Forever Youngstown, 717’s Long Term Commitment

YOUNGSTOWN – 717 Credit Union announced “Forever Youngstown” on Saturday, a $1 million commitment to continue to uplift the downtown small businesses.

During The Open, a music event designed to remind people to patronize the struggling businesses in downtown Youngstown, 717 Credit Union announced it will provide up to $1 million in the form of gift cards supporting downtown businesses.

The Open featured four bands for an outdoor concert at the corner of Federal and Phelps streets last weekend, drawing a crowd back to the downtown bars and restaurants. During the day, Oh Wow! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology offered free admission, the Youngstown Film Festival held screenings, the Youngstown State University and Youngstown Phantoms both played and several theater shows were scheduled.

However, one night is not enough.

“When we began to look at how 717 could help, it was obvious we could make a difference by partnering with the city, JAC Live, our [Regional] Chamber and other leaders who have been such powerful advocates for years,” said 717 Credit Union President and CEO John Demmler. “Being the presenting sponsor of The Downtown Open aligns with our mission to help people live better lives financially and support the communities we serve. But it can’t end with one event. We knew we had to push this one step further to create lasting change.”

For every auto loan refinanced through 717, the credit union will give up to $250 in gift cards for small downtown businesses, many of which were adversely affected over the past four years due to the pandemic, downtown road closures, infrastructure improvements and the natural gas explosion in May.

Businesses interested in participating in “Forever Youngstown” should contact Dorian Smith, 717 senior vice president of business development.

“We want to align ourselves with what our partners at Eastgate Regional Council of Governments, the Chamber, and others are doing to make lasting change and fulfill our purpose of supporting the communities we serve by banking on each other,” Demmler said. “We intend to build upon the ‘Forever Youngstown’ campaign through 2025 with additional ways to give back, so stay tuned.”

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.