As #EmployeeAppreciationWeek comes to a close, the Valley Partners team wrapped it up with an unforgettable Family Fun Day at Cedar Point! 🎢 Huge thanks to our amazing leader, Teresa Miller, for showing appreciation for her team’s hard work by letting us share the day with our friends and family. Your dedication to our team makes Valley Partners truly an amazing place to work! #TeamValleyPartners #EmployeeAppreciation

🎉 Employee Appreciation Spotlight: Katie Jacobson 🎉 Last, but certainly not least... Meet Katie Jacobson, our incredible Portfolio Assistant Intern at Valley Partners! Katie brings energy, insight, and a strong work ethic to our team — all while pursuing her degree at Youngstown State University 🎓 (go Penguins!) and proudly repping her roots as a Poland High School grad 🐾. Katie has quickly become a valuable part of the Valley Partners family, contributing to our mission of economic empowerment with enthusiasm and heart. Whether supporting our loan team or diving into new learning experiences, she shows up every day ready to make an impact! We’re so lucky to have such a bright, driven intern on board this summer. Here's to you, Katie — your future is looking VERY bright! 💼🌟 #EmployeeAppreciationWeek

🎉 Employee Appreciation Spotlight: TaMyah Petty 🎉 Meet TaMyah Petty — our powerhouse Event Coordinator & Office Manager who’s been making Valley Partners shine for the past 2.5 years! 🌟 From her start as an Administrative Assistant to stepping into her dual role today, TaMyah’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Her proudest achievement? Helping hundreds of clients close their loans in her previous role as loan closer—fueling dreams, families, and economic growth across the Valley. 🙌 But it doesn’t stop there! TaMyah’s heart beats for community and empowerment. Her favorite moments? Helping lead the charge on the region's largest Women's LeadHERship Summit in both 2024 and 2025, where she played a key role in building something truly transformative. "I can't wait for 2026!" she says. 💜💼 #LetHERLead 🎈Fun fact: When she’s not coordinating top-tier events at VP, this Pittsburgh native (Go Steelers! 🖤💛) is running her own business—Artistry Afloat, where she specializes in transforming social, corporate, and non-profit events with unique planning, decorating, and balloon artistry—raising a beautiful daughter, and chasing the next great meal as a true foodie! The Valley Partners team appreciates TaMyah for her exceptional creativity, professionalism, and calm, thoughtful presence. From flawlessly organizing unforgettable events to keeping the office running smoothly, TaMyah brings a rare mix of elegance, fun, and reliability that makes her truly invaluable. Shout out to Kent State University for giving us one of the best! 👏 Join us in celebrating TaMyah this #EmployeeAppreciationWeek. We’re beyond lucky to have her on Team VP! 💥

🕺🎲 Employee Appreciation Week Fun! 🎲🕺 Yesterday at Valley Partners, we took a blast to the past with Decade Day, stepping back in time and dressing up in styles from our favorite eras — from groovy 70s to rad 90s vibes! ✌️🪩💾 Then we brought out our competitive spirit with a Game Day Extravaganza, enjoying an afternoon full of laughs, board games, card games, and some friendly competition! 🃏🎯🎉 Celebrating our amazing team with a little nostalgia and a lot of fun — because work hard, play hard is how we roll! 🙌 #EmployeeAppreciationWeek

🎉 Employee Appreciation Week Spotlight: Ayana Beulah 🎉 From Business Resource Advisor to her current role as Loan Closer & Marketing Manager, Ayana has worn a few hats since joining Valley Partners — and we’ve been lucky to have her every step of the way! As she approaches her one-year anniversary this September, we’re celebrating all she’s accomplished. Her proudest win? Growing our social media presence with more likes, followers, and engagement across all platforms! 📈👏 Whether she’s closing deals or creating content, Ayana brings energy, creativity, and heart to everything she does. And when it comes to favorite memories? Team outings top the list — because, in her words, “I love hanging with the team!” 💙 Fun fact: She’s a published author — how cool is that? An in-house office survey reveals that Ayana is appreciated for her creativity, professionalism, and sharp attention to detail — whether she’s boosting our marketing game or closing loans with care. Her positive energy, willingness to help, and "super cool wardrobe" make her a true standout and an absolute joy to work with. We’re so grateful to have you at Valley Partners, Ayana! Here’s to many more milestones ahead! ✨ #EmployeeAppreciationWeek #ThankYouAyana

🎉 Employee Appreciation Week Spotlight: Madison Southern 🎉 As part of our #EmployeeAppreciationWeek celebration, we’re celebrating Madison Southern, our extraordinary Economic Development (ED) Loan Officer, who’s been growing with Valley Partners for the past 4 years! Madison started her journey with us as a Marketing Intern in Spring 2021, quickly stepping into the role of Marketing Manager and Loan Assistant, and now thrives in her current position as a Loan Officer—helping clients turn their business dreams into reality every day. 💬 Favorite memories? From bonding at Browns games to volunteering in the community, Madison values the moments that connect the team and the impact that uplifts our region. Nothing beats seeing clients succeed and thrive because of the work we do! 🏆 Proudest accomplishment? Supporting people’s dreams—and witnessing them flourish. 🎢 Fun fact? Madison got married at Disney & just welcomed a sweet new baby! (Hi, Myles! 👶) 🎓 Alma Mater: Youngstown State University – Business Administration major with a Marketing minor 🐧 An in-house office survey reveals that Madison is deeply valued for her intelligence, dedication, and quiet strength — always going the extra mile for clients and her team. Whether she’s leading loan efforts, pitching in creatively, or stepping up behind the scenes, her kindness, versatility, and initiative make her an indispensable part of Valley Partners. With heart, energy, and purpose, Madison, you leave a lasting impression on everyone you touch. Valley Partners is lucky to have such a light on the team. 💙 #EmployeeAppreciationWeek #ThankYouMadison

🎓 Alma Mater Day at Valley Partners! 🎉 The VP team showed up ready to work in style—repping our high school and college pride while taking a trip down memory lane. But it wasn’t just nostalgia fueling our day—Sassualle "Sassy" Phillips treated us to some much-needed relaxation with 20-minute chair massages that hit the spot! (Need to unwind? Text her at 330.219.7620 for an appointment—and don’t forget to tell her the VP team sent you! She's located at TriYounity at 239 Main St, Warren, OH 44481. You absolutely WILL NOT regret giving her a visit!) And let’s not forget the delicious lunch, grilled to perfection by our very own Mario Nero—grillmaster extraordinaire! 🍔🌭🔥 A big thank-you to our friend Sarra Mohn for stopping by to help us celebrate Employee Appreciation Week—we loved seeing you this morning! Last, but not least, a special shout out to the high schools and universities that helped mold this talented, passionate team—we couldn’t do what we do without where we came from! 🙌 Lowellville High School | Youngstown State University | Struthers High School | Ursuline High School | Poland High School | Liberty High School | Oakland Catholic High School | Kent State University

🎉 Employee Appreciation Week Spotlight: Wendy Walters 🎉 As we celebrate #EmployeeAppreciationWeek, we’re thrilled to highlight Wendy Walters, our exceptional Loan Servicing Director, who is celebrating an incredible 10 years with Valley Partners! Wendy’s career journey has been as impressive as it is impactful—starting as an Office Administrator in 2015, moving into Loan Servicing, and now excelling as our SBA and CA 7a Closing Agent. With over 37 years of banking experience and 25 years as a small business owner, she brings unmatched knowledge and compassion to every client interaction. 💬 Favorite memory? Supporting borrowers through the challenges of COVID and beyond—moments filled with deep gratitude and the reminder that our work truly matters. 🏆 Proudest accomplishment? Closing SBA and CA 7a loans that help entrepreneurs bring their dreams to life. 🌍 Fun fact? Wendy is all about adventure—she’s zip-lined down Mystic Mountain in Jamaica, toured Cuba, and even rode a motorcycle from St. Pete to Key West and back! 🎓 Alma Mater: Liberty High School ❤️ Why we appreciate her: An in-house office survey shows that VP admires Wendy most for her unmatched attention to detail, deep knowledge of the organization, and calm, genuine presence that brings both precision and warmth to the team. Her professionalism, kindness, and quiet leadership make her an invaluable part of Valley Partners. Wendy, thank you for ten outstanding years of service and impact. We’re beyond privileged to have you on our team! 💙

🎉 Employee Appreciation Week Spotlight: Maureen Stenglein 🎉 During #EmployeeAppreciationWeek, we’re proud to recognize Maureen Stenglein, our incredible SBA Lender, who’s been a driving force at Valley Partners for the past 5 years. Starting as a Portfolio Manager and now leading as an SBA Lender, Maureen brings nearly three decades of lending and banking experience—along with unmatched compassion and commitment. 💬 Favorite memory? There’s no greater feeling, she says, than making THAT phone call to tell someone their loan is approved—after hearing their stories, their dreams, and their determination. 🏆 Proudest accomplishment? Being named Community Advantage Lender of the Year for the NE Ohio District—a powerful honor that highlights her dedication to serving entrepreneurs who’ve been overlooked by traditional lenders. 🎭 Fun fact? Maureen is a powerhouse both in the office and on stage. A lifelong singer and performer, she’s played Eva Peron three times—most recently sharing the stage with her daughter in 2020. Her family is her greatest joy. 🎓 Alma Mater: Ursuline High School—Soli Deo Gloria! ☘️ ❤️ Why she loves her work: “Helping people start businesses, build generational wealth, and revitalize our communities—this work matters. And I’m proud to do it with a team that cares deeply.” Her co-workers, as revealed in an in-house office survey, admire Maureen for her unstoppable energy, vibrant personality, and deep passion for helping clients succeed. Whether she’s lighting up a room, presenting with confidence, or sharing her famous cooking, she brings heart, humor, and hustle to everything she does. Maureen, thank you for being a force for good, for dreaming big on behalf of others, and for making Valley Partners stronger every day. 💙 #EmployeeAppreciationWeek #ThankYouMaureen

🎉 Employee Appreciation Week Spotlight: Tanay Hill 🎉 We’re excited to shine the spotlight on Tanay Hill, one of our dedicated Business Resource Advisors, during #EmployeeAppreciationWeek! Tanay has been part of the Valley Partners team for nearly 2 years—and in that time, she’s made a powerful impact supporting small business owners across our region. 💬 Favorite memory? Helping Trina Williams of A Fresh Wind Catering (@afreshwindcatering) secure funding for her food truck, then witnessing the joy of her loan approval and ribbon cutting. A full-circle moment that proved: what we do truly matters. 🏆 Proudest accomplishment? Receiving special recognition for best overall performance from the State of Ohio’s Minority Business Assistance Centers (MBACs)—a reflection of the Business Resource Center's tireless commitment to underserved entrepreneurs and the power of teamwork. 📚 Industry Experience: Tanay brings a diverse background with nearly 13 years in banking, a 7-year experience in steel distribution services as shipper, 7 years in insurance services, 5 years in teaching, and much knowledge on accounts receivables and experience as an inside sales representative—not to mention a continued passion for business education. 👩‍🏫 Fun fact: If she wasn’t supporting small businesses, she’d be shaping young minds as a middle school teacher! 🎓 Alma Mater: Warren G. Harding High School & Youngstown State University 🐧 🏖️ Off the clock? You’ll find her enjoying family time, playing (and winning!) board games, enjoying good food, or relaxing at the beach. An in-house office survey reveals that Tanay is admired by her colleagues for her unwavering professionalism, deep care for clients, and remarkable ability to turn business plans into roadmaps for success. Her fun, authentic spirit and genuine connections make her not only a trusted advisor, but also an inspiring teammate and friend. Tanay, thank you for your passion, dedication, and spirit. Your work is a vital part of Valley Partners’ mission, and we’re fortunate to have you on the team! 💙 #EmployeeAppreciationWeek #ThankYouTanay

Yesterday’s office #PajamaDay got a refreshing twist with an incredible chair yoga session led by Bethanie Meredith, founder of Healing At The Hands of Almighty H.A.T.H.A). Bethanie guided us through calming breathwork and gentle stretches, reminding us of the power of pausing—and the strength we gain from supporting one another as a team. It was the perfect blend of wellness and workplace connection. Her professionalism and knowledge benefited us all. We cannot recommend her services enough! Learn more about her mission at 👉 www.HATHAnp.org A huge thank-you to Bethanie for playing such a meaningful role in our #EmployeeAppreciationWeek! 💙

🎉 Employee Appreciation Week Spotlight: Matthew Longmire 🎉 Since Matt joined the team 2 years and 10 months ago, Matt has brought passion, vision, and unwavering commitment to the Valley Partners team. In his time as Business Resource Manager, he’s made a meaningful difference—especially through standout moments like the LeadHERship Summit and the lunch & learn seminar with Mayor Jay Williams in October of 2023, which he regards as his favorite memories at Valley Partners. Matt says his proudest accomplishment has been seeing the team come together to successfully execute the region's largest Women's LeadHERship Summit: “It showed what we can do when we collaborate with purpose.” 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Fun fact: Faith and family mean everything to him. 🎓 Shoutout to his alma mater: The Kent State University The Valley Partners team sees Matthew Longmire as an energetic, outgoing, and dedicated advisor who brings positivity, strong client connections, and a great work ethic to his role. Overall, he’s widely appreciated for his professionalism, enthusiasm, and impact on both clients and colleagues. We’re lucky to have you on the team, Matt. Thank you for everything you do! #EmployeeAppreciationWeek #ThankYouMatthew

🎉 Employee Appreciation Week Spotlight: Mario Nero 🎉 Meet Mario Nero, our dedicated Director of Lending who's been a driving force at Valley Partners for the past 12 years! With 31 years in banking before joining VP, Mario brings unmatched expertise, energy, and a touch of goofiness to the team! 😄 Starting as a Loan Officer, Mario has played a key role in helping countless small businesses access the capital they need — and his favorite part? Seeing the joy on a client’s face when a loan closes. 💼💙 His proudest accomplishment? Supporting entrepreneurs who might not otherwise have had a shot. For Mario, working at Valley Partners isn’t just a job — it’s a passion. A special shoutout to Mario's alma mater! Lowellville Rockets 🚀 Class of ’79 Kent State University 🦅 Class of ’84 An in-house office survey says Mario is deeply valued for his exceptional lending knowledge, decades of experience, and willingness to mentor and support longtime colleagues and new team members alike. His humor, kindness, and dedication bring both expertise and energy to the team every single day. Thanks for all you do, Mario! #EmployeeAppreciationWeek #ThankYouMario

Mondays and Fridays look a bit different for the VP team in the summer—thanks to our amazing leader, Teresa Miller! 💻☀️ As a way of showing appreciation, she’s made it possible for our team to serve the region remotely twice a week. That means we're still hard at work for you… just with the occasional paw, giggle, or coffee refill from our home "coworkers." 😄 Here’s a peek at what our remote offices looked like yesterday—repping our VP gear and ready to go! #EmployeeAppreciationWeek

Thank you to The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (@theplymc) for having us be a part of your Business Resource Fair this morning! If you were in attendance & we had the pleasure of meeting you today, be sure to head to our website, learn more, & schedule an appointment with one of our advisors! 💡valleyedp.com

The world premiere of the exhibition, “From Oil to Art: A Rockefeller Legacy Rooted in Industry, Innovation and Imagination,” opened last week at the Medici Museum of Art in Warren, OH, and VP team members—Teresa Miller, executive director & Matthew Longmire, business resource manager—were there to witness it! Read more about the Artful Telling of the Rockefeller Story at the Business Journal's website! 🖼✨

🎉 Celebrating Valley Partners' Fearless Leader: Teresa Miller 🎉 Executive Director of Valley Partners, Teresa has been with the company for an incredible 19 years—serving with dedication, leadership, and heart! 💼💙 Starting as a Portfolio Manager, Teresa has worn many hats over the years — Loan Closer, Lending Team Leader, Assistant Executive Director, and now leads the charge as Executive Director. Her favorite memories with the company (outside of working with clients and seeing them succeed)? Cheering with the team at the Browns/Steelers and Pirates/Indians games — proof that hard work and fun go hand in hand! 🏈⚾ Teresa’s proudest accomplishment is seeing the continued success of Valley Partners and the amazing team she's helped build. A fun fact? She was born without a sense of smell — but clearly has a great sense of leadership and team spirit! 🙌 An in-house office survey shows that the Valley Partners team widely admires her for strong, compassionate leadership, her unwavering support and trust, and her ability to empower others while driving the organization forward. She's a trailblazer, motivator, and advocate whose impact is felt across the team and throughout the Mahoning Valley. Shout out to Teresa's alma mater! Ursuline Irish ☘️ Class of ’97; Lake Erie College ⚽; and YSU — Go Guins! 🐧🎓 From a communications grad to a powerhouse in economic development, your journey, Teresa, is proof that passion and purpose make a difference. Thank you for 19 years of impact, inspiration, and leadership! #EmployeeAppreciationWeek #LeadershipInAction #TeamValleyPartners

It's Employee Appreciation Week here at the Valley Partners office! Be on the lookout for some fun posts celebrating our staff's hard work and dedication throughout this special week. 🤝🥳🎉

This month’s SBA 504 funding rates are here—and the numbers are worth the look. 😎 Secure low-rate financing today by giving our SBA Lender a call!

At Valley Partners, we're proud to have played a role in supporting Emma Brown Simpson, the inspiring owner of Mrs Emma's Angels Learning Center LLC, as she brings her vision for her business to life. Her dedication to early childhood education and her passion for creating a nurturing environment for young learners are truly remarkable. 🌟 It was an honor to assist you, Emma! May the future of Mrs. Emma's Angels Learning Center be filled with growth, joy, and continued success. 👏✨

💡 Great workshops are being presented by SBA Cleveland District Office and local SBA Resource Partners for FREE! Scroll the variety of topics ®gister your spot today at tinyurl.com/sbaevents2025.

We were happy to move Nicholas Tisone, owner of Tisone & Associates Corporation, further along on his exciting business venture as he continues to provide instruction for the youth to hone their skills in softball/baseball! ⚾ We're cheering you & your team on, Nicholas!

Red, white, & blue day in the office to kick off the holiday weekend. Have a happy Fourth of July, everyone! 🇺🇸🎇 And, a very special THANK YOU to our client—MaryCatherine Butcherine, owner of Love Conquers All Bridal—for treating our team to Handels Ice Cream this afternoon!🍦

🎉 Congratulations to Youngstown Clothing Co. (@youngstownclothingco) for relocating to a new free-standing retail store! 🏬✨ At Valley Partners, we’re honored to have played a role in this exciting next chapter by supporting the purchase of your new location. It’s been a privilege to help your local business expand its roots even deeper into the community. Here’s to many more milestones ahead! 👏🎊 Celebrate Youngstown Clothing Co by reading the Business Journal's (@the_business_journal_ytown) article about their new beginning!

“This latest economic data is a clear sign that our region is moving in the right direction. We’re seeing the results of strategic investments, resilient small businesses and strong community partnerships,” says Teresa Miller, executive director of Valley Economic Development Partners. “While challenges remain, this momentum gives us every reason to be optimistic about the future of our local economy.” 📰 Read more about the economic data the Valley's leaders are saying signals a period of steady growth for the region HERE: https://businessjournaldaily.com/valley-leaders-hail-fed-data-highlighting-economic-progress/

Our incredible Event Coordinator & Office Manager, TaMyah Petty, joined Sam Huston, Senior Vice President and Mahoning Valley Market President at Huntington, on air with 21 WFMJ's Steve Vesey this morning to share all the details about our upcoming Seeds for Growth Small Business Dinner! 🌱 📺 Watch the full interview here: https://www.wfmj.com/WFMJ-today 📲 Interested in joining us in August? Register now: tinyurl.com/vphbdinner

🏌️‍♂️ Exciting News for Valley Partners’ 10th Annual Golf Outing! We’re thrilled to unveil this year’s incredible Hole-in-One prizes — and they’re better than ever! A huge thank-you goes to Kim Urig, owner of Love Our World Travel [@loveourworldtravel], for generously sponsoring this year’s lineup of must-win prizes, including: ✨ A $10,000 Travel Certificate 🔥 A Charcoal Smoker 📺 A UHD Smart TV ⛳ A Bushnell Rangefinder & Garmin GPS Golf Watch These amazing prizes are just one of the ways we’re making our 10th anniversary outing truly unforgettable. Ready to play? Don’t miss your shot — register your team today! And once again, thank you, Kim, for your outstanding support and dedication to our community. 🎉 Register at tinyurl.com/vpouting2025.

Thank you to The Business Journal [@the_business_journal_ytown] for featuring our Seeds for Growth Small Business Dinner coming up in August! Seeds for Growth is your chance to expand your business horizons. Engage with experts in a "More Money, No Problems!" Access-to-Capital chat and panel discussion, connect with peers at the vendor marketplace, enjoy live entertainment and a dinner reception, and even win giveaways. 📰 Read more about the event HERE: https://tinyurl.com/vphbarticle 📲 Register today by visiting: tinyurl.com/vphbdinner

Thank you to Heather Channell—owner of We Fix It, LLC—for trusting Valley Partners to assist you on your entrepreneurial path! With the help of our partners at the City of Warren, we were able to help take this business to the next level through our Warren City Revolving Loan Fund (WCRLF). At We Fix It, LLC, they have been dedicated to enhancing homes since their inception. With a strong presence in the industry, they pride themselves on their passion, dedication, and commitment to delivering the highest level of service to their customers. Their goal is to exceed expectations and build lasting relationships with every project. Contact them today to discover more about their journey by visiting https://www.wefixitllc17.com/. 👷‍♀️⚒👷‍♂️🛠

Congratulations to Josh Toot, Market President & Senior Commercial Banker, and all of our friends at WesBanco (@wesbanco) on their ribbon cutting this morning! We're looking forward to partnering with you and supporting your continued growth and success in the community. ✨

We had a great time this morning at Good Morning, Warren! connecting with regional leaders over breakfast & touring the beautiful artwork found inside the walls of The Raymond John Wean Foundation. Thank you for the invitation, Wean! ☺️

Today is the last chance to register for Wednesday's FREE informational seminar on Customer Service & Expanding Your Team! Join us on Thursday, June 11th from 11 am to 1 pm at The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. See flyer for more details! 📲 Register today at https://tinyurl.com/vplibrary

Valley Partners is proud to support local heroes like Patriot at Home through our work as a CDFI—helping these three Ohio veterans expand healthcare access in Girard, OH. With CDFI financing to renovate their office and expand operations, Patriot At Home is projected to create 25 local jobs, strengthening both the community and the economy across the region. 💪🎉 Read the full article here: https://tinyurl.com/vpofncdfi Congratulations on all of your success, Patriot At Home team! [@oppfinance]

Take a look at the Business Journal's newest article on how partnerships with experienced bankers could help your business succeed! We're honored to be recognized as a trusted and strong partner to banks across the city. Thank you to our banking community for your continued collaboration and confidence in our shared success. ✨

June rates are out! 🌴☀️ Want to learn more about how the 504 program can benefit your business? Give our SBA Lender, Maureen Stenglein, a call today!

Representing at the YBI Shark Tank 2025 at the Westside Bowl last night! 🦈🎳 — with partners Sam Huston, Sarah Palmer, Will Rauber, Julie Wiesensee, and John Reed. 🎊 @youngstownbusinessincubator

Our Business Resource Center team—Matthew Longmire, business resource manager & Tanay Hill, business resource advisor—had a great meeting this morning with Dionne Dowdy, co-founder and Executive Director of the United Returning Citizens (URC). Be on the lookout to see how our collaboration will further support women entrepreneurs and business owners! ☺️

Check out this upcoming Work & Learn Session in Warren, OH! Led by accountant, LaTrice Fitzpatrick, she is offering two sessions to assist business owners with their fundamental accounting needs. There are only 15 spaces left, so be sure to register today! 🖱 https://www.countprofits.com/workandlearn

Valley Partners is here to help you move your business forward this summer! 💪🌞🌴 Learn more about who we are as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and a certified Tier I Minority Business Assistance Center by visiting our website today! 📲 valleyedp.com/about

Congratulations to Zachary Conkle & Taylor Stillerman, owners of Looma Cafe LLC, on their grand opening today! The two were gracious enough to drop off their delicious chocolate pecan cookies, and they were delicious! ☕🍪🍵 Be sure to give them a visit at the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown. The cafe will be open Tuesday-Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm. Congratulations, Zachary & Taylor! 📰 Check out their article in the Business Journal: https://businessjournaldaily.com/cafe-at-the-butler-to-reopen-with-fresh-outlook/

Highlighting an opportunity from one of our clients—DeShawn Scott, CEO of The D5 Group—we'd like to invite all Warren entrepreneurs to check out the Ember Business Workshop taking place in June! This 6-week workshop includes informative sessions on business financials, operations, growth & visibility, wellness & focus, and more. Applicants must be operating a small business or a nonprofit for a minimum of 2 years & must apply by June 5. Spots are limited! 📲 Check out their website for more information at https://www.emberworkshops.com/.

You're invited to Valley Partners' & Huntington National Bank's (huntingtonbank) Small Business Seeds for Growth Dinner! 🤝 Seeds for Growth is your chance to expand your business horizons. Engage with experts in a Huntington Fireside Chat and panel discussion, connect with peers at the vendor marketplace, enjoy live entertainment and a dinner reception, and even win giveaways. 💡Join us to cultivate new ideas and strategies that can help your business grow. This is a fantastic opportunity to network with fellow entrepreneurs and gain actionable knowledge from industry experts. Here's what you can expect: 📌Huntington Fireside Chat 📌Panel Discussion 📌 Networking Opportunities 📌 Vendor Marketplace 📌 Live Entertainment 📌 Dinner Reception 📌 Giveaways Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to secure your spot today! Register here: https://tinyurl.com/vphbdinner

The SBA Cleveland District Office is hosting a series of educational workshops throughout the month of June with topics ranging from securing capital readiness, boosting your sales, and business planning. 📲 Secure your spot by registering TODAY at https://tinyurl.com/vpsba

📰 Check out the Business Journal's newest article on how banking relationships are helping local businesses succeed! We are proud partners of WesBanco, Farmers National Bank, & 7 17 Credit Union and are delighted to read about the many ways they've come to the aid of small businesses—a few of them being our very own clients! Here's to supporting economic opportunity right here in the Valley! 🎉 Head to https://tinyurl.com/vpupdatebj to read the full article.

A big thank you to our friends at WRTA for the warm welcome and incredibly informative tour of your facility yesterday afternoon! 🚍✨ We truly appreciated the opportunity to learn more about your operations and the impressive work you do to keep our community moving. Your insights and hospitality made for an engaging and inspiring visit! #Gratitude #CommunityPartners #WRTA

🌷SAVE THE DATE🌷 The Women's LeadHERship Summit is returning to the Eastwood Event Centre on March 19, 2026! Gear up for this premier regional event by purchasing your LeadHERship Summit Bundle today, including a t-shirt, tote bag, lip balm, and compact mirror. Click here to place your order: tinyurl.com/vpmerch2026 We can't wait to celebrate National Women's History Month with you again next year!

$10,000 in match funds have gone towards VP's CDFI GrowBiz Fund—thanks to First National Bank (FNB)! With the support of our partners, Valley Partners can continue our great work of educating and empowering our underserved entrepreneurs to better equip them with the knowledge and skills to grow and thrive, assisting them in equitable access to capital. Thank you for your continued support, FNB! 💻 www.fnb-online.com For those interested in donating, please email our executive director, Teresa Miller, at teresa@valleyedp.com.

Our wonderful loan officer, Madison Southern, will soon be out of the office to prepare giving birth to her beautiful new baby! ❤️ She's a gift to us here at Valley Partners and an absolute powerhouse when it comes to helping entrepreneurs access capital and take their business to the next level. We'll miss her sweet spirit while she's away, but we're excited to meet the newest member of VP team. 👶🎉🧸

We had a great time yesterday evening reconnecting with some of our Business Accounting & Legal Assistance Grant program alumni from cohorts 1 & 2! The reunion consisted of celebrating one another's achievements since graduation, offering suggestions and resources for growth, and exchanging contact information to continue cheering one another on. Our team is so grateful to witness the continued success of each entrepreneur, and we are excited to see what these graduates do next! 💡To join the waiting list for our next cohort this fall, please email Tanay Hill at tanay@valleyedp.com.

Join us this fall for our 10th Annual Golf Outing! See flyer for details. ⛳ Register here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/valley-partners-annual-golf-outing

Special thanks to Zach Feydo of Mot Technology and Kristy Johnson of Platt Insurance for sharing valuable insights with local entrepreneurs at yesterday’s Lunch & Learn! Their expert tips on protecting online businesses were incredibly informative and appreciated by all who attended. 💡🔐 #CyberSecurity #SmallBusinessSupport #LunchandLearn

We are deeply honored and grateful to the Trumbull County Commissioners for recognizing Valley Partners in a resolution of appreciation during yesterday’s meeting in observance of Economic Development Week, in coordination with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Thank you for your continued support and commitment to economic growth in our community, TCC!

The City of YOUngstown (@thecityofyou) continues to benefit local businesses through its revolving loan program, & Valley Partners is PROUD to be a partner. 😊 Take a look at the significant progress made as a result of the city's help by reading the latest update on WKBN's website! Thank you, @wkbn_27firstnews, for covering the story! 🗞

Did you see our ad in The Business Journal's (@the_business_journal_ytown) Small Business Resource Guide? 🤩📰 During this National Small Business Month, we're proud to be recognized as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and a certified Tier I Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) through our Business Resource Center—supporting local entrepreneurs with the tools, strategies, & connections they need to grow their business. Ready to take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level? Be sure to contact our office today! 💻 valleyedp.com ☎️ 330.759.3668 🏢 4319 Belmont Ave | Youngstown, OH 44505

Last week, our SBA Lender—Maureen Stenglein—traveled to Washington, D.C. for the annual SBA Annual NADCO Spring Summit! Valuable conversations were had regarding federal funding and elevating small businesses. Thank you to their office for sending us the invite!

Rates are out! 🌞 Want to learn more about how the 504 program can benefit your business? Give our SBA Lender, Maureen Stenglein, a call today!

On behalf of Valley Partners, our SBA Lender—Maureen Stenglein—accepted the Top Community Advantage SBLC and Top 10 SBA 7(a) Lender awards this morning at the 2025 Northern Ohio Small Business Week & Lender Awards Celebration! A huge congratulations is owed to Maureen for her continued commitment to entrepreneurs—helping them create jobs, realize their dreams, and build generational wealth for themselves and their families. Thank you for all of your hard work this past year, Maureen! And, thank you to the SBA Northern Ohio District Office for the recognition!

Happy National Small Business Week! 🎉 Today, we are celebrating Nina Huffman—owner of Salon Jade, a small 4 chair salon offering hair, nails, esthetics, lashes and massage! Nina graduated beauty school in 2005; she opened up a place of her own after working and building a base for 7 years. To continue moving her business forward, she worked with Valley Partners to help her reach her entrepreneurial goals. We were honored to be able to assist her as she takes Salon Jade to the next level! To request services, visit her website at salonjadeaustintown.com. Congratulations on all of your accomplishments, Nina!

Happy National Small Business Week! 🎉 Today, we are celebrating Merry Wagner—owner of Macchione Richardson Wagner Insurance Agency. Macchione Richardson and Wagner Insurance Agency is committed to helping their customers find the right insurance plan that fits their needs. Whether personal insurance lines such as homeowners, auto, life and health or commercial lines such as cyber liability, business insurance and commercial bonds, MRW Insurance will search high and low to find the best coverage for you. Get to know the team of experienced insurance professionals at MRW Insurance by visiting their website at https://mrwi.agency. Thank you for choosing Valley Partners to join you on your entrepreneurial journey, Merry!

Happy National Small Business Week! 🎉 Today, we are celebrating Damion & Selane Walters, owners of DSW Transport LLC—a transportation company based out of Warren, OH. DSW Transport is committed to delivering reliable, flexible, innovative, and value-creating solutions to their wide range of customers. As their company is built on safety, integrity, service, and teamwork, they continue to set new standards in the transportation and logistics industry to offer an unprecedented delivery experience. Be sure to contact them today by visiting their website at dswtransport.com. We're honored to assist you in your entrepreneurial journey, Damion & Selane!

Happy National Small Business Week! Today, we are celebrating Johnathon Perkins, owner of Blackwater Ink LLC—a tattoo and piercing studio in Niles, OH! At Blackwater Ink, hygiene and safety are as important as the art itself. Their studio adheres to the highest industry standards, ensuring a clean, comfortable, and welcoming environment for all. Their commitment to quality extends beyond the ink, encompassing a dedication to customer service. Feel free to check them out at blackwaterinks.com. Thank you for choosing Valley Partners to help expand your business, Johnathon! 🎊

Happy National Small Business Week! Today, we are celebrating Paige Genova OTR/L, PCES, PRT—CEO/Founder of Vital Pelvic Health and Wellness—which is the #1 Rated Youngstown’s and Western Pennsylvania's first and only multi-clinician pelvic floor therapy clinic located in Poland, OH. Founded in 2022, VPH has had over 4,500 sessions and 500 patients healed, including patients from across the U.S., UK, and Australia who have found healing through VPH's unique approach through virtual sessions. VPH is also proud to be an award-winning facility, as Paige—the founder—received the 25 under 35 Award for healthcare innovation in the Mahoning Valley. Thank you for choosing Valley Partners to join you on your entrepreneurial journey, Paige! Congratulations to you and your expert team for all of your accomplishments. 🎉 For more information, visit her website at www.vitalpelvichealth.com.

Check out these two upcoming events at The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County! 🎉 Business Loan Round Table Discussion | Thursday, May 8 | 12 - 1:30 PM — Steve Schillig, YSU Small Business Development Center, Thomas Sangrik, SBA Cleveland Office, and our very own Director of Lending, Mario Nero, will be presenting about loans and answering your questions. 🎉 Business: Customer Service & Expanding Your Team | June 11 | 11 am - 1 pm | Main Library (Event Space): As your business grows, so should your team and focus on customer service. Our business resource advisor, Tanay Hill, and loan closer, Ayana Beulah, invite you to learn strategies for expanding your team and enhancing customer experiences. These strategies include defining key roles, hiring and retaining top talent, personalizing services, and expanding customer support. See flyer to register! We hope to see you there!

Congratulations to Founder & Executive Director of Flying HIGH Inc., Jeffrey Magada, for opening up a BRAND NEW location yesterday in Salem, OH! Established in 1994, Flying HIGH Inc. is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization that provides opportunities for people to develop their potential, discover their destiny, and make their lives better. Services offered include the Professional Development Center vocational school, job readiness and placement assistance, GED tutoring, Working Toward the Future Program, GROW Urban Farm, nutritionally assisted alcohol and drug treatment, peer support and case management services, and the Eagle’s Nest Recovery Houses. Flying HIGH Inc. is located in Youngstown, Ohio and serves residents across the Mahoning Valley. Learn more by visiting their website at flyinghighinc.org. We're celebrating with you, Jeffrey & team! 🥳

A new month on the horizon means a new seminar! 🥳 Register for the Business Resource Center's lunch-and-learn on how to protect your online business. Experts, such as Ford Office Technologies' (@fordofficetechnologies) Bill Fullerman & Platt Insurance's (@plattinsurance) Kristy Johnson, will be sharing valuable information you don't want to miss. 💻 Sign up today! https://form.jotform.com/250284150637151

We are moving forward in our active CDFI GrowBiz Match Fund campaign, thanks to our partners: 🎉 The Raymond John Wean Foundation 🎉 Huntington National Bank 🎉 Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley 🎉 Your Premier Bank [becoming WesBanco] Their donations combined bring us to $280,000 out of our $800,000 goal. As we are looking forward to continuing our great work of assisting underserved entrepreneurs in equitable access to capital, we are most thankful for the support of our partners for helping us empower these entrepreneurs through their donation. 🥳 For those interested in donating, please email our executive director, Teresa Miller, at teresa@valleyedp.com.

We had a great time meeting some of you at the City of YOUngstown's Community Development Day yesterday! A special thank you to the city's Assistance Compliance Director, Wendy Robinson, for inviting & recognizing us as one of the resources in the city. [Also, special shoutout to our very own office manager/event coordinator, TaMyah Petty—owner of Artistry Afloat (@artistryafloat)—for decorating the venue with her beautiful balloons yesterday! 🎈]

A very special thank you to Your Premier Bank [soon to be WesBanco] for donating $20,000 to our CDFI GrowBiz Match Fund Campaign! With the support of our partners, Valley Partners can continue our great work of educating and empowering our underserved entrepreneurs to better equip them with the knowledge and skills to grow and thrive, assisting them in equitable access to capital. Thank you for your support, Premier Bank! For those interested in donating, please email our executive director, Teresa Miller, at teresa@valleyedp.com.

Thank you to our wonderful presenters & attendees for joining us yesterday afternoon at our Entrepreneurship Lunch-and-Learn Seminar! To learn more about the resourceful & educational opportunities on the way, check out our calendar and register for a seminar today at https://www.valleyedp.com/seminar-schedule.

Congratulations to our clients at Clever for recently winning both chapter AND district advertising awards! They won in the categories of website design, illustration, and logo design at the American Advertising Federation’s Akron Chapter Competition and Fifth District Competition. As they chose Valley Partners to join them on their entrepreneurial journey back in 2020, we are most excited to witness their many wins & victories. Congratulations, Clever Team! 🎉 💻 Read the full story about the awards won on the Business Journal's website today!

Save the date for Valley Partners' 10th Annual Golf Outing! Stay tuned for more details on how you can participate this year! ⛳️

Spring is here, and rates are out! Give our SBA Lender, Maureen Stenglein, a call today to see how our 504 loan can give your business a lift. 🌞

Check out a handful of upcoming resourceful workshops presented by SBA Cleveland District Office and local SBA Resource Partners! With topics ranging from marketing, business ownership, and grant writing, register for a session today by visiting https://tinyurl.com/sbaevents2025.

We are so proud to see Anne Ganno, owner of Salem's newest eatery—The Rumpled Queen (@therumpledqueen)—soar as she prepares for her grand opening on April 17! Valley Partners participated in the funding of this project with our 504 loan program, which is a partnership loan between a lender, the borrower, and SBA. The usual transaction is a 50/40/10 split, with the bank financing 50%, SBA financing 40% and the borrower injecting 10%. Our participation in the project—allowing the funds to be stacked—benefitted both the bank and the borrower. We are happy to be a part of The Rumpled Queen's success story! Celebrate its grand opening this week by reading the full story here: https://www.wkbn.com/news/local-news/salem-news/unique-eatery-the-rumpled-queen-opening-in-salem/ Be sure to contact our office to see how we utilize a 504 or our other loan programs to help your project with one of our financial partners at valleyedp.com/contact. Way to go, Anne! 🥳🎉🎈

$20,000 in match funds have gone towards VP's CDFI GrowBiz Fund—thanks to the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley! With the support of our partners, Valley Partners can continue our great work of educating and empowering our underserved entrepreneurs to better equip them with the knowledge and skills to grow and thrive, assisting them in equitable access to capital. Thank you for your support, Community Foundation! For those interested in donating, please email our executive director, Teresa Miller, at teresa@valleyedp.com.

Special shoutout to Nicolette Ventura, owner of Ciao Beauty Bar LLC, for moving her business forward by working with Valley Partners! 🥳 Learn more about her services by visiting her website at ciaobeautybar.glossgenius.com. We're looking forward to watching you soar, Nicolette!

Many thanks to Huntington National Bank (huntingtonbank) for donating $40,000 to our active CDFI GrowBiz Fund match campaign, putting us at $240,000 raised so far! 🎊 With a goal of $800,000, Valley Partners is most thankful for the support of our partners helping us further our mission. Match funds allow us to continue offering affordable capital to small business entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business here in the Valley—located in an underserved geographic area designated by the CDFI Fund. We appreciate your support, Huntington!

Thank you to Richard Majzik, owner of Eastwood Quick Print, for choosing Valley Partners to be a part of your entrepreneurial journey! Eastwood Quick Print is a locally owned printing company located in the Marketplace Plaza in Howland [5000 E Market St #9, Warren, OH 44484]. Their print shop offers off-set printing and digital prints. Most jobs are done in-house and take less than a week from start to finish! To learn more about their unbeatable pricing, exceptional quality, & outstanding services, please visit eastwoodqp.com and request a quote today. We're cheering you on, Richard!

A very special thank you to The Raymond John Wean Foundation for donating $200,000 to our active CDFI GrowBiz Fund match campaign! 🎉 With the support of our partners, Valley Partners can continue our great work of educating and empowering our underserved entrepreneurs to better equip them with the knowledge and skills to grow and thrive, assisting them in equitable access to capital. 💻 Read the full story here: https://tinyurl.com/vpwean

Thank you for celebrating Women's History Month with us! Stay tuned to see what events we have planned in Quarter II. 😊 #WomensLeadHERshipSummit2025 #LetHERLead

Join Valley Partners' Business Resource Center for a FREE class to learn the roadmap from the startup of your business to the funding of your project! 📲 To hear from helpful resources throughout the region, click here to register: https://www.valleyedp.com/seminar-schedule

In honor of Women's History Month coming to an end, we'd like to remember Tonia L Farmer MD's phenomenal message delivered at the Women's LeadHERship Summit. Her ability to relate, empower, educate, and inspire those around her moved every person in the room. We were so honored to have her as our keynote speaker and are most thankful for her time and knowledge. The impact she left behind at this year's summit won't be forgotten. Thank you so much for celebrating with us, Dr. Farmer! 💜

We were honored to graduate 26 entrepreneurs yesterday afternoon from the fifth cohort of our Business Accounting & Legal Assistance Grant Program! These dedicated and hard-working business owners attended 6 courses over the span of six weeks to learn more about accounting & legal business principles, marketing, tax returns, financial statements, legal & insurance principles, business plan development & more. As a result of their completion of the course, each entrepreneur is walking out with an updated business plan & an $8,000 grant to go towards accounting & legal professional services—not to mention the experience of pitching their business idea to a panel of funders! HUGE congratulations to you all, Cohort 5! We thoroughly enjoyed spending the last 6 Tuesday mornings with you all. 😊 A special thank you to our funders who continue to make this program possible: 🎉 The Raymond John Wean Foundation 🎉 The Youngstown Foundation 🎉The Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund 🎉 The Valley Vision

From our team at Valley Partners: We would like to express a heartfelt, "THANK YOU!" for celebrating the strong, powerful female leaders in the region with us at our second-annual Women's LeadHERship Summit! Our team appreciates your dedicated support & the many ways each of you contribute to the summit's success. At Valley Partners, we are committed to celebrating women's leadership & will continue to #letHERlead in 2025 through impactful small business lending & invaluable technical assistance. More pictures & fun memories to share are on the way! In the meantime, learn more about who we are at valleyedp.com. Thank you so much for your support. 😊 #WomensLeadHERshipSummit2025 #LetHERLead

These #leadHERs are ready to empower YOU at tonight’s second-annual Women’s LeadHERship Summit. 💜 We’ll see you soon!

Many thanks to our Empow-HER sponsors for supporting this year's Women's LeadHERship Summit!

Empower women with our EXCLUSIVE $20 Women's LeadHERship bundle! 💪 ✨ 🤩 As we are excited to gather next Thursday to celebrate the female leaders in the region, this year's carefully curated collection of merchandise is designed to inspire and uplift you & the #leadHERs you love. Perfect for showcasing your commitment to women's empowerment, be sure to snag yours next week!

We would like to thank Brittany Brantley for sponsoring this year's Women's LeadHERship Summit as Innovat-HER! Brittany is a shareholder in Ogletree Deakins' Cleveland office. She represents employers in various labor and employment legal matters, including traditional labor and representing employers in a wide variety of employment litigation in state and federal courts and before various administrative agencies. In addition to her litigation and advocacy practice, she also proactively counsels her clients in the education, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and real estate industries on achieving their business goals and avoiding potential litigation. Brittany’s foresight and solution-based approach enables her to counsel and advise employers on everyday employment issues related to hiring and discharge decisions, discrimination, medical leave, wage and hour compliance, and unfair competition. While in law school, Brittany was the Senior Articles Editor for the Journal of Legislation, and her student Note was selected for publication. She also studied in the United Kingdom at the University of Notre Dame’s London Law Centre, and in China at Renmin University Law School in Beijing. In addition, she spent a summer at the Universidad de Alicante in Spain during her undergraduate studies. To request her services, please email Brittany.Brantley@Ogletree.com. Thank you for supporting our Women's LeadHERship Summit, Brittany!

We would like to thank Lake to River for sponsoring this year's Women's LeadHERship Summit as Innovat-HER! Lake to River is at the forefront of fostering equitable economic development in Eastern Ohio, centered in a four-county region bordering western Pennsylvania, extending from Lake Erie to the Ohio River. The Lake to River corridor is an advanced manufacturing and energy hub centered between Columbus, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh within a one-day drive of 50% of the US and Canadian populations. Their unique assets include abundance of low-cost electric and natural gas, deep water ports on Lake Erie and the Ohio River, vast network of rail and road infrastructure, quality educational institutions, and productive workforce. To learn more about their important initiatives, please visit https://www.laketoriverohio.org/. Thank you for supporting our Women's LeadHERship Summit, Lake to River!

We would like to thank Huntington National Bank (huntingtonbank) for sponsoring this year's Women's LeadHERship Summit as Innovat-HER! Huntington is a full-service banking provider primarily operating across an eleven-state banking franchise of Ohio, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Their “Welcome” philosophy centers around deep relationship-building capabilities to best meet each customer’s specific needs. They serve their customers through a banking network of over 1,000 full-service branches, including 11 Private Client Group offices, and over 1,600 ATM locations. Huntington Bancshares Incorporated provides full-service commercial, small business, and consumer banking services, mortgage banking services, treasury management and foreign exchange services, equipment leasing, wealth and investment management services, trust services, brokerage services, and customized insurance brokerage and service programs Through automotive dealership relationships within their primary franchise area and select other states, Huntington also provides commercial banking services to the automotive dealers and retail automobile financing for dealer customers. To learn more, visit https://www.huntington.com/. Thank you for supporting our Women's LeadHERship Summit, Huntington!

We would like to thank the Youngstown Business Incubator for sponsoring this year's Women's LeadHERship Summit as Innovat-HER! The YBI brings together extraordinary entrepreneurs, business leaders and technical experts to create something greater than the sum of their parts. They're working to capture the interest of the next generation of entrepreneurs in order to create a more diverse business community; one that is fully invested in re-energizing the economy, urban redevelopment, and restoring the region’s manufacturing competitiveness. YBI is a place where new, disruptive technologies and ideas can be explored, young people can find career opportunities, wealth is created, and diversity is celebrated. YBI is home to world class organizations like Steelite International and America Makes, the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute. Over the course of the past two decades, they’ve redefined the west end of downtown, creating a 200,000-sf campus across five buildings. However, their work doesn’t stop there. Their entrepreneurship programs reach across the full 21 counties of northeast Ohio – and they're attracting companies from California, Colorado, Israel and the UK to the region. They're looking to continue transforming the area and solidifying northeast Ohio as the epicenter for additive manufacturing. However, they're also looking to inspire our young people through their Youth Entrepreneurship and XPerience augmented/virtual reality programming. Bring your idea to the table by visiting their website at ybi.org. YBI will be ready to provide the resources, guidance, and connections necessary to become a successful, sustainable business! Thank you for supporting our Women's LeadHERship Summit, YBI!

We would like to thank Capriotti's Sandwich Shop for sponsoring this year's Women's LeadHERship Summit as Innovat-HER! Founded in 1976 in Wilmington, Delaware by siblings Lois and Alan Margolet, Capriotti’s was born from a desire to create something unique while honoring family heritage. To this day the whole roast turkeys, quality meats & cheeses, and fresh rolls and produce continue to impress their patrons and earn awards across the country. To try their delicious menu, check out their website at https://capriottis.com/ and give them a visit at 6442 S Raccoon Rd Suite B, Canfield, OH 44406. Be on the lookout for their new location to open at 2484 Niles Cortland Rd in Warren, OH as well! Thank you for supporting our Women's LeadHERship Summit, Capriotti's!

We would like to thank DAWN Incorporated for sponsoring this year's Women's LeadHERship Summit as Innovat-HER! They don’t view ourselves as just your contractor— They are your partner from beginning to end. Dawn Incorporated began with a single dump truck and is now an award-winning construction industry leader across the Mahoning Valley and beyond. In 1993, 25-year-old Dawn Ochman chose to build her legacy. Dawn started out as a dump truck company servicing the greater Youngstown area and quickly grew into a full-service construction company with an expanding reach in markets across the Midwest. Now, Dawn Incorporated operates with a team of project managers, estimators, project coordinators, field managers, site superintendents, quality control managers, site safety and health officers, skilled trades, and support staff. They are proud to be a leading construction company in Ohio with an ever-growing list of prestigious commercial, industrial, and federal projects. Thank you for supporting our Women's LeadHERship Summit, Dawn Incorporated! To learn more, please visit https://www.dawnincorporated.com/. Thank you for supporting our Women's LeadHERship Summit, Dawn Incorporated!

We would like to thank Sherman Creative for sponsoring this year's Women's LeadHERship Summit as Innovat-HER! In 1996, Sherman Creative's founders—Bruce & Carol Sherman—set out to bring the best promos and best customer service to their hometown of Youngstown, Ohio. Fast forward to 2018, when Stephanie Shapiro and Brittany Mendez joined the then two-person team, with plans of major growth and expansion. The key to that growth and expansion was maintaining the culture of caring that Bruce and Carol so delicately and deliberately wove into the company culture. Stephanie and Brittany also had plans of a fresh look, new tools, and lots of trending ideas to really expand the customer base and breathe new life into the mission at Sherman Creative. If you want to learn more about their super cool history, visit their website at www.shermancreative.com. Thank you for supporting our Women's LeadHERship Summit, Sherman Creative!

We would like to thank QUICKmed Urgent Care for sponsoring this year's Women's LeadHERship Summit as Innovat-HER! QUICKmed is a community-oriented, locally owned, and operated urgent care here in Northeast Ohio. They have multiple standalone urgent care clinics (some also housing specialties such as women’s health and primary care) and YOUcare clinics located on school campuses. They give back to our community by donating, sponsoring, and participating in local events. They offer the same types of services as a primary care physician, but on a more urgent basis. Their experienced and compassionate team is ready to provide prompt medical services to address a wide variety of non-emergency health issues that can’t wait for a scheduled appointment. To learn more, please visit their website at https://quickmedclinic.com/. Thank you for supporting our Women's LeadHERship Summit, QUICKmed!

We would like to thank Platt Insurance for sponsoring this year's Women's LeadHERship Summit as Innovat-HER! At Platt Insurance, their team makes the process of finding the best insurance simple again. Because their agency is 100% independent, they have the freedom to shop the marketplace to find you the best possible combination of cost and coverage. Unlike captive agents and online companies, Platt Insurance offers access to multiple companies and wide range of products, easy switching from company to company without hassle, unbiased and objective advice, claims assistance and advocacy, and policy service from the same person you bought from. If you’d like to get started with a complimentary quote and/or policy review, please visit their website at https://www.plattinsurance.com/. Thank you for supporting our Women's LeadHERship Summit, Platt Insurance!

We would like to thank United Returning Citizens (URC) for sponsoring this year's Women's LeadHERship Summit as Innovat-HER! URC is a start-up, non-profit corporation that serves community residents of Youngstown, Ohio and the Tri-County area. Their organization provides job search and training, life and financial literacy skills and transitional and stable housing primarily for citizens reentering society from correctional facilities. As there is a well-established correlation between joblessness and homelessness, and the overall impact on daily existence, URC seeks to provide a holistic approach to enable all citizens who are otherwise disadvantaged and disenfranchised to become productive contributing members of society. To learn more, please visit https://unitedreturningcitizens.org/. Thank you for supporting our Women's LeadHERship Summit, URC!

504 Program Rates are under prime! Contact our SBA Lender, Maureen Stenglein, today to see how we can fund your small business & partner with your bank to get a low interest rate.

Thank you to this year's CONNECT-HER Sponsor for our Women's LeadHERship Summit—Western Reserve Port Authority (WRPA)! The Western Reserve Port Authority was created in 1992 to operate the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. Using the unique powers granted to port authorities by Ohio law, the WRPA has evolved into a dynamic, multi-faceted agency dedicated to promoting growth and economic development in the Mahoning Valley. The WRPA combines leading-edge financing tools, consulting services and partnership opportunities into a unique suite of development solutions for business, government and non-profit institutions. Whether you’re a company or non-profit seeking ways to finance growth, a developer looking for help with the public infrastructure needed to move your project forward, or a governmental entity searching for ways to retain or attract jobs and development, their professional, experienced staff is eager to put their solutions to work for you. To learn more, please visit https://neodfa.org/. Thank you for supporting our Women's LeadHERship Summit, WRPA!

THANK YOU for your interest in Valley Partners' Women's LeadHERship Summit 2025! The deadline to register was on Thursday, March 6th. However, we are excited to announce that we have reached our capacity, and tickets are sold out. 🎉 Therefore, registration is now closed. If you would like to support the celebratory efforts behind this event by making a donation, we welcome you to do so HERE: valleyedp.com/summit2025 We look forward to seeing you at next year's Women's LeadHERship Summit in 2026! If you have any questions, please contact TaMyah Petty at tamyah@valleyedp.com.