Youngstown Business and Professional Association active in 2014

Wrapping up 2014, Youngstown Business and Professional Association Inc. President Cheryl Butera displays with pride a check for $2,225, awarded from the William G. Mayne Jr. Business/Community Enhancement Program. These funds were used for the 2014-15 "Welcome to Youngstown" brochures and also furnished the hanging flower baskets and curbside planters that lined both Main and Lockport streets up to the Youngstown Red Brick Village Center during the summer.

Butera said YBPA plans were realized in other areas, including the refacing of four wooden "Welcome to Youngstown" street signs, which are now seen at entrances to the village proper. During the recent "Christmas in the Village," LED snowflakes and lighted lampposts were added to match those on Main Street continuing down Lockport Street to the village offices, as well as on Main Street to Falkner Park to better enhance the business district.

"Those grant monies were matched with funds from the Village of Youngstown, and with help from the DPW, the YBPA works with the village in showcasing the community," Butera said.

The January meeting of the YBPA will be held Jan. 13 for members and potential members. The meeting will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at Ray's Tavern, 1694 Lake Road. Dinner is available.

 "We will be looking for ideas for '2014 Business of the Year,' " Butera said.

For further information or to RSVP, call 716-745-7989 or email [email protected].