COLUMBIANA – Ahead of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced this year’s Small Business Persons of the Year winners from the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Mark Lamoncha, president & CEO of Humtown, was selected as Ohio’s Small Business Person of the Year for 2026.

“Small businesses are big business for America. We largely drive America’s employment and the prosperity of our local economies,” said Lamoncha. “I’m honored to accept this award on behalf of all Ohio small business owners who innovate, work hard to grow their companies and create opportunity for their fellow Ohioans.”

Humtown, a third-generation family-owned company has served the foundry industry for more than 60 years. Starting out as a pattern shop in 1959, under Mark Lamoncha’s leadership Humtown is now a global leader of conventional and 3D printed sand cores and molds.

Lamoncha’s business and civic leadership roles include serving as a board member, Ohio State Board of Education; president, Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition; and as a board member of the Ohio Manufactures Association and the Youngstown State University STEM Advisory Board.

Each year, the SBA celebrates National Small Business Week by recognizing the achievements of outstanding small business owners and entrepreneurs across the United States. All 53 winners have been invited to attend ceremonies in Washington, D.C., May 3-4, where they will be honored with their individual award along with special recognition of the runner-up and the naming of the 2026 National Small Business Person of the Year.

SBA also will co-host a free, two-day national virtual summit featuring educational business workshops and networking on May 5-6. Additionally, SBA’s ten regions and 68 field offices will hold area recognition and educational seminars throughout the week. To get involved in the National Small Business Week activities and see all the 2026 awardees, visit www.sba.gov/nsbw.