Chamber Press Room

The Greater Akron Chamber invites you to Economic Outlook on Friday, November 16, 2018, featuring Dr. Edward W. (Ned) Hill, current professor of Economic Development Policy, Public Policy and Public Finance at The Ohio State University and former Dean and Professor in the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University. He will present on what public policy can do to ensure the economic vitality of America’s heartland. Dr. Hill has led several economic development strategy projects across the country and was a consultant to Greater New Orleans, Inc. during that region’s recovery from Hurricane Katrina. Hill’s book, Ohio’s Competitive Advantage, has been credited with starting a five-year statewide conversation that resulted in fundamental business tax reform in the State of Ohio. The Cincinnati Enquirer referred to Hill as the “godfather of tax reform” in the summer of 2005. Hill also wrote the initial proposals for the State of Ohio’s support for state-cooperative education for its higher education system. Dr. Hill earned his Ph.D. in both economics and urban and regional planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1981 and began his career at Cleveland State University in 1985. Hill’s current research “Revitalizing Older Suburbs: Case Studies in Alabama, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania” continues his dedication to regional economic development and revitalization. His work over the past three years also includes “Economic Shocks and Regional Economic Resilience.” His work also covers researching public policies to maintain and manage local governments. In addition to Dr. Hill’s presentation, Dr. John C. Green, Interim President of The University of Akron as well as the Director of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at The University of Akron, will give us his comments on the economy. This event will be held at the Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls, 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221. Registration and business connections begin at 7:30 a.m., with a plated breakfast served at 7:45 a.m., followed by the program from 8:00 to 9:15 a.m. To make a reservation, call (330) 237-1250 or register online at www.greaterakronchamber.org. The cost is $35 per member; $60 per non-member. Corporate tables of 8 are available for $300 and includes priority seating and recognition.

Greater Akron—This November, the Greater Akron Region will have multiple issues on the ballot that will affect our communities. The Greater Akron Chamber has reviewed a number of these issues on behalf of the business community and is taking positions on Ohio Issue 1 – the Summit County Children Services Proposed Tax Levy and the local proposed charter amendment to move Akron’s Primary Elections from September to May.  Each of these issues has been brought to and reviewed by the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee, and a position has been taken by the Board of Directors on behalf of the organization.

Greater Akron—The Greater Akron Chamber has announced that S. Theresa Carter, President of OMNOVA Solutions Foundation, will be the fifteenth recipient of the H. Peter Burg Economic Development Leadership Award.  Carter will be honored on Thursday, March 21, 2019, at the Greater Akron Chamber’s 112th Annual Meeting to be held at the John S. Knight Center.  This award recognizes Carter as someone who has displayed paramount leadership for the advancement of Greater Akron’s economic and community development.

Greater Akron—The Morning Buzz is a monthly speaker breakfast series, which aims to connect small- and medium-sized businesses by facilitating the exchange of ideas and strategies for business growth and success.  On Friday, October 12, 2018, join us to hear Damon Hacker, President, CEO and a Founder of Vestige Digital Investigations, present “Investigation of Employee Misconduct in a Digital World.”  In addition to the speaker presentation, there will be On the Table* discussions.

Greater Akron—This September marks the one-year anniversary of the Employers for Health Consortium of Akron’s worksite wellness initiative utilizing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health ScoreCard.  To date, 38 businesses have completed the ScoreCard, with over 33,000 employees impacted.

Greater Akron—The Morning Buzz is a monthly speaker breakfast series, which aims to connect small- and medium-sized businesses by facilitating the exchange of ideas and strategies for business growth and success.  On Friday, September 14, 2018, join us to hear Mark Birtha, President of the Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park, present “Success and Challenges: Hard Rock Rocksino.”

Greater Akron—Join KNOW on Wednesday, September 7, 2018, for the next Empowering Women Luncheon to hear Grace Wakulchik, President of Akron Children’s Hospital, lead a panel discussion with several of her female colleagues. Panelists include: Lisa Aurilio, MSN, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Operating Officer at Akron Children’s Hospital. Kinshasha “Shai” Hawkins, MA, Director of Access Solutions at Akron Children’s Hospital. Teresa Volsko, MBA, MHHS, RRT, CMTE, FAARC, Director for Respiratory Care, Transport, The Communication Center and Interim Director for the Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute at Akron Children’s Hospital. Grace Wakulchik, President at Akron Children’s Hospital,

Greater Akron—Thirty Greater Akron Region young professionals have been named the recipients of the twelfth annual “30 for the Future” award. Part of the Greater Akron Chamber’s strategy to attract and retain talent in the region, the “30 for the Future” award honors young professionals (ages 25-39) whose stellar contributions impact their industries and the Greater Akron Region.

Greater Akron—The Morning Buzz is a monthly speaker breakfast series, which aims to connect small- and medium-sized businesses by facilitating the exchange of ideas and strategies for business growth and success.  On Friday, August 10, 2018, join us to hear Craig Freeman, LegalShield, present “Cybercrime and Identity Theft Prevention…Don’t be the Next Victim.” Come learn how to protect your company from becoming a victim of Identity theft, including the dangers of public Wi-Fi use, twin tower attacks, hacking techniques and the “don’t click” rule that is violated daily.  You will also learn about the five major types of ID theft, and participants will better understand how the Eastern European Bloc and China make a strong living defrauding Americans daily.

Greater Akron—The Morning Buzz is a monthly speaker breakfast series, which aims to connect small- and medium-sized businesses by facilitating the exchange of ideas and strategies for business growth and success.  On Friday, July 13, 2018, join us to hear Pete Fierle, Chief of Staff & Vice President of Communications at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, present “A Vision for the Future.”

Greater Akron—The Morning Buzz is a monthly speaker breakfast series, which aims to connect small- and medium-sized businesses by facilitating the exchange of ideas and strategies for business growth and success. On Friday, June 8, 2018, join us to hear Ian Schwarber, Chief Strategy Officer for DriveIT.

Greater Akron—“Akron USA” will, once again, be leading a delegation to the National Plastics Exposition (NPE) Trade Show May 7–11th at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. “Akron USA” is a public-private partnership that promotes investment opportunities in the Greater Akron Region to companies looking to expand or relocate at both domestic and international trade shows. The “Akron USA” Team will be joined by Premier Equipment, who also participated at the 2015 trade event, along with LT Molding Solutions, a division of Little Tikes, and Ravizza Packaging. The “Akron USA” delegation will be co-chaired by the Greater Akron Chamber/City of Akron and includes representatives from FirstEnergy, County of Summit, City of Fairlawn, City of Youngstown and Team NEO.

Greater Akron—The Greater Akron Chamber’s Small Business Council will present its 36th annual Excellence in Business awards program at a breakfast on Thursday, May 24, 2018, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., at the Firestone Country Club, 452 East Warner Road, in Akron. Join us as we honor the accomplishments of local businesses who have consistently demonstrated outstanding performance, growth, staying power, innovation and proven leadership in the community. The Chamber is pleased to announce the following companies have been named as 2018 Excellence in Business Award recipients: Apple Growth Partners BalancePoint Healthcare Staffing - Emerging Business Award Environmental Design Group Group Management Services

Greater Akron—The Greater Akron Chamber announced today that Steve Millard has been named President and CEO of the Chamber. He replaces Richard Norton who has served as Interim President since April 2017. Millard is expected to join the Chamber on or before June 4.

Greater Akron—The Greater Akron Chamber proudly presents the 12th Annual 30 for the Future recognition program. 30 for the Future recognizes 30 young professionals (ages 25-39) who live and/or work in the Greater Akron Region, who are trendsetters in their industries and who make an impact on the region through dynamic leadership and community service.

Greater Akron—Join KNOW on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, for the next Empowering Women Luncheon to hear Laura Allio, Business Valuation Senior Analyst at Bober Markey Fedorovich, present “The Next Breast Thing — A Reflection on Career, Community and Health.”

Greater Akron—The Morning Buzz is a monthly speaker breakfast series, which aims to connect small- and medium-sized businesses by facilitating the exchange of ideas and strategies for business growth and success. On Friday, April 13, 2018, join us to hear Michael P. Mandato, Executive Vice President, System C.A.R.E. Inc., present “Public Enemy Number 1.”

Greater Akron—The Morning Buzz is a monthly speaker breakfast series, which aims to connect small- and medium-sized businesses by facilitating the exchange of ideas and strategies for business growth and success. On Friday, February 23, 2018, join us to hear Jason Segedy, Director of Planning and Urban Development for the City of Akron, Ohio, present "Revitalizing Akron: Making a Great Place Even Better."

Greater Akron—Join KNOW on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, for the next Empowering Women Luncheon to hear a panel discussion on “Business Management: Doing It a Woman’s Way.”

Greater Akron—The Morning Buzz is a monthly speaker breakfast series, which aims to connect small- and medium-sized businesses by facilitating the exchange of ideas and strategies for business growth and success. On Friday, January 12, 2018, join us to hear Scott Alexander, 5th Degree Black Belt and author, present “Lead Like a Black Belt.” Scott is a recognized national speaker, leadership consultant and author based out of Maryland.