NAMED TRUSTEE: Nicolette Powe, director of the Master of Public Health program at Youngstown State University, has been elected to serve as a trustee on the International Union for Health Promotion and Education North American Regional Office IUHPE-NARO board for the 2025-2028 term.

The IUHPE is a global, independent professional association dedicated to advancing health, equity and well-being through education, community action and policy advocacy. As trustee, Powe will help guide the strategic direction of IUHPE-NARO, supporting its mission to promote global health and equity.

Powe previously served as a member-at-large on the IUHPE-NARO Regional Committee, where she represented the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. In that role, she contributed to working groups focused on fundraising, partnerships, conferences, membership, capacity building, education, communications, scientific affairs and advocacy. She also participated in regional committee meetings and assisted the regional vice president in implementing committee work plans.

IUHPE’s vision is a world where all people achieve optimal health and well-being. The organization promotes health equity by advocating for inclusive policies, building partnerships and fostering excellence in health promotion practice. IUHPE recognizes health as a basic human right and empowers individuals and communities to take control of their health outcomes.

KIDS’ INPUT SOUGHT: Little Tusk, the 2024 winner of the Youngstown Business Incubator’s Shark Tank competition and a YBI EVOLVE portfolio company, is taking a step forward in its journey to empower young minds.

The financial literacy edtech startup, dedicated to teaching K-8 children about financial responsibility in a fun and engaging way, is launching its product with a hands-on lesson focused on opportunity cost.

Local children ages 8-12 are invited to participate in a user-testing experience designed to gather feedback and help shape the product’s future.

“Participation and feedback are vital to our success, and we can’t wait to showcase what we’ve been working on,” said Lauran Woolley, founder of Little Tusk.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to register their children for consideration at https://bit.ly/LittleTuskTest. Selected participants will be invited to test the new product, with prize packs for kids and Dunkin’ gift cards for their accompanying adults as a thank you for their time and insights.

HOSPITAL PROMOTION: Belmont Pines Hospital has announced the promotion of Gary Hiner to the newly created position of Trauma Informed Care Champion.

He is responsible for initiating, supporting and sustaining trauma-informed change efforts within the organization. This role helps embed trauma-informed principles into everyday operations, culture and practices to create a safe, compassionate and empowering environment for clients and staff.

“Trauma Informed Care is all about connection with those we serve through building stability, compassion, collaboration, empowerment and resiliency,” he said. “We want to continue building a culture that challenges awareness of oneself and others.”

Belmont Pines cares for approximately 2,500 children annually.

“We have 32 years of being a trusted regional resource for children and families,” CEO Eric Kennedy said. “We are proud to dedicate new resources directly to improving the daily experience of our employees and our kids.”

Hiner joined Belmont Pines in December 2023, where he has worked as a case manager in the residential treatment center. He graduated from Thiel College with a B.S. in criminal justice and brings with him years of experience as a supervisor and case manager at Keystone Adolescent Center and as a correctional officer at CoreCivic.

FOSTER NAMED SENIOR VP: 7 17 Credit Union has announced the appointment of Kim Foster as senior vice president, market executive for its eastern region.

Foster brings 23 years of experience in the banking industry to her new role. Most recently, she served for eight years as retail district sales manager and vice president at Huntington Bank, where she led and managed 24 banking centers across Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Before that, Foster held leadership positions as regional manager, senior vice president for First Place Bank in Warren, where she led 11 banking centers including creating sales campaigns for business development and lead manager for U.S. Bank in Warren.

In her new position, she will oversee market strategy, business development and community engagement across 7 17’s eastern region.

A native of Cottonwood, Idaho, Foster graduated from Prairie High School and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in human resource management from Western Governors University.

“Her deep industry knowledge, strategic mindset, and dedication to people development make her an invaluable addition to our organization,” said John Demmler, president and CEO of 7 17 Credit Union.

AVIATION AND CDL PROGRAMS: Youngstown State University will launch its new aviation and commercial driver’s license programs with an open house 3 to 6 p.m. June 27 at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport.

This event is open to the public.

During the open house, guests can tour the training facilities, view aviation and CDL equipment, meet program instructors and admissions counselors, and learn how to apply and enroll.

CARDINAL OPENS IN CANFIELD: Cardinal Credit Union, a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative, announced the opening of its Canfield branch at 6458 S. Raccoon Road.

The new facility offers expanded space and services such as interactive teller machines, along with standard banking amenities for credit union members. The Canfield branch is fully operational and ready for banking transactions.

Members will be welcomed with an open house 11 a.m. July 10, featuring coffee, doughnuts, games and free giveaways. An 11:30 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony with local dignitaries and government officials is planned and is open to the community, along with Cardinal Credit Union members.

Cardinal serves multiple counties in northeastern Ohio.

“Cardinal takes great pride in the work we do for the community and our members,” said Christine Blake, CEO, Cardinal Credit Union. “We are excited to open a new expanded facility to better serve the community and enable banking that provides equal access and instant membership for everyone. We look forward to continuing to serve our community in every way we can.”

For more information, visit www.cardinalcu.com/.

NOW OPEN: A unique world of imagination, learning and fun has opened its doors in Boardman.

Discovering Dreams, 945 Boardman-Canfield Road, is an indoor children’s play center founded by the mom-and-daughter team of Debra Haseley and Sara Beilstein. The center allows children to explore a life-size miniature town where they can role-play, discover and let their imaginations soar.

The indoor space features a realistic salon, fire station, animal hospital, cafe, construction zone, grocery store and gas station — all designed to child scale. Each stop is designed to encourage hands-on learning with safety, cleanliness and inclusivity.

Discovering Dreams is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 9 to 11 a.m. Saturdays. For more information and prices, call 330-207-4909, email Discoveringdreamsoh@gmail.com or visit Discoveringdreamsoh.com.

HYNES HONORED: Hynes Industries has been named a 2025 Smart Culture Award honoree by Smart Business magazine during an event earlier this month. The award was given in recognition of the company’s intentional efforts to build a workplace environment that supports employee development and long-term retention.

With operations in Austintown, Painesville and Kokomo, Indiana, Hynes serves a range of industries from solar and automated material handling to truck / trailer manufacturing. The company’s workforce spans multiple generations, and its cultural focus is shaped by an understanding that engaged employees are the foundation of long-term customer and community partnerships.

“Culture is built into how we hire, how we lead and how we support our people’s development,” said George Droder, chief commercial officer at Hynes Industries. “We’re deliberate in how we connect people to purpose, and that drives both performance and loyalty.”

Hynes’ culture initiatives include formal apprenticeship and training programs, community involvement in both plant cities, and a communications strategy that emphasizes its “One Hynes” philosophy. The company continues to invest in advanced manufacturing capabilities, but leadership maintains that people are the long-term differentiator.

The 2025 Smart Culture Awards, presented by TalentLaunch, honor organizations across Northeast Ohio that leverage culture as a tool to enhance productivity and retention while strengthening their competitive advantage.

MAKE YOUR PITCH: The Youngstown Business Incubator has kicked off its 2025 YBI Shark Tank season.

The pitch application portal sets the stage for another year of ideas and entrepreneurs. Each of the four companies selected to pitch at YBI Shark Tank will receive $5,000 for earning a spot on stage, with one standout winner taking home an additional $10,000 grand prize.

Applications are open at ybi.org/sharktank and will be accepted through Aug. 4.

The main event takes place Oct. 23 at Mr. Anthony’s in Boardman, where the four finalists will pitch their companies live in front of a panel of Celebrity Sharks and a public audience.

This year’s Celebrity Sharks include Amy Abruzere, owner and founder of Grey Boutique; Rob Komara, owner of Komara Jewelers; Wayne Mackey, Ph.D, founder and CEO of Statespace; Don Thomas, managing partner, Platz Realty Group; and RT Vernal, vice president of RT Vernal Paving and Excavating Inc.

“YBI Shark Tank is a launchpad for businesses ready to grow,” said Barb Ewing, YBI’s CEO. “Whether they’re just starting out or scaling up, we’re proud to give entrepreneurs the stage, support and spotlight they deserve.”

To apply to pitch, sponsor or learn more about YBI Shark Tank, visit www.ybi.org/sharktank.

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