📬 Under the MARQUEE - November Newsletter

— November 2025 —

behind the SCENES —

Gratitude, Growth,

and the

MARQUEE

Way

When you run a business—especially a small, community-rooted one—you don’t often stop to reflect. You’re moving, planning, responding, juggling, dreaming, managing, and delivering… sometimes all in the same hour.

So when VoyageOhio reached out for an interview about my journey and the evolution of our firm, I did something I rarely do: I paused.

It forced me to be introspective in a way I haven’t made time for in years. It reminded me just how far we’ve come, what we’ve pushed through, what we’ve built, and most importantly…why we built it.

Here are the highlights:

— Aundréa Cika Heschmeyer, President

shining the SPOTLIGHT —

Where Grit Meets Growth

A Night of Innovation

at Youngstown Business Incubator’s Shark Tank

Innovation lit up the Valley on October 23 as the Youngstown Business Incubator hosted its sixth annual Shark Tank pitch competition. Entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders filled the room as four standout startups hit the stage to pitch their ideas and compete for funding. The JAWS-themed night was full of innovation and excitement as upwards of 750 guests came together to support local entrepreneurs shaping the future of our region.

The table of “sharks” judging the night included Amy Abruzere, owner and founder of Grey Boutique; Rob Komara, owner of Komara Jewelers; Wayne Mackey Ph.D., founder/CEO of Statespace; Don Thomas, managing partner at Platz Realty Group; RT Vernal, vice-president of RT Vernal Paving & Excavating.

Nivalon Medical, developing AI-powered 3D-printed spinal implants, and Rapt, an app blending faith and technology for smarter Bible study, walked away with $5,000, but only one claimed the top prize. The crowd favorite, Gizmo & Trinket, turned heads with its creative spin on gaming, earning the Fan Favorite honors and another $5,000. LeapFast Manufacturing, a high-tech fabrication company founded by former NASA engineers, wowed the judges and secured the $10,000 Sharks’ Choice Award.

All of the finalists showcased the incredible diversity and creativity driving Youngstown’s startup scene, bringing their unique innovative ideas to the stage.

And as if the night wasn’t electric enough, YBI also unveiled its bold new logo and tagline: “Where Grit Meets Growth.” The refreshed brand perfectly captures the incubator’s mission of empowering entrepreneurs who bring resilience, creativity, and passion to everything they build.

The night’s message was clear: innovation is thriving in the Mahoning Valley. From new startups to seasoned pros, YBI’s Shark Tank showed that when grit meets growth, there’s no limit to what the Mahoning Valley can achieve through support and innovation.

in the KNOW —

The Write Gift – A Holiday Gift Guide for Writers

Well, it’s the end of November. And you know what that means: TIME TO PANIC ABOUT CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!!!

Relax. There’s still plenty of time to get everything on your list! (Unless, that is, you need something that’s made in China. Then you’re plumb out of luck.)

I’m a writer (obviously), so of course I’m interested in all the latest tools and gadgets for me and my fellow wordsmiths. Plus, I’m always looking for new ways to craft killer content (notice the alliteration?) for our amazing clients here at MARQUEE.

Thankfully, there are a ton of options available this year for the writer(s) in your life. Some of these feature the latest in technology; others are for the Luddites in your life who tend to lean more on the analog side.

So, without further ado, the following are some of my favorite gift ideas, all of which are sure to bring a smile to any fan of the written word.

— Valentine J. Brkich, Editor

the industry TRENDS —

Five Key Trends for a Seamlessly Successful Event

Thanks to recent and ongoing innovations in technology, event planners, like Marquee, are now able to seamlessly create conferences, events, and venues that attendees will be talking about long after the event is over.

The Social Media Takeover is Upon Us!

For the first time ever, in 2025 social media creators are projected to surpass traditional media in ad revenue due to rising brand investment, growing audiences, and the increasing influence of creator-led, platform-native content.

Want a Memorable Website? Be BOLD!

Bold Minimalism is a current trend in graphic design that blends clean layouts with striking elements—oversized typography, vibrant accents, and strategic white space—resulting in impactful, uncluttered visuals that grab attention while maintaining clarity and sophistication.

MARQUEE shows you all the coming attractions in marketing.

LET'S SHARE THE STAGE

MARQUEE

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