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From School Supplies to Spreadsheets
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The end of summer always feels like inventory season to me. Maybe it’s a holdover from years of buying school supplies and packing (at least five!) kids off to college. At MARQUEE, it’s not backpacks and markers we’re counting—but projects, contracts, and income.
While we’ve been proud to deliver fresh work for longtime clients and pursue exciting opportunities with federal and state agencies, the flow of brand-new business has been a little tighter than usual. That shift brings its own kind of pressure—but also a chance to refocus, reconnect, and keep building toward what’s next.
Instead of spinning in stress, I reached out. I reconnected with a few trusted financial advisors—not just for balance-sheet talk, but for honest conversation and, yes, a little wisdom.

I was reminded of some key things that are worth sharing:
🔹 Bridge funding exists. Whether through community loan programs, flexible lines of credit, or nonprofit small business resources, there are options out there that can ease the strain. Ask about them. Know what tools you have available before you need them urgently.
🔹 Pride is not a strategy. It’s easy to stay busy with current clients and assume your value speaks for itself. But if you’re not asking for the business, someone else is. Follow up. Check in. Let people know what you’re offering—especially those you’ve helped before.
🔹 People want to help—you just have to reconnect. Every time I reached out to someone I hadn’t spoken to in a while, I left the conversation feeling clearer, stronger, and more supported. Our work is about relationships. So is our growth.
None of this is revolutionary. But in moments when you’re heads-down, pushing through, you forget how much power there is in simply picking up the phone.
So if you’re feeling that end-of-summer drag—or just wondering what’s next for your business—consider this your nudge. Reconnect. Reframe. And don’t be afraid to say:
“I’d love your help.”
It just might open the door you’ve been waiting on.
— Aundréa Cika Heschmeyer, President
| | Small Business Funding Support Contacts | |
Valley Partners
Low-interest business loans, SBA 504 loans, bridge financing, and technical assistance.
www.valleyedp.com
(330) 759-3668
Youngstown Business Incubator
Startup funding assistance, pitch competitions, and access to investment networks.
ybi.org
(330) 746-5003
JumpStart Inc.
Venture capital, small business advising, and funding resources—serving all of Northeast Ohio.
Cleveland-based, regional reach
jumpstartinc.org
(216) 363-3400
Small Business Development Center at YSU
Free 1:1 advising, business plan help, and connections to local and state loan programs.
sbdc-ysu.org
(330) 941-2140
Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development
Small business loans, technical assistance, and bilingual support.
hbcenter.org
(216) 281-4422
ECDI – Women’s Business Center of Ohio
Micro-loans, financial literacy programs, and women-focused funding support.
ecdi.org
(216) 912-5655
Ohio Department of Development – Minority & Women-Owned Business Assistance Centers
State programs, certifications, and grant/loan navigation.
development.ohio.gov
(800) 848-1300
| | | shining the SPOTLIGHT — | | |
Tech at Full Throttle:
Tony Jackson Keeps MARQUEE Moving!
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Built for Speed: Meet MARQUEE’s IT Powerhouse, Tony Jackson

With over 25 years of experience in systems analysis, web development, and IT strategy, Tony is the digital engine behind MARQUEE’s online operations. From cloud migrations to complex CMS builds, he’s been developing apps, managing hosting environments, and launching websites since 1995. Tony holds a master’s degree in Management of Information Systems, a B.S. in Computer Science and Programming, and a double associates in Computer Programming and High-Performance Auto Mechanics (yes, really).
And when he’s not powering client platforms, he’s behind the wheel—literally. Tony is an avid endurance road course racer, team owner, and podium-finishing driver with track time at Homestead, Watkins Glen, Mid-Ohio, and even Daytona, where he’s placed in the top three. He’s currently racing in the SCORE International Mexico Desert Series and will take on the legendary Baja 1000 this November in the Sportsman SxS class—hoping to become the first team ever to finish the full 1,000-mile course in that category.
At MARQUEE, Tony blends technical excellence with the tenacity of a racer. Whether he’s building digital infrastructure or tackling desert terrain, we’re proud to have him in the driver’s seat of our IT operations.

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When Walmart Becomes a Canvas
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As a graphic designer, I am often drawn to murals — not just for their scale, but for the way they transform public spaces into immersive storytelling canvases.
Murals blur the lines between design, art, and environment, offering visual narratives that spark curiosity and inspiration. It's no surprise, then, that a recently unveiled mural at the newly renovated Walmart has caught the attention of many in the design community.
To my surprise, it also connected to my Polish heritage — featuring a young woman holding a plate of beloved pierogi. But there is one mistake: the word Poland appears on the back of the lady in a Mexican dress. For accuracy, it should be above the woman with the pierogi.
Still, the mural is rich in detail. Swirls of color, locally inspired motifs, and expressive characters come together to create a scene that feels more like an immersive art installation than typical Walmart decor.
For designers used to digital or print, murals are a refreshing reminder of design’s power in physical space — to surprise, to engage, and to connect with a community in unexpected ways. Personally, I was delighted to receive the image multiple times from friends who immediately thought of me.
The country label? Let's just say it belongs elsewhere.
— Agata Khoury, Art Director
| | Murals at a Glance: Where Art Meets Community | |
đź“š Turning everyday spaces into immersive stories.
🇵🇱 Celebrating culture and community roots.

đź’ Sparking curiosity, wonder, and inspiration.
🎨 Capturing attention with bold color and detail.
🖼️ Blend art, design, and environment seamlessly.

💗 Leave a lasting impression that people carry with them.
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How to Write a Book to Promote Your Biz
(One That People Will Actually Read)
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I’ve been to a ton of trade shows and conferences over the years. And every single time, I come home and I plop a stack of business cards on my desk from people I barely remember. They sit on my desk for a few days—maybe even a couple weeks—until I finally toss them in the “circular file.”
Sound familiar?
But what if you had something better than a business card…something more substantial and more memorable? Like your own business book.
Not only is a book way more impressive than a flimsy piece of cardboard, but it also establishes you as a subject-matter expert and gives people a reason to follow up.
But what if you’re not a writer? Relax…writing a book isn’t as hard as you might think. Especially today, where AI tools can help – and the keyword is help – you create an outline and AI can even get you started on a workable first draft.
Here are a few good tips to help you get started:
| | — Valentine J. Brkich, Editor | | |
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Maximizing Your
Next Event
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The rise of remote work and shifting generational dynamics are reshaping meetings. Digital natives who have grown up with the internet and smartphones crave authentic, personal connections—especially in professional settings.
Read More
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  Leveraging Snippets for Massive Engagement | |
Content creators known as “clippers” are turning short-form video into a high-speed, low-budget marketing machine by turning long-form videos into attention-grabbing short clips like this.
Read More
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Tap. Swipe. Engage. Write to Activate the Audience
Engaging today’s audiences means creating content that invites action—using touchscreens, QR codes, and smart tools to turn passive viewing into interactive, personalized experiences.
Read More
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MARQUEE shows you all the coming attractions in marketing.
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MARQUEE
241 W. Federal St., Suite #408, Youngstown, OH 44503 • 330.234.9396 
| | Copyright © 2025 MARQUEE, All rights reserved. | | | | |
