Greater Akron Chamber

The Greater Akron Business Navigator is an online portal with over 200 business resources provided by over 60 Greater Akron organizations. This tool makes it easier than ever for businesses at any stage to access the resources they need to grow! Tell us about your business, business goals, and pain points in a brief questionnaire, and we'll send a list of resources that fit your unique needs. Unsure where to start? Go to https://ow.ly/LUtO50UIwGY to access resources that fit your unique business needs.

🎙️ Tune in! In this episode of Dreamers, Drivers, Doers, Greater Akron Chamber EVP Brynn Allio Popa takes over the mic to interview host Steve Millard in a dynamic discussion about GAC’s 2024 achievements and the priorities shaping 2025. Together, they dive into the organization’s refreshed blueprint, addressing key topics like: ✅ Supporting businesses with community resources ✅ Tackling workforce challenges ✅ Driving innovation through the Polymer Industry Cluster ✅ Advancing DEI initiatives … and more! Don’t miss this insightful conversation packed with actionable takeaways for our region’s future! 🔗https://ow.ly/NBoF50UHTi8

Our Center for Family Business understands the unique needs and challenges to running family-run businesses and companies and is committed to bringing them the knowledge and information they need to thrive from generation to generation. We're kicking off the year with our first presentation, Keeping Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alive in the Family Business, lead by Kimberly Eddleston Eddleston, distinguished professor of entrepreneurship and innovation, and Montoni research fellow at Northeastern University. She is also the editor of familybusiness.org. If you're feeling stifled over a resistance to innovate your family business, join us for this important workshop on Thursday, January 30, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at Tinkham Veale University Center where you'll learn how to harness your personal approach to innovation, while also learning to appreciate alternative approaches and why both are important for your family business to thrive. The event will begin with breakfast and networking at 7:30 a.m., followed by the program from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. To learn more and to register go to https://lnkd.in/edweXtqn

We appreciate the continued leadership of ACAA members and the time of our elected officials as we kick off 2025!   As we gear things up, we have a lot of important events in the upcoming months, so be sure to keep an eye out for them in our Advocacy Updates and emails! To view our website and subscribe to our updates, visit https://lnkd.in/gHPBpu6K.

Elevate Greater Akron has set the stage for a stronger, more connected future for our region. This collaborative of government, business, and civic leaders are working together to capitalize on opportunities in a rapidly changing world. This work will ultimately benefit the growing workforce in our region! Here’s how they’re making an impact: 1️⃣ Advancing polymer growth through sustainable innovation. 2️⃣ Driving inclusive economic growth to benefit all. 3️⃣ Cultivating a thriving, connected downtown Akron. 4️⃣ Aligning economic development to support existing regional assets. We’re proud to celebrate Elevate's efforts and encourage you to follow Elevate Greater Akron for more updates on their vital work. Together, we can build a brighter future! 📢 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eeAYfa9j #PolymerIndustry #GreaterAkron #ElevateAkron #Sustainability #InclusiveGrowth #Innovation

Save the date for one of the largest gatherings of business leaders in Greater Akron! 💡 The Greater Akron Chamber's 118th Annual Meeting will reflect on the accomplishments that have reshaped our region and acknowledges the heart of what has made these achievements possible: collaboration. Join us on Wednesday, March 12 from 4:15-7:30 p.m. at the John S. Knight Center for an evening of celebration, connection, and recognition. Register: https://ow.ly/NHhu50UH7Ot

BIG NEWS for Greater Akron: $6.4 Million Secured to Boost Polymer Workforce The Greater Akron Chamber has been awarded $3 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration's Jobs Challenge, matched with $3.4 million in local funds, to supercharge the polymer and advanced manufacturing workforce. Here’s what this transformative initiative means for our region: ✅ 500 training enrollments for polymer & advanced manufacturing ✅ 400 training completions at various levels ✅ 320 placements into “Good Jobs” with strong wages, job security, and advancement opportunities This effort focuses on empowering underrepresented populations in Portage, Stark County, Summit, and Wayne counties, and young adults disconnected from school or work. Our thanks go to our partners, including Akron Rubber Development Laboratory, Inc., MAGNET: The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network, Manufacturing Works, and Stark State College, for their commitment to this shared vision. Together, we’re driving innovation, creating opportunities, and solidifying Northeast Ohio as a global leader in the polymer industry. 🌎 💡 Learn more: https://ow.ly/Cvze50UGrgh #GoodJobsChallenge #Polymers #WorkforceDevelopment #Manufacturing #GreaterAkron #Innovation

The Greater Akron Chamber is proud to partner with SummaCare to bring small businesses a competitive advantage through the Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement (MEWA) health insurance program. 💼 Why choose the MEWA? Designed specifically for businesses with 2-50 employees, this program offers: ✔️ Affordable, flexible health insurance options ✔️ Comprehensive coverage tailored to your team’s needs ✔️ Exclusive access for Chamber members At the Greater Akron Chamber, we’re committed to helping businesses thrive—and that includes supporting the health and well-being of your workforce. Hear from Jeremy Corcorran on why he chose the MEWA for his business: https://ow.ly/E60y50UGi7I 📩 Interested in learning more? Contact us today to discover how the SummaCare MEWA can work for your business. https://ow.ly/W6sR50UGi7J

🌟 Attention Family Business Owners! 🌟 Have you explored the Center for Family Business at Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University? This resource offers tailored educational programs, networking opportunities, and peer forums specifically designed for multi-generational family businesses in Northeast Ohio. https://ow.ly/BwZN50UGhSy 📅 Upcoming Event: 📌 Topic: Keeping Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alive in the Family Business 👩🏫 Speaker: Dr. Kimberly Eddleston 🗓️ Date: January 30, 2025 ⏰ Time: 8:30–11:30 AM 📍 Location: Tinkham Veale University Center, CWRU Campus This program will explore how family businesses can balance tradition with innovation by leveraging exploitative and explorative strategies. Special Opportunity: Family businesses are invited to attend their first program as a guest—don’t miss this chance! 📧 To register, email: familybusiness@case.edu #FamilyBusiness #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #GreaterAkronChamber #Networking

Did you know that as a Chamber member, you and your employees have exclusive access to a 15% discount on The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company? Plus, you may earn extra savings when you combine this discount with applicable rebates. Simply input the discount code (AKRON15) at Goodyear.com then select from a number of easy install options. Start winterizing your fleet (or personal vehicle) before the first snowfall! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ec9NCWse