Changes announced at YBPA: Buteras stepping down; planning underway for 2024

By Terry Duffy

Editor-in-Chief

Photos by Kevin and Dawn Cobello, K&D Action Photo and Aerial Imaging

Tuesday marked a time of change for the Youngstown Business and Professional Association.

YBPA members assembled at Ray’s Tavern to hear that Mark and Cheryl Butera, owners of Anchor Spirits in Youngstown – and officers at YBPA since the early 2000s – would be stepping down.

This departure marks a significant chapter for the Buteras, who have held officer posts at YBPA since 2011, as well as for the association that has part of the River Region fabric since its inception in 1976.

The Buteras also announced this week they would be putting their long-held Anchor Sprits liquor store operation up for sale and retiring.

“One of the only sure things in life is change, and change is coming to the Youngstown Business and Professional Association,” the YBPA stated. “After 13 years of volunteer service to the YBPA, Cheryl and Mark are stepping down as officers. The list of accomplishments is long under Cheryl and Mark’s tenure, including a membership growth that started in the teens to currently 79 active members, with 13 new members this past year.”

“It is with dragging, dragging feet that I agreed to do this,” said Melissa Kudel, co-owner of Bandana's Bar & Grill, who announced she has agreed to take over as interim president of YBPA from Cheryl Butera, who held that office for many years.

Member Maggie Steyn agreed to take over Mark Butera’s position, as secretary, on an interim basis.

YBPA announced it is accepting member nominations for the positions of president, vice president, secretary and two board seats.

“They’ve done so much for us,” Kudel said as she pointed to the continuing growth of the YBPA and its promise for the future.

The announcement was one of many made Tuesday, as YBPA’s attention turned to planning for 2024.

Among the many discussion items in planning, YBPA said it would again hold its ever-popular St. Patrick’s Day parade, complete with decorated shopping carts down Youngstown’s Main Street, on Saturday, March 16. Other items included discussions on a local eclipse celebration in the village; the annual Street Dance and Car Cruise set for Thursday, June 20; ideas for YBPA’s participation in the William G. Mayne community grant improvement program; creation of YBPA’s brochure of business and attractions in the River Region; the July Porter on the Lake Summerfest; and YBPA’s yearly recognitions for business of the year and community service members.

For more on the YBPA, its plans and membership opportunities, email [email protected] or visit its pages on Facebook.