Winners of WRTA 2025 Holiday Lights Awards Announced
5th Annual Event Spotlights Valley Non-Profit Organizations
YOUNGSTOWN — The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Holiday Lights Awards.
WRTA Holiday Lights Awards honor ten non-profits for their outstanding and consistent dedication to the Mahoning Valley community. Award winners will be recognized at a special dinner Monday, November 17, 2025, at the B&O Station Banquet Hall in Youngstown. Each of the winning non-profits will be featured in a shared regional awareness campaign on TV, bus ads, social media marketing as well as WRTA’s giant digital display sign.
“Every year, this event is a highlight for the WRTA, allowing us to give back to those who make the Mahoning Valley a better place to live, 365 days a year,” said Dean Harris, WRTA CEO. “The 2025 winners represent the deep commitment and diversity of service that keeps the spirit of our community bright, long after the holiday lights come down.”
One of the 10 award winners will be chosen Non-Profit of the Year via public vote. The Non-Profit of the Year will receive a custom individual TV advertising campaign from Spectrum Reach, targeted social media campaign from Farris Marketing/StrategiX Social and $1,000 donation from a First National Bank.
Co-chairpersons of the awards are Barb Ewing, Makenna Ozenghar and Josh Aikens.
WRTA 2025 HOLIDAY LIGHTS AWARD WINNERS
ACLD School and Learning Center
A non-profit dedicated to meeting the academic, social, and emotional needs of individuals with learning and/or developmental difficulties. The center provides evaluation, intervention, and advocacy services, with the school offering an effective, all-day education to children with learning problems in grades 1-8 to improve academic success and confidence.
Friends of the Mahoning River
A grassroots alliance working to restore the Mahoning River through clean-ups, paddle events, and advocacy, transforming a once-forgotten waterway into a thriving corridor for recreation and wildlife. This group advocates to improve the quality of the Mahoning River through a strong focus on education, restoration, and recreation. Friends of the Mahoning River work with partners like Trumbull Canoe Trails to remove debris and logjams, ensuring the waterway is safe and enjoyable for recreational visitors. They conduct river cleanups throughout the year, utilizing canoes to enhance the waterway and the recreational experience for all who visit the river.
Game Changers
Their mission is to increase the retention and graduation of high school students through personal and professional leadership and character development. They utilize the GC360 app to monitor student-athlete GPAs, offer a Leadership Summit, and recognize students’ positive community impact through programs like Player of the Week. Game Changers empowers at-risk youth with mentorship, life-skills workshops, and athletic programs that turn obstacles into opportunities and dreams into realities.
Hopewell Theatre
A beloved indie arts venue and meeting place, providing an eclectic mix of entertainment including independent films, live music, and diverse performances in an intimate setting. It fosters community connections by co-presenting events with local cultural organizations and is dedicated to showcasing local talent.
Mahoning Valley Historical Society (MVHS)
Founded in 1875, MVHS collects, preserves, and teaches the history of the Mahoning Valley people, operating the Arms Family Museum and a comprehensive archival library. Founded in 1875, MVHS preserves and shares the Mahoning Valley’s stories through the Tyler History Center, Arms Family Museum, the society offers robust educational programs, local history exhibits, and archival resources for all ages, appealing to historians and genealogists.
OH WOW! (The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology)
Their mission is to foster independent thinking and enrich lives through hands-on exhibits and educational programs rooted in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The center features over 65 interactive opportunities linked to educational content standards for children ages 0 to 14, driving engagement and economic development in the area. Since 2011, OH WOW! has welcomed more than 650,000 visitors to its colorful, hands-on STEM exhibits, igniting curiosity and independent thinking in young minds while anchoring downtown Youngstown’s revitalization.
Silver Lining Cancer Fund
Over 50 years ago, The Fund was started by Dr. Lawrence Pass, an oncologist with the Youngstown Hospital Association in Youngstown, Ohio. A Silver Lining Foundation works to ensure dignified, respectful, and equal access to quality cancer education and services for all, chiefly by ensuring financial circumstance doesn’t prevent access to critical care. This local organization works diligently to raise funds to help cancer patients in the Tri-County Region. All funds raised by The Silver Lining Cancer Fund stay in the Tri-County Region.
Youngstown Area Jewish Federation
The Federation supports the entire Valley through cultural events, senior services, and emergency aid—building bridges of understanding and compassion. Its institutions, including Heritage Manor and Levy Gardens senior living, extend high-quality, compassionate care to a diverse and inclusive population of all faiths and cultures. The Jewish Community Center (JCC) offers health, cultural, and essential outreach programs, such as a vast mobile meal service for hundreds of regional recipients.
The Youngstown Playhouse
For over 100 years, America’s oldest continuously operating community theatre has staged classics and new works, delivered arts education, and forged partnerships that enrich lives with laughter, tears, and wonder. The Playhouse is committed to staging innovative, unique, and accessible theatrical performances of both classic and modern productions. It serves thousands annually and provides a vibrant Youth Theatre Program with a dedication to removing financial barriers to participation.
Youngstown Press Club
The club supports journalists and communications professionals in the Mahoning Valley through educational, social, and charitable initiatives. Critically, it raises funds to provide direct scholarships to local students pursuing journalism and communications degrees, supporting the future of the local profession. A guardian of First Amendment values, the Press Club hosts forums, scholarships, and the region’s premier journalism awards.
ABOUT WRTA
The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) provides no-cost public transportation services throughout Mahoning County, connecting communities, businesses, and essential services for all residents.
Nominate a Local Non-Profit Organization for the 2025 WRTA Holiday Lights Award
NOMINATE A LOCAL NON-PROFIT
Do you know of a local non-profit organization that really helps Valley residents? The WRTA Holiday Lights Award is their chance to shine.
Cast your nomination today using the form below! Hurry, the Deadline is Sunday, October 19, 2025.
ABOUT THE AWARD
The WRTA Holiday Lights Award, launched in 2021, celebrates the incredible non-profit organizations that make the Mahoning Valley brighter every day.
Each year, 12 outstanding organizations are selected from more than 100 nominations. Since its launch, nearly 50 Valley non-profits have been recognized, many seeing a boost in awareness, donations, and community support.
TWELVE NON-PROFITS RECEIVE
- Special Dinner and Award Presentation— Monday, November 17, 2025, at the B&O Station Banquet Hall in Youngstown.
- Awareness Campaign— featured in a shared regional marketing campaign on TV, bus ads, social media and WRTA’s giant digital display sign.
ONE NON-PROFIT RECEIVES EVEN MORE
One of the 12 award winners will be chosen NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR via public vote. That organization will also receive:
- A custom individual TV advertising campaign from Spectrum Reach
- Targeted social media campaign from Farris Marketing/StrategiX Social
- $1,000 donation from a local Valley bank
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Who can nominate a non-profit for this award?
A. Anyone – you may work there, or been helped by them or just have seen their good work.
Q. Can an organization be nominated and/or win more than once?
A. Yes, non-profits can be nominated and win the award multiple times.
Q. What is the deadline for nominations?
A. Sunday, October 19, 2025 – 11:59PM
Q. If my non-profit wins, when will they be notified?
A. Monday, October 27, 2025
NOTE: Nominees will be contacted via email and phone to confirm the details. Watch from emails from gffarris@farrismarketing.com or spvaughan@farrismarketing.com and calls from 330-770-9496 or 330-782-8061. ALSO: A representative of your organization must attend the November 17, 2025 awards event to receive the award.
Thank you for your interest in this event. Nominations are now closed. Check back soon as we will be announcing this year’s award winners.
PAST WINNERS
2024
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2023
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2022
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2021
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WRTA Demonstrates New Safety System
“At WRTA, safety is our top priority. This grant gives us the opportunity to bring the most advanced safety technology available to our fleet, ensuring our passengers, drivers, pedestrians, and community are protected. By investing in these state-of-the-art systems, we’re not just keeping pace with change—we’re leading the way and setting a higher standard for public transit.”— Dean Harris, Executive Director, Western Reserve Transit Authority.
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2025 Canfield Fair Bus Schedule
The 2025 Canfield Fair begins August 27th and WRTA will once again be offering bus service to and from the Fairgrounds. Below is our schedule, also provided as printable download. Remember, riding WRTA is FREE! Enjoy the Fair!
Click here to download a printable PDF
Canfield Fair Route 25 – Boardman Canfield Loop
FROM CANFIELD CIRCLE:
Stay on route 46 to Fairground Blvd Left on Fairground Blvd stop at gate 3 P/U and D/O passengers continue on Fairground Blvd to route 224 Right on 224 continue regular route.
FROM MCCTC ON INBOUND:
Right on route 46 Left on Fairground Blvd stop at gate 3 P/U and D/O passengers continue on Fairground Blvd to route 224 Right on 224 continue regular route.
Closed on July 4th
Please be advised that WRTA will be closed and there will be no bus service on Friday, July 4th in celebration of the holiday.
We here at WRTA sincerely hope that you and your family will have a very happy and safe 4th of July!
Regular bus service will resume on Saturday, July 5th.
Your Opinion Counts!
Help Us Serve You Better! Take This Short Online Survey Now.
Click here to view and complete this 2-minute survey!
WRTA Earns EMPOWER Certification as EV-Friendly Workplace
Clean Fuels Ohio Chairman Presents Certificate at June Board Meeting
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YOUNGSTOWN, OH — The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) proudly announces its designation as an EMPOWER Certified EV Friendly Workplace. This prestigious recognition was formally presented to WRTA leadership by Tom Bullock, Chairman of Clean Fuels Ohio during the Board of Trustees meeting on June 26, 2025. Mr. Bullock attended the meeting to present the certificate to WRTA’s Board of Trustees and Chief Executive Officer acknowledging WRTA’s commitment to fostering electric vehicle (EV) accessibility and promoting sustainable workplace practices. |
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The EMPOWER Certification highlights WRTA’s leadership in supporting employee and public EV charging infrastructure, developing EV-friendly policies, and actively contributing to clean transportation initiatives in the Mahoning Valley.
“This certification reflects WRTA’s dedication to environmental stewardship and advancing clean energy transportation solutions,” said WRTA Chief Executive Officer, Dean Harris. “We are proud to create a workplace that embraces sustainable practices and supports the growing use of electric vehicles.”
“WRTA continues to lead by example when it comes to sustainable transportation,” said WRTA Board President, Anthony Stratis. “This recognition reflects our ongoing efforts to support EV infrastructure, reduce emissions, and invest in a cleaner future for the Mahoning Valley.”
Clean Fuels Ohio’s EMPOWER program recognizes employers who make meaningful investments in EV infrastructure and encourage the adoption of electric mobility among their workforce and the community.
“We commend WRTA for taking steps now to use advanced transportation technology that saves money and improves air quality. By being among the first, they’ll save more money, sooner, for customers and employees,” said Tom Bullock, Board President of Clean Fuels Ohio. “WRTA’s leadership sets a strong example for organizations throughout Ohio.”
WRTA continues to prioritize clean energy initiatives, including transitioning their fleet of gasoline & diesel buses to zero emission, battery electric buses and enhancing EV charging availability, reinforcing its role as a regional leader in sustainable public transportation. ##
WRTA’s 2025 Small Business of the Year Announced!
Pictured above are this year’s Top 12 Small Businesses
Last Wednesday, (April 30th), WRTA held it’s 4th annual “Give Small Biz a Lift” event and it was well-attended. The awardees and their families along with WRTA staff, Sponsors and Campaign Co-Chairs gathered to celebrate this year’s event. This annual event honors local, small businesses that exemplify entrepreneurship and the Valley’s work ethic.
The 2025 WRTA Top Twelve Small Businesses:
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2025 Small Business of the Year
New to this year’s event is the “Small Business of the Year,” and this year’s winner was J.E. Washington Funeral Services. They’ll receive a $3,000 TV Advertisement package from WKBN, a $4,000 Social Media Marketing package from StrategiX Social, and a $1,000 “Business Booster” check from First National Bank.
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| Brandan Washington and Rev. Lewis W. Macklin II, accepting their “Business Booster” check from Dan Segool, First National Bank. |
Thanks to our Co-Chairs and Sponsors!
WRTA would like to thank our Campaign Co-Chairs, Atty. Nicholas Cerni, Daniel Procopio (Product Manager at CBC Global), and Rob Zabel (President of Zabel’s Restaurant Equipment and Supplies).
Thank you also to our generous sponsors, Adsposure, Business Journal, First National Bank, StrategiX Social, and WKBN.
Voting has closed for Small Business of the Year
WRTA 2025 TOP TWELVE SMALL BUSINESSES
Selected by a panel of business and community leaders from more than 100 nominations. These businesses will be honored April 30, 2025 at a special event.
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Thank you for your interest. Voting has now closed. The WRTA 2025 SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR winner will be announced on April 30th. Stay tuned! |
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2025 WRTA Give Small Business a Lift Campaign Has Begun. Nominate Your Business
Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) has announced the start of the WRTA Give Small Business A Lift campaign. The campaign, now in its fourth year, promotes and honors local small businesses, their owners and employees.
WRTA provides transportation for the workforce of many of local businesses and wants to recognize and support their efforts.
More than 200 Valley businesses have participated in the first three years of this event.
Dean Harris, WRTA Executive Director said, “We cannot overstate how important small business is to our local and national economy. But starting a small business also seems to take a special sort of grit and determination that exemplifies what America is all about.”
NOMINATE YOUR ORGANIZATION TO BE RECOGNIZED AS A 2025 TOP TWELVE SMALL BUSINESS
12 local small businesses that exemplify the Valley’s entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic will be chosen by a panel of fellow business and community leaders and recognized as a 2025 TOP TWELVE BUSINESS
Does Your Business Qualify?
In order to be eligible to be recognized as a 2025 TOP TWELVE BUSINESS, your organization must qualify for the campaign. The qualifications are:
OPERATE AS A BUSINESS – Your organization must be an operating business as defined by the State of Ohio as a sole proprietorship, general partnership, limited liability company (LLC), S Corporation or C Corporation. Non-profits do not qualify unless they operate as a business and sell a product or service.
LOCATION -Your businesses must be located in or border Mahoning County.
COMPLETE THE FORM –The short entry form below must be completed by an owner or authorized officer/manager.
COMMUNICATE – You must answer your phone and reply to emails.
ENTER BY DEADLINE — Nominations are being accepted now through Monday, April 14, 2025.
ATTEND THE AWARD EVENT APRIL 30, 2025 – If your business is selected, you must attend the award event in order to receive the award and the benefits.
NON-PROFITS DO NOT QUALIFY* Non-profit organizations do not qualify unless they sell something to the public as part of their regular ongoing operations. WRTA honors non-profit organizations during the annual HOLIDAY LIGHTS campaign each November and December . If you represent a non-profit, please nominate your organization for that campaign.
Twelve Businesses will be chosen, honored and promoted as a 2025 TOP TWELVE SMALL BUSINESS
AWARD NIGHT — The twelve businesses will be notified and honored at the kickoff event on Wednesday April 30 at Lariccia Community Center in Boardman Park.
The twelve featured businesses will be honored at April 30 kickoff event and then receive promotion with a 90-day marketing campaign that includes
- Advertising on the giant WRTA digital sign at Federal Station
- Bus Advertising
- TV Advertising
- Social Media
As Part of the Give Small Business a Lift Campaign, one of the Top Twelve Businesses will be selected by vote as the 2025 Small Business of the Year. This business will receive custom individual campaigns including
- A 90-day TV campaign donated by WKBN TV
- A 13-week Social Media Campaign donated by Farris Marketing/StrategiX Social.
Campaign Timing
The three-month-long promotion of the twelve featured businesses is scheduled will start May 1, 2025. Some of the past winners have indicated this has reported substantial increases in sales from this campaign.
WRTA encourages all small businesses in the county to apply — even if the business applied previously.
