Cost: $2 and includes a guest speaker, lunch, exercise and bingo. Limited to 80 individuals. RSVP to Boardman Park office (330) 726-8105.

For events at Boardman Park, contact Karen McCallum at (330) 726-8105 or [email protected].

For events at Stambaugh Auditorium, Youngstown Playhouse & DeYor Performing Arts Center, call the YourArts Box Office at (330) 259-9651 or visit experienceyourarts.org to purchase tickets.

Regional Chamber Events

Contact Chuck Rudge, senior events coordinator, at (330) 744-2131, ext. 1225 or [email protected]. Sponsorship opportunities are available for all events.

Mahoning Valley Safety Council

Oct. 1, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Location: Leo’s Ristorante, Howland • Cost: $35/member; $45/non-member

Good Evening, Niles!

Oct. 2, 5-7 p.m.

Location: Funny Farm Comedy Club, Niles • Cost: $35/member; $45/non-member

Impact Ohio

Oct. 10, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Location: The Grand Resort, Howland • Cost: $70/member; $80/non-member

Good Evening, Canfield!

Oct. 16, 5-7 p.m.

Location: Waypoint 4180, Canfield • Cost: $35/member; $45/non-member

Lattes With Legislators

Oct. 24, 7:30-9 a.m.

Location: Geneva Public Library, Geneva • Cost: $20/member; $30/non-member

Mahoning Valley Safety Council

Nov. 3, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Location: TBD • Cost: $35/member; $45/non-member

Economic Forecast

Nov. 5, 7:30-9 a.m.

Location: Eastwood Event Centre, Niles • Cost: $50/member; $70/non-member

Salute to Elected Officials - Ashtabula

Nov. 13, 5:30-8 p.m.

Location: The Lodge at Geneva-On-The-Lake, Geneva-On-The-Lake • Cost: $35

Salute to Elected Officials

Nov. 24, 5:30-8 p.m.

Location: The Grand Resort, Howland • Cost: $30/member; $40/non-member

Mahoning Valley Safety Council

Dec. 3, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Location: Eastwood Event Centre • Cost: $35/member; $45/non-member

“Rising Tides”

Brings National Investment, Local Focus to Strengthen Manufacturing

A sweeping initiative aimed at revitalizing Appalachian communities impacted by the decline of the coal industry is injecting fresh momentum into northeast Ohio’s industrial economy — and the Valley is playing a central role.

Through a $1.75 million federal grant awarded to the Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI), the Rising Tides initiative is deploying advanced manufacturing resources, commercialization support and workforce development tools across seven counties. It targets manufacturers in Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning, Columbiana, Jefferson, Belmont and Monroe counties to sharpen their competitiveness in fast-moving sectors like microchip, advanced energy, defense, advanced manufacturing and aerospace.

The grant is part of the Appalachian Regional Commission’s POWER Initiative—Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization—a $68.2 million commitment funding 65 projects in former coal-dependent regions across Appalachia. The goal: Help communities recover, diversify and build sustainable economic growth. YBI leads the regional program.

While funding originates in the federal government, Rising Tides is executed on the ground through a broad, collaborative network.

From Legacy to Launchpad

Daniel Longo, engineering program manager, Advanced Manufacturing, for YBI, said Rising Tides is “an overarching initiative” to support manufacturers in Ohio Appalachian counties.

The program offers funded project opportunities that include 16 allotments of $15,000 each for manufacturing advancements, from advancements on shop floors to workforce training.

There is also funding for site preparation and site assistance grants at $5,000 a piece—all of which have already been used— aimed at addressing building and site improvements in aging facilities, from updating outdated electrical service to roof improvements.

Three commercialization service awards of $33,000 are available to any manufacturer “looking to bring a new product to market,” Longo said, and 20 smaller grants of $2,500 are available to support SBIR (Small Business Innovative Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) or other federal grant proposals.

The funding opportunities work on a 50% reimbursement basis, ensuring participating companies are financially engaged and maintain their commitment to follow through.

One example of the site preparation and assistance funding being put to good use: A project in Belmont County helped a manufacturer renovate an abandoned manufacturing site. Already, there are companies ready to move in.

“Their work is going to continue into the next year or so, but our prime focus was set on getting the property remediation complete and installation of a roof on the majority of the building so they can start more thorough operations to finish out the property,” Longo said.

The potential for growth is significant.

“Some of the manufacturers we are assisting have been stuck in operational ruts, doing basic, localized work. After engaging with YBI, they are now opening their doors to the art-of-the-possible with not only servicing the region, but the whole state, out of state, engaging in research and development projects (SBIR/STTR) and even creating supply chain partners they never once thought imaginable,” Longo said.

“With these forms of regional opportunities, manufacturers are obtaining well-desired assistance to finally cross the technical and financial barriers to substantially posture themselves within these highly competitive industries. This not only directly benefits the northeast Ohio coal-impacted region, but will further support the exponential growth of northeast Ohio as the advanced manufacturing leader for the nation,” Longo said.

Partners on the Ground

Lake to River Economic Development is working to introduce companies to Rising Tides through the organization’s already successful business retention and expansion program.

“We go out and meet with companies on a daily basis and talk with them about their challenges and opportunities, and how do we help them overcome their challenges and take advantage of potential opportunities,” said Sarah Boyarko, vice president of economic development for Lake to River.

Rising Tides is one of those potential opportunities to develop technology, bring a product to market or bolster supply chains.

Lake to River also promotes Rising Tides at speaking events, on social media and in newsletters to reach a wide audience. But, Boyarko said, it’s targeted engagement with companies where greater success is achieved.

Regarding business attraction, Lake to River regularly makes sure companies exploring the Valley as a possible destination are aware of resources like Rising Tides. And even if the timing might not fit in the moment, “partnerships like this, resources like this are important to a company when they are considering coming to the market,” Boyarko said.

“They need to know their business is going to be supported long-term,” she said.

The Columbiana County Port Authority serves as the main economic development source in the county. It is responsible for business retention and expansion, as well as site inventory and site preparation. In addition, the port authority owns and has an operator for an intermodal facility in Wellsville.

“So, when they came to us and said we are working on this grant to focus on some workforce efforts, especially with manufacturing companies, we knew we wanted to support that,” said Brittany Smith, the port’s assistant executive director.

“When we are out on business retention and expansion visits, the main need across the entire county, which I think is probably statewide, if not nationwide, is the need for workforce,” Smith said. “So, we are really trying to make that a focus of ours, an effort of ours, and we are constantly talking about Rising Tides and how we can connect the two to assist with that.”

Project Coordinator Elise Wallace leads the Rising Tides initiative for the port authority.

Through July, the port authority had reached out to about 85 manufacturers and met with 15 to 20. That sort of outreach continues.

“I think the manufacturers are very excited, and the county is very excited about this program and about this initiative. We have had some interest in it, and several companies have gone through the process,” Smith said.

“For our manufacturers in Columbiana, it helps them with having that step up … this type of funding helps them improve their manufacturing, increase their use of technology, just have resources that can help them they might not be aware of,” Wallace said. “This helps them with their reach and presence as a manufacturer.”

Smith emphasized the county’s industrial strength, noting 20% of Columbiana County’s workforce is in manufacturing, compared to about 10% in Ohio.

“I think this is just one step into really exploring how all of these manufacturers in the county can possibly expand, grow, upskill and use our resources and the resources of the region to make themselves better and more competitive,” Smith said.

The port authority is promoting the program through events, personal visits, a revived Facebook page and a new LinkedIn presence.

“Any business we have had personal one-on-one discussions with have been very excited about this potential opportunity. It’s just getting in the door,” Smith said.

Equipping the Workforce for What’s Next

The primary role of America Makes, the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute based in Youngstown, in Rising Tides is workforce development with the goal of impacting and improving small businesses, said Emily Young, education and workforce development project engineer with the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining.

This is being done through quarterly webinars and in-person workshops, as well as through the AMNation Pipeline Portal for training.

“Those training assets are introductory level, so not necessarily getting someone job ready, but almost a prerequisite to entering the advanced manufacturing or additive manufacturing workforces,” Young said.

There are three core series of modules: forging and casting, an introduction to additive manufacturing and one for Department of Defense leaders and business decision-makers. Each module is no longer than 10 to 15 minutes and can be started and stopped at any time.

Webinars have included overviews of America Makes and a session on the organization’s Guide to the 21st Century Talent.

“That asset is meant to be a thought-starter for small businesses to improve their practices related to talent attraction and recruitment, training practices and then promoting regional partners and national partners through America Makes,” Young said.

Measuring Results

The sun sets on Rising Tides in September 2026 and participant manufacturers are asked to have a closeout of Aug. 1, 2026. Companies involved are required to submit a success story to YBI that provides a company overview and outlines, among other things, their project selection strategy, how it was implemented and comparison to previous methods, as well as job creation and retention and other benefits from the opportunity.

Rising Tides isn’t just about technology or grant money — it’s a coordinated strategy to rebuild supply chains, elevate companies and foster long-term growth rooted in innovation and partnerships.

From Pain to Purpose: Leaf Relief Thrives as Minority-Owned Cannabis Dispensary

When Leaf Relief opened its doors in June 2019 on Market Street in Youngstown, it became one of the first 20 medical cannabis dispensaries to do so in Ohio. Today, it is the last standing independent, minority-owned dispensary, and it remains focused on a mission rooted in personal experience.

Founder Terrell Washington didn’t enter the cannabis industry chasing trends. He entered it searching for relief.

Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when he was a sophomore in high school, Washington’s symptoms were mild early on but worsened over time to the point where he lost 30 pounds in two months while in college. At the time, he was trying his best to manage the disease with medication.

Managing the pain, he said, meant letting him get to a “safe spot” so he could endure in the comfort of his own home. Crohn’s was also the reason he often drove himself to places, allowing him the opportunity to leave when the disease flared.

But it wasn’t until a particularly difficult day in his late 20s that he tried cannabis for the first time to help. It was at an event—to which he drove himself, but because he arrived early, his vehicle was blocked in by others, keeping him from leaving.

“I was having a day that was the epitome of that old Crohn’s commercial where that person is going in and out of the bathroom in an airport,” Washington said.

At the event with a friend who smoked cannabis, and knowing Crohn’s was among the first diseases permitted for cannabis use in California, Washington tried it.

“I had taken a day-and-a-half worth of my get-home-safe meds, and it wasn’t touching it, so I was like, I’ll try anything,” he said. Thirty minutes after smoking, the pain had subsided, which was the turning point.

“It was, OK, there is something clearly here,” Washington said.

Washington, who studied political science at Michigan State University, soon saw more than just personal benefit in the plant. As Ohio’s early medical cannabis efforts gained momentum—beginning with a failed 2015 ballot initiative and continuing with the creation of a medical program—he took action, beginning with an industry conference in California.

“I had no money in the game, no commitment. It was to let me learn and educate myself before I jumped,” Washington said. “I wanted to have all of the information possible before I made a decision.”

He researched programs, laws and legislation in other states and built financial models for different business tracks: cultivation, processing and retail. There was also a visit to Colorado for hands-on industry learning.

In 2016, during a Cleveland Cavaliers game, he pitched the idea to his father, Herb Washington, a highly successful businessman in the fast-food industry. The next year, they submitted applications to the state for grow, processing and retail licenses.

Their team didn’t win a grow license, but they secured dispensary and processing permits.

While continuing to educate and inform himself about the industry, including a return visit to Colorado to learn from a large operator, he was doing site selection for a dispensary. There were multiple options, but the decision was to acquire a former office building on Market Street in Youngstown.

“It was a complete gut (job). The only thing that is left is the external brick,” Washington said.

Then in November 2023, Ohio voters approved Issue 2, which allowed those over 21 to possess, purchase and grow limited amounts of cannabis for personal use. Washington was in favor of adult-use in Ohio but was a vocal opponent of Issue 2, saying it unfairly favored cultivators over processors and retailers.

“Yes, I want adult-use business in the state of Ohio ... I thought us as a program—at least processors and dispensary owners—were not getting a fair shake. That is still my belief,” Washington said.

From the outset, Leaf Relief emphasized customer care and attention.

“My philosophy has been, I think, a departure from most in the industry. You’ll see people who are here for a prolonged period of time. As a patient and starting this out of a medical need, I equate it to, if I go see my doctor and talk to him about an issue I am having, I wouldn’t want to be rushed out,” Washington said.

The layout of the building and employee coaching “is all centered around customer service and experience. I preach to them that if it takes 45 minutes for that transaction, take that 45 minutes. I want them to feel comfortable because there are multiple aspects (and) you’re trying to erase a stigma at the same time and re-educate, to an extent, a lot of people,” Washington said.

Employees undergo several hours of training in state rules, safety and customer interaction before they can work on the dispensary floor. Washington said that approach—part policy, part philosophy—has helped the business thrive.

Leaf Relief employs 20 to 30 people in Youngstown and 15 more in the Columbus suburb of Reynoldsburg, where a second location opened in April 2024. A third dispensary, in Austintown on Silica Road, is expected to open before the end of the year.

Though Washington once held a cannabis license in New Jersey—earning a perfect application score; the first to do so—he sold it to focus on operations in Ohio.

Leaf Relief’s approach is paying off. Sales, he said, are performing 2.5 times above what he thought they would do in their best year in the medical-only market.

NEW MEMBERS

Regional Chamber New Members April 30 to July 23

ACCOUNTING

TOMKO CPA

tomkocpa.com

Canfield

AUTO REPAIR

EMERINE’S TOWING, INC.

Warren

LEGACY TIRE & AUTO REPAIR

legacy-tire.com

Austintown

BAKERIES / SNACKS / CAFE

CERISE STONE MILL BAKING CO.

cerisebaking.com

Cornersburg

EXOTIC SNACK GUYS OHIO, LLC

Niles

KAVA CULTURE ALLIANCE KAVA BAR

kavaculture.com

Alliance

BANKS / CREDIT UNIONS

CARDINAL CREDIT UNION

Canfield

S&T BANK

stbank.com

Cuyahoga Falls

BUSINESS SERVICES

AEROSPACE LABS

airohspace.com

Salem

GENESIS LAND TITLE AGENCY

Poland

VERTIPORTS

pubacs.com

Salem

CIVIC ASSOCIATIONS

LEADERSHIP MAHONING VALLEY, INC.

leadershipmahoningvalley.org

Youngstown

MAHONING COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY

mahoninggop.com/

Boardman

CONSTRUCTION

ARCO NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION | CLEVELAND

arconational.com

Canton

ESM ENTERPRISE, LLC

East Liverpool

K&A PAINTING PLUS, LLC

kandapaintingplus.godaddysites.com

Boardman

KIRILA FIRE TRAINING FACILITIES, INC.

kirilafire.com

Fowler

DISTRIBUTION

INDUSTRIAL PIPING SPECIALISTS - IPS

ipipes.com

Struthers

ENGINEERING

AUGUST MACK ENVIRONMENTAL

augustmack.com

Independence

HOWLAND COMPANY, LLC

howlandcompany.net

Boardman

ENTERTAINMENT

D & R AUDIO & ENTERTAINMENT

dandraudio.com

Canfield

DISCOVERING DREAMS

discoveringdreamsoh.com

Boardman

FIGHTCHANNEL.COM

fightchannel.com/

Boardman

FUN CITY ADVENTURE PARK

funcityaustintown.com

Austintown

GALLERY 18

mygallery18.com

Youngstown

GCXC RACING YOUNGSTOWN

gcxcracing.com

Leetonia

JAZZ IN THE PARK YOUNGSTOWN

jazzintheparkyoungstown.com

Canfield

JUMPIN JEREMIAH’S INFLATABLE RENTALS, LLC

jumpinjeremiahs.com

Lowellville

FOOD SERVICES

GLOBAL AWAKENING COFFEE ROASTERS

Youngstown

MHI CONCESSIONS

Leetonia

GROCERY

CARNEY WAGYU BUTCHER SHOP

carneywagyu.com

Warren

HAIR CARE

COOKIE CUTTER HAIRCUTS FOR KIDS

haircutsarefun.com/youngstown-oh

Boardman

STYLOGARTEN BARBER STUDIO

Boardman

HEALTH CARE

DR. BOB FLEISCHER, OD

Warren

FIRSTLIGHT HOMECARE OF THE VALLEY

thevalley.firstlighthomecare.com

Youngstown

HOMETOWN PHARMACY SOLUTIONS

thehometownpharmacies.com

Poland

HORIZON INFUSIONS

horizoninfusions.com

Warren

RxWOUND

rxwound.com

Canfield

NATIONAL SEATING & MOBILITY

therightchair.com

Youngstown

HOME REPAIR

9 BY 9 ENVIRONMENTAL, LLC

Youngstown

A&M CONSTRUCTION

Orwell

A1 CONCRETE LEVELING & FOUNDATION REPAIR

a1now.com

Callery, Pa.

AMERICON RESTORATION OHIO VALLEY

americonrestoration.com

Youngstown

HRM REMODELING LLC

West Farmington

LAKESIDE CONSTRUCTION

Andover

MARKIJOHN HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Leetonia

ON TARGET DRONE APPLICATION

ontargetdroneapplication.com

North Bloomfield

PAUL DAVIS RESTORATION & REMODELING

easternohio.pauldavis.com

Youngstown

HOTELS - HOSPITALITY

TOWNEPLACE SUITES YOUNGSTOWN NORTH

Girard

INSURANCE

GREATER HITES GROUP, LLC

Girard

STATE FARM INSURANCE /

MICHAEL BINION

Warren

IT & TECH SERVICES

CONCENSUS TECHNOLOGIES

concensus.com

Cranberry Township, Pa.

MR. PC, INC.

mymrpc.com

Warren

MANUFACTURING

ASHORE MANUFACTURING GROUP

ashoremanufacturing.com

Canfield

DISTINCTIVE DETAILS

distinctivedetailsinc.com

Columbiana

FBR INDUSTRIES, INC.

Mineral Ridge

MEDICAL BILLING

EAGLE MEDICAL BILLING SERVICE, LLC

eaglemedicalbilling.com

Poland

MENTAL HEALTH

MGH HEALTHCARE

mghhealth.com

Warren

PARENTHOOD IN BLOOM LLC

parenthoodinbloom.com

Girard

YOUNGSTOWN TREATMENT SERVICES

pinnacletreatment.com

Youngstown

NURSING HOME / ASSISTED LIVING

AVENTURA AT ASSUMPTION VILLAGE

aventuraatassumption.com

North Lima

AVENTURA AT HUMILITY HOUSE

aventuraathumilityhouse.com

Austintown

AVENTURA PLACE ASSISTED LIVING

aventurahg.com

North Lima

PET CARE

RAYMOND’S NOODLES

Bristol

REAL ESTATE

EDWARD J. LEWIS REAL ESTATE / JAMES GRANTZ

ejlewiscommercial.com

Youngstown

KELLY WARREN & ASSOCIATES / DANA RICHARD COE

Bristol

THE MID-AMERICA MANAGEMENT CORPORATION

midamco.com

Beachwood

RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS

CS LEWIS INSTITUTE - NORTHEAST OHIO

cslewisinstitute.org/

northeast_ohio

Youngstown

RESTAURANTS

ANTONE’S KITCHEN

antoneskitchen.com

Boardman

ANTONE’S KITCHEN - COLUMBIANA

antoneskitchen.com

Columbiana

ANTONE’S KITCHEN - WARREN

antoneskitchen.com

Warren

CHARBENAY’S WINE ON THE RIVER

charbenays.com

Warren

FOX’S PIZZA DEN

foxspizzaden.com

Boardman

KNOTH MANAGEMENT GROUP, INC.

mcdonalds.com

Cortland

McDONALD’S - DOWNTOWN WARREN

mcdonalds.com

Warren

McDONALD’S - HUBBARD

Hubbard

McDONALD’S - WARREN

mcdonalds.com

Warren

PAPPOULI’S PIZZERIA

Youngstown

SIMPLY J’S

Warren

TLAQUEPAQUE TEQUILA

tlaquepaque.com

Niles

URBAN TAP AND DISTILLERY

urbantapanddistillery.com

Warren

WEST AND MAIN

westandmainwarren.com

Warren

ZENOBIA CUISINE & BAR

zenobiacuisine.com

Canfield

RETAIL STORES

ACADEMY SPORTS & OUTDOORS

academy.com

Youngstown

CARNATION CARTS & TRAILERS

carnationcartsandtrailers.com

Boardman

FANNING’S APPLIANCES

fanningsappliance.com/

Warren

STEEL VALLEY COIN & CURRENCY

Brookfield

WALMART SUPERSTORE #2211

walmart.com

Poland

HODAS BOTANICALS & TOBACCO LLC

Youngstown

HODAS TOBACCO, LLC

Warren

MIKE’S PUFF N’ SNUFF

Leavittsburg

SAFETY SERVICES

ACQUIRE FIRE PROTECTION

acquirefireprotection.com

Middlefield

PROTRAIN

Canfield

TACTICAL PROTECTION & SURVEILLANCE, LLC

tpsohio.com/about-us/

Youngstown

SOCIAL COMMUNITY GROUP

INVISIBLE WOMAN COLLECTIVE

invisiblewomancollective.com

Solana Beach, Calif.

SECOND CHANCES CHARITY CLOSET

secondchancescharitycloset.org

Austintown

YOUNGSTOWN PRESS CLUB

youngstownpressclub.com

Youngstown

STAFFING

EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS

expresspros.com/youngstownoh/

Boardman

TREE SERVICE

M&M TREE WORKS

Orwell

TROYERS TREE SERVICE, LLC

troyerstreeservice.org

West Farmington

TRUE NATURE TREE SERVICE

truenaturetreeservice.com

Canfield

UTILITIES

PRIMENET, LLC

Youngstown

WELLNESS

INTEGRATED WELLNESS CENTER

visitiwc.com

Cortland

Regional Chamber Ribbon Cuttings

MAY 1 TO JULY 15

BENDING OAK EDUCATIONAL FARM

Youngstown

bendingoak.org

STUDIO 60 & CO. BARBER & BEAUTY

Youngstown

www.facebook.com/people/Studio-60-Co-BarberBeauty/61575571264298/?_rdr

CREPE N’ CRUNCH

Boardman

www.facebook.com/p/Crepe-N-Crunch-61571847281511/

COSTAS SEAFOOD & MEXICAN GRILLE

Youngstown

www.facebook.com/p/Costas-Seafood-

Mexican-Grill-61574168374934/

MARINE EQUIPMENT SUPPLY (MES)

Youngstown

mes.us

PAPPOULI’S PIZZERIA

Youngstown

www.facebook.com/p/Pappoulis-

Pizzeria-61572184121408/

MAHONING COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY

Boardman

mahoninggop.com

GRAIN & BERRY

Canfield

grainandberry.com

CAPRIOTTI’S SANDWICH SHOP / HOWLAND

Warren

capriottis.com

ROEMER INDUSTRIES, LLC

Masury

roemerind.com

HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS

ASSOCIATION OF THE VALLEY

Canfield

myhbaworks.org

WESBANCO

Youngstown

wesbanco.com

ANY LAB TEST NOW - YOUNGSTOWN OH

Youngstown

anylabtestnow.com

WALDRON CHIROPRACTIC

& WELLNESS CENTER

Cortland

waldronchirocenter.com

DISCOVERING DREAMS

Boardman

discoveringdreamsoh.com

STYLOGARTEN BARBER STUDIO

Boardman

stylogartenbarberstudio.com

HELP ME LIVE HOME CARE / HELP ME CARE EDU

Struthers

helpmerisecorp.com

FERGUSON’S HOUSE OF FURNITURE

Boardman

daretocompareus.com

KING WIRELESS & SMOKE SHOP

Youngstown

kingwirelessstore.com

CARDINAL CREDIT UNION

Canfield

cardinalcu.com

DR. BOB FLEISCHER, OD

Warren

Farmers National Bank

Canfield

farmersbankgroup.com

G-Dab’s Sweet Treats

Boardman

www.facebook.com/p/G-Dabs-Sweet-Treats-61572407980717/

Advanced Methods in Innovation

Youngstown

advancedmethods.org

Exotic Snack Guys

Niles

exoticsnackguys.com

HARTFORD HILL WINERY + BREWERY

At Hartford Hill Winery + Brewery in Hartford, owners Randy and Carolyn Wyand raise a glass to the fruits of their labor on the 170- acre property they’ve owned since 1992. Nestled at 3864 Bushnell Campbell Road, the rustic yet refined destination opened in February 2015 and offers ample indoor space and scenic outdoor seating overlooking a tranquil pond.

As the season shifts toward fall and tastes lean toward bolder pours, guests can savor “Realist,” a velvety Cabernet Sauvignon with soft tannins and rich notes of plum and black currant, or enjoy the brewery’s smooth American Red Ale, a medium-bodied pour with balanced flavor. With 11 signature wines and six house-brewed beers, Hartford Hill offers a perfect blend of artisanal craft and countryside charm.