Greater Akron Chamber

Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, is Small Business Saturday—a day to celebrate and support the small businesses that are the backbone of our communities. In 2023, shoppers spent $17 billion at small businesses on this day, contributing to an estimated $201 billion since the event began in 2010. Let’s make 2024 even stronger by shopping small and supporting local businesses. Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP) has put together a great list of small business events on the 30th and throughout the holiday season. Check it out here: https://ow.ly/IIMw50Uc68z #ShopSmall #SmallBusinessSaturday #GreaterAkronBusiness

In this episode od Dreamers, Drivers, Doers, Steve sits down with R.J. Nemer, who was appointed to President of The University of Akron in May 2024. RJ shares his vision for the university, reflecting on his journey and experiences that have led him to this role. From strategic goals to strengthen the university's academic programs to deepening its connections with the Akron community, RJ reveals how he plans to drive impactful changes across the university. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gCdpMpMp

The world is changing. Greater Akron is ready. ?? Today, Elevate Greater Akron launched its new set of shared priorities. ?? Communities across the U.S. are in the midst of a massive restructuring. Layer on significant changes like new incoming leadership, transformational polymer industry investments, and a shifting downtown landscape, and it becomes clear - Greater Akron is at a flash point. How we respond now to these shifts will shape the next decade and beyond. Elevate Greater Akron is a collaborative of over a dozen government, business, and civic leaders working together, since 2018, to capitalize on opportunities in this rapidly changing world. Today, we are publicly launching our updated priorities that build on successes to-date while sharpening our focus for 2025 and beyond: 1?? Capture polymer growth opportunities in sustainability 2?? Prioritize inclusive economic growth??? 3?? Build a thriving, connected downtown Akron? 4?? Coordinate economic development intentionally focused on those already in the region? Read more at https://lnkd.in/giiWJ-U8 GAR Foundation Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro Shammas Malik City of Akron, Ohio Greater Akron Chamber Bounce Innovation Hub ConxusNEO Downtown Akron Partnership Knight Foundation Akron Community Foundation Burton D. Morgan Foundation Akron Urban League Team NEO Stark State College United Way of Summit & Medina The University of Akron Fund for Our Economic Future #ElevateGreaterAkron #SharedProsperity https://lnkd.in/g9dg92_a

Introducing Business Health Advantage We’ve partnered with Apex Health Solutions to offer a new health benefits option for companies with 25-500 employees! This plan is designed to help growing companies improve the return on their health benefit investments. ?? Why choose the Apex Alternative Funding Captive? -Access all major health systems in NEO through SummaCare’s network -Greater control, transparency, and flexibility for managing healthcare costs -Flexible renewals, rebates, and no penalties for transitioning Learn more here: https://ow.ly/XRGC50Ub6gh #HealthBenefits #GreaterAkronBusinesses #BusinessHealthAdvantage

Did you know that companies with diverse leadership are 35% more likely to outperform their peers? Adding women to your board not only boosts innovation and collaboration but also enhances decision-making and governance. The WNLI Board Leadership Directory, developed by the Women's Network Leadership Institute, is here to help your organization thrive. This comprehensive resource connects you with talented, board-ready women across Greater Akron who are eager to contribute their expertise and passion to your mission. ?? Why diversify your board? ? Increased profitability: Diverse boards are linked to stronger financial performance. ? Better decision-making: Varied perspectives lead to more informed and innovative decisions. ? Enhanced reputation: Reflecting the diversity of your community strengthens stakeholder trust. It’s time to elevate your leadership team and embrace the power of gender equity. Explore the WNLI Board Leadership Directory and start building a brighter future today! ?? https://lnkd.in/ehrPzADh #GreaterAkron #BoardLeadership #WomenInLeadership #DiversityEquityInclusion

We are incredibly proud to announce that our own Brian Anderson has been named to Crain's Cleveland Business 40 Under 40 list! ?? This honor recognizes his outstanding leadership and impactful work within the Polymer Industry Cluster, driving innovation and growth in Greater Akron. https://ow.ly/Lmhs50UaaaS His dedication, vision, and contributions have left a lasting legacy on our region. Brian, thank you for all you’ve done for the business community, polymer industry, and our region! #40Under40 #CrainsClevelandBusiness #PolymerIndustry #Leadership #CommunityImpact

Did you know that as a Chamber member, you and your employees have exclusive access to a 15% discount on Goodyear tires? Plus, you may earn extra savings when you combine this discount with applicable rebates. Simply input the discount code (AKRON15) at https://ow.ly/LTRv50U9aOm then select from a number of easy install options. Start winterizing your fleet (or personal vehicle) before the first snowfall! Learn more: https://ow.ly/gSRc50U9aOo

?? What an Incredible Day at the 3rd Annual Polymer Cluster Connectivity Conference (PC3)! ?? We are thrilled to share that this year's PC3 was a resounding success and brought together leaders from across the polymer industry, including manufacturers, suppliers, educators, and development partners, and even students from Barberton High School. A heartfelt THANK YOU to our inspiring speakers, generous sponsors, and engaged attendees for making this event possible. Your dedication and collaboration are driving innovation and ensuring a bright future for our region’s polymer industry. Together, we are shaping a shared vision and building a stronger, more connected industry! Speakers/Breakout Session facilitators: Erin Spring Mark Smale Raymond Somich II Steve Millard Brian Anderson Nicki Hershberger Rob McClenaghan Surendra Chawla Jean Barbato Hope Bell Sponsors & Partners: City of Akron, Ohio The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Parker Hannifin Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC Great Work! Employment Services Co Kent State University RDAbbott NovationSi KeyBank Metis Construction Services, LLC Roetzel & Andress Smithers GAR Foundation Team NEO #PolymerIndustry #Innovation #PC3 #Collaboration #NortheastOhio

Are you managing federal funds or planning to apply for them? Attend the Ohio Office of Budget and Management Ohio Grants Summit to learn more about federal funding! This two-day, FREE event offers essential insights and resources from grants experts, aimed at helping Ohio grantees maximize their capacity to secure and manage funding. Learn more and register today: https://lnkd.in/eMuiUCCW #OhioGrantsSummit #FederalFunding #GrantWriting #GreaterAkronChamber

Join Us for Session 2 of the WNLI Board Leadership Initiative Content Series: Understanding the Role of the Board ?? Thursday, November 21, 2024 ?? 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM ?? Greater Akron Chamber Designed for current and aspiring board members, as well as leaders looking to support board service, this session will cover the fundamentals of board governance, strategic oversight for organizational impact, promoting diversity and inclusion in the boardroom, and adapting to evolving board dynamics. Register today and take the next step in your board leadership journey: https://ow.ly/wi9S50U6vaB #WNLI #BoardLeadership #AkronChamber