By Melissa Ames
President & CEO, Better Business Bureau of the Mahoning Valley Inc.
The Better Business Bureau of the Mahoning Valley entered its 51st year of service by continuing to fulfill its vision of connecting trusted businesses with local buyers.
At its annual meeting of accredited businesses in December 2025, BBB announced it had provided more than 343,000 instances of service to users in 2025 – an increase of 16,000 over 2024.
In 2025, BBB delivered more than 334,000 business profiles on companies located in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties. BBB also assisted with 800 dispute resolutions, directly connected buyers to businesses through 1,100 Get A Quote requests, facilitated 800 BBB Customer Reviews and handled more than 5,100 phone calls.
BBB Youngstown also launched its Grow With Google program. Through this initiative, BBB accredited businesses receive free access to Google career certificates and AI courses in high-growth fields such as cybersecurity, data analytics, UX design and digital marketing –no degree or prior experience required. This program offers businesses an affordable opportunity to upskill their workforce.
In May 2025, BBB hosted its annual Torch Awards for Marketplace Trust. Each year, BBB honors local Accredited Businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals who demonstrate a commitment to building trust and operating with integrity. The 2025 honorees included Columbiana Veterinary Associates, SenSource, Berk Enterprises, nonprofit Potential Development and individual Diane Sauer. The Torch Awards are supported by BBB TrustBuilders, a group of local banking institutions with long-term commitments to earning and maintaining public trust, including PNC Bank, Huntington, Farmers National Bank and WesBanco.
During the Torch Awards ceremony, BBB and Farmers Trust Co. also awarded the Ethics & Integrity Scholarships. These scholarships are presented to high school seniors affiliated with BBB accredited businesses. Each applicant submits an essay describing what ethics and integrity mean to them. The 2025 scholarship recipients were affiliated with All Star Auto Group, Aqua Ohio, Dearing Compressor & Pump and The Body Shop of Niles. This year’s scholarship application deadline is May 1, and applications are available at bbb.org/Youngstown.
BBB also launched the Aging With Trust guide, designed for older adults seeking resources that prioritize trust. The guide includes information on hiring trusted contractors and tips for avoiding scams. The Aging With Trust guide is available at bbb.org/Youngstown, or by calling 330 744 3111 to request a mailed copy.
Pictured at top: BBB Torch Award winners from left, Riley Burke of Berk Enterprises, Diane Sauer, Joe Vacarelli and Kevin Stefko of SenSource, Paul Garchar of Potential Development, Dr. Ralph Urbsan of Columbiana Veterinary Associates and BBB President Melissa Ames at the 2025 Torch Awards for Marketplace Trust.
