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Gallery: 2023 Salem Area Chamber of Commerce honorees

The 2023 Small Business of the Year Print Works has been a fixture of locally owned business in Salem since 2002. Print Works assists schools, churches, non-profits, businesses and individuals with their copies, invitations, business forms, flyers, banners, signs, magnets, vinyl decals, and graphic design services. Print Works owner Caron Richey is heavily involved in the community, volunteering for the United Local Choir Boosters and Drama Department and serving as a Girl Scouts Co-Leader for 10 years. Richey is also a member of the Winona Friends Church, where she has worked in the children’s ministry assisting with Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and the drama department, Richey is also a member of the Salem Kiwanis club having served as board president and vice president in the past, and has served as the secretary for the club for the last 15 years. Pictured is Print Works owner Caron Richey.
True Value of Salem was named the Large Business of the Year. True Value of Salem provides the community with offerings tailored to its specific needs in contrast to the one-size-fits-all model of larger home improvement chains. True Value supports multiple local organizations, charities, schools, and churches including the chamber, the Beautification Committee, and Salem Community Theater, and supporters of the annual Salem Super Cruise. True Value also supports the Make a Wish Foundation, the Pittsburgh Zoo, the Boys and Girls Club of America, local scout troops, and veterans organizations, and the Humane Society. Pictured from left are Minerva True Value General Manager Matt Kuttler, with Salem Councilman, and True Value employee Dennis Plegge.
The 2023 Non-Profit of the Year United Way Services of Northern Columbiana County is part of a global network of 1,100 local United Ways, which first opened its doors in Salem in 1973 as “The Community Fund Association of Salem, Ohio,” prior to being renamed the “Salem Area United Fund in 1983,” and finally taking its current name in1985 to better reflect the scope of their service area which also includes East Palestine, Columbiana, Leetonia, Lisbon, and Washingtonville. The United Way proved instrumental in supporting those affected by the East Palestine train derailment, remaining on site to support those in need for weeks, all while maintaining their ongoing community outreach and support efforts including collaborating with other United Ways in funding and producing the Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, (ALICE), report that collates federal, state, and local data to show affected households earn more than the federal poverty level, but not enough to afford basics necessities, and provides a framework, language, statistics, and tools for community stakeholders to inform policy and drive innovation. Pictured is United Way Services of Northern Columbiana County Executive Director George Hays.

The 2023 Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen of the Year award was presented to 1956 Salem High School alumni and respected Salem manufacturer John Buta. Buta founded his own engineering firm Butech in 1985 after 28 years in the industry, and has grown since with expansions and acquisitions, becoming Butech Bliss as it is known today in 2005. While Butech Bliss continues to grow and invest within the community, Buta has not been content with only a single business, purchasing the Salem Golf Club earlier this year to prevent its closure, and remains involved in the operations of both businesses daily. Buta has also been heavily involved in his community through his support of, and participation in youth organizations such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, theatrical productions, band boosters, and athletics, as well Salem Rotary, where he has spearheaded the annual Pancake Day fundraiser for seven years. Buta has also served as a board member for various organizations including the Salem Regional Medical Center, the Salem Humane Society, and the Salem High School Community Advisory Board. Pictured from left are Susan Buta, Jock Buta, Gray Buta, Sally Buta, Mike Scott, Rebecca Guappone, Bob Buta and Ewing Buta. (Photos courtesy of Lori Jewell)

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