YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber is seeking nominations for its Family-Owned Business Awards.

The Regional Chamber, along with partners Huntington Bank, HBK CPAs and Consultants, Roetzel & Andress and JFS Wealth Advisors, will honor 16 family-owned businesses at the fifth annual Family-Owned Business Recognition Dinner on Feb. 18 at The Lake Club in Poland. Whitney Haslam Johnson and JW Johnson, managing partners of Haslam Sports Group – owner of the Cleveland Browns –  will be the keynote speakers at the event.

The award categories are:

  • Success in Succession: This award highlights a well-executed and unique succession plan that occurred in recent years. Nominees should emphasize how the deal came together, what factors were driving the deal and how the company is performing afterward.
  • Social Impact Award: This award focuses on a family-owned business that went above and beyond to support the community while leveraging the business. Nominees should show how the business has made a difference to the community in a positive way.
  • Local to National Presence: This award goes to a family-owned business that has managed to develop a national or global presence while remaining family-owned.
  • Growth Story: This award is for a family-owned business that took its enterprise to the next level. This could be a business that creatively changed its business model or experienced phenomenal growth.

Of the 16 honorees, one will be chosen from each category as the recipient of a special award, and all 16 nominees will be highlighted on various forms of social media and in the Regional Chamber’s Valley Business Magazine.

The nomination form is available HERE. Submissions are due by Dec. 16.

The Family-Owned Business Program was designed to help family businesses of all sizes and industries with succession planning, including maximizing value, understanding tax implications and myriad other aspects during the transition of a business. The dinner event showcases the successes and importance of family-owned businesses in the community.