BUSINESS BEAT | Recent news, awards, grants, and more in the Mahoning Valley

Spano Foundation welcomes Keating to its Board of Directors

The Anthony Spano Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Tara Treharn Keating, Esq., to its Board of Directors for a three-year term thru 2027. A dedicated advocate for community engagement and legal support, Tara brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted commitment to her hometown of Howland, Ohio, where she lives with her husband, Attorney Brendan Keating, and their two children.

Keating holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics from Youngstown State University and earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Akron School of Law. Currently, she serves as the Director of the Trumbull County Law Library, where she plays an instrumental role in providing essential legal resources and services to the community. Her work in this position underscores her dedication to making legal knowledge accessible and supporting those in need.

In addition to her professional achievements, Keating is an active community member and leader. She contributes her time and expertise to the Howland Tiger Booster Club, the Trumbull County Bar Association, and St. Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Church, where she is a valued parishioner. Moreover, she serves as the Secretary for NOAS (Northeast Ohio Adoption Services), demonstrating her commitment to family-centered causes.

Beyond her work and community involvement, Keating finds fulfillment in the outdoors, enjoying activities such as skiing, hiking, and gardening with her family. This love for nature and family highlights her balanced approach to life, as well as her dedication to personal growth and connection.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tara to our Board of Directors,” said Anthony Spano, founder of the Anthony Spano Foundation. “Her experience, passion for community service, and commitment to empowering others align perfectly with our mission. We are confident that Tara will be an invaluable asset as we continue to expand our outreach and support impactful initiatives.”

The Anthony Spano Foundation looks forward to the perspective and insight Tara will bring to the Board. Her involvement will undoubtedly strengthen the foundation’s commitment to community development, advocacy, and support for families in need.

Aim Transportation Solutions named ‘Top Company for Women to Work in Transportation’

Aim Transportation Solutions, a leading provider of commercial truck leasing, rentals, maintenance, dedicated logistics and more, has been named a “Top Company for Women to Work in Transportation.” This accolade, awarded by Redefining the Road, the official magazine of the Women in Trucking Association (WIT), underscores Aim’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering work culture that creates pathways and opportunities for women to not only succeed in the transportation industry but also to play an invaluable role in shaping its future.

Aim is one of just 134 companies selected for this significant honor. Aim was selected because of several defining characteristics. These include a corporate culture that supports gender diversity, competitive pay and benefits, flexible scheduling and work policies, as well as opportunities for professional development and career advancement. To qualify, Aim also had to meet the standards set by the WIT Index—a key industry measure that tracks the percentage of women in essential transportation roles.

As a company with more than 100 years rooted in family history, Aim has always valued inclusivity and diversity. Being named a “Top Company for Women to Work in Transportation” reflects Aim’s active efforts to support women in all aspects of the company—from drivers and technicians to executive leaders—through career development and a commitment to workplace equality.

“At the end of the day, the transportation business is a people business, and we’ve always been about family values and supporting our people in reaching their fullest potential,” said Scott Fleming, President of Aim Transportation Solutions. “We’re proud and honored to receive this recognition as it highlights our continuous efforts to build an environment where everyone, especially women, can grow and thrive in transportation. We’re committed to not only opening doors but ensuring lasting, meaningful careers.”

Aim is no stranger to highlighting the significant role women play in the transportation industry. For the past three years, Aim has held a live Women in Transportation Discussion Panel coinciding with Women’s History Month in March. This virtual roundtable brings together an esteemed group of women who carry out vital roles in the industry—whether behind the wheel of a truck or behind the president’s desk leading a company—to discuss the importance of women in the commercial transportation industry and to address key challenges and opportunities facing women in the field.

“Being named a Top Company for Women to Work in Transportation is a tremendous honor and reflects the supportive, inviting culture that has always made Aim a great place to have a rich, rewarding career,” said Jessica Deane, Aim’s Vice President of Marketing and the one who sought the opportunity for Aim to be named a Top Company for Women to Work in Transportation. “Having been with Aim for 15 years, I’ve experienced firsthand the support and opportunities for growth that are available here, and I’m proud to be part of an organization that values and promotes the contributions of women across all areas of the company.”

Beyond professional development, Aim Transportation Solutions is known for its family-oriented values and approach to work-life balance. The company offers flexible work arrangements, comprehensive benefits and a supportive network that allows employees, especially women, to balance their personal and professional lives effectively.

This family-focused culture has not only made Aim an attractive employer for women but has also fostered a strong sense of loyalty and unity within the workforce. Employees at Aim feel valued and supported, contributing to the company’s high retention rates and positive workplace culture, which translates to the unparalleled customer service the Aim brand is recognized for.

YSU Dana School of Music student and alumna win top honors at Fall NATS Ohio Chapter Student Auditions

YSU Dana School of Music student Erika Walker and alumna Rachel Gardner earned first and second place, respectively, at the Fall 2024 National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Ohio Chapter Student Auditions last month at Kent State University.

Students of Professor of Voice Misook Yun, both Walker and Gardner placed in the Adult Classical – Treble Voices category. Walker is a second-year Master of Music, Vocal Performance student, and Gardner graduated with her Master of Music degree in May 2024.

NATS Student Auditions are held annually each fall with the goal to inspire and encourage students and teachers to continue their singing practice. The event provides a supportive atmosphere to competitors, allowing them to receive constructive feedback on their performance from a panel of experienced adjudicators.

Walker and Gardner’s success follows the announcement that two YSU Musical Theatre students, Brooke May and Ryan Bedi, were awarded first place in their respective performance categories at the 2024 NATS Tri-State Chapter “Student Auditions” Competition, held Saturday, October 5 at West Virginia University. The Tri-State Chapter of NATS encompasses Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, and West Virginia.

The success of all four students highlights the strength of Cliffe College’s programs, reflecting the dedication students have to their training and the amount of support provided by faculty members.