REGION

REGION

Leadership program

YOUNGSTOWN — Registration for the Regional Chamber’s local government leadership program will be accepted through Friday for the upcoming nine-week program that begins Feb. 3. Elected officials, those interested in running for public office and chamber members are invited to register.

The purpose of the academy is to encourage, support and promote efficient and effective government in the Mahoning Valley through a curriculum geared toward leadership and decision-making skills relating to the public sector. Classes will be from 6 to 8 p.m. each Tuesday with a light dinner provided before classes at 5:30 p.m. The course fee will be $235.

To register, contact Shari Budge at shari@regionalchamber.com or (330) 744-2131, ext. 31.

Appointments made to investment committee

YOUNGSTOWN — The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley announced the appointment of Kevin Y.T. Chiu and Larry Richards to its investment committee. Chiu is vice president for Elsass Financial Group, and Richards is an attorney. The Community Foundation has also added Julie Scarsella as director of communications and development. Scarsella has been working in nonprofit development for the past 10 years and holds a master’s degree in public administration from Cleveland State University.

Officers re-elected by the board were Thomas Fleming, president of AIM National Lease, chairman; Molly S. Seals, senior vice president at Humility of Mary Health Partners, vice chairwoman; Phyllis Ricchiuti, community volunteer, secretary; and Gerald Walsh, consultant, treasurer.

Zoupwerks eatery opens

CHAMPION — Zoupwerks, a casual eatery, has opened in the Folsom Plaza on Mahoning Avenue. Zoupwerks was started by Randy Durant in Ithaca, N.Y., six years ago and offers soups and sandwiches in an atmosphere that has a 1970s theme. Featured are 1970s music and memorabilia.

Shenango chamber names new officers

SHARON, Pa. — The Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce named the following officers for 2009: president, Don Reed Jr., Reed & Reed Accounting & Tax Service; president-elect, Angela Palumbo, Pennsylvania CareerLink-Mercer County; secretary, Holly Fritz, Internet Data Management; treasurer, Pete Stanovich, Reali, Giampetro & Scott; and past-president, Jack Janoso, Sharon Regional Health System.

At-large members on the Executive Council are Eric Brown, Gilbert’s Insurance & Consulting, and Tony Zucco, Penn Power Co.

Three new members have been elected to the board: Larry Reichard, Shenango Valley Industrial Development Corp.; Perry Templeton, Keystone Blind Association; and Lori Weston, Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County.

Shenango program

SHARON, Pa. — Jan. 30 is the deadline for taking part in the 2009 Leadership Shenango Program. In its 15th year, the program helps create community leaders. Participants are exposed to series of topics and situations over a 12-week period that allows them to gain knowledge in areas related to networking, team building, economic development, municipal government and education. Contact the Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce for more information.

From Vindicator staff reports