BUSINESS UPDATES | Alexis Walters named WKBN-TV 27 anchor

YOUNGSTOWN — WKBN-TV 27 has promoted meteorologist and reporter Alexis Walters to the WKBN evening anchor desk, beginning Aug. 10

"Alexis brings objective storytelling to fit the proud tradition of our newscasts," Mitch Davis, WKBN news director, said in a news release. "She is a familiar face for our viewers to get to know better as she takes on this new role and continues to report in their neighborhoods."

Walters has been a part of the WKBN team for three years and will join Dave Sess for "27 First News" from 5 to 6:30 p.m. She also will co-anchor with Stan Boney for "First News on Fox" at 10 p.m. and "27 First News" at 11 p.m.

"I'm so excited for this opportunity to join you every night and keep you informed on what's going on in our local community," Walters said in the release. "I look forward to sharing your stories and continuing to call this Valley home."

Walters graduated from Kent State University with a degree in journalism and communications, and Mississippi State University with a degree in meteorology.

Ribbon-cutting, open house set

for The Village by Gateways

YOUNGSTOWN — Gateways to Better Living Inc. is celebrating the grand opening of The Village by Gateways, 1275 Tiffany South, with a ribbon-cutting at 2 p.m. Wednesday (July 29), followed by an open house until 7 p.m.

Gateways staff and Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber members will be on hand for the grand opening.

Due to regulations provided by the state in response to COVID-19, visitors are asked to follow these guidelines:

• Masks or face coverings are required at all times;
• Social distancing of at least 6 feet;
• Stay in small groups, not exceeding eight individuals.

"The natural beauty of this facility and our cosmetic changes breed positivity and inclusion and is unlike any other adult day program available here in the Mahoning Valley," Gail Riess, executive director of Gateways to Better Living, said in a news release. "We want families to be confident knowing that when their loved ones come to The Village by Gateways, they're safe while receiving the highest quality programming and support services to live a happier and more fulfilling life."

Gateways to Better Living is a nonprofit provider of support programs and residential service for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties

EOMAC to be housed

at Community Foundation

WARREN — The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber and Community Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio this week announced a new partnership to support the Youngstown Air Reserve Station, which is Trumbull County's largest employer.

The Community Foundation will house the chamber-created Eastern Ohio Military Affairs Commission in downtown Warren and oversee its operation, while the regional chamber will continue to provide EOMAC with marketing and government relations support.

"The intention all along was for EOMAC to be a standalone organization focusing on protecting and growing the economic output of the air station," Tom Humphries, regional chamber president and CEO, said in a news release. "The Community Foundation, because of its impeccable reputation serving the community, is the perfect vehicle for propping up EOMAC as an independent organization. We look forward to a years-long partnership."

Humphries was part of founding EOMAC in 2014.

Since its inception, EOMAC has helped attract federal investment for YARS and the Camp James A. Garfield Joint Military Training Center, according to the release. The commission also received a $600,000 grant in the current state operating budget.

"We have been successful for YARS and the Valley economy because of the strong working relationship between EOMAC, the regional chamber and state of Ohio," EOMAC Director Vito Abruzzino said. "Now that we have the Community Foundation in the mix, the future looks even better."

For more information, call Abruzzino at 330-219-3081.

BrightView to offer virtual

tour of Youngstown facility

YOUNGSTOWN — BrightView's Youngstown addiction center, 930 Trailwood Drive, is hosting a virtual tour of the new facility at 1 p.m. Monday and 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Viewers will meet the staff and have an opportunity to engage directly with BrightView's leadership team: Dr. Shawn Ryan, president and chief medical officer, and Dr. Navdeep Kang, chief clinical officer.

According to a news release, viewers will learn about how effective treatment works in an outpatient setting; treatment on demand and ease of access for all Substance Use Disorders services; and addressing the biological, psychological and sociological needs of patients.

To register for Monday's tour, click here. To register for Tuesday's tour, click here.

PPE safety toolkits for small

businesses to be distributed

YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, Cerni Motors, Team NEO and JobsOhio are partnering to distribute PPE safety toolkits to small businesses from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Thursday (July 23) at Cerni Motors, 5751 Cerni Place.

The distribution is to help ensure that small businesses are equipped to stay protected and operate safely within the state's guidelines, according to a news release.

These PPE safety toolkits contain 100 three-ply masks, 10 KN-95 masks and a 24-ounce bottle of hand sanitizer.

Small businesses with fewer than 100 employees are eligible to participate. To sign up, click here.

Grant applications being

accepted for small businesses

SHARON, Pa. — The City of Sharon is accepting applications for a Small Business Assistance Grant Program.

The grant application is available here and at the Sharon Municipal Building, 155 W. Connelly Blvd., at the Community Development Department office on the second floor. Applications are due July 29, and grant awards will be announced in August.

"We hope this grant may benefit the small-business owners who have struggled to receive benefits thus far, as well as supplementing businesses that have received other assistance," Melissa Phillips, Community and Economic Development director, said in a news release.

Businesses may be eligible for a grant up to $10,000. Four information sessions will be hosted to guide business owners through the application process. For details on the information sessions, click here.

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

This story was originally published July 18, 2020 at 8:48 AM with the headline "BUSINESS UPDATES | Alexis Walters named WKBN-TV 27 anchor."