BUSINESS UPDATES | Sweeney’s Operation Santa campaign raises $16,650 for Project MKC

BOARDMAN — Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, 7997 Market St., presented a $16,650 check to Project MKC from its annual Operation Santa campaign last month.

Each December since 2013, Sweeney has donated $50 from new vehicle sales to an area nonprofit. This past year's beneficiary was Project MKC, formerly Making Kids Count.

Project MKC works with Mahoning Valley children and their families who need a helping hand. Funds from the Operation Santa campaign will go toward Project MKC's Diaper Bank, which distributes more than 55,000 diapers per month to local partner agencies.

Sweeney has donated nearly $200,000 to local charities through the Operation Santa campaign.

Suite Magnolias to celebrate

opening with open house

CANFIELD — Suite Magnolias, 80 N. Broad St., will celebrate its opening with an open house from noon to 3 p.m. today.

Visitors can meet stylists and artists, enter to win raffles, enjoy refreshments and meet other local merchants, including Bella Amica Boutique, Optimal Health & Wellness, Damsel in Defense and more.

Carolyn Cappabianca, owner of Magnolias on the Green, and her longtime friend and associate Pam DeLisio recently acquired the vacated Mr. Herbert's Salon and turned the space into Suite Magnolias.

The additional salon space allows Cappabianca and DeLisio the opportunity to offer stylists and artists the option to grow their clientele either as an employee or as an independent contractor. Suite Magnolias will offer stylists, nail technicians and lash artists an opportunity to work independently but as part of the Magnolias family.

For information about renting space at Suite Magnolias, call DeLisio at 330-770-2247 or Cappabianca at 330-286-5173. To schedule an appointment with a stylist or artist, call 330-286-5173.

Winter Golf League set to tee off at

Simulator Lounge at Waypoint 4180

CANFIELD — The Simulator Lounge at Waypoint 4180 is hosting Winter League Golf starting Sunday.

The Simulator Lounge has three Full Swing Pro Series golf simulators that feature more than 80 iconic championship courses on the PGA Tour and TPC network.

The six-week winter league features nine holes weekly, point play between two-person teams and a playoff between the top four teams.

Cost is $60 per player. To register, call 330-286-3870 or 330-533-8733, ext. 3.

Waypoint 4180 is located at 4180 Westford Place.

KSU at Trumbull veterinary technology

students achieve Ohio's highest passage rate

WARREN — Veterinary technology students at Kent State University at Trumbull recently earned the highest three-year average passage rate in Ohio on the Veterinary Technician National Exam, administered by the American Association Of Veterinary State Boards.

For the second consecutive year, students in the program, which is administered through Kent State Tuscarawas, achieved a 100 percent passage rate on their first attempt. This brings the school's three-year average to 90.7 percent. The national three-year average is about 73 percent, a news release states.

"We have created a top-notch program that has attracted great students," Melissa Best, program director, said in the release. "Our faculty, staff and students have worked so hard over the last four years. Community partnerships and our off-site clinical partners also play a huge role."

For more than 10 years, students have completed many of their classes at the Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County. Last year, Kent State opened a veterinary technology laboratory that resembles a mini-veterinary clinic inside the shelter, offering radiology, laboratory, surgery and a pharmacy. Students also get experience at multiple off-site large animal farms, exotic facilities and a research university for laboratory medicine.

For more information about KSU at Trumbull's accredited veterinary technology program, click here.

Meridian HealthCare names Komara

chief quality and compliance officer

YOUNGSTOWN — Meridian HealthCare is welcoming Katherine Komara to its team as chief quality and compliance officer.

Komara previously was the vice president of Behavioral Health Integration at Catholic Charities USA and spent time at Mercy Health's Behavioral Health Institute as the director of operations.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to return to the community and work for an organization that is committed to improving the health and wellness of those we serve," Komara said in a news release.

Komara will oversee Meridian's Quality and Compliance department, ensuring agency compliance with all accrediting and licensing bodies and state and federal regulations. She also will be responsible for overseeing agency audits, policies, procedures and workflows.

"Meridian is very fortunate to add Ms. Komara to our team," Larry Moliterno, president and CEO of Meridian, said in the release. "Her experience in the behavioral health field, along with her dedication to quality and compliance, will help Meridian continue to provide the best care for our patients."

Farmers releases fourth quarter,

annual financial results for 2020

CANFIELD — Farmers National Banc Corp. on Thursday reported financial results for the three months and year ended Dec. 31, 2020.

Net income for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2020, was $11.4 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, which compares with $9.7 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2019, and $10.9 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, for the linked quarter. Net income excluding acquisition costs (non-GAAP) for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2020, was $12.8 million, or $0.45 per share, compared with $9.8 million, or $0.35 per share, for the same quarter in 2019, and $10.9 million, or $0.39 per share, for the most recent prior quarter.

Annualized return on average assets and annualized return on average equity were 1.49 percent and 13.10 percent, respectively, for the three month period ending Dec. 31, 2020, compared with 1.58 percent and 12.78 percent for the same three month period in 2019, and 1.46 percent and 12.87 percent for the linked quarter.

"In an unprecedented year, I must take time to reflect on the challenges we faced this year with the onset of the pandemic," Kevin J. Helmick, Farmers president and CEO, said in a news release. "Farmers Associates stood strong by delivering creative and steadfast customer service and support to our stakeholders. I would like to thank all of our associates for helping deliver another outstanding quarter and year of record results. Our record fourth quarter financial results demonstrate that when our customers and communities win, we win, and we remain focused on ensuring our customers are well positioned to achieve their financial goals."

Columbia Gas donates $50,000

to American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

CLEVELAND — Columbia Gas has donated $50,000 to the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio through the NiSource Charitable Foundation.

The funds will support the Red Cross' Home Fire Campaign, its year-round effort to reduce home fire deaths and injuries through a multifaceted approach.

"Columbia Gas of Ohio's partnership with the American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign aligns with our No. 1 priority, and that is the safety of our customers," Columbia Gas President Vince Parisi said in a news release. "Educating our customers about all aspects of home fire safety is critical in keeping individuals and families safe, and we're proud to support this important program."

Click here to learn more about the Home Fire Campaign.

— Do you have a business announcement you'd like to share? Email news@mahoningmatters.com.

This story was originally published January 30, 2021 at 8:52 AM with the headline "BUSINESS UPDATES | Sweeney’s Operation Santa campaign raises $16,650 for Project MKC."