AGENCY ADDS THREE: Palo Creative, a marketing and advertising agency in Boardman, has added three professionals to its team.

Clancy Pannell joins as web designer, while Bill Jupp steps in as client manager. Additionally, Krystle Kimes joins as client associate.

After serving six years in the military, Pannell pursued a design degree from Kent State University with a minor in marketing. With 12 years of professional experience in design — including eight years in agency work — he specializes in digital design for B2B and B2C clients.

Jupp brings more than 20 years of experience managing marketing strategies across agency and in-house roles. A graduate of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh with a background in 3D animation and web design, Jupp has honed his expertise working with industrial industries, manufacturing and distribution clients ranging from small businesses to enterprise-level organizations.

Kimes brings 15 years of experience as an Emmy-nominated and Ohio Associated Press Award-winning TV news producer. Her expertise in storytelling, combined with in-house marketing experience at a manufacturing company, equips her with a perspective on delivering successful campaigns.

ACQUISITION: Nationwide logistics provider SDS Logistics, headquartered in Boardman, has acquired DSS Logistics, a South Carolina-based 3PL with a strong presence in the Information Technology Asset Disposition (ITAD) industry.

The acquisition strengthens SDS Logistics’ commitment to providing logistics services across the nation, while also enhancing its expertise within the growing ITAD sector. The deal will see Darrell Hogan, an ITAD industry veteran with more than 35 years of experience, join the SDS Logistics leadership team.

“We are thrilled to bring Darrell Hogan and the talented team from DSS Logistics into the SDS family,” said Tom Shapiro, co-founder and CEO of SDS Logistics. “This acquisition allows us to further expand our capabilities and continue to deliver best-in-class services to the ITAD industry. Integrating DSS into our operations is a perfect fit, and we’re excited to leverage their expertise, unique perspectives, and culture of innovation to serve our clients even better.”

The acquisition positions SDS Logistics as a dominant force in the ITAD space, combining industry-leading logistics services with deep expertise in IT asset disposition. By merging resources and talent, the company is poised to provide solutions for its growing client base while maintaining its dedication to high standards of customer service and operational excellence.

NEW ROLE: Victoria Kress, a distinguished professor in Youngstown State University’s counseling program, will be the American Counseling Association’s president in 2026.

She serves on the ACA’s governing council.

“This is a real peak moment for me,” Kress said.

For nearly three decades, she has worked on legislative changes, including securing Medicare reimbursements for counselors, which opened up access to mental health services for older adults.

Her advocacy efforts also include securing positions for counselors in the Ohio Department of Corrections. Though, it’s her advocacy for vulnerable populations, particularly children, that fuels much of her work. As the new ACA president-elect, these goals will remain at the forefront of her agenda, ensuring that counselors continue to serve and protect the most at-risk members of society.

In addition to her work in counseling and advocacy, Kress has been involved in study abroad programs, including a recent trip to Rwanda, where she worked with students in the region. This international experience reflects her broader view of the counseling profession and its impact across global communities.

NEW HIRE: Carrie Johnson has joined DeSalvo Construction Company of Hubbard as its new accounting professional.

Most recently, she served as an office manager at Dark Horse Custom Spreader Trucks & Dark Horse Soil Stabilization, where she played a role in developing accounting procedures, managing payroll and overseeing financial reporting for two startup companies. Prior to that, she held administrative roles at Jubilee Ministries International and Harbor Properties of Christian Family Services.

Johnson holds an associate degree in Accounting from Sawyer Business School.

“Her extensive experience and leadership in financial management will be invaluable as we continue to grow and enhance our operations,” said Joe DeSalvo at DeSalvo Construction.

Johnson will oversee payroll, general ledger management, bank reconciliation and human resources support.

STRATEGY DISCUSSION: The Mahoning-Shenango Valley Chapter of the Exit Planning Institute will present “Strategic Life Planning for Business Owners: Designing Your Future with Clarity” 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. March 27 at Waypoint 4180, Canfield.

Led by Scott Couchenour, a strategy coach, the workshop will guide participants through practical steps to create a well-rounded plan that supports both business and personal aspirations.

Session objectives include clarifying vision and priorities; creating a strategic action plan; optimizing your role and decision-making; leveraging support and resources; and developing a 90-day implementation plan.

The session is for business owners who want to take a proactive approach to their future, ensuring they have a clear plan for what comes next — without pressure, uncertainty or reactive decision-making.

The cost is $40. Attendance is worth three EPI hours. The deadline to register is March 17.

For more information, visit exit-planning-institute.org/events.

HYNES HONORED: Hynes Industries, a leader in advanced roll forming and complementary, custom metal fabrication solutions has been named to Smart Business Network’s 2025 Evolution of Manufacturing list. The award recognizes companies that have successfully leveraged innovation and investment to drive industry-leading growth, efficiency and workforce development.

The company has manufacturing facilities in Youngstown, Painesville and Kokomo, Indiana.

For 100 years, Hynes Industries has been a cornerstone of Midwest manufacturing and today has evolved to serve the demands of high-growth markets such as solar energy, automated material handling, truck / trailer manufacturing and commercial /industrial.

A key milestone in this transformation has been the 2024 integration of an advanced in-line weld mill at its Youngstown facility, the largest single capital investment in company history. This technology enhances production capabilities by enabling the manufacturing of closed-section profiles with superior strength, eliminating costly secondary operations and significantly reducing lead times for customers.

“Hynes Industries has built its reputation on adaptability, precision and customer-centric innovation,” said Rick Organ, president and CEO of Hynes Industries. “The manufacturing landscape is evolving rapidly, and we have embraced that change – not just by upgrading our capabilities, but by investing in the people and processes that drive long-term success in Youngstown, Painesville and Kokomo.”

ONE OF THE BEST: HD Growth Partners, an accounting firm headquartered in Liberty, was recently included in the 2025 Best Remote and Hybrid Workplaces in America rankings, hosted by Best Companies Group.

HD Growth Partners was listed in the top 15 small / medium-sized workplaces in the nation. This recognition highlights their commitment to fostering a workplace culture that empowers its team to thrive.

These awards celebrate excellence in company culture by identifying and honoring outstanding employers across the United States. Companies are evaluated through rigorous data-driven assessments, including employee feedback, workplace policies, and practices.

“We’ve made substantial investments into our infrastructure over the last few years to create a firm of the future and to be recognized for this in such a short period of time shows the quality of the work of our team. I’m extremely proud of what we’ve built and what we continue to build for the future,” Tim Petrey, CEO of HD Growth Partners, said.

SECURITY TALK: BBB Youngstown will present a program about small businesses and IT security noon to 1 p.m. March 19 at Garden Kettle, 8049 Market St., Boardman.

Millie Baldwin, president of Delta Telecom, will be the speaker. She will discuss password management, data backup, phishing awareness and other cybersecurity strategies.

BBB-accredited businesses are invited to attend.

There is no cost to attend, but participants are asked to RSVP by calling 330-744-3111 or email info@youngstown.

PINBALL WIZARDS WANTED: The first-ever Corporate Pinball Challenge and Fundraiser will take place noon to 4 p.m. March 25 at Past Times Arcade, 419 N. State St., Girard.

The team-building event will feature four-person teams representing each participating business. Businesses can have multiple teams.

The fee to register is $200 per team and includes lunch. Each team will play for a charity of their choice, with the tournament champion’s designated organization receiving the proceeds. Players are guaranteed at least eight games.

Awards for the winning team and its participants will be given at the end of the event, which also includes time at the start for networking, practice and lunch. Play will begin around 1 p.m. after a brief overview of the tournament’s format. Trophies will be given to the winning team and its participants.

Ahead of the tournament, on March 25, Past Times Arcade will provide free admission March 15 to tournament participants to practice.

Participants must register by March 19. For more information, visit business.regional chamber.com/events.