MERIDIAN GROUNDBREAKING: Meridian HealthCare held a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday to celebrate the launch of a $2 million expansion and renovation project at its Meridian Road campus.

The project, partially funded by a $1 million state capital grant approved by the Ohio Controlling Board earlier this year, will add 3,000 square feet of new space and renovate the facility’s existing 26,094 square feet. This marks the fourth expansion at the Meridian Road campus in Youngstown.

The expansion project will include a new on-site pharmacy, additional counseling offices and exam rooms to meet growing demands for integrated care, and a larger multipurpose training and group space to support staff development and community programs.

“This expansion will allow us to further strengthen our integrated care model, which combines behavioral health and primary care services under one roof,” said Larry Moliterno, president and CEO of Meridian HealthCare. “Too often, providers in behavioral health and primary care work in silos. At Meridian, we’re proving that collaborative care is not only possible, but it delivers the best outcomes for our patients.”

The project has been in development for nearly two years and is expected to create 10 new jobs, adding to Meridian’s team of more than 250 employees across its facilities in Youngstown, Warren, Boardman and Poland. Completion of the expansion is anticipated by early next year.

LET’S TALK AI: The Youngstown Business Incubator will present “AI 101: What Am I Getting Myself Into?” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct.15. The event will be live at Kent State University, Ashtabula, and streamed in real time to Kent State’s Salem, Trumbull and East Liverpool campuses.

Discover what artificial intelligence means for business in this practical, nonintimidating session led by Neil Singh, a YBI EVOLVE Entrepreneur-in-Residence. Whether you’re a small business just starting out or a legacy company facing new technology demands, this program will help you understand the basics, risks and opportunities of AI.

Topics will include “What is AI?”; “How do I use it?”; “How do I keep safe?”; definitions of OpenAI and ChatGPT; and education, ethics and foundational information around AI.

Attendees must be in person at one of the designated classrooms: Ashtabula – Susan Stocker Hall, Room C132; Trumbull – Classroom Building, Room 150; East Liverpool – REM 108; and Salem – RSM 125.

When registering, participants must select the campus location they plan to attend. Seating is limited at each site. The free event will not be streamed to personal devices.

To register, visit https://YBIAI101.eventbrite.com.

SUIT UP: The Williamson College of Business Administration at Youngstown State University is partnering with JCPenney to make professional attire more affordable for YSU students at the annual Suit Up event from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at JCPenney in the Eastwood Mall, Niles.

“Suit Up at JCPenney reduces barriers to career readiness by giving students access to more affordable, professional attire,” said Christina O’Connell, executive director of the WCBA Center for Career Management. “When students look confident, they feel confident, and that directly impacts how they show up in interviews, internships and the workplace.”

The event reflects the WCBA’s commitment to equipping students with the knowledge and the professional presence needed to thrive in today’s business world. In addition to opportunities like Suit Up, the WCBA Center for Career Management provides students with resources in résumé building, interview preparation and job search strategies, ensuring YSU business students are competitive in the workforce.

The event helps young professionals create a workplace-ready image while providing access to deep discounts on career wear.

Students who check in at the YSU table with their school ID will receive a 30% off coupon, stackable with in-store promotions on select career wear and accessories, for total savings of up to 45%.

IMPACT OHIO: The Regional Impact Ohio Conference will take place 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, at The Grand Resort, 9519 E. Market St., Howland.

The gathering presents the opportunity for attendees to network with and hear directly from local political leaders and strategists on the issues facing their communities. This year’s focus includes discussions on housing, workforce development and overcoming child care challenges affecting workforce participation. Several members of the Mahoning Valley’s elected state delegation will attend the opening reception and breakfast. They will be available for conversations with attendees.

“Building Opportunity: A Housing Panel Discussion” will include Sen. Michele Reynolds, chair Ohio Senate Housing Committee; state Rep. Dave Thomas, 65th District; Bill Beagle, executive director, Ohio Housing Finance Agency; and James Kinnick, executive director, Eastgate Regional Council of Governments.

“Child Care Crossroads,” features Kara Wente, director, Ohio Department of Children and Youth; Lynanne Gutierrez, president and CEO, Groundwork Ohio; and Toni DeNunzio, Traditional Campus pastor, Believer’s Christian Child Care.

Officials from JobsOhio and Lake to River Economic Development will discuss Regional Talent: Attracting and Retaining.

Registration is $70 for Ohio Chamber members and $80 for nonmembers. For more information, https://www.ohiochamber.com/events/a2pQo000000V08bIAC/.

TOPIC — ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING: The Youngstown Business Incubator and America Makes will present a free information session on the benefits of additive manufacturing and the resource partnerships available to manufacturers.

The event will take place from 8 to 10 a.m. Oct. 22 at the SOD Training Center, 440 Pennsylvania Ave., Salem. For more information, https://sodcenter.com or call 330-337-7669.

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