Being honored with Salutes

August 22, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

By GRACE WYLER

youngstown

The workers at General Motors’ Lordstown complex will be recognized for their commitment to the Mahoning Valley’s economic growth at a celebration of local business accomplishments.

The Salute to Labor Award will be presented to United Auto Workers Local 1112 and Local 1714, which represent GM’s Lordstown workers, at the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber’s annual Salute to Business event Sept. 2.

With the Lordstown-built Chevrolet Cruze set to hit dealerships in mid-September, the chamber “felt it was time to honor [the unions] for all of their hard work and efforts,” said Kim Gonda, the chamber’s vice president of marketing and business services.

“They have been working together for everybody, for the Valley,” she said. “This is very well-deserved.”

Union officials said that cooperation between labor and management at the plant has continued to grow and improve during the Cruze launch.

“We are on the same team,” said Local 1714 president David Green. “Our livelihoods and our futures are connected.”

Jim Graham, president of Local 1112, said the plant is poised for success when the car is officially launched Sept. 8.

“We know how to survive at Lordstown,” Graham said. “Our people recognize the importance of holding on to a product, not just for ourselves but for the entire Valley.”

The Lordstown UAW locals are among four award winners who will be honored at this year’s Salute to Business.

Kim Stefanski, a founder and managing partner of the Youngstown-based law firm Stefanski and Associates, will be recognized as the 2010 Business Advocate of the Year.

As an attorney for V&M Star, Stefanski played an integral role in helping the company to realize its $650 million expansion here, Gonda said. The company is building a new hot-rolling seamless pipe mill, which is expected to employ 350 permanent workers.

Gary Clayman, president of Niles Iron & Metal Co., will be recognized as the 2010 Business Professional of the Year. The company, which has expanded to three locations since its inception in 1917, is an admirable example of sustained business growth and success in the Valley, Gonda said.

The 2010 Non-Profit Professional of the Year award will go to Terry Bishop, the philanthropy manager for the Dominion East Ohio branch of the Dominion Foundation.

While the recession has forced many foundations to cut back contributions, the Dominion Foundation has continued to give generously, particularly in the field of education, Gonda said.

Christopher Connor, chairman and chief executive of Sherwin-Williams Co., is the keynote speaker. The Cleveland-based company, the international leader in the paint and coatings industry, has been recognized for financial excellence and integrity.

Sherwin-Williams has been recognized by Fortune magazine as one of the nation’s top three companies to work for since 2006.

In addition to recognizing the past year’s local business achievements, the Salute to Business breakfast will feature a preview of Youngstown State University’s 2010 football season, presented by head coach Eric Wolford.

County officials also will be on hand to kick off the 164th annual Canfield Fair, which runs Sept. 1-6.

The breakfast, which is open to public, will be from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Mr. Anthony’s in Boardman. Tickets are $25 for Chamber members and $30 for nonmembers.

For reservations, call Jennifer Mascardine at 330-744-2131, ext. 12. The deadline is Saturday.