Chamber Press Room

Greater Akron—The Greater Akron Chamber has announced that Roger Read, will be the sixteenth recipient of the H. Peter Burg Economic Development Leadership Award. Read will be honored on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at the Greater Akron Chamber’s 113th Annual Meeting to be held at the John S. Knight Center. This award recognizes Read as someone who has displayed paramount leadership for the advancement of Greater Akron’s economic and community development. The award was created in memory of H. Peter Burg by the Chamber’s Executive Committee to recognize a leader who embraces economic and community development in the Greater Akron region. According to Phil Maynard, chairman of ASW Properties, Ltd and a previous awardee, “Roger Read’s ongoing economic involvement in our community along with his continuing mentoring program of the future leaders of Akron make him the ideal recipient of the H. Peter Burg Award. I can assure you that Pete would applaud Rogers selection.” Bill Considine, CEO Emeritus of Akron Children’s Hospital, shared that, “Roger Read, like Pete Burg, is a consummate champion of our community. His business prowess created economic opportunities here in the region and his support of community not-for-profits has touched the lives of all our citizens.” And Tom Knoll, co-founder of Stark & Knoll, adds further, “Roger has been a meaningful contributor to Akron's economy, not only through his entrepreneurship in owning and managing his own company, but also through his mentoring of so many young people who have also become contributors. Additionally, countless community agencies have been made better because of Roger's unselfish gifts of his time, talent and treasures.” The Greater Akron Chamber will give its members an opportunity to honor Roger Read at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 18, 2020. Ticket and sponsorship information on the Annual Meeting is online or you may inquire by phone at (330) 376-5550.

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 the Table Greater Akron is a first-of-its-kind initiative that brings together thousands of residents from all walks of life to share a meal and discuss meaningful ideas to strengthen our community. Join the Chamber at October's Morning Buzz when we conduct an On The Table discussion. We'll hear about the program's past two years and then break into small table group discussions.  If you missed an On the Table Greater Akron conversation or attended one and wished you could have discussed more, you are invited to join us at The Morning Buzz. We will continue the #onthetable conversation around aging seniors, drugs and addiction, and diversity and inclusion. 

New proactive funding is part of nearly $3.4 million in quarterly grants approved by board Akron Community Foundation’s board of directors approved quarterly grants totaling $3,378,258, including $225,000 in its first-ever round of proactive grants chosen by the foundation’s Community Investment Committee.

Greater Akron—The inaugural Greater Akron Inclusion Summit presented by the Greater Akron Chamber is a half-day event where local and national business, civic and community leaders will learn more about the economic impact of inclusion, the opportunities ahead of us and the next steps we must initiate to create an inclusive economy in Greater Akron.

Greater Akron—Throughout the year, the Chamber holds three Empowering Women Luncheons to offer audiences the opportunity to hear from women who are blazing the trail and making strides for professional women.  Join us on Wednesday, August 21, 2019, for the next Empowering Women Luncheon to hear Leslie Unger, President of Electric Impulse Communications, Inc., present "Take No Prisoners, Creative Ways to Reach Your Goals."

Greater Akron—Thirty Greater Akron Region young professionals have been named the recipients of the thirteenth 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.  Join us to hear Kimberly Beckett, Director of Business Relations at Downtown Akron Partnership, present, “Make it to Main: Be a Part of Akron's Progress and Transformation.”  Kimberly will share with us the changes and plans for Downtown Akron and how it effects the entire Greater Akron business community. 

Greater Akron—On Friday, July 12, 2019, join us to hear Abraham Nabors, Owner and Director of Education & Standards at Mustard Seed Market & Café, present “An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure: Key Learnings on How to Live a Preventative Lifestyle.”

Greater Akron—When Steve Millard took over as president and chief executive of the Greater Akron Chamber just a bit over a year ago, the organization and the surrounding communities it serves were undergoing significant leadership transitions. The Chamber was also going through what members called much-needed self-reflection. The board was looking into redefining the multi-county organization’s mission and how it worked with public and private entities. And it was looking for the right professional to lead the Chamber in its evolving roles. They brought in Millard, who at the time was executive vice president of the Greater Cleveland Partnership and executive director of its Council of Smaller Enterprises, and whose background includes strategy consulting. He succeeded Richard Norton, the former Green mayor who served as interim president and chief executive officer after Dan Colantone left in 2017.

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 14, 2019, join us to hear Rachel Tecca, Director of the College & Career Academies of Akron within the Akron Public Schools, present "College and Career Academies of Akron: A Community Transformation.” 

Greater Akron—The Greater Akron Chamber will present the 2019 Business Awards program on Thursday, June 6, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Bounce Innovation Hub, 526 S. Main St., in Akron.  Join us as we honor the accomplishments of local companies, businesses, organizations and people that are elevating our community.  This year, awards will be presented in eight categories. 

Greater Akron—The Greater Akron Chamber proudly presents the 13th 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. Nominations will be accepted through Wednesday, May 22, 2019. 

DeJournett Will Spearhead Economic Inclusion Strategy and Initiatives Greater Akron—The Greater Akron Chamber is pleased to announce that Robert DeJournett will be joining the leadership team of the Chamber as its Vice President, Opportunity and Inclusion.  DeJournett brings to the position twenty-four years of experience in diversity and inclusion, a history of committed civic leadership engagement and deep ties within the Akron community.

Greater Akron—The Greater Akron Chamber is accepting nominations for our 2019 Business Awards.  Each year, the Greater Akron Chamber celebrates the accomplishments of the local community by celebrating the companies, businesses, organizations, and people who are elevating our region.  We all know or do business with companies who deserve recognition for the exceptional work they do in the business community.  You can pay tribute by nominating a deserving company or person.  The deadline for nominations of the 2019 Business Awards is Friday, April 19.

The Greater Akron Chamber celebrates its 112th Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 21, 2019, at the John S. Knight Center. The Greater Akron Chamber will honor S. Theresa Carter, President of OMNOVA Solutions Foundation, with the H. Peter Burg Award.  This award will recognize Carter's leadership for her advancement of Greater Akron's economic and community development.  The Chamber will also elect its Board of Directors, celebrate its accomplishments, and share exciting new initiatives that will create opportunities for all to Lead Greater. During the meeting, the members will also be asked to consider and approve recommended changes to the organizations regulations and to elect members nominated to serve on the chamber's Board of Directors. A summary of those recommended regulation changes, the red-lined code and the Nominating Committee Report are available for your review. The program includes a reception with hors d'oeuvres, open bar, dinner, and silent auction. The silent auction offers guests a chance to bid on items that will benefit the Chamber's educational programs. The online silent auction is already available. 

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 11, 2019, join us to hear Ned Parks, Owner of Aegis 360™ Consulting, present “Culture is Built on Values and Delivered by Leaders.”

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 11, 2019, join us to hear Steve Millard, President & CEO of the Greater Akron Chamber.

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, December 14, 2018, join us to hear Matthew Whitson, Managing Principal, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., present “Human Capital Investment Management & the Organizational Fingerprint.”  

Greater Akron—The Greater Akron Chamber recently announced receipt of a certificate of authority from the state of Ohio to begin offering a multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) to provide health benefits for companies of 50 or fewer employees. The Chamber is partnering with SummaCare to offer the Chamber Health Benefits Plan to businesses in a 16-county service area.

Greater Akron—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. 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.