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EMPOWER NOMINEES: YBI's Minority Business Assistance Center recently announced the honorees for the inaugural EmpowerUS Awards, a new community recognition event celebrating minority business excellence and leadership across the region.
During a gathering at the Steelite International Corporate Showroom and Experience Center, community leaders, media, and partners joined YBI and MBAC to reveal the first class of EmpowerUS Awards honorees, each recognized for their resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and impact on building a more inclusive regional economy.
The 2026 EmpowerUS Awards honorees are:
• Small Business: Rhonda Bowser, BCI Granite
• On the Rise: Jasmine Neal, Healing Hearts CPR
• Nonprofit: Angelica Diaz, OCCHA, Inc.
• Trailblazer: Jeff Green, Jazz in the Park
• Legacy Award: Ryan Gilchrist, Ryan's Chair
"These honorees represent the best of what's happening in our region," said Tanisha Wheeler, regional director of YBI's Minority Business Assistance Center. "They're creating opportunities, giving back and building a legacy of strength and innovation for future generations."
The full EmpowerUS Awards ceremony will take place Feb. 26. Sponsorships and tickets are available at https://ybi.org/empowerus-awards/.
NEW AT 7 17: 7 17 Credit Union, headquartered in Warren, has announced the following promotions.
Nicole Whitsel has been named vice president of Compliance. Whitsel holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration from Youngstown State University and has been with 7 17 for four years. In her new position, she will assist with the development, maintenance and governance of 7 17's compliance program to ensure conformity and adherence with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and internal policies.
Kim Falter has been promoted to director of Digital Banking and Payment Technology and has been with 7 17 for 28 years. Falter is responsible for the management, development and leadership of the digital banking and card processing business units of the Credit Union and leading the payments technology team of the payments department.
Caroline Jones has been promoted to manager of Payment Solutions; she will manage the day-to-day operations of the department. Jones received her Bachelor of Science of Business Administration, majoring in accounting from The Ohio State University and has been with 7 17 for 37 years.
Sarah Wilds has recently joined 7 17 Credit Union as an assistant manager of the Kent branch and has had several years of credit union experience. In her new position, she will assist the branch manager in overseeing member service and maintaining daily operations of the branch.
Abigail Cloutier also recently joined 7 17 as director of Communications and Media Relations. Cloutier holds a Bachelor's in Journalism from Youngstown State University and previously spent four years in television news. In her new position, she will be responsible for developing, leading and implementing a comprehensive internal and external communications strategy to enhance 7 17's visibility and reputation across the greater Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, and Warren markets.
MIDDLEFIELD DIVIDEND: Middlefield Banc Corp. announced this week that its board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.21 per common share. The 2025 fourth-quarter dividend is payable on Dec. 12 to shareholders of record on Nov. 28.
Middlefield Banc Corp., headquartered in Middlefield, is the bank holding company of The Middlefield Banking Company, with total assets of $1.98 billion as of Sept. 30.
On Oct 24, Canfield-based Farmers National Banc Corp. agreed to a merger with Middlefield.
The boards of directors of both companies unanimously approved the agreement. With shareholder and regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close by the end of March.
The combined assets of both institutions are valued at more than $7 billion.
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