5 MVPs recognized at DeYor

YOUNGSTOWN — Mahoning Valley Professional 20/30 Club and The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley named these 2006 MVPs tonight:

Mayor Jay Williams, 35; Michele Merkel, 34, president of Junior Achievement of Mahoning Valley; Tod Bury, 35, owner, Bury Financial Group; Atty. Rebecca Gerson, 39, Mahoning County assistant prosecutor and Youngstown State University instructor; and Mahoning County Court Judge Diane Vettori, 38.

The five were singled out for the special honors among this year's 40 Under 40 nominees in tonight's ceremonies at the DeYor Performing Arts Center downtown.

20/30 Club officials said its mission is to provide a resource to unite young citizens in the Mahoning Valley by providing a network of charitable, educational and social endeavors.