ENON VALLEY, Pa. – While Albert “Chip” Abramovic, Forward Lawrence’s new CEO, is still getting to know the community, the 10th annual Impact Awards held Friday at the SNPJ Recreation Center served as an introduction to some of the small businesses, large manufacturers and individuals shaping the region.
The awards highlighted the significant roles honorees have played in economic development and making Lawrence County a better place to live.
“It’s a wonderful community,” Abramovic said. “The people are incredibly passionate, but that passion spurs growth. … I’m really thankful I got the chance to get selected for this.”
Former CEO Benjamin Bush, now the vice president of public policy for the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, was honored with the Excellence in Economic Development Award for the work he has done in the community.
“This award doesn’t really belong to me,” Bush said. “It belongs to everybody, because economic development doesn’t happen in a vacuum.”
Bush said it takes a combination of public and private sectors joining together with a shared vision.
Flowline Division – Ezeflow USA Inc. received an Economic Development Impact Award. President Jeff Burns accepted the award for the company, which has been in Shenango Township for more than 85 years and added 30 more employees and a 20,000-square-foot building in 2025, giving the company more space for new projects, shipping, inspection and testing.
With new U.S. Navy contracts for the submarine and aircraft carrier divisions, Flowline is diversifying.
“Jeff [Burns] has really embraced the industrial heritage of the company that he worked for,” Bush said, touting the addition of new advanced manufacturing technologies there. “I am looking forward to seeing where they take Flowline into the future.”
Weber Catering & Events LLC also received an Economic Development Impact Award. Owned by Michonda Weber, the business has expanded and opened The Venue by Weber Catering & Events in New Castle, Pa., to go along with It’s Sweet, the confections division of the business in Hermitage, Pa., and Weber Catering LLC in New Wilmington, Pa. Weber said opening The Venue has always been part of her dream for the business.
“They’ve built a great local family business over the last 30 years,” Bush said.
Another Economic Development Impact Award went to JBG Kidz Zone. Started by Jeniffer Mangino and her husband, Joe, the 6,400-square-foot facility offers children a three-level play structure, a climbing wall, a kid-propelled swing, an interactive ball pit and a swimming pool.
“When I hear a grandmother come down the slide and laugh or a mom or dad come down and say, ‘Wow that was really fun – let’s go again,’ that lets me know that I’m doing the right thing for this community,” Mangino said.
Wilson Lumber and Building Materials Inc. also received an Economic Development Impact Award.
Ron Wilson purchased a lumber yard in 1985, but several years later, he and his son Tyler decided it needed more space. The Wilsons secured a $2 million low-interest loan through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority and purchased the former New Castle Battery site in Neshannock Township and renovated four industrial buildings totaling 81,000 square feet. The investment exceeded $5 million.
Wilson Lumber includes a showroom for products, a drive-through indoor lumber yard and a new hardware section. While accepting the award, Tyler Wilson called it a two-year journey that started with his crazy idea over some drinks with his father.
Commissioner Dan Kennedy received the Robert L. Del Signore Sr. Award for Leadership in Public Service. Bush said he worked with Kennedy during his time at Forward Lawrence, and he credited the relationship with helping to bring $34 million in economic development grants and several $100 million investment projects to the area.
Forward Lawrence also honored the late Barry Gwin, who opened the now-closed Starwood Rib and Steakhouse more than 45 years ago. Asha Gwin accepted the Transforming Lives Award in honor of her father.
“Barry built more than a restaurant,” said Lisa Beasley, a family friend and former employee. “He built a place where people felt supported, valued and cared for. Many of his employees stayed with him for decades. It speaks volumes about the kind of person he was. … He didn’t just employ people – he gave them a hand up to succeed.”
Amy Stapleton, a banking center manager for WesBanco, received the Sam B. Biasucci Leadership Award for Board Service. Stapleton worked her way up during an 18-year banking career and is currently the president of the United Way of Lawrence County.
Becky Taylor and Amy Love, both branch managers with WesBanco, touted Stapleton for not only caring about her employees but also her community.
During Friday’s event, Forward Lawrence’s new CEO also looked ahead.
“We’re working on extra room for businesses, new business growth, attracting new business,” Abramovic said. “There’s a lot happening right now that’s really, really good, and we’re just trying to take those wins and increase them.”
Pictured at top: Albert “Chip” Abramovic, CEO of Forward Lawrence.