YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – We conclude our commemoration of The Business Journal’s 40th anniversary by reflecting on people and events associated with the milestones of 2024.

The May 28 natural gas explosion at what was the Realty Tower is unquestionably the defining event of the year for Youngstown and plays a central role in two of our year-in-review stories.

First is the resolve of downtown businesses in the wake of the explosion. This is exemplified by chef and entrepreneur Mark Canzonetta, whose restaurant was forced to close for four months. Instead of calling it quits and leaving town, he invested $250,000 to renovate, reinvent and reopen as Casa di Canzonetta. 

The explosion also inspired coverage of property acquisitions and rehabilitations the Western Reserve Port Authority secured under its executive director, Anthony Trevena. In the aftermath of the devastation, the port authority moved to acquire two office buildings as part of an effort to stabilize downtown.

Other year-in-review stories view the milestone of the 100th anniversary of the Youngstown Playhouse through the eyes of its executive director as we examine local theater. We interviewed Youngstown State University President Bill Johnson about his first year  and tracked the ascent of the city of Columbiana under its city manager, Lance Williams.

We also are recognizing impact makers whose accomplishments are largely unknown. The result is this edition’s Impact Makers section (pages 50-63). We are grateful to our readers for nominating leaders who are passionate about their work, co-workers and community.  

Now we turn our attention to growth in 2025, first by unveiling our new website. As is our custom, we’re seeking story information and advertising that will appear in our January and February Growth Reports. And we’re preparing new editorial features that will join favorites such as Repopulation and Workforce Development, and What’s in a Name?

Chief among them is Next Generation of Leadership. Exclusive content will include resources for Generation X and an event where their voices will be heard.

We invite your organization to become our partner and help us to build business, industry and community.