News from Greater Akron Chamber

Looking to get your business noticed by regional business executives? You should consider sponsoring a Chamber event in 2012. Multiple opportunities are available, including the 105th Annual Meeting, KNOW, YPN, Membership Golf Classic, 30 For the Future Awards, and many others. Please contact Chad Hamman if you are interested in seeing our full sponsorship menu.

The mission of the Greater Akron Chamber is to drive economic development and prosperity for the people of the Greater Akron Region.

Akron Is Among Top Ten Cities in Which to Find a Job

Over a 12-month period ending in September 2011, Akron ranked as the 8th best place American city for job growth. The ranking comes from The Fiscal Times and compared the 100 largest metro areas. Akron was the only metropolitan area in Ohio to make the top ten.

Top Analysts Rate Akron Among Best Housing Markets for 2012

Sooner than much of the country, the real estate market in Akron has reason for optimism. A recent MSN Real Estate article, "The 5 Best (and 5 Worst) Housing Markets for 2012" by Melinda Fulmer, has listed Akron among the five best housing markets in the nation.

The list of the top markets, a result of research from residential home price forecaster Local Market Monitor, takes into account several factors, with anticipated job growth at the top.

Said Fulmer about Akron, "The average home price of $148,508 has slipped 4% in the last year, but the future looks brighter. Jobs-especially manufacturing jobs-are coming back to Akron. ...Buyers here can expect the market to hit bottom this year, with a 2% gain in 2013."

The other anticipated best housing markets were Pittsburgh; Worcester, MA; greater Houston; and greater New Orleans. Each market was predicted to experience 1-2% growth in 2013.

Chamber Receives Economic Development Award

The Ohio Economic Development Association presented the Greater Akron Chamber with the 2011 Excellence in Economic Development Innovation for its work with Röchling Automotive/Project Atlantic. The award, presented at the 2011 Annual Summit, recognizes unique approaches to economic development and individuals who have developed innovative practices and programs.

State Superintendent Shares Perspective on Education System

On November 28, Stan Heffner, the state superintendent of the Ohio Department of Education, spoke to Akron's leaders about the dramatic changes required in the state's school systems in order to create a future workforce capable of leading Ohio.

To make sure Ohio's current and future students are prepared to find good jobs, Heffner explained that support must come from collaboration between the state and the business community. Heffner focused on a need for Ohio to raise its accountability standards for academic performances and for business leaders to understand and engage themselves on the quality, expectations, accountability, transparency and efficiency of K-12 education.

Support for Turnpike Study Comes from Ohio's Chambers

The Greater Akron Chamber, along with the seven other metropolitan chambers of commerce of Ohio and the Ohio Chamber, sent a letter to Governor Kasich that expressed support of the state's intention to explore options for operation of the Ohio Turnpike.

The letter stated that "the time is now for a thorough examination of this important state asset." The possibility of leasing the Ohio Turnpike is consistent with the recommendations in "Redesigning Ohio - Transforming Government into a 21st Century Institution," a report from the metropolitan chambers that outlines how the state can think differently about existing practices.

The state has retained KPMG to study the Turnpike options and make recommendations by July 1, 2012.

Call for 30 for the Future Nominations

Each year the Greater Akron Chamber celebrates young professionals (ages 25-39) whose stellar contributions enhance their workplaces and our region. We are looking for nominees who display leadership, team building and creativity in overcoming obstacles.

Nomination forms can be found online. The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 30.

Contact Angela Presutti by e-mail or phone at (330) 237-1263 for more information.