VALLEY INVESTMENT: Youngstown Clothing Co., a locally rooted and family-owned apparel brand, has opened the doors to its new retail storefront at 3801 Boardman-Canfield Road, Canfield.

The opening marks a major milestone for the Youngstown-born company: the purchase of its own building, signaling a long-term investment in the Mahoning Valley’s economy and community.

The new storefront showcases the brand’s full signature line of USA-made apparel, along with a curated selection of accessories and gifts. The shop also debuts a new “Youngstown Made” section featuring handcrafted products from makers across the Valley, supporting the broader local creative economy.

“Buying this building changes the game for us,” co-owner Matt McClure said. “We’re not just renting space anymore — we’re planting our flag. This is an investment in the community that built us.”

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

A formal grand opening celebration is planned for March, coinciding with the company’s 10th anniversary.

“We’ve spent a decade celebrating Youngstown’s past, but this new store is about investing in its future,” McClure said. “It took a lot of grit to get here–and we’re just getting started.”

For more information, visit ytownclothing.com.

SANTUCCI HONORED: The Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber presented its 2025 Government Achievement Award to Ohio House Majority Whip Nick Santucci during the Chamber’s Salute to Elected Officials event last month at the Grand Resort in Howland. The award is presented in partnership with Lake to River Economic Development.

Santucci, who represents the 64th District, quickly established himself as an impactful legislator, earning leadership roles early in his tenure and advancing initiatives that strengthen economic and workforce competitiveness across the Valley.

Santucci created and chairs the Lake to River Caucus to streamline collaboration and open new discussions about how to attract, retain and expand business in Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties — the seventh and final JobsOhio region. He was crucial in securing major regional funding wins in the latest state operating budget, including $2 million for the Eastern Ohio Military Affairs Commission to support construction and repair projects at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport and Camp James A. Garfield; $250,000 to support the study and planning of an oil and natural gas pipeline through the Lake to River counties; and $500,000 for repairs at Eastwood Field.

Additionally, he was instrumental in securing funding from the All Ohio Futures Fund for the Western Reserve Port Authority to support site preparation, construction of regional transportation improvements and remediation of environmental conditions at the Kimberly-Clark site.

WRIGHT CHOSEN: Jessie Wright, assistant professor of accounting in Youngstown State University’s Williamson College of Business Administration, has been recognized as a 2025 Power of Change honoree by The Ohio Society of CPAs.

The award, presented during OSCPA’s Women, Wealth and Wellness Conference on Nov. 18 in Columbus, honors women across Ohio who champion workplace equity, mentor and elevate future leaders, contribute to their communities and break barriers for women in the profession.

Wright, a faculty member in YSU’s Lariccia School of Accounting and Finance, is recognized for advancing the accounting profession through mentorship, community engagement and student professional development. A former practitioner and nationally certified CPA, CVA and CGMA, she is known for guiding emerging accounting professionals and empowering women entering the field.

“This is such an honor, and I feel blessed to be recognized among such an impactful group of women,” Wright said. “The accounting profession is full of strong, supportive female leaders, and I’m grateful to contribute to that legacy.”

In addition to honoring Wright, OSCPA recognized student scholarship recipients at the luncheon, including Youngstown State University accounting student Raquel K. Diaz-McClendon, a sophomore minoring in nonprofit leadership. Diaz-McClendon was selected based on academic achievement and leadership potential.

SURVEY OPEN: The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, in partnership with the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber, is inviting for-profit businesses across the region to participate in the 2025 Business Outlook and Trends Survey, now open through Dec. 15.

This five-minute survey gives business owners and key decisionmakers the opportunity to share data that directly informs the Fed, service providers, policymakers and community stakeholders on economic changes, which in turn will benefit their business and others.

The analysis disseminated through the Cleveland Fed and its partners will provide businesses with intelligence on demand for regional goods and services, labor markets, prices and costs, which they can use to inform their decision-making process.

Survey responses are confidential and no personal information is required.

Take the survey at https://bit.ly/4ibcMZ7.

SISTERS ANNIVERSARY: Spellbound Sisters Bookstore and Café, 7095 Lockwood Blvd., Boardman, will host its one-year anniversary celebration Dec. 20.

The first 50 customers will receive a Spellbound Sisters Challenge Coin, granting them access to try new café recipes for free for an entire year.

Throughout the anniversary weekend, guests can expect storewide sales; local author visits and signings and café specials.

The event is free to attend.

LINERT CITED: Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber Director of Community Impact Brenda J. Linert has earned a certificate in Workforce Development Fundamentals after completing a national training program designed to strengthen the connection between economic development and talent.

Linert finished the rigorous six-week curriculum offered jointly by the International Economic Development Council and the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Foundation. The program equips professionals to address education gaps and align workforce needs through expert-led sessions, interactive learning, practical exercises and a final exam.

“Brenda’s commitment to expanding her expertise shows in everything she does for our community,” said Lyle Huffman, the Chamber’s executive vice president of Government Affairs and Community Impact.

“This training sharpens her skills and elevates the Chamber’s efforts to strengthen the Valley’s workforce and talent landscape. Her leadership is already making a measurable difference and this certificate only amplifies that impact. We’re fortunate to have someone with Brenda’s drive and dedication guiding such critical work for our region,”

Linert of Austintown joined the Regional Chamber in early 2024. She leads the Chamber’s work to expand the Valley’s population and workforce and to improve and grow quality housing across the region. She also oversees the Chamber’s Housing and Population and Talent Expansion councils.

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