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Salute to Business breakfast
boardman
The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber’s 2014 Salute to Business breakfast honored those who have made a difference in the Mahoning Valley.
More than 350 people from the business community attended the event Thursday morning at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Centre, 7440 South Ave. “I salute and congratulate every person in this room,” said Peter J. Asimakopoulos, chairman of the chamber’s board of directors.
“We have to recognize the people that make a difference,” Asimakopoulos said. By next year’s breakfast, Asimakopoulos said, the Valley will be better off. “The best is yet to come.”
Dr. Jay Gershen, president of Northeast Ohio Medical University in Rootstown, was the keynote speaker. He described how the university has grown using business practices. “We focused on bringing the community in,” he said.
The event began with Craig Myers, president of the Canfield Fair Board of Directors, officially kicking off the 168th Canfield Fair, and Eric Wolford, Youngstown State University’s head football coach, providing a season preview for the Penguins.
Recipients of the 2014 Salute to Business awards were recognized with each providing his or her own take of how their success was shaped.
“I am very honored to be here,” said Thomas Mosure, president and CEO of MS Consultants Inc., who received the award for Business Professional of the Year. Mosure said teamwork was a huge part of his success.
“If you have that passion, you will grow,” added William Kutlick, owner of Kutlick Realty LLC, after he accepted the award for Business Advocate of the Year.
James Sutman, owner of Iron and String Life Enhancement, received the award for Entrepreneur of the Year.
Suzanne Barbati, president of OH WOW! The Roger and Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science and Technology, expressed her gratitude to the community for supporting the nonprofit business.
“You helped us be what we are,” she said.
The Salute to Labor Achievement award went to Jaladah Aslam, a staff representative of the local union AFSCME Ohio Council 8.
“We understand in labor that we need to be part of the solution,” she said.
Also in attendance was Jim Tressel, president of Youngstown State University. Tressel said it was a great opportunity to learn about the community after returning 14 years later.
“I love being back here,” he said.
Tom Humphries, president and CEO of the Regional Chamber, concluded the breakfast on a positive note.
“We do need to tell the nation we’re back,” he said.