WRTA Announces Winners of 2026 Small Business Awards
Award Presentations and Announcement of Small Business of the Year will be held Thursday May 28 at B&O Station Banquet Hall
Youngstown —The 5th Annual WRTA Small Business Awards competition attracted entries by more than 70 Valley small businesses. Chosen by a panel of business leaders, winners receive recognition by Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA), Gov DeWine and the State of Ohio, as well as a shared marketing program designed to build awareness.
“Small businesses aren’t just part of the economy — they ARE the Valley’s economy. They quietly employ the majority of our local workforce. “ says Dean Harris, CEO of WRTA. “Taking this night to honor small business is a way to acknowledge that when small business thrives the entire Valley moves forward.”
Harris continued: “For WRTA, supporting small business means being reliable — whether it’s getting a mechanic to the shop or a baker to a kitchen — we see our ourselves as a partner in their daily operations. If we could make the commute easier for their employees and customers, we’ve done our job in keeping this region’s economic engine running.”
“Small businesses aren’t just part of the economy – they ARE the Valley’s economy. They quietly employ the majority of our local workforce.” — Dean Harris, CEO of WRTA
2026 WRTA SMALL BUSINESS AWARD WINNERS
36 Chambers Jiu-Jitsu Academy — Located on Market Street in Boardman, 36 Chambers Owner Tom Scala says Jiu-jitsu nurtures qualities that make our area great: perseverance and resourcefulness.
Brilliant Cleaning Service — Woman-owned Brilliant Cleaning Service is celebrating 10 years in business in 2026. Theresa Viviano is the owner of the Boardman-based company.
Evo Eco — Owned by Andrew Grueber, Evo Eco is an industrial environmental service company based in Youngstown serving businesses, landfills, and municipalities.
Legacy Tire and Auto Repair — Mary Rogenski, the woman owner in a male dominated industry is proud of the 45 years her firm has been serving the Valley from it’s Mahoning Avenue location.
Paladin Brewing— John and Abby Chandler, owners of this 11-year old firm, on Mahoning Avenue seek to create real community impact with welcoming gatherings that help neighbors connect.
Sky Roofing — Owned by Matt Estephan, Sky is celebrating its 25th year in business. The Canfield-based firm has grown from a single Valley office to providing services across Ohio.
WINNERS CAN WIN MORE
The six award-winning companies can also complete a detailed questionnaire and enter the competition for the title of WRTA SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR. That honor earns the business a custom TV advertising campaign from Spectrum Reach, a social media marketing campaign from Farris Marketing/StrategiX Social and a business booster check for $1,000 from Platt Insurance/Auto Owners Insurance. The winner of that competition will be honored at the Awards Dinner.
