History
July 2003
Organization founded with a mission of linking young professionals of the Mahoning Valley and providing social, charitable, and educational activities for them. Articles of Incorporation and By-laws are drafted.
July 24, 2003
First official MVP 20/30 Club social event is held at the B&O restaurant in Youngstown with approximately 35 people in attendance. It was decided that these mixers would be held on the third Thursday of every month at a different location. To date these events have attracted an average of 50 people.
October 2003
The first quarterly membership meeting is held and an official membership campaign is initiated. The first membership application is received with many more to follow. The first MVP 20/30 Club Board of Trustees is established as follows:
Mike Latessa - Cohen & Company
Joe Gregory - Mahoning Valley Scrappers
Liz Nohra - Mahoning Valley Historical Society
Mollie McGovern - WFMJ
Anne Marie Colaprete - Austintown Fitch High School
Scott Schulick - Butler Wick
George Millich - National City Bank
Joe Cerni - Cintas
Joe Damore - Cohen & Company
November 2003
A news story on the organization airs on WKBN. The November mixer is the biggest event to date.
December 2003
The first MVP 20/30 Club Holiday Party is held at the Y.S.U. Debartolo Stadium Club and a successful toy drive for the Toys for Tots campaign is completed. The organization is incorporated in the state of Ohio as a not-for-profit entity. Membership surpasses 50.
January 2004
The organization appears in the online version of The Business Journal for the first time. MVP 20/30 Club officers are elected by membership as follows:
Mike Latessa - President
Joe Gregory - Vice President
Liz Nohra - Recording Secretary
Paul Drennen, Paychex - Treasurer
Scott Schulick - Membership Director
Mollie McGovern - Marketing Director
Jim Leugers, State Farm Insurance - Social Director
Kelly Kochamba, Alphabet Corporation - Charitable Director
Jeff Meehan, Mahoning Valley Scrappers - Education Director
February 2004
MVP 20/30 Club President Mike Latessa appears on WFMJ Today with a donation of $250 to help "Free Frank" for Tod Children's Hospital.
March 18, 2004
The MVP 20/30 Club officially kicks off at an event held at Jillian's in Boardman. Approximately 150 young professionals and community leaders witness the unveiling of the organization's initial charter with 83 charter members listed on it. Over $500 was raised for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and a successful drive was completed for Harvest for Hunger and The Sojourner House. The replica charter used at the event is donated to the Mahoning Valley Historical Society.
April 13, 2004
The MVP 20/30 Club receives its 100th membership application.
April 15/16, 2004
The Club participates in Youngstown's American Cancer Society Relay for Life and raises over $1,300. MVP 20/30 Club President Mike Latessa is one of three "24 Hour Walkers."
July 15, 2004
The MVP 20/30 Club celebrates its 1 year anniversary at a picnic at Eastwood Field in Niles. Trustee Joe Cerni throws the "ceremonial" first pitch for that evening's Scrappers game.
August 2004
President Mike Latessa attends the Java Jolt, a national YP group summit in Milwaukee. The event is believed to be the first of its kind ever held and the MVP 20/30 Club is one of 19 groups nationwide to participate.
September 9, 2004
The Club hosts "Rock the Vote, Mahoning Valley," its first political candidates forum and voter registration event.
October 28, 2004
The MVP 20/30 Club Art Mob officially forms with an event at the Arm's Museum of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society. The Art Mob is designed to introduce young professionals to the artistic venues of the Valley in a fun, social atmosphere.
November 2004
The Club's first strategic plan and vision is drafted and implemented and a new mission statement is created.
January 2005
The MVP 20/30 Club installs new board members.
April 2005
Cohen & Company, Ltd. becomes the Club's first corporate member, joining at the Platinum Level.
June 2005
The MVP 20/30 Club assists the Boys & Girls with renovation projects.
July 2005
The MVP 20/30 Club celebrates its 2 year anniversary.
