YOUNGSTOWN – The Better Business Bureau serving Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties announces the 2026 Torch Awards for Marketplace Trust. The event celebrates BBB Accredited Businesses and leaders that exemplify BBB Standards for Trust.

The Torch Awards will be held on Thursday, May 21, at 11:30 a.m. at The Lake Club. Lindsey Watson of WKBN will host the event.

BBB will also award area high school students the Ethics and Integrity Scholarships sponsored by Farmers Trust Company and BBB. Scholarship applications can be found at bbb.org/youngstown.

The Torch Awards are made possible due to the support of the BBB TrustBuilders, a group of banking institutions in our Valley with long-term commitments to earning and keeping the public’s trust. Dedicated to the growth and vitality of the Valley, these banks make loans that help small businesses and individuals achieve economic success and financial security. They invest in trust-building and strengthen our community through civic involvement and volunteerism. financial education, and sound operating principles. BBB TrustBuilders include PNC Bank, Farmers National Bank, and Huntington Bank.

The TrustBuilders enable the Better Business Bureau to present other outstanding businesses and individuals in the Valley with Torch Awards, honoring them for business practices based on a dedication to trustworthiness and volunteer service to our Valley.

Local winners include:

Torch Award for Marketplace Trust

Sweet Memories Vintage Tees

Gordon Brothers Water

Raphael’s School of Beauty Culture

Torch Award for Civic Leadership

The Board of Directors for the Canfield Fair

Torch Award for Nonprofit Excellence

Habitat for Humanity of Mahoning Valley, Inc.