COLUMBIANA NEWS

Date/Time
Date(s) - 04/04/2025
6:30 pm - 10:30 pm

Location
Best Western Plus Dutch Haus Inn & Suites

Categories

• Chamber of Commerce
• Community

COLUMBIANA CHAMBER ANNOUNCES THE HARVEY AWARDS

The Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 72nd Annual Harvey Awards Banquet on Friday, April 4, 2025 at Best Western Plus Dutch Village Inn & Suites, Columbiana. The Event will recognize Local Citizens and Businesses for Outstanding Contributions in 2024 in the Columbiana Area.

Tickets are limited and include a buffet dinner. Tickets cost $50 per person and $80 per couple or gather a whole group for a $300 table of 8. Cocktails at 6:30 and dinner will begin at 7pm. Reservations can be made by calling the Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce Office at 330-482-3822, or by emailing a request to [email protected].

This year the Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes the following recipients for their service to Columbiana:

Educator of the Year: Jeff Jackson–  Jeff Jackson, recently appointed as Columbiana High School Principal, has demonstrated unwavering dedication to student success throughout his career as Assistant Principal and a middle school math teacher.  As principal, he actively fosters a positive school culture where all students feel included and supported, whether in the classroom, extracurricular activities, or organizations. In a small district with unique challenges, Jeff’s leadership ensures students thrive academically and personally. A true role model for both students and educators, his character and dedication make him an ideal candidate for the Columbiana Chamber’s Educator of the Year.

Young Citizen of the Year: Rebekah Clark– Rebekah is a service-oriented individual whose actions demonstrate care for her school and community. Rebekah  volunteers her time working the Joy of Christmas since her elementary school years, is an active member of the Fairfield Ruritans, serves as a Columbiana City Council Student Liaison and also serves as a student representative on the Columbiana City Tourism Bureau. Service is a big part of  Rebekah’s  life. Rebekah played an integral part when she and her siblings took their summer vacation money and used it to install a swing in Harvey S. Firestone Park for handicapped individuals. Furthermore, Rebekah worked to develop a service at Columbiana High School called “The Hangar,” where students are able to visit in order to acquire prom dresses, hygiene products, or other needed clothing items. To help develop The Hangar, Rebekah  raised funds by parking cars at the First Presbyterian Church, selling Flowers and Candy Cane Grams at Joshua Dixon musical performances throughout the year, and  collaborated with Diva Donations in Boardman. Rebekah has consistently demonstrated her love for her community and others by investing her time and talents in many meaningful endeavors. Currently, Rebekah is enrolled as a full-time college student at Kent State University, majoring in accounting.  In my opinion, Rebekah Clark is extremely worthy of consideration for the Young Citizen of the Year in Columbiana not only for her investment in the community, but also for her desire to better the lives of those around her.

Outstanding Community Service: Jake Ward– Jake Ward is a deserving candidate for the Outstanding Community Service Award due to his unwavering commitment to giving back to the Columbiana community. Though not originally from Columbiana, Jake has made it his home and dedicates his time, resources, and business to supporting those in need. As the manager of The Barbershop of Columbiana, Jake has transformed his business into a hub for community service. He organizes annual back-to-school drives, providing book bags, supplies, and free haircuts for students who may not be able to afford them. His generosity extends to local youth sports, where he donates t-shirts, refreshments, and monetary support for teams across multiple school districts. Additionally, he sponsors fundraising events, donates raffle baskets, and offers free haircuts to veterans and children at community events. Beyond financial contributions, Jake is an active presence at local sporting events, volunteering his time to mentor and support young athletes. His work with The Barbershop Foundation has helped fund Christmas gifts for children in need, and he has contributed to various initiatives, including a suicide prevention golf outing and community appreciation events. Jake’s selfless approach to giving, often working behind the scenes without seeking recognition, makes him a role model for young people. His dedication to improving the lives of others and fostering a strong sense of community sets him apart as an exemplary citizen. Columbiana is fortunate to have someone like Jake, and his impact on the community is both lasting and profound.

Business Person of the Year: Rick Fryda  Rick Fryda is a dedicated leader whose four-decade career at Compco Industries, where he rose from a laborer to President & CEO, showcases his commitment to excellence, innovation, and integrity. Beyond his professional success, Rick has made a profound impact on the community through his leadership in organizations such as Potential Development, where he helped establish a high school program for students with autism, and his involvement with the Counseling Center of Columbiana County, YSU’s Board of Trustees, and the YSU Penguin Club. His philanthropic efforts extend to the United Way, the Salvation Army, and the Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities, reflecting his deep commitment to service. A devoted family man, Rick’s personal experiences have further shaped his compassionate approach to leadership. His dedication to business, community, and family make him a truly deserving recipient of the Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year award.

Business of the Year: STG Communications– STG Communication Services was founded in 2000 as a small wireless infrastructure provider and has since grown into a major player in the telecommunications industry. Under the leadership of Mark Muzzana, who purchased the company in 2006, and partners Chris Jaskiewicz and Jimi Moore, STG expanded significantly, leading to the creation of Advanced Underground Solutions (AUS) in 2023 to meet regional civil contracting needs. The trio also co-own STG Electric and Advantage Video & Marketing, forming the STG Family of Companies. With nearly 200 employees, STG Communications has earned recognition as a 2022 Inc. 5000 honoree for its rapid growth and works with major wireless carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Dedicated to industry advancement, STG founded and sponsors Tough Tower, an annual tower climbing competition promoting telecommunications careers. The company is also deeply involved in the Columbiana community, sponsoring events like the Joy of Christmas Light Show, career fairs, and fundraisers for Dylan’s House, the Mahoning County Special Olympics, and the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center. With a mission of “Building to Improve Lives,” STG continues to expand, creating opportunities for future generations.

Unsung Hero Award: Colleen Welton – As the only paid staff member with the Columbiana Area Meals on Wheels, Colleen Welton ensures 30-40 nutritious meals are delivered to the aged, convalescents, handicapped, as well as others in our community who are unable to provide or prepare meals for themselves, five days a week, 52 weeks a year. In her role as Program Coordinator, Colleen not only picks-up and organizes each meal for delivery, she coordinates the volunteer drivers, purchases extras (often out-of-pocket) and is the “fill-in” driver when volunteers are out of town or otherwise not available. While you may not recognize Colleen by name, you will recognize her as the friendly voice and welcoming face greeting you from “behind the scenes” at the Chamber/Tourism Office where she makes magic happen to ensure that not only 175 meals every week are delivered to those in-need, but that they are delivered with hope, comfort and a side of caring.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT – New Construction: Salem Regional Medical Center (Columbiana Campus)-Salem Regional Medical Center (SRMC), established in 1913, has expanded its services with the opening of the SRMC Surgery & Outpatient Pavilion at Firestone Farms TownCenter in Columbiana in 2024. This 76,600 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility aims to provide convenient, high-quality, and cost-effective outpatient care to the community.

Key features of the Columbiana campus include:

• Advanced Radiology Center (ARC):Located on the first floor, the ARC offers a range of medical imaging services such as 3T MRI, CT scans, 3-D mammography, digital X-rays, ultrasounds, and DEXA scans. Walk-in appointments are available for mammograms, digital X-rays, and DEXA scans.
• Firestone Surgery Center:Situated on the second floor, this center specializes in same-day outpatient surgeries. Initially equipped with two operating rooms and two procedure rooms, there are plans to expand as demand increases.
• SRMC Immediate Care:Located on the third floor, this facility provides walk-in care for minor, non-life-threatening conditions, offering a cost-effective alternative to emergency room visits.

The development of the SRMC Surgery & Outpatient Pavilion reflects SRMC’s commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality for residents in Columbiana and the surrounding regions.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Zhenya Motry- Zhenya Motry, a 23-year-old entrepreneur with a passion for vintage items, opened Columbiana Vintage in July 2024. Located at 111 Columbiana Plaza in Columbiana, Ohio, the store offers a curated selection of furniture, home decor, and collectibles. Motry’s interest in antiques, particularly vintage swung vases and mid-century furniture, has influenced the store’s offerings. The shop has received positive attention since its soft opening, with community members expressing enthusiasm for the unique items available.

Lifetime of Service: Skip Liston- Richard “Skip” Liston is the current Council President of Columbiana, Ohio, serving as a member of the City Council. He has been an active participant in local governance, having run for re-election in November 2023 alongside other candidates. In November 2024, Liston joined fellow council members and city officials in commemorating the 50th anniversary of Columbiana’s city charter, reflecting on the city’s growth and the charter’s role in its development. In February 2025, as Council President, Liston announced plans to review and potentially increase compensation for elected and appointed city officials, with discussions scheduled for the following month.

The Chamber would also like to recognize the amazing milestones reached by local area businesses:

130 years – Columbiana Boiler Co., LLC

115 years – Sitler the Printer, Inc.

80 years – Century Container, LLC

65 years – Humtown 

60 years – Apple Insurance Agency, Inc. 

55 years – Witmer’s Inc

50 years – Ted Williams Enterprises LLC

40  years – Columbiana Meals on Wheels

Lisbon Veterinary Clinic                   

Municipal Signs & Sales Inc

25 years – Custom Coils LLC

Hahlen and Watt Products Inc            

Place for Paws LLC (Paws on Main)

20 years – 1820 Candle Company   

15 years – Zorich Industries, Inc   

10 years – Willows by Wehr

5 years – Salon Anthurium