Shenango Chamber Begins 2017 with New Focus, Staff

SHARON, Pa. – The Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce enters 2017 with a new focus on promoting, supporting and expanding quality-of-life amenities in the Shenango Valley. As part of that focus, the chamber has added a new outreach coordinator, a new logo and new events, reports Sherris Moreira, executive director of the chamber.

“The quality of life paradigm is a more modern approach to economic development,” Moreira said. “A focus on building up lifestyle amenities in our region helps attract and retain talented workforce and draw new business to our area.”

Among the chamber’s goals are developing and supporting a food renaissance, tech and entrepreneur opportunities, outdoor recreational events and green-friendly attractions, Moreira said.

In addition, the new direction includes the creation of a new outreach coordinator position recently filled by Mandy Shina of Austintown, Ohio. Shina previously worked with both the Youngstown State University Foundation and the Youngstown Warren-Regional Chamber.

“Mandy brings a passion for community development and a level of professional business experience that is a great asset to the Shenango Valley Chamber,” Moreira said. “Her role in creating new events, supporting our current events and working more closely with our members to assist them in business promotion and growth is all part of the new direction the chamber is taking.”

An updated Shenango Valley Chamber logo also reflects the new direction, Moreira said. With the addition of the Shenango River as well as an updated tagline – “Building our Future Together” – the logo speaks to a more modern approach with the community, Moreira explained.

“When people see it, we want them to see the river which flows easily between our municipalities and the green trees, which reflect Buhl Park – our diamond of a green space in the center of our valley, along with city buildings reflecting business growth,” she said.

The chamber will kick off 2017 with its Shenango Valley Forecast Breakfast Jan. 31 at Avalon at Buhl Park in Hermitage. The program will include a joint presentation with business and community stakeholders sharing their plans for 2017. Registration and networking will begin at 8 a.m., with a buffet breakfast beginning at 8:15 a.m. and the presentations from 8:35 a.m. to 9:25 a.m. Cost to attend is $25.

That event will be followed Feb. 11 by the inaugural Business & Recreation Expo at the Park Inn by Radisson in West Middlesex. The expo will be held collaboratively with the Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce.

The event, which is open to the public, will feature traditional businesses alongside recreational organizations and companies to draw wider attendance at the event. Held on Valentine’s Day weekend, it will also include a chocolate fountain and photo booth to provide more interactive fun and involvement with the community.

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