SitemapThe Better Business Bureau of the Mahoning Valley unveiled a new logo and branding Thursday during its annual Torch Awards ceremony, but leaders at the organization stressed that the foundation of business trust remains unchanged.
“For over a century, one mark has stood for trust,” a video introducing the BBB’s new branding declared. “The marketplace may be digital, commerce may be global, but trust is still built the same way – one promise kept, one relationship built, one community at a time.”
That message carried through the ceremony at The Lake Club, where businesses, nonprofits and community leaders were honored for demonstrating ethics, integrity and trust in the Mahoning Valley.
John Burgan, BBB board president, credited BBB President Melissa Ames and her staff for elevating the local organization’s standing nationally.
“Because of Melissa and her staff, we are rated in the top 10% in the United States,” Burgan said.
The 2026 Torch Awards for Marketplace Trust were presented to Sweet Memories Vintage Tees, Gordon Brothers Water and Raphael’s School of Beauty Culture. The Canfield Fair Board of Directors received the Torch Award for Civic Leadership, while Habitat for Humanity of Mahoning Valley received the Torch Award for Nonprofit Excellence.
Ames said the stories behind the honorees are an important reminder of the positive work taking place across the region.
“We have amazing businesses here in the valley, but getting to hear their stories is so important, because oftentimes we have a tendency to focus on the bad,” Ames said.
Linda Barton, owner of Sweet Memories Vintage Tees, highlighted the rapid growth of the nostalgia-based apparel and retail business, which has expanded from a 2,500-square-foot storefront into a 25,000-square-foot building.
“There’s a lot more coming down the pipeline,” Barton said, pointing to new licensing agreements and future expansion plans.
Scott Jones, president of Gordon Brothers Water, said the Salem-based company has built its reputation through consistency and integrity over more than 80 years.
“We will continue to build a workplace where people are respected, customers are valued, and doing the right thing always comes first,” Jones said.
Ralph P. Delserone III, owner and president of Raphael’s School of Beauty Culture, thanked both his staff and students while accepting the award.
“I just wanted to say thank you to the community and Raphael’s team,” Delserone said. “And also the students who entrust us with their education, that we’re doing a good job in helping change lives.”
The Torch Award for Civic Leadership went to the Canfield Fair Board of Directors. Board President Steve Moff invited attendees to return to the fairgrounds this summer for a celebration tied to America’s semiquincentennial.
“I’d like to invite you July 3 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country with the fireworks display at the Canfield Fair,” Moff said.
Habitat for Humanity of Mahoning Valley was recognized for its efforts to expand affordable housing opportunities across Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties.
Executive Director David Redig compared the organization’s work to carrying a torch forward.
“Our torch bearers at Habitat are our homeowners, our future homeowners,” Redig said. “These are individuals and families that want to take up the torch for their life for a new future for themselves.”
The BBB also recognized its TrustBuilders, banking institutions that support the Torch Awards and emphasize community partnerships built on trust.
This year, PNC Bank highlighted its relationship with Party On!; Huntington National Bank recognized the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp.; Farmers National Bank highlighted Parks Garden Center; and WesBanco recognized Youngstown Clothing Co.
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