WELCOME

from the chamber

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

I’m sure I was already singing that tune the day before Halloween, when I somehow found myself changing the playlist in my car to holiday tunes as I drove to work. I know, I know… but Christmas videos had been flooding my Facebook feed for weeks, the commercials started airing on TV and then my favorite seasonal flavors and scents started popping up everywhere. And there I was, jumping straight from pumpkins to Santa.

Working on this edition of Valley Business starting in late September doesn’t help, either, because I’m always so excited to see what our member retailers are highlighting this holiday season on the pages of our Gift Guide as I’m making my list! The local businesses featured in this edition offer so many great and unique products, pieces and ideas. Take a look and be sure to patronize these hardworking businesses that call our Valley ‘home’ throughout the season and beyond.

Also be sure to read all about Mercy Health’s expansion in our Valley, as the nearly 115-year-old healthcare system continues to bring innovative services and state-of the-art facilities to the thousands and thousands who utilize their care each year.

And finally, if your business is not already utilizing the Regional Chamber’s SOCA healthcare insurance product, turn to page 38 to learn more about this member-only program that is saving businesses and their employees big, at a time when insurance premiums continue to rise annually.

As 2024 comes to a close, I can’t thank you—our dedicated members—for helping to make our Valley Business Magazine a great success! Your stories and efforts shine on these pages, and the support you’ve offered in turn through record-breaking ad sales helps us continue to serve and promote you in new and numerous ways.

Our team wishes you and yours the happiest of holidays! We look forward to hearing more about your successes in 2025.

Kim Calvert

SVP, Marketing & Member Services

from the

PRESIDENT’S DESK

Think about this. Terry Gu, in his garage in Taiwan, founded a company now called Foxconn. A company that today employs more than 1 million workers. A company with a growing presence here in the Mahoning Valley.

The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber had the privilege of hearing from Foxconn executive Robert Schlaeger, who told the story about the company’s beginning and how it ended up investing here.

Think about Greg Toporcer. He and his wife sold almost every possession, including the family automobile, to start their business. It’s now a worldwide enterprise headquartered here in the Mahoning Valley.

The Regional Chamber had the privilege of honoring Toporcer, owner of Top Property Holdings, Discover Global and other companies, with its Business Professional of the Year Award.

Here in the Mahoning Valley, the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well. Not just inventing, but re-inventing.

Now it’s time to get inventive about how we grow the Valley’s workforce. How we are going to make sure Foxconn and Toporcer have enough employees for their expansion plans. How they obtain those workers without poaching from our existing companies, already struggling with the tight labor market.

So the Chamber is getting inventive on the workforce front. We forged a new partnership with Goodwill Industries. Together, we conducted a workforce needs assessment. Next, we will launch strategies powered by PNC, another key Chamber partner, to help marginalized individuals — people capable of working, people who want to work — overcome barriers to employment.

Our target is the labor participation rate. In the Youngstown/Warren metropolitan statistical area, the labor participation rate is 57 percent. The state and national averages are both 63 percent. That gap, in the Youngstown/Warren MSA, represents 20,000 individuals.

These are individuals ready and able to work but lack childcare, who need elder care for an aging parent, don’t have reliable transportation, possess a criminal record, struggle with financial literacy, have a behavioral health issue… all at levels that can be overcome with the right strategies.

If we can make up just half of that labor participation gap, we can provide employers with another 10,000 workers to fill most of the 12,000 job openings that we typically see posted in the region.

Keep this in mind. The labor shortage is national. It’s not going to go away anytime soon, as birth rates and immigration are not keeping up with retirement rates and job growth. That means we don’t have to solve the labor issue here in the Valley, we just have to more inventively chip away at it better than the communities against whom we compete for economic development.

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

Hats off to HBK, celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. HBK is an important Chamber partner focused on common issues. One is developing the next generation of corporate leaders through its OnLead executive coaching program. Another is addressing complex state and federal tax issues, such as Section 174 of the Internal Revenue Code that prevents many of our businesses from deducting the costs of research and experimentation.

Hats off to the Ohio Small Business Development Center Export Assistance Network at Youngstown State University for hosting an international trade summit with nearly two dozen Vietnamese companies. The summit resulted in export opportunities for local businesses, increased supply chain options to reduce costs and the possibility of Vietnamese companies locating in the Valley. The Regional Chamber was privileged to assist the team at YSU, along with our overseas peer, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce in Ho Chi Mihn City.

Hats off to us, Mahoning Valley. On the list of top cities in the U.S. ranked by the projected increase in new apartment units to be built between 2024 and 2028, we are No. 7, right behind Nashville and Austin, ahead of San Antonio, Colorado Springs and dozens of others.

Guy Coviello

President & CEO of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber

Holiday Gift Guide

A gift of pampering

Discover the ultimate gift-giving destination at Maison de Savon! Explore a curated selection of luxury artisanal bath and body products for all ages, plus cozy holiday pajamas, jewelry, accessories and festive decor. Perfect for spreading cheer this season, the store offers something special for everyone on your list. Celebrate with them!

Holiday Artisan Soaps $8.95

Holiday Pajamas $42.95

Body Butter $19.95

Maison de Savon

maisondesavon.com

8238 E Market Street, Warren

(330) 978-2086

A taste of warmth

The new six-pack Penguin City Winter Warmer boxes are the perfect Youngstown gift.

Penguin City Winter Warmer is a malty, mildly sweet strong ale with hints of caramel and molasses. ABV 6.5% Mahogany in color.

These will be available in stores through December for $12.99.

Penguin City Brewing

penguincity.beer

(330) 755-0709

460 East Federal Street, Youngstown

A brilliant gift

For over 96 years, Aebischer’s Jewelry has been providing customers with exceptional jewelry, quality repair work and a no-pressure buying experience. Aebischer’s offers jewelry that starts at $30, on up to its spectacular one-of-a-kind pieces.

Featured is Aebischer’s bespoke 510K, natural blue sapphire and diamond ring set in platinum. $32,680.

Aebischer’s Jewelry

aebischersjewelry.com

(330) 757-4685

68 South Main Street, Poland

A dazzling display

Discover exceptional luxury designers from around the world at Thom Duma Fine Jewelers. Explore exclusive collections like Roberto Coin’s Love in Verona, featuring a timeless floral motif in diamonds that celebrates inner beauty.

18K White Gold Love in Verona Narrow Width Diamond Accent Bangle by Roberto Coin, $7,300.

Thom Duma Fine Jewelers

tdfj.com

(330) 393-4696

115 West Market Street, Warren

Decorate for every holiday

Home decor for all year.

While much of its business is creating personalized gifts and decor, AB80’s most exciting products are interchangeable options perfect for every occasion.

From hanging welcome signs with a variety of seasonal options, to sign sitters that vary from custom-for-your business, to any season, holiday or inspirational quote, AB80 designs has something for everyone.

Sign sitter base $18

Insert $7

Interchangeable welcome sign $25

Insert $15

AB80

ab80designs.myshopify.com

(330) 282-2899

2992 North Road NE, Warren

Gifts that create heartwarming memories

Discover XO Bimbi, a children’s boutique offering thoughtfully curated clothing, toys and accessories, with a focus on more natural items. Collections seamlessly blend style, comfort and playfulness, newborn to 8 years, with select items up to age 12. Find unique, high-quality gifts that delight both kids and parents alike. XOXO!

Glitter Heart Tutu $26

Little Heart Bag Genuine Leather $36.99

Duo Paradise Hair Clips $9.50

Floral Organic Ruffle Pants $30

Boys Organic Colorblock Long Sleeve $36

Shave Set Toy Kit $44

XO Bimbi

xobimbi.com

(330) 503-9592

15 West McKinley Way, Poland

Supporting the Mahoning Valley in style

Visit Youngstown Clothing Co. this holiday season at Southern Park and Eastwood malls. Go shop thier selections of American-made, locally printed and vintage-inspired apparel. Explore their YoNation Rack, in which a portion of every purchase gives back to the community. Together, celebrate the traditions, landmarks and people who make the Mahoning Valley such a special place!

Youngstown Built Tee Shirt $30

Grit City USA Tee Shirt $30

White House Fruit Farm Blueberry Donut Tee $30

Block Y Logo Tee Shirt $32

Youngstown Clothing Co.

youngstownclothingco.com

(330) 707-4449

7401 Market Street, Boardman

Sweet nostalgia

This collection is perfect for those who cherish sweet memories and iconic treats from the past. Each thoughtfully designed tee celebrates timeless classics we all know and love, offering a one-of-a-kind gift for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday or simply to bring a smile, these vintage-inspired pieces are sure to make a lasting impression.

This basket features:

• Isaly’s Skyscraper Ice Cream Cone Tee $24.99

• Isaly’s Spicy Flavor Flavor BBQ Sauce $3.99

• Isaly’s Original Flavor BBQ Sauce $3.99

• Isaly’s Mug $9.99

• Isaly’s Boulevard Coffee $11.99

• Isaly’s Chipped Ham, Klondikes, and Other Tales from Behind the Counter - Softcover Book $19.95

Sweet Memories Vintage Tees & Candy

sweetvintagetees.com

(330) 759-3500

1282 Trumbull Ave #A1, Girard

Unique fragrances for you

A love for music, design and nature gives an endless desire for 1820 Candle Co. to create unique fragrant compositions that industrious hands bring to life. This personally crafted collection draws inspiration from the deep roots to the founders farm and connection to the artisans historic home telling a story through fragrance, redolent light and warm aesthetic. Shop with local business partners in the Valley or visit the shop in East Palestine, Ohio.

Crafted from heavyweight amber glass, presented in a locally hand-letterpressed box with textured handmade paper. $38

Candles range from $12 to $38

1820 Candle Co.

1820co.com

(330) 787-5885

135 North Market Street

East Palestine

A sip of sophistication

Restaurant, wines and a full bar, and a beautiful gift shop with lots of unique and custom gifts to go. Come have dinner, drinks and shop with them. Gift baskets are available. Give your budget and they will gift wrap it for you!

Grab a bottle of their Cranberry Wine, a great taste for the holidays.

Charbenay’s Wine on the River

https://www.charbenays.com/

234-806-4913

220 W. Market, Warren

A gift for everyone

ivory & birch is the gift destination this holiday season. From seasonal décor to unique gifts, you can check off everyone on your list. ivory & birch carries women’s apparel, baby/children’s apparel and accessories, home décor, gifts, jewelry and so much more. These beaded and needlepoint ornaments by MacKenzie-Child’s are whimsical, fun and special.

Pricing: $29-$39

Ivory & Birch

shopivoryandbirch.com/

(330) 965-4772

7631 Market Street, Boardman

A classic look

New at Youngstown Harley-Davidson. Dixxon Men’s and Women’s Flannels. A blend of quality materials, timeless designs and the rugged spirit of the subcultures that inspired them. Whether you’re out on the town, clocking in for work or chilling at home, their flannels are built to move with you.

Women’s Manhattan 10yr Flannel $59.99

Youngstown Harley-Davidson

youngstownharleydavidson.com/

(330) 505-2000

5700 Patriot Blvd, Youngstown

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen — and have a glass of wine!

For Christmas 2024, Leone’s award-winning elves have been busy making a 100% cabernet along with zinfandel, merlot, sweet red and sweet white wines, all from California and Chilean grapes. Available starting November 15 is a Cabernet Verticle of ‘20, ‘21 and ‘22 grapes for just $99.99 (regular price $114). Visit dicesarewinery.com, for a complete listing of offerings.

Sales by appointment only.

Purchases of one or more cases are delivered FREE to Trumbull and Mahoning County addresses.

Leone DiCesare & Sons Winery

dicesarewinery.com

330-503-6520.

260 Country Club Drive, SE, Warren

Frosty elegance in winter ice

The Articulating Winter Dragon Sculpture / Fidget Toy Meet the Winter Dragon, adorned in an enchanting winter ice hue, embodying the serene beauty of the season.

Weighing 195 grams and at 24 inches long, this majestic sculpture captures the essence of a frost-kissed landscape.

Crafted with visionary artistry by the talented designer Cinder Wing 3D.

3D Printed Creations By Billy B

3dprintedcreationsbybillyb.com/

(804) 477-4571

Flights of fancy

A L’uva Bella wine basket is the perfect gift for any holiday occasion. Includes your choice of wine, an LB wine glass and a wine flight certificate valued at $45.

Call for more information: 330-536-6450

L’uva Bella Winery

6597 Center Road

Lowellville, OH 44436

Luvabella.com

Soothe your skin this winter

As the weather turns cold, give a gift for the skin with these natural and homemade goat’s milk goodies. Sunshine Golden Acres has everything you need to make the perfect gift basket from soaps and lotions to candles and wax melts. Or, if you’ve got someone particularly crafty to shop for, check the beginner and advanced classes on soap making! Call for more information and available dates.

Goat Milk Soap $6

8 oz. Goat Milk Lotions $14

Candles $16

Sunshine Golden Acres

sunshinegoldenacres.etsy.com

330-240-8807

3335 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren

A gift to be jelly-ous of

Jelly Cat will create a world of wonder for your little ones this holiday season. The Captain McFinn Gift Shop at Eastwood Mall offers a wide selection of these enchanting gifts. Come see the Jellycat superstore.

Captain McFinn

(330) 544-3466

5555 Youngstown Warren Road, Niles

Cute clothes for cute kids

Fashions for little girls by Able & Lula. Pair the houndstooth skirt ($55.99) with the cableknit, mock neck sweater. Sizes 4 – 10. Styles for your little guy too, Rosebuds has two-piece plaid shirt & pants sets by Milon. Sizes 2 – 10. $78.99. Rosebuds Boutique is located in the Eastwood Mall.

Rosebuds Boutique

rosebudschildrensboutique.com

(330) 989-7109

5555 Youngstown Warren Road, Niles

Elegant & stylish

Get ready for the cold months ahead at Lavish at the Eastwood Mall. Wrap yourself in the warmth of this reversible jacket with faux fur and a sophisticated black-and-white print. It effortlessly blends avant-garde style with classic French elegance. Pair with classic black pants. Shoes courtesy of Reyers at the Eastwood Mall.

Lavish

lavishbycoralrose.com

330-747-7291

5555 Youngstown-Warren Road, Unit #330 Niles

Dresses to impress

Planning an evening out for the holidays? Stop by Coral Rose at the Eastwood Mall. Peruse an amazingly wide selection of elegant dresses, like this strapless rosette, tube bandage dress, $69. Shoes courtesy of Reyers at the Eastwood Mall.

Coral Rose

www.mycoralrose.com

330.989.7210

5555 Youngstown-Warren Road, Niles

EVENTS

Ronald McDonald House Charities Northeast Ohio: Haute for the House

Feb. 6, 6 - 9 p.m.

Location: InterContinental Cleveland 9801 Carnegie Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106

Cost: Early Bird General Admission: $150 (before Dec. 1 and open seating)

Early Bird VIP Admission: $225 (before Dec. 1 and includes reserved seating and swag bag)

General Admission: $175 (after Dec. 1 and open seating)

VIP Admission: $250 (after Dec. 1 and includes reserved seating and swag bag)

Sponsor opportunities available.

Contact: Katie Spring, Director, Events & Strategic Partnerships, mailto: [email protected]

Millcreek MetroParks

Winter Celebration Festival of Trees

Dec. 6, 10-13, 17-20, 26-29, 31, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Dec. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Location: Fellows Riverside Gardens: D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center, Youngstown, OH

Cost: Free

Contact: Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330.740.7116 or millcreekmetroparks.org

Winter Nights

Dec. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 4 - 5 p.m.

Location: Fellows Riverside Gardens, Youngstown, OH

Cost: Free

Contact: Fellows Riverside Gardens at 330.740.7116 or millcreekmetroparks.org

The Spore Sorority

1st Annual Mushrooms and Memories Event (in honor of Christmas)

Dec. 15, Noon - 4 p.m.

Location: To Be Determined

Cost: Free (open to the public); Sponsor opportunities and vendor spots available.
Contact: Ashley Morrow, Vice President and Conservation Specialist, for 330.719.4754, or [email protected].

Philip Clingerman, President and Project Manager, 330.719.4754, or [email protected]

1st Annual Mushrooms and Maraschino Cherries Event (in honor of Valentine’s Day)

Feb. 9, Noon - 4 p.m.

Location: To Be Determined

Cost: Free (open to the public); Sponsor opportunities and vendor spots available.
Contact: Ashley Morrow, Vice President and Conservation Specialist, 330.719.4754 at [email protected].

Philip Clingerman, President and Project Manager, 330.719.4754, or [email protected].

Angels For Animals

All events held at Andrews Hall, 4750 W. South Range Rd., Canfield, 44406, unless otherwise noted.

Antiques, Collectibles & Christmas Sale Donations

Donations accepted Nov. 26 – 30; Tuesday through Friday, Noon to 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Closed Thanksgiving Day.)

Sale or donations items: Antiques & collectibles, including textiles, toys, classic & costume jewelry, primitives, artwork, furniture, pottery, decorative, seasonal and Christmas décor.

Contact: For large items or more information, call Diane at 330.502.5352.

Antiques, Collectibles & Christmas Sale

Dec. 6, 5 – 7 p.m., $5 Early Bird Fee; Dec. 7 & 14, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Dec. 8 & 15, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Contact: 330.549.1111, press #5

Pictures With Santa

Gift Shop, Enter Door B

Dec. 14, 10 a.m., Noon, 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Location: Gift Shop, Enter Door B

Cost: $10 donation for 5 X 7 photo printed onsite or $5 for digital photo

Light Up Angels with Memories

Dec. 20, 6:30 p.m.

Stop in to enjoy luminaries in memory of loved ones and furry friends.

Cost: Free to attend.

Luminary donations are $20 online; luminary forms are available atangelsforanimals.org. Order by midnight Dec. 18.

Contact: 330.549.1111, press #5

Regional Chamber Events

Contact: Chuck Rudge, Director of Events, 330.744.2131, ext. 1225 or [email protected]. Sponsor opportunities available for all events.

Taste of the Holidays Mixer

December 11, 5:30 –7:30 p.m.

Location: The Lake Club, Poland

Cost: $50/member; $60/non-member

Mahoning Valley Safety Council – New Hire Orientation

Jan. 8, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Location: Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Center, Austintown

Cost: $35/member; $45/non-member

Good Evening, Campbell, Lowellville and Struthers

Jan. 30, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Location: TBD

Cost: $40/member; $50/non-member

Mahoning Valley Safety Council – Electrical Safety

Feb. 5, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Location: TBD

Cost: $35/member; $45/non-member

Mercy Health:

New partnerships and projects across the Mahoning Valley

In November, the Youngstown area saw the opening of the 60-bed, 66,000 square-foot, two-story Mercy Health Rehabilitation Hospital that is part of the 11-acre medical campus along Belmont Avenue.

The new hospital is the result of a joint venture partnership between Mercy Health - Youngstown and Lifepoint Rehabilitation, a business unit of Lifepoint Health, and is one of the various ways Mercy Health is expanding its services across the Mahoning Valley.

The rehab facility features private rooms, multidisciplinary therapy gymnasiums outfitted with the latest therapeutic technologies, outdoor courtyards and other spaces designed to help patients return to the activities of daily living.

A 12-bed secured brain injury unit with private dining and therapy gym is also part of the expansion, and the facility is structurally designed in all units for the needs of patients receiving acute inpatient rehabilitation care for stroke, traumatic brain injury, amputation and other injuries and disorders.

“It’s one of two really exciting projects on the 11-acre campus, projects that are part of the community revitalization taking place in that neighborhood,” said Dr. John Luellen, president, Mercy Health – Lorain and Youngstown. “This investment also reflects Mercy Health’s commitment to responding and adapting to the region’s ever-changing healthcare needs through new, enhanced points of care.”

The other addition to the campus is a 72-bed inpatient behavioral health hospital that is set to open in November 2025. Mercy Health - Youngstown and Lifepoint Behavioral Health, another business unit of Lifepoint Health, formed a separate joint venture partnership to construct and operate this facility, featuring open, airy patient rooms, community areas and outside courtyards, in addition to innovative clinical spaces.

“This will be the first facility of its kind in the Mahoning Valley. It expands our capacity to serve patients in need of mental health care, and this state-of-the-art hospital will make us a national leader in providing such care,” Luellen said.

He noted quite a few other recent and underway efforts from Mercy Health intended to maximize the level of care available in the Youngstown-Warren area.

In April, the flagship Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center Certification. This certification is awarded to hospitals that are Primary Stroke Centers and also perform endovascular thrombectomy procedures and provide post-procedural care. It is the second highest level awarded, Luellen said.

This hospital has been a certified Primary Stroke Center since 2004 and remains one of the only hospitals in the immediate area to have earned this distinction. The Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Certification recognizes ability to perform mechanical thrombectomy, a life-saving procedure that significantly improves patient outcomes.

Toward optimizing the level of such care, St. Elizabeth Youngstown is embarking on building a $20 million stroke and neuroscience care center there that is expected to open within two years.

Having the center will mean 16 additional beds at the hospital in what will be a new neuroscience ICU. St. Elizabeth Youngstown’s neuro-interventional lab capacity will also double with the addition of a second unit.

St. Elizabeth Youngstown already is rated as a Level 1 Trauma Center, so the new project will mirror that level of care available for stroke patients, Luellen said.

In May, the 100-year-old Mercy Health - St. Joseph Warren Hospital opened a cardiac catheterization lab, a specialized area used for minimally invasive tests and advanced cardiac procedures. During a cardiac catheterization, a catheter, or a long, thin, flexible tube, is inserted in a blood vessel and threaded to the heart, allowing specialists to perform various tests and treatments.

In August, the Ohio Department of Health granted expedited approval for the advancement of services from that of Level 1 cardiac catheterization lab, to that of a Level 2 cardiac catheterization lab at St. Joseph Warren Hospital. This pivotal development in access enabled St. Joseph Warren Hospital to perform coronary interventions, rather than merely diagnostic services. Coronary artery interventions such as coronary artery stenting are critical additions to the clinical offerings at St. Joseph Warren Hospital and in Trumbull County.

St. Joseph Warren now also offers orthopedic robotic surgery and over the summer, Mercy Health - St. Elizabeth Boardman upgraded its services to include digitized 3D mammography. That service now is available at all three Mercy Health hospitals in the Youngstown-Warren area, Luellen said.

In addition to Mercy Health’s three area hospitals, the health system operates 52 practice locations, with more than 390 physicians and advanced practice clinicians performing more than 900,000 annual patient visits, as well as Mercy Health - Warren Minor Emergency Services, Mercy Health - Austintown Medical Center, Mercy Health - Howland Medical Center and Mercy Health - Howland Urgent Care in Warren.

Mercy Health now has 32 primary care locations, including its newest office that opened in August 2024 in Hubbard. Mercy Health also operates 10 walk-in care locations, which includes its newest office in Canfield that opened in July.

Walk-in care is a convenient option that gives patients with non-emergent illnesses the opportunity to be seen by a primary care provider without an appointment on the same day. It is typically also a more cost-effective option for same-day care.

“As our communities evolve, so too do their health care needs. Mercy Health is focused on making strategic investments to increase access to care and vital services across the Valley, and these projects are just a few examples of that work,” Luellen said. “As we look to the future of healthcare in the Mahoning Valley, be it one year, five years or ten years down the road, we are advancing intentional plans to ensure our ministry is equipped to meet the healthcare demands of the communities we serve, now and in the decades to come.”

Regional Chamber Ribbon Cuttings

July 1, 2024, to October 31, 2024

ABOVE ALL CUTZ BARBER BOULEVARD

Niles

ALCOVA MORTGAGE

Austintown

alcovabuckeyes.com

ALLURE NAILS & SPA

Niles

theallurenailsspa.com

ASPIRE MENTAL HEALTH

Austintown

aspirementalhealth.net

BESS PURPOSE INC.

Warren

besspurposeinc.com

BLUE LOTUS BANQUET HALL

Niles

bluelotusbanquetniles.com

BOARDMAN FAMILY EYECARE

Boardman

boardmanfamilyeyecare.com

BULL & BEAR NEIGHBORHOOD GRILLE & TAVERN / YSU CAMPUS

Youngstown

bullandbeartavern.com

CHRYSOS TATTOO

Girard

chrysostattoo.com

CHURCH BOYS RACING, LLC

Bristolville

churchboysracing.com

COMPLETE DENTAL CARE

Warren

completedentalcaresmile.com

COUNTRY COTTAGE GIFT SHOP

Brookfield

DISCOUNT POWERSPORTS, LLC

Hubbard

discountpowersports.biz/

EL JALAPENO II

Austintown

eljalapenorestaurants.com/el-jalapeno-ii-austintown/

FLYING HIGH, INC. / EAGLES NEST II & MOLINA TRAINING FACILITY

Youngstown

flyinghighinc.org

FREDIBERTOS MEXICAN FOOD

Niles

FUEL EXPRESS

Brookfield

FURR-EVER FRIENDZ

Warren

HOPEWELL THEATRE

Youngstown

hopewelltheatre.org

HOWARD HANNA REAL ESTATE / THE ENCLAVE

Boardman

howardhanna.com

INTEGRATED WELLNESS CENTER

Cortland

visitiwc.com/

KINSMAN HEALTH CENTER

Kinsman

kinsmanhealthcenter.com

LOVE’S TRAVEL STOPS, #504

North Lima

loves.com

MAHONING VALLEY TRUMBULL COUNTY MOBILE MARKET

Youngstown

actionoh.com

OI-2

Warren

PARKMAN MEDICAL GROUP

Warren

PELICAN3 CONSULTING, LLC

Poland

pelican3.net

POKO’S GREEN BOUTIQUE

North Lima

QUICKMED URGENT CARE - BOARDMAN

Boardman

quickmedclinic.com

REPUBLIC PIZZERIA

Canfield

republicyo.com

RICH CENTER FOR AUTISM/ SENSORY SUITE

Niles

richcenter.ysu.edu/

STARZ COUNSELING, LLC

Austintown

starzcounseling.org

STEPPING STONE
COMMUNITY SERVICES, LLC

Warren

sscshealth.com

STONEFRUIT COFFEE COMPANY, YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown

stonefruitcoffee.com

THE HIVE

Youngstown

THE LAUNDRY SPOT

Youngstown

thelaundryspotmahoning.com

THE SPORE SISTERHOOD

Youngstown

THRIVE MAHONING VALLEY

Youngstown

thrivemv.org

UNITED WAY OF YOUNGSTOWN & MAHONING VALLEY / Centofanti Volunteer Resource Center

Boardman

ymvunitedway.org

YOUNGSTOWN PLAYHOUSE, INC.

Youngstown

theyoungstownplayhouse.com

ZOETIC GLOBAL, LLC

Youngstown

zoeticglobal.com

Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance:

Benefiting the Chamber
and its members

Matt Appenzeller

CEO/President, SOCA

Through its partnership with the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance, the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber provides its members access to a number of programs that add value, save money and improve employees’ lives.

Chief among those is the SOCA Benefit Plan, a multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) through Anthem that offers predictable rates and competitive benefits usually reserved for larger groups.

“A MEWA is a Trust or other arrangement that is established or maintained for the purpose of offering group insurance,” said SOCA CEO/President Matt Appenzeller. “A MEWA allows small employers to join together in a self-funded plan for the kind of benefits and coverage that are typically offered to large employers.”

Such an arrangement means eligible businesses join together to share in the overall claims risk. By being part of a larger, self-funded pool, they have financial protection backed by Anthem’s stop loss coverage.

“The biggest advantage is financial stability over time,” Appenzeller said.

In addition to financial protection, Appenzeller said this plan offers:

• Competitive rates.

• The stability of fixed, predictable monthly payments.

• A variety of plan options for your business and budget.

•  Popular dental and vision plans available. Life and disability plans are also available and underwritten by SOCA partner, The Standard.

•  Clinical integration with Anthem Whole HealthConnection, providing whole-person care for employees with integrated plans.

Appenzeller said that Consoliplex Health Plan Management LLC is one of SOCA’s key partners and handles all of the Alliance’s compliance and statutory accounting.

“Their founder, George Stadtlander, came to us nearly 12 years ago with an idea that has developed into the SOCA Benefit Plan,” Appenzeller said. “To the best of our knowledge, we are operating the largest MEWA in the United States with more than 7,000 employers. This speaks to the quality of the plan, the trust employers have placed in us and the many people who make this work.”

Due to that success, several chambers of commerce in other states have partnered with Anthem and Consoliplex to form MEWAs.

“In this sense, Ohio has led the way for market-based solutions for small employers. We are so grateful to be able to offer this kind of value to small employers,” Appenzeller said.

SOCA has a network of more than 400 agencies that have sold the SOCA Benefit Plan. That network helps grow the plan through lunch and learns, referrals and by driving interest to online contact forms.

And in October, SOCA worked to increase the plan’s visibility in the Youngstown-Warren area through radio, television, digital and billboard channels.

Already, among the 275 chambers of commerce that are authorized to offer the SOCA Benefit Plan across Ohio, the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber ranks first in terms of the total number of employees enrolled.

“YWRC has strong leadership and a hard-working team,” Appenzeller said.

Appenzeller mentioned another program available through SOCA that assists chamber of commerce member businesses.

“We have a partnership with Dolr ( www.getdolr.com ), an Ohio-based company that specializes in helping employers set up an employee benefit that pays down student loan debt,” Appenzeller said. “Tackling this problem as an employer benefit is a great way to attract and retain talent.”

In addition to value programs that SOCA chambers can offer to their members, SOCA is building tools to help local chambers with their organizational planning. Those tools include membership forecasting and growth forecasting tools, benchmarking against peers, scorecards and membership prospecting assistance.

“It’s all part of our mission to build value for chambers of commerce,” Appenzeller said.

NEW MEMBERS

Regional Chamber New Members • July 1 to October 4, 2024

Associations

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

heart.org

Uniontown

ASSOCIATIONS

Auto Repair

CHURCH BOYS RACING, LLC

churchboysracing.com

Bristolville

Auto Repair - VEHICLE SALES / RENTALS / REPAIRS

DISCOUNT POWERSPORTS, LLC

discountpowersports.biz/

Hubbard

Motorcycle - VEHICLE SALES / RENTALS / REPAIRS

TOMMY’S EXPRESS CAR WASH

tommys-express.com/locations/oh449

Austintown

Auto Repair - VEHICLE SALES / RENTALS / REPAIRS

Business Services

H&F STRATEGIES, LLC

hfstrategies.com

Boardman

Consultants - BUSINESS SERVICES

HUMAN INTEREST

humaninterest.com

Monaca

BUSINESS SERVICES

ISOLVED

isolvedhcm.com

Brunswick

Payroll Services - ACCOUNTING

RAISE MORE NOW

raisemorenow.com

Youngstown

Consultants - BUSINESS SERVICES

Catering / Food Trucks

COFFEE RUN LLC

ytowncoffeerun.com

Youngstown

Food Trucks - FOOD SERVICES

MIJAVEC CATERING & CONCESSIONS

Warren

Catering & Food Truck- FOOD SERVICES

THE ROAD POP MOBILE BAR

theroadpop.com

Leetonia

Catering - FOOD SERVICES

Churches

OLD NORTH CHURCH

oldnorthchurch.org

Canfield

Churches/Religious Organizations - SOCIAL & COMMUNITY SERVICES

Communication / Utilities

BEEHIVE TELECOMMUNICATIONS

beehivetelecom.com

Hubbard

Communications - UTILITIES

LUMOS

lumosfiber.com

High Point

Communications - UTILITIES

OMNI FIBER

omnifiber.com

Mason

Communications - UTILITIES

Construction

GRAND RIVER VALLEY CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING

West Farmington

Home Builders - CONSTRUCTION

PREMIER PAINTING AND FINISHING COMPANY, LLC

Warren

Painting - CONSTRUCTION

RJ FUTURE ROOFING

rjfutureroofing.com

Greenville

Roofing - CONSTRUCTION

SULICK LAND SERVICES

sulicklandservices.com

Burghill

Excavating Contractors - CONSTRUCTION

TRUMBULL COMMERCIAL ROOFING, LLC.

Cortland

Roofing - CONSTRUCTION

Education

BARREL OF MONKEYS DAYCARE

facebook.com/BarrelofMonkeysDC/

Austintown

Daycare - EDUCATION

CARDINAL MOONEY HIGH SCHOOL

cardinalmooney.com

Youngstown

Schools - EDUCATION

JOB SAFETY FIRST, LLC

jobsafetyfirst.com

Warren

Training - EDUCATION

RAISING YOUNG ROYALTY CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Youngstown

Daycare - EDUCATION

THE SPORE SISTERHOOD

Youngstown

EDUCATION

TIES

tiesteach.org

Cleveland Heights

EDUCATION

Engineering

LYDA ENGINEERING SERVICES

lydaengineeringservices.com

Youngstown

Engineering Firms - ENGINEERING

WILD ONES YOUNGSTOWN AREA CHAPTER

youngstownarea.wildones.org

Youngstown

Environmental

Entertainment

BOUNDLESS WONDERS

boundlesswondersstudio.com

Warren

Performing Arts - ARTS & CULTURE/ENTERTAINMENT

HOPEWELL THEATRE

hopewelltheatre.org

Youngstown

Arts - ARTS & CULTURE/ENTERTAINMENT

Finance

BRIDGEWAY CAPITAL

bridgewaycapital.org

Pittsburgh

Financing - FINANCE

FINANCIAL SECURITY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

fsmagency.com

Vienna

Investments - FINANCE

THE FEDELI GROUP

thefedeligroup.com

Independence

Investments - FINANCE,BUSINESS SERVICES

Food/Beverage / Retail

AMISH COUNTRY MARKET EAST

Niles

Food/Beverage/Bakeries/Candies - RETAIL

GRAIN & BERRY

grainandberry.com

Canfield

Food/Beverage/Bakeries/Candies - RETAIL

PARTY SHAKERS, LLC

Boardman

Food/Beverage/Bakeries/Candies - RETAIL

SAV’S MACS

savsmacs.com

Warren

Food/Beverage/Bakeries/Candies - RETAIL

THE BREAD CHEF

Boardman

Food/Beverage/Bakeries/Candies - RETAIL

Healthcare

BOARDMAN FAMILY EYECARE

boardmanfamilyeyecare.com

Boardman

Physician Services - HEALTHCARE

DENTAL EXPRESS BOARDMAN

DENTAL EXPRESS NILES

godentalexpress.com/niles

Dental - HEALTHCARE

KINSMAN HEALTH CENTER

kinsmanhealthcenter.com

Kinsman

HEALTHCARE

MERCY HEALTH REHABILITATION HOSPITAL

Youngstown

Hospitals - HEALTHCARE

MILLENNIUM MEDICAL GROUP

mmg2020.com

Youngstown

Home Health Care - HEALTHCARE

MINDS-N-MOTION WELLNESS, LLC

mindsinmotionwellness.com

North Jackson

Mental Health & Addiction Services - HEALTHCARE

NORTH AMERICAN DENTAL GROUP

• REFRESH DENTAL ALLIANCE

• REFRESH DENTAL AUSTINTOWN

• REFRESH DENTAL BOARDMAN

• REFRESH DENTAL NEW CASTLE

• REFRESH DENTAL POLAND

gorefreshdental.com

Dental - HEALTHCARE

STARZ COUNSELING, LLC

starzcounseling.org

Austintown

Mental Health & Addiction Services - HEALTHCARE

TRAVCO BEHAVORIAL HEALTH

• BOARDMAN LOCATION

• WARREN LOCATION

wecaremoreohio.com/travco

Mental Health & Addiction Services - HEALTHCARE

WALKING WITH YOU DOULA SERVICES

Poland

HEALTHCARE

Home & Commercial Repair & Services

ADVANCED PEST CONTROL SOLUTIONS

advancedpests.com

Brookfield

Exterminators - HOME & COMMERCIAL SERVICES/REPAIR

BIOVAC INDUSTRIAL SERVICES, LLC

biovacindustrialservices.com/

Austintown

Cleaning-Janitorial & Sanitation - HOME & COMMERCIAL SERVICES/REPAIR

DISASTER RECOVERY SERVICES

gotamesscalldrs.com

Warren

Fire/Water/Damage & Restoration - HOME & COMMERCIAL SERVICES/REPAIR

FAIRWOOD FOREST LLC

fairwoodforest.com

New Middletown

HOME & COMMERCIAL SERVICES/REPAIR

GC LAMINATE SOLUTIONS, LLC

Warren

HOME & COMMERCIAL SERVICES/REPAIR

HOMETOWN SERVICES, LLC

Hubbard

HOME & COMMERCIAL SERVICES/REPAIR

LAW’N ORDER

Struthers

Landscaping & Tree Services - HOME & COMMERCIAL SERVICES/REPAIR

M & C CONSTRUCTION, LLC

m-cconstruction.com

Austintown

Residential Remodeling - HOME & COMMERCIAL SERVICES/REPAIR

SPEEDY DUMP, LLC

New Springfield

Cleaning-Janitorial & Sanitation - HOME & COMMERCIAL SERVICES/REPAIR

UNIVERSAL CONCRETE GRINDING, LLC

universalconcretegrinding.com

Warren

Asphalt-Cement-Paving - HOME & COMMERCIAL SERVICES/REPAIR

Hospitality

BIG OAK MEADOWS

bigoakmeadows.com

Burghill

Meeting & Conference Venues - HOSPITALITY

THE HIVE

Youngstown

Meeting & Conference Venues - HOSPITALITY

Insurance

PIERSANTE & ASSOCIATES dba: BUCKEYE BENEFITS

Canfield

Insurance Agency - INSURANCE

Legal Services

24/7 ALL AROUND THE CLOCK BAILBONDS, LLC

aroundtheclockbailbonds247.com

Warren

Legal Assistance - LEGAL

BRENNAN, MANNA & DIAMOND, LLC

bmdllc.com

Warren

Attorneys - LEGAL

Manufacturing

BBM RAILWAY EQUIPMENT

bbm-railway.com/

Youngstown

Machine Shops - MANUFACTURING

BRILEX ENERGY SOLUTIONS, LLC

brilex.com

Youngstown

Industrial Machinery Mfg - MANUFACTURING

IRON EAGLE RECYCLING

ironeaglerecycling.com

Warren

Fabricated metals - MANUFACTURING

PANTHEON INNOVATIVE BUILDERS

pantheoninnovativebuilders.com

Youngstown

Advanced/3D Printing - MANUFACTURING

POLYSTAMP

poly-stamp.com

Austintown

Plastics - MANUFACTURING

THE BRILEX GROUP

thebrilexgroup.com

Youngstown

MANUFACTURING

Pet Care

FURR-EVER FRIENDZ

Warren

Pet Supplies - PET CARE & ANIMAL SERVICES

Real Estate

FLIPPIN’ SOMETHIN’

youtube.com/@flippinsomethin

Cortland

REAL ESTATE

Restaurant Supplies

KALEEL BROTHERS, INC

kaleelbrothers.com

Youngstown

Food Services - DISTRIBUTION

ZABEL’S RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES

ezabels.com

Youngstown

Food Services - DISTRIBUTION

Restaurants & Dining

CHARLIE STAPLES PITT BOSS BBQ

charliestaplespittboss.com

Youngstown

Casual Dining - RESTAURANTS

FREDIBERTOS MEXICAN FOOD

Niles

RESTAURANTS

JIM’S ROADHOUSE BURGERS & BEEF

North Lima

Casual Dining - RESTAURANTS

MAD FOR CHICKEN

madforchicken.com

Niles

RESTAURANTS

MAJOR MENUS

majormenus.com

North Jackson

RESTAURANTS

NY’OMI EATERY

Niles

RESTAURANTS

OI-2

Warren

RESTAURANTS

REPUBLIC PIZZERIA

republicyo.com

Canfield

Casual Dining - RESTAURANTS

STEAK ‘n SHAKE

• BOARDMAN

• NILES

steaknshake.com

Casual Dining - RESTAURANTS

THE ORGINAL ROADHOUSE

East Palestine

Casual Dining - RESTAURANTS

THE VARSITY CLUB YOUNGSTOWN

thevarsityclubyoungstown.com

Youngstown

Casual Dining - RESTAURANTS

Retail

CAMPBELL TOBACCO & VAPE

Youngstown

Smoke - RETAIL

COUNTRY COTTAGE GIFT SHOP

Brookfield

Stores - RETAIL

FUEL EXPRESS

Brookfield

Gas/Convenience - RETAIL

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES

• AUSTINTOWN

• BOARDMAN

• CALCUTTA

• HERMITAGE

• LIBERTY

• NEW CASTLE

• NILES

• SALEM

• WARREN

goodwillyoungstown.org/locations

Stores - RETAIL

K&K FARMERS MARKET

Newton Falls

Grocery/Market - RETAIL

MAHONING VALLEY TRUMBULL COUNTY MOBILE MARKET

actionoh.com

Youngstown

Grocery/Market - RETAIL

PARTY ON !

partyonusa.com

Niles

Party & Event Supplies - RETAIL

POKO’S GREEN BOUTIQUE

North Lima

Smoke - RETAIL

STAR SUPPLY

starssupplybargains.com

Youngstown

Stores - RETAIL

Safety Products

SERAPHINA SAFETY APPAREL & MANUFACTURING, LLC

seraphinasafety.com/

Cortland

Safety Products - DISTRIBUTION

Services

LONG BEARDS JUNK REMOVAL, LLC

East Palestine

Waste Management - HOME & COMMERCIAL SERVICES/REPAIR

METALICO YOUNGSTOWN

metalicowarren.com/

Girard

Waste Management - HOME & COMMERCIAL SERVICES/REPAIR

TRIPLE M TOWING

triplemtowing.com

Burghill

Towing Services - REPAIRS

Social & Community Services

BESS PURPOSE INC.

besspurposeinc.com

Warren

Crisis Services - SOCIAL & COMMUNITY SERVICES

BROWN HORSE PROJECTS

brownhorseprojects.com

Canfield

Churches/Religious Organizations - SOCIAL & COMMUNITY SERVICES

THE SPORE SORORITY

Youngstown

Organizations - SOCIAL & COMMUNITY SERVICES

THRIVE MAHONING VALLEY

thrivemv.org

Youngstown

Organizations - SOCIAL & COMMUNITY SERVICES

TRUMBULL MOBILE MEALS, INC.

trumbullmobilemeals.org

Warren

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY SERVICES

WESTERN RESERVE INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTER

wrilc.org

Warren

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY SERVICES

Tech Products & Services

COMCAST BUSINESS

business.comcast.com

Pittsburgh

IT Providers - IT & TECH SERVICES

DIGI VENTURES, LTD - TECHGO

Youngstown

IT & TECH SERVICES

T-MOBILE FOR BUSINESS

Independence

Phone Services - IT & TECH SERVICES

WAHSEGA

wahsega.com

Alpharetta

Sound Systems & Tech Products Sales - RETAIL

WULF CONSULTING

wulfconsulting.com/

Gibsonia

Tech Consultants - IT & TECH SERVICES

Transportation

SKYWARD AVIATION

skywardaviation.com

Youngstown

Air - TRANSPORTATION/LOGISTICS

Wellness / Self-Care

ABOVE ALL CUTZ BARBER BOULEVARD

Niles

Hair Care - WELLNESS/SELF-CARE

ALLURE NAILS & SPA

theallurenailsspa.com

Niles

Nail Salons - WELLNESS/SELF-CARE

BLO BLOW DRY BAR CANFIELD

blomedry.com

Canfield

Hair Care - WELLNESS/SELF-CARE

BODY SHOP TOTAL FITNESS

bodyshoptf.com

Austintown

WELLNESS/SELF-CARE

CHRYSOS TATTOO

chrysostattoo.com

Girard

Personal Care Services - WELLNESS/SELF-CARE

MAGNOLIAS ON THE GREEN SALON

magnoliasonthegreensalon.com

Canfield

Hair Care - WELLNESS/SELF-CARE

PLANET FITNESS BOARDMAN

planetfitness.com

Boardman

Fitness Centers - WELLNESS/SELF-CARE

SUITE MAGNOLIAS

magnoliasonthegreensalon.com

Canfield

Hair Care - WELLNESS/SELF-CARE

SWEATHOUZ

sweathouz.com

Boardman

Spas - WELLNESS/SELF-CARE