YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber and Ohio Chamber of Commerce on Thursday announced the expansion of a program that provides business leaders with professional development and networking opportunities into the Youngstown-Warren region.
The program, the CEO Forum, is a peer-to-peer network for middle-market companies in Ohio that connects C-suite business leaders in peer groups (PODs) to foster collaboration and education, as well as provide access to knowledge and research and data analysis on the middle-market economy.
Each POD provides a structured, confidential space to share challenges, seek advice and gain actionable insights concerning leadership and the workplace.
Participants will take part in monthly meetings that feature four modules: strategic agility, scaling business and entering new markets, change management and access to capital. Each meeting is facilitated by – and the modules contain asynchronous content from – faculty members of The Ohio State University’s Max M. Fisher College of Business. The program also partners with the National Center for the Middle Market on research, data and economic trends.
“The Mahoning Valley has a disproportionate number of baby boomer CEOs and business owners. We want new CEOs and future CEOs to receive the executive coaching offered by the Fisher College of Business and National Center for the Middle Market so we cultivate the best corporate leaders right here in the Valley,” said Guy Coviello, Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber president and CEO. “We are blessed to have forged a strong collaborative arrangement with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. It enables us to provide tremendous resources for Valley businesses.”
The program is a “game-changer,” said Robert Shenton, executive director of the CEO Forum.
“By expanding into the Youngstown region, we’re creating new opportunities for executives to connect in structured PODs, gain valuable insights through executive education and access the combined powerful resources of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber,” Shenton said. “This reinforces our commitment to fostering business growth, innovation and executive excellence throughout the state.”
Steve Stivers, president and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, added: “We set out to create a peer-to-peer network uniquely designed for middle-market companies – one that empowers C-suite leaders to sustain success and accelerate growth. The CEO Forum brings this vision to life, fostering high-impact collaboration, executive education and strategic executive support. We are thrilled to expand this transformative opportunity to the Youngstown area, strengthening leadership and business growth in the region.”
The CEO Forum will be introduced to the Youngstown-Warren region at the Regional Chamber’s annual Family-Owned Business Recognition Dinner, which will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 27 at The Lake Club, 1140 Paulin Road, Poland.
At the event, Shenton and Stivers will participate in a discussion about the CEO Forum and its importance to the business community. Tim Petrey, CEO of HD Growth Partners, will lead the discussion.