Nominations Open for 5th Annual Small Business Awards
Nominate your business to win marketing, recognition and a cash prize.
Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) is once again recognizing and honoring entrepreneurs and business owners of the Valley. The entry portal for its fifth annual WRTA Small Business Awards is now officially open and accepting nominations.
“Small business is the backbone of America and of the Mahoning Valley.” — Dean Harris.
“Small business is the backbone of America and of the Mahoning Valley.” says Dean Harris. “They take the risks and get little recognition. Yet, while large corporations get the headlines, small business quietly employs more than half of the local workforce.” Harris added: “We’re proud to transport the workforce of these businesses. Now we can help them get the recognition they deserve and create some awareness of what they offer.”
| The WRTA Small Business Awards — now in its fifth year — promotes and honors local small businesses, their owners and employees. Local small businesses that exemplify the Valley’s entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic will be chosen by a special panel and recognized at Thursday May 28, 2026 at the B&O Station Banquet Hall in Youngstown.
Winners receive an award and dinner, recognition from the State of Ohio plus a shared 90-Day Marketing Campaign with TV, Bus Advertising and Social Media. Award Winners automatically qualify to win the WRTA 2026 Small Business of the Year. This winner will receive a separate six month marketing campaign and $1,000 cash prize. |
 |
Nominate your business now for consideration to win the 5th Annual WRTA SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS. Just complete the short entry form below by May 14, 2026.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Entries are accepted until midnight May 14, 2026. Entries are reviewed by our panel of local volunteers who vote to determine the award winners. You could be contacted with a follow up questions if needed.
Award winners are notified by email between 3 and 5pm on May 15. You must reply within 24 hours and confirm your acceptance of the award and attendance at the awards event. If your reply is not received within 24 hours, we will contact the next runner up. Only those who confirm via email within 24 hours will receive the award.
Notification emails will come from George Farris, CEO of Farris Marketing/StrategiX Social. Farris Marketing produces the awards campaign for WRTA.
WATCH FOR AN EMAIL FROM: gffarris@FarrisMarketing.com or a TEXT from 330-770-9496
Check spam filters if you do not see an email from that address. You can also email George questions.
On Sunday, May 17, confirmed winners will be listed on WRTAonline.com, on WRTA social media and will be sent to the press. If you did not win, you will receive an email asking you to try again next year.
Best of Luck to You!
 |
2025 WRTA SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS
|
Bringing Our Brand to the Next Level
Mural artist Pat McGlone applies the base color to WRTA’s 52-ft high digital sign tower. The sign tower located at Federal Station, WRTA’s transit center located at 240 West Federal Street in downtown Youngstown. WRTA is undergoing an “brand refresh” with a new look, colors, logo and tagline.
Wrta Federal Station Sign Tower to Be Painted Local Mural Artist
Patrick McGlone & Crew Begin 3-day Project 10am Tuesday April 28
YOUNGSTOWN -The iconic sign tower at WRTA’s transit center at 340 West Federal Street in downtown Youngstown, standing 52 feet tall and featuring three giant video screens, is getting a new look.
“It’s a special sign and it deserves a special approach to redesign.” said WRTA’s CEO Dean Harris. “Entering downtown from Mahoning Avenue, it’s the first thing you see. We want to make sure that first impression of downtown is a good one.”
To help create that special look, WRTA asked muralist Patrick McGlone to handle the job. McGlone is best known for his building murals in downtown Youngstown and the Southern Park Mall.
The sign will feature WRTA’s updated branding including the updated logo and the curving highway design. Several times during the project, the process is expected to be on Facebook Live.
Patrick McGlone and his crew will begin the 3-day project Tuesday April 27. McGlone says the painting will begin at the top of the sign, which is nearly five stories high and then move downward.
March Board Meeting Cancelled
Please be advised that the March Board of Trustees Meeting set for Thursday, March 26 at 9:00 a.m. has been cancelled.
WRTA’s 2025 annual report
WRTA’s 2025 annual report is published and ready for your viewing.
|
|
Click on this link and check it out today! |
WRTA Unveils Refreshed Branding and Positioning
Forward-Motion Logo and “Going Your Way” Tagline Signal New Era of Economic Impact for Mahoning Valley
YOUNGSTOWN, OH – This coming Monday, the Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) will introduce its refreshed branding and positioning. WRTA, Youngstown’s fare-free transit authority is using the branding update in part to emphasize the authority’s commitment to serving as the region’s primary engine for workforce mobility.
The new logo—featuring a sleek bus outline with a bold arrow cutting through the “A” in WRTA—is designed to symbolize forward motion toward economic development and equality.
“Our new look and positioning is a promise to the Mahoning Valley,” said Dean Harris, Chief Executive Officer of WRTA. “When we say we are ‘Going Your Way,’ we mean we are aligned with the personal and financial goals of our riders. Whether that goal is keeping a steady job, attending a medical appointment, or simply having more money for groceries, WRTA is the vehicle that gets them there—at zero cost to the rider.”
THE $3 MILLION LOCAL ECONOMIC BOOST
While WRTA provides an average of more than 7,000 rides a day — more 2 million rides annually — the true economic story lies in the daily consistency of its service. By providing free transportation 6 days a week, WRTA acts as a localized wealth-builder, removing financial barriers for the thousands of passengers who rely on the system every day.
WRTA used to charge $1.25 per ride. The zero fare model puts an estimated $750 back into each rider’s pocket annually for the approximate 3,500 regular passengers who use WRTA. Collectively, this injects almost $3 million back into the local economy as riders spend those savings at Mahoning Valley grocery stores, pharmacies, and small businesses.
But that’s just one aspect of WRTA’s efforts to assist local economic development. Others include:
Workforce Stability: WRTA provides the reliable “bridge” between local employers and their staff. By removing the “transportation barrier,” WRTA helps businesses retain employees who might otherwise struggle with the high costs of car ownership or rising fuel prices.
Healthcare Access: With thousands of daily trips dedicated to medical care, WRTA significantly reduces the “no-show” rate for local healthcare providers, saving the regional medical system hundreds of thousands in lost productivity and administrative overhead.
“Going Your Way” – More Than a Tagline
The forward-pointing arrow in the new logo represents the upward mobility that transit provides. In a region where owning a car can be a financial burden, WRTA ensures that every resident has a path forward.
“Every time a passenger boards a WRTA bus for free, they are taking a step toward financial stability,” Harris continued. “The arrow in our new logo points toward the future of the Mahoning Valley—a future where mobility is a right, and where we are always going your way.”
The new branding will begin appearing on vehicles, signage, and digital platforms starting this Monday and gradually be worked across all platforms throughout this year and next.
WRTA continues to offer fixed-route and on-demand scheduled services across Mahoning County Monday through Saturday. More information is available on the transit’s website www. WRTAonline.com.
##
February Board Meeting Cancelled
Please be advised that the February Board of Trustees Meeting set for Thursday, February 26 at 9:00 a.m. has been cancelled.
Severe Weather Forces Suspension of Bus Service
No WRTA Fixed Route or Scheduled Transit Service Available Monday.
To ensure public safety during current weather conditions, the Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) has suspended all fixed-route and scheduled services for Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.
WRTA expects to resume normal operations on Tuesday, Jan. 27, provided road conditions improve. However, riders should still prepare for potential delays as service stabilizes.
Riders can get updates on the MyStop mobile app. If you do not already have this app, you can download it free on most phones.
The safety of our riders, employees, and the community is our highest priority. We appreciate your patience and encourage everyone to monitor WRTA’s website, the MyStop mobile app and social media channels for real-time updates.
##
Severe Weather May Cause Disruption of Bus Service Monday January 26
Due to an incoming winter weather storm expected to impact the region over the weekend, Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) is advising passengers to anticipate the possibility of suspended, disrupted, and delayed services beginning Monday and potentially continuing into Tuesday.
WRTA will continue to monitor road conditions and prioritize the safety of passengers, operators, and the community. Service adjustments may occur based on weather severity and roadway conditions.
Passengers are strongly encouraged to download and use the MyStop mobile app for real-time bus tracking and service alerts. Updates will also be posted on WRTA’s official social media channels as conditions evolve.
WRTA appreciates the public’s patience and understanding as we work to provide safe and reliable transportation during inclement weather.
For the latest updates, please follow WRTA on social media or check the MyStop app.
ACLD School and Learning Center Named 2025 Non-Profit Organization of the Year
Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) asked the public to vote for their selection of the 2025 Holiday Lights Non-Profit of the Year and it responded with record numbers of votes. Most of those votes went to ACLD School and Learning Center located on Wood Street in Youngstown.
BACKGROUND
Ten exceptional local nonprofit organizations were recently chosen by a selection committee as winners of the 2025 WRTA Holiday Lights Award for non-profit organizations. These organizations were honored at a special awards dinner Monday November 17th, for their outstanding and consistent dedication to our community.
The public was asked to vote for one of those organizations as Non-Profit of the Year. They chose ACLD School and Learning Center
“We want to congratulate ACLD School and Learning Center for winning the Non-Profit of the Year. ACLD and its people, starting with Executive Director, Erica Brown Fire, do a truly amazing work which often goes unnoticed by the public.” said Dean Harris, CEO of WRTA. “Hopefully, this award will help them build support for their mission.”
WINNER REWARDS
As Non-Profit of the Year, ACLD School and Learning Center receives a comprehensive package of marketing and financial support designed to significantly amplify their reach and impact. This incredible prize includes:
• A TV Advertising Campaign provided by Spectrum Reach.
• Bus Advertising across the WRTA fleet courtesy of ADsposure.
• Social Media Marketing campaign and direction from Farris Marketing/Strategic Social.
• A $1,000 donation from First National Bank.
##
