Through their success in the automobile industry, the Greenwood Family of companies have become synonymous in the Mahoning Valley with heartfelt devotion and commitment to their employees, customers and community. For over 40 years, Greg and Alice Greenwood have been committed to upholding this commitment through their relentless devotion to the community, serving as a constant reminder of the core values the Greenwood dealerships were built upon: Respect, Trust, Honesty, Loyalty and Professionalism.
As President of Greenwood Chevrolet in Austintown and Greenwood’s Hubbard Chevrolet in Hubbard, Greg continues the proud family legacy of selling and servicing General Motors cars and trucks in the Youngstown area along with the over 150 full time team members who work for the Greenwood organization.
The Greenwood family along with their team members are powerful agents for philanthropy and community contribution, supporting the American Red Cross Lake to River Council where Greg was an active board member and the master of ceremonies for their annual Hero’s event. In addition, Greenwood dealerships are loyal supports of diverse agencies and events such as Austintown Fitch Schools, the Panerathon annual fund raiser for Breast Cancer research and awareness, the American Heart Association’s Annual Heart Ball, Hospice of the Valley, the Boys and Girls Club of Youngstown, The Youngstown YMCA, the Mercy Health Foundation and Joanie Abdul Breast Cancer center, The Mt. Calvary Sons of Thunder Football Team and the Alpha Christian youth leagues, the Ursuline Sisters HIV Ministries, the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley, Akron’s Children’s Hospital Telethon, the Butler Institute of American Art and Youngstown State University.
Greg, Alice, and the Greenwood family of dealerships, are passionately involved in and support of The United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley and The Trumbull County United Way. Through their leadership’s gifts, sponsorships and 11th consecutive year donating a vehicle to be given to a local donor who contributes to support their respective United Way through local workplace campaigns, both Alice and Greg know the only way our community will thrive is if we all live united.
Greg and Alice are also involved in higher education philanthropy, as they have established and endowed three higher education scholarships. The first is the Kevin O’Brien Kelly Scholarship, administrated by the Marietta Community Foundation, in honor of Alice’s younger brother who hailed from Marietta and attended Ohio University. The second is The Greg and Alice Greenwood Scholarship at Ohio University, focusing on needs-based college bound students from Ohio. Finally, The Greg and Alice Greenwood Scholarship at Youngstown State University, which focuses on needs-based women and minorities in the pursuit of S.T.E.M degrees. Providing an opportunity for people to excel in the classroom is the first step to providing them an opportunity to achieve professional accolades, as the Greenwood dealership continually demonstrate.
The Greenwood dealerships are perennially recognized by General Motors as outstanding sales and customer satisfaction performers. For more that 2 decades, the Greenwood dealerships have received the GM Mark of Excellence, as well as being recognized as a Chevrolet Dealer of the Year. In additional, their performance in “going the extra mile” for their customers extends to leaving a “greener” footprint on our environment as Greenwood Chevrolet in Austintown and Greenwood’s Hubbard Chevrolet are two of the first three GM Dealerships in the state of Ohio and the ONLY dealerships in the Mahoning Valley to achieve the General Motors Green Dealer Award for environmental responsibility and leadership. The Greenwood Dealerships have continued to follow the example of both Greg and Alice in selflessly giving of themselves to create a better experience for their customers, a better community for those around them and a better, healthier world for all to enjoy.
Today, Greg and Alice call Howland their “Home”, where they raised their three adult children and live with their two adopted Golden Retrievers. The Greenwood family and their dealerships follow the example that Greg and Alice set with their selflessness and generosity. There is no better example of the core vales that founded the Greenwood dealerships than in the actions of Greg and Alice Greenwood in our community.
2021 Special Recognition for Valley Impact
Ellen J. Tressel
Born in Youngstown, OH and raised in the suburb of Canfield, Ellen Tressel has been an active advocate and leader for the state of Ohio throughout her adult career. A proud graduate of Youngstown State University with a degree in Business Education, Ellen has since had her hands wrapped around the region’s economic activities and community causes.
Landing her first job working for The Youngstown Welding and Engineering Company she worked her way up to Director of Purchasing until the role of motherhood called. Returning to the workforce after a brief interlude, she worked for Jostens Printing and Publishing, and Butler Wick and Co. earning the role of Vice President of Trading. She obtained several licenses in the securities business while managing marketing, sales, product promotion, OTC equities and new product introduction until her “retirement” in July 2001.
In her leisure time, you may find her on the golf course or swimming pool enjoying the great outdoors.
From then on, and most notably, Ellen has spent her time giving back to the community while serving on numerous boards and service organizations ranging from the James Cancer Hospital Foundation board, Akron Children’s Hospital Foundation board, COSI in Columbus, OH just to name a few.
Currently, Ellen resides at the Pollock House with her husband Jim Tressel in Youngstown, OH and serves on the boards of The Beatitude House, Mahoning Valley Historical Society, and the “We See Tomorrow” Capital Campaign for Youngstown State University.
2021 Legacy Award
Marion G. Resch
Born May 24, 1911 and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, Marion Gilchrist Resch prepared for college at The Rayen School, earned her undergraduate degree from Lake Erie College in Painesville, OH where she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Sigma Honor Society. Returning to Youngstown, Mrs. Resch briefly taught at Chaney High School and pursued a part time career in radio and television. Her first venture was in 1942 reviewing current best-selling books, every Monday, on the WFMJ radio program “All About Books”. The program received honorable mention in the cultural division among awards made at the Ohio State Radio Education Convention in Columbus. Mrs. Resch assisted in the development of similar programs at other radio stations in the region. She lectured extensively before clubs and groups in Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley area. In the early 1950s, Mrs. Resch hosted cooking shows on local television in Youngstown and Cleveland. Throughout her life, Mrs. Resch was active in many community service and social organizations.
In 1937, Marion Gilchrist married Paul Hadtner Resch, a local businessman and later, a stockbroker and partner at Butler Wick &Co Brokerage. While the Resches had no children of their own, they took special interest in their nieces and nephews, especially in their future and educational plans. Mrs. Resch remained very interested in the educational opportunities available to the students in the Mahoning Valley. She supported many students and educational programs at area colleges and universities with the hopes of helping those students reach their potential. To ensure that support would continue, she founded The Marion G. Resch Foundation in 1997, with the guidance of Atty James Mitchell and her accountant Bill Goddard.
The Foundation supports three major initiatives:1)An Early Identification Program(EIP) which partners a college with a local high school to find and work with promising first generation high school students to encourage them to pursue a college education; 2)scholarships for eligible students which cover remaining expenses, after all other forms of aid are exhausted, to alleviate student debt; and 3)to support college academic support centers which help students develop skills to assist them in completing their college degree. In 2013, YSU named its academic support services office the Marion G Resch Center for Student Progress to honor Mrs. Resch.
Since Mrs. Resch’s death in 2004, the Marion G. Resch Foundation has awarded over $18 million dollars to students in the Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana Counties as well as continued to support EIP Programs at the College of Wooster, University of Mount Union, Thiel College and Westminster College. Mrs. Resch’s generosity and legacy is set to continue in perpetuity.
2021 Outstanding Small Business Philanthropist
Thompson Insurance Group - David & Andrew Thompson
Thompson Insurance Group, a second and third generation family insurance agency, has been locally owned and community-focused since 1947. The father and son owners, David and Andrew Thompson, have grown their company into a multifaceted insurance agency, focusing on a wide variety of products locally and nationally. Their products and services range from home, auto and business insurance, to insuring pet businesses across the country, to a Private Client division specializing in the insurance needs of successful individuals all over the globe.
David and Andrew have always had the mindset of giving back to the community that contributed to their success. They have supported a wide number of local non-profits and causes, a list too long to describe. They have also served on a variety of non-profit boards, including Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, Animal Welfare League, and Cadence Care Network (formerly Homes for Kids). In addition, Andrew has also chaired the American Heart Association Heart Ball and co-chaired the 2019 Animal Welfare League Golf Outing.
In addition to their individual efforts, the Thompsons have encouraged all within their organization to contribute as well, both individually and as a group. Several of their employees have joined non-profit boards of their own and dedicated their time to important causes. Some of those efforts include installing smoke detectors for the American Red Cross, fundraising and participating in the American Heart Association Heart Walk, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, and the Junior Achievement Bowl-a-thon to name a few. They have also held several food drives for the Second Harvest Food Bank and an annual Holiday Giving Campaign which raised awareness and funds for several local charities.
On a personal level, both David and Andrew enjoy life outside of their philanthropic and professional lives. David enjoys weekends fishing and spending time with his partner, Beverly. He also loves sharing moments with his granddaughters Sophie and Aubrey, whether watching their dance recitals, sporting events, or taking them shopping. Andrew spends most of his time playing volleyball, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying Indians’ baseball, Browns’ football, and all Notre Dame sports.
Lastly, Dave and Andrew enjoy the opportunity of working side-by-side with one another and sharing in life’s rewards - an experience few father-and-son duos have had the privilege of doing.
2021 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser
Scott R. Schulick
Scott began his volunteer fundraising efforts at an early age attending St. Brendan School by selling World’s Finest Chocolate candy bars and items from Christmas kits. When he was president of student council, it was candy-grams. In high school he went on to sell M&M’s for the yearbook and was top salesman in Ursuline High School’s annual raffle calendar drive. These humble fundraising initiatives sparked an interest to raise money for Catholic schools which continued long after his graduation as he helped to establish the St. Brendan School Endowment Fund, chairing multiple fundraising events, and co-chairing a city-wide event with The Youngstown Symphony, “Christmas in the City,” to support the Catholic Schools across Youngstown. At Ursuline, he has served on several capital campaign committees and event committees for over 30 years, raising money for scholarships and capital projects.
Education has always been a key component of Scott’s fundraising activities, from his very first contribution to the YSU Annual Fund. Scott believes that in order to advance our region, we must advance the education attainment level of our citizens, with scholarship endowments a key to achieving that goal. He has been an active volunteer fundraiser on nearly every Youngstown State University initiative over the past 25 years, most recently a cabinet member of the successful “We See Tomorrow” campaign.
Scott has devoted time and energy to raise money for nearly every civic organization that he has been involved, especially the formation and support for Youngstown Cityscape since its inception in 1998. Scott helped to develop annual appeals, major project initiatives and recently “The Downtown Difference Makers” giving society. Rotary, at the local and district level, has been a big part of Scott’s community involvement where he has led fundraising efforts for the Put Kids First Initiative at Harding Elementary School, Operation Warm, Groundhog Beerfest and End Polio Now to name a few.
Scott is recruited from time to time by friends associated with community organizations and projects to assist in fundraising efforts and has rarely said “no.” One project has often led to another. Scott especially enjoys the “fun” side of “fundraising,” and has organized golf outings, food events, raffles, and other activities that bring people together to celebrate a common cause. He usually has a ticket in his pocket, or pledge form in his folder to share with his next donor. He finds great satisfaction in helping individuals in need and in seeing new projects completed for the advancement of our community. When in doubt, he follows the advice of the Ursuline Sisters to “pray for the money.”
Scott R. Schulick is First Vice-President/Investments for Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Scott earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration majoring in Accounting in 1994, and a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Finance in 1996, both from Youngstown State University. He is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF).
Scott has been active in numerous civic boards and committees throughout his career. He served as District Governor for Rotary District 6650 in 2018-19 and is twice Past President of the Rotary Club of Youngstown. He currently is the President of the Board of Directors for Mahoning Valley Historical Society and Youngstown Cityscape. He also serves on the boards of Community Corrections Association, Diocese of Youngstown Foundation, Youngstown State University Foundation, Mahoning County Bar Association Foundation, Henry H. Stambaugh Auditorium, Opera Western Reserve, Ursuline Ministries and Lake Erie College. Additionally, he serves on the advisory boards of the Oblate Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Akron Children’s Hospital Community Leadership Council, The Rich Center for Autism, John S. & Doris M. Andrews Memorial Fund, and YSU Newman Center. Scott is a very active member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Basilica in Youngstown, where he is a Lay Leader of Prayer, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Immacolata Council, Lector and member of Finance Council.
He has been a part-time finance faculty member of the Lariccia School of Accounting and Finance at the Youngstown State University Williamson College of Business Administration, and as an adjunct professor of finance at Walsh University.
Ohio Governor Bob Taft appointed Scott a member of the Youngstown State University Board of Trustees from 2004-13, where he served as Chairman of the Board. During his tenure, he chaired the Presidential Search Advisory Committee, and the Investment, Audit, Finance & Facilities, and University Affairs Committees. He is Past President of the YSU Penguin Club. The YSU Williamson College of Business Administration honored him as one of the first recipients of the Distinguished Alumnus Award.
Past activities include serving as Chairperson of the board of directors of Ursuline High School, Chairperson of the Investment Committee of the Community Foundation of Mahoning Valley and Board of Directors for Mercy Health-Youngstown and the Eastern Ohio Education Partnership. He is a graduate of Leadership Mahoning Valley and received the Community Leadership Association Distinguished Leadership Award. Scott was recognized as one of the five MVP’s of the inaugural “40 Under 40 Awards” sponsored by the Community Foundation of Mahoning Valley and the Mahoning Valley Professional 20/30 Club. Ursuline High School recognized Scott with its Distinguished Alumnus Award. The Better Business Bureau presented Scott with the Torch Award for Civic Leadership.
2021 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraising Group
Lou Blaney Family Volunteers
Kate Blaney, her two sons, daughter-in-law, grandchildren and many friends, have been the major catalyst in raising funds and awareness of Alzheimer’s Disease in the five-county area. Under the leadership and dedicated efforts of Kate Blaney, the volunteer group has held the Lou Blaney Memorial Race at Sharon Speedway in Trumbull County for 13 years.
Kate and Lou were lifelong Hartford residents and were high school classmates. She is also a graduate of Kent State University where she received her education degree and taught kindergarten and third grade for ten years. After they were married, they had two young sons, Dale and Dave, which resulted in a new direction for Kate. She joined the Blaney’s lumber company providing support for Lou who was also a busy and successful Sprint Car driver not only locally at Sharon Speedway in Hartford but around the country as well. He gained additional acclaim for his achievements when he was inducted into the Sprint Hall of Fame. Kate continued to be involved in the marketing and advertising for the Speedway.
Then in 2002, Lou and Kate’s journey took another unexpected path that would bring many challenges for the Blaney family. Lou sustained a head injury. This resulted in a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease, a brain disease that affects 6 million American and is projected to affect 13 million in 2050.
Not knowing how to care for Lou, the Blaney family turned to the professional staff at the Alzheimer’s Association Greater East Ohio Chapter for care, support, and education. Kate and here family were then able to understand this devastating disease until Lou’s death in 2009 at the age of 69.
Knowing the tremendous help they received from the Alzheimer’s Association for Lou, they knew that their philanthropic efforts would be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association so that other families could benefit the way they were.
Since Lou’s passing, the Lou Blaney Memorial Race takes place annually with proceeds going to the Mahoning Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Youngstown State University. This year the largest amount was raised by the Blaney family of $23,000 placing the total figure at more than $100,000. In addition. Lou and Kate’s grandson, Ryan, who has been very successful as a NASCAR driver, has contributed many thousands of dollars from his personal foundation to support the effort.
Kate’s inspiration in the community has been widespread having been named by the Alzheimer’s Association its 2011 Honoree at its Annual Gala as a champion philanthropist and volunteer. She has also served as a member of the Guardian Angels, a volunteer group appointed by the Trumbull County Probate Court, to help older adults who are under the court’s jurisdiction who may have not had family or caregivers to accommodate their needs. In her church, Hartford Methodist, she has served as director of the Youth handbell group and has played the organ and piano.
Philanthropy is an integral part of the Blaney Family Volunteers and Kate Blaney, who shows no signs of slowing down especially as an active 83-year-old plans to continue.
2021 Outstanding Young Philanthropists
Layups for Lucy
Each year since 2014, over 50 students at Neshannock High School have held a fundraiser to honor the memory of Lucy Beal and to raise money for UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Layups for Lucy has donated over $180,000 to Children’s Hospital, given individual grants to students and families to help offset ongoing medical expenses, and been a major supporter of Camp Wakchazi, the area’s only sibling bereavement camp. This group of students, created by Grace Beal and now led by Neshannock senior Eliza Beal, organizes and plans all aspects of the annual Layups for Lucy fundraiser. At the event itself, the students do everything, from collecting admissions to announcing the student/faculty game to manning the tables of raffle baskets and concessions. They also hold a summer meeting and cornhole tournament and last year put on a drive in movie so that they could have a Covid-safe event for the entire community.