events & updates
In This Issue - July 22, 2015
chamber events
Connect After Work - TODAY!
Coffee, Tea & Contacts
Morning Buzz
KNOW Luncheon
YPN: Golf 101
30 for the Future
chamber benefits
Save Money on Health Insurance
Membership Has Its Benefits
partner events

chamber events

 
Connect After Work - TODAY!

Networking on the Patio!

Join the Chamber for Connect After Work, with networking, complimentary appetizers and a cash bar.  Connect with fellow business executives at this free networking event.

Where & When
P.F. Chang's China Bistro at Summit Mall
3265 W. Market St.
Akron, OH  44333
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

To register, click here.

 

Coffee, Tea & Contacts Networking Event
 
Sponsored by ACME Fresh Markets

 

This event is a power networking get-together designed for Chamber members to make important connections with their fellow member businesses.  While exchanging business cards is great, it's certainly more effective for business people to learn about everyone's respective companies in an intimate setting.  Be sure to arrive at 7:30 a.m. to make the most of this meeting!  Remember, only one person per company can attend, so your networking opportunities are maximized.  The event is free, but the networking is priceless!  Pre-registration is required.

Coffee Tea & Contacts
Where
& When

ACME Fresh Markets - Montrose
3979 Medina Rd.
Akron, OH 44333
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
7:30 - 9:00 a.m. 
  

Click here to register.  

The Morning Buzz:  The Business of Gaming and How It Impacts the Region
Morning Buzz
The region's gaming industry has changed dramatically since voters passed Issue 3 in 2009 to permit casinos in Ohio.  Northfield Park, home to harness racing in Summit County, is now Hard Rock Rocksino, that is a destination venue home to video slot terminals, a comedy club, restaurants, harness racing track and a concert hall.

Mark Birtha, President of Hard Rock International, will be providing insights on their economic impact and a behind the scene tour of one of our region's fastest growing industries.

Valet and self-parking is available.  Valet is $3 with a Players Card.  There is no charge to self park.  Guests should enter the Rocksino via the main entrance - facing Northfield Road.  Club Velvet is immediately to the right.

The Morning Buzz program is hosted by the Greater Akron Chamber's Small Business Council for members that are executives and decision-makers to share knowledge on Akron's world-class assets that contribute to our regional prosperity.

Where & When
Club Velvet @ Hard Rock Rocksino at Northfield Park
10777 Northfield Rd.
Northfield, OH  44067-1236
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
7:30 - 8:00 a.m. Networking
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. program
 
Click here to register.

Small Business Council Events & Programs Sponsored by:



KNOW (Knowledgeable Network of Women) Luncheon

BCG & Company Premier Sponsors are BCG & Company and BCG Systems 
 
Join KNOW for the August quarterly luncheon to hear Jen Groover, a national empowerment and business expert, entrepreneur, author and speaker, present "Empowered to Empower." 

Groover is a national empowerment and business expert, entrepreneur, author and speaker.  She is a highly sought after international speaker.  She is a thought leader in all aspects of human potential impacting even the most diversified crowds. Her message has been heard everywhere from Fortune 500 companies to universities, leadership Conferences and more.

2010 KNOW Logo KNOW is a personal and professional development program for business women in the Greater Akron Region. Our mission is to cultivate the talent within each other by reaching out to today's women executives and tomorrow's leaders. For stories that inspire, innovative ideas and practical solutions, plan to be a part of the Greater Akron Chamber's exhilarating program developed exclusively for women.
 
Where & When
Portage Country Club
240 N. Portage Path
Akron, OH  44303
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
11:00 a.m.

For more information or to register, click here.

Supporting Sponsor, Roetzel & Andress.
www.thomarios.com
2013 Roetzel logo
Young Professionals Network: Golf 101

Sponsored by Tangier and City Cleaners

Are you a beginner at golf? Intermediate? Advanced? It doesn't matter!

Come out and learn, improve, or practice your game of golf.  Golf tips will be given by the Greg Jones Golf Academy, and range balls will be provided.  Enjoy food, a cash bar, and networking.  Feel free to bring your own clubs.  This event is free to YPN members and $15 for non-members.  Only 50 spots available!

Where & When
Golf Improvements Centers
116 Medina Rd.
Medina, OH  44256
Thursday, August 13, 2015
5:30 p.m.

Click here to register.

 

Chamber Announces 30 for the Future Award Recipients

Thirty Greater Akron Region young professionals have been named the recipients of the ninth 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.  Click here to view a list of this year's recipients.

Join the Chamber as we recognize the award recipients at an awards celebration on Thursday, September 3, 2015.

Where & When
Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)
4209 State Route 44
Rootstown, OH  44272
Thursday, September 3, 2015
5:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Click here to register.

Sponsorships are available; contact Kim Huff at (330) 237-1253 for more information.
 

     
       

chamber benefits

 
Receive Discounts on Your Health Plan Coverage!

Greater Akron Chamber Offers Two Healthcare Plans for Chamber Members
 
The Chamber recently added Medical Mutual to our benefit savings portfolio in addition to SummaCare.  Medical Mutual healthcare plans are built around Medical Mutual's network of doctors and hospitals, the largest provider network in Ohio. That network includes Akron General Medical Center and Summa Health System.

Designed as a private exchange model built around a fully integrated technology platform, this consumer-driven choice tool encourages responsible healthcare spending habits and more involvement in treatment decisions. The plans are available for member companies with 51 to 500 eligible employees.  As an added benefit, Chamber members will receive a 1.4 percent discount on their healthcare premiums. For more information, please contact the Medical Mutual Sales Team at (440) 572-6349.
SummaCare

For over 18 years, SummaCare and the Greater Akron Chamber have partnered to save local businesses over $25 million on health insurance premiums. Those savings are used by companies to grow their bottom line and boost our local economy.

 

SummaCare is pleased to continue to offer Chamber members and the Affiliate Partner Chamber members the maximum allowable discount of 1.4% on their health insurance premiums. We are the only health insurance option offering a discount through the Greater Akron Chamber for employers of 50 or fewer employees.  For more information, contact the SummaCare Sales Team at (800) 996-8818 or call your broker.

Save Money with the Chamber's Workers' Compensation Group Rating Plan
 
The Greater Akron Chamber's Group Rating Program offers savings up to the maximum available discount on your Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) premium.  The Chamber partners with CareWorksComp because they help employers achieve the highest group rating discount possible.  Nearly 30,000 customers choose CareWorksComp to manage their workers' compensation plan.  Click here to download an authorization permitting CareWorksComp to provide you with a NO-COST, NO-OBLIGATION analysis.  To learn more, call CareWorksComp at 1-800-837-3200.



Important Dates regarding Workers' Compensation:
  • July 31, 2015 is the Safety Council enrollment deadline. Participation in a safety council can reward you with a 2% premium discount if you are in a group rating or group retro program, and up to 4% if not.
  • July 31, 2015 is the deadline to complete accident analysis training if you are starting the Drug Free Safety Program (DFSP) this year.
  • July 31, 2015 is the deadline to submit the safety management self-assessment, SH-26, if you are entering into DFSP for the first time on July 1st.
  • July 31, 2015 is the deadline to complete the Industry Specific Safety Program (ISSP) on-site consultation survey, SH-29.
  • July 31, 2015 is the deadline to submit quarterly payroll and unemployment taxes, if any are due, to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS).*
*The second quarter payroll and unemployment taxes are due to ODJFS by July 31, 2015. Untimely reports will result in penalties.  Employers can mail their reports and/or payments to ODJFS or file electronically through the Employer Resource Information Center (ERIC) at www.unemployment.ohio.gov. For additional information regarding unemployment matters, contact Kammy Staton at (800) 837-3200 ext. 57165 or via e-mail: kammy.staton@careworkscomp.com

Membership Has Its Benefits!

Member News & Events

Our members are making headlines. Got news? Building business relationships in the community? If your company has news to share or is holding an event that's open to the general public, and you'd like to get the word out, submit your News and Events here.   

While there, check out the latest news and events submitted by our member companies!   Please patronize our chamber members.  The Greater Akron Chamber thanks you for helping us support the region's business community.  

 

Member to Member Discounts

Membership in the Greater Akron Chamber has its privileges...like savings from other Chamber members! This month's deals include: 
 
Savings from ACE Products & Consulting, LLC, Akron Racers, Palitto Consulting/Business Communications Specialists, Boggs Chiropractic, Electric Impulse Communications, Everstream, Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park, It's a Breeze Travel, Hawthorn Suites Wyndham Extended Stay in Montrose, House of Plants Florist, Jilly's Music Room, Leanne Cannon, Miracle on Main Street, NOTO Boutique, Pak Computers, PPG Industries, Service Master of Hudson, Unite This City, The Vation Group, Vitality Massage Therapy, WOW 1 DAY PAINTING, and YB12 Coach.

Special savings from Greater Akron Chamber members to Greater Akron Chamber members.  Check out the deals here.  And if you'd like to offer a deal, contact your Greater Akron Chamber representative at (330) 237-1234.      

 

Greater Akron Chamber Partners with Constant Contact® to Help You Grow Your Business with E-mail Marketing
 

Constant ContactUse the leading e-mail marketing service to connect with your customers - and take advantage of a special member benefit

Greater Akron Chamber has partnered with Constant Contact®, the leading e-mail marketing service for small businesses, to bring you a great way to stay in touch with your most important audience: your customers. With Constant Contact®, e-mail marketing is easy, affordable and effective.  And because you are a member of Greater Akron Chamber, you qualify for a special discount. If you prepay for six months, you receive a 20% discount. Prepay for a year and save 25%!  There's no better time to try e-mail marketing. If you haven't opened an account yet, you can start with a 60-day free trial. To begin your trial, click here.

If you already have a Constant Contact® account and would like your discount, please send an e-mail to chamberprogram@constantcontact.com with your user name telling them you are a member of the Greater Akron Chamber.    


   
   

partner events

 
78th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby

The 2015 race takes place this week July 19-25, 2015, at Derby Downs.

Racing began on July 21 with the DQ Rally Challenge and the SUBWAY® Challenge and continues all week leading up to the World Championship race on Saturday, July 25. Tickets for race-day are $5 and can be purchased at the Derby box office or the day of the race. For more information, visit the Derby's brand new website at www.soapboxderby.org.   We encourage you to attend this year's race, as well as all the other activities during the week-long championship. 
Check out the schedule of events here.   


KNOW (Knowledgeable Network of Women) Connect

2010 KNOW Logo Facilitated by the Greater Akron Chamber's Knowledgeable Network of Women

Join the Akron Racers and Gavin Scott Salon and Spa for a KNOW Connect event to support Keep Akron Beautiful at 80's Night at Firestone Stadium.  Dress in your 80's best for a chance to win a prize.  Connect with fellow Chamber members at a networking picnic at 5:30 p.m. followed by the game at 7:00 p.m. 

Where & When
Firestone Stadium
1575 Firestone Pkwy.
Akron, OH  44301
Friday, July 31, 2015
5:30 p.m.

For more information and to register, click here.

 

Sustainability Changemaker Nominations Wanted
Sustainability logo
The Summit of Sustainability aims to recognize individuals who have been a driving force for sustainability change in their business or organization.

The Summit of Sustainability committee invites individuals to nominate Sustainability Changemakers who have created value for their organization and community through their ongoing sustainability efforts that, ideally, coincide with their organization's sustainability plan and goals. The Nominee must be employed at organizations (e.g., business, non-profit, community group, public entity, etc.) located within Summit County or acting in a manner that impacts Summit County. People within organizations that have been previously recognized by The Summit of Sustainability Awards are eligible.
 
The Sustainability Changemaker nomination form requires a description in 500 words or less that emphasizes the changes and benefits that occurred as a result of the Nominee's efforts. The form link can be found on the website at www.summitofsustainability.org on both the homepage and the Apply for Awards page. Deadline is Friday, July 31, 2015.

 

Seeking Employee of Distinction Luncheon Award Nominations

Goodwill Shining Star logo The 14th Annual Employee of Distinction Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2015, at 11:30 a.m. at Guy's Party Centre in Akron.  What a terrific and cost effective way to recognize your shining star employees and show them how important they are to your success!
 
It's time to look around your workplace to recognize those individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty for your business!  Do you have an outstanding individual or team that goes above and beyond for your organization?  At no cost, you can nominate that employee or team and publicly recognize their efforts.
 
Deadline for honoree nominations is Friday, August 7, 2015. Nominate your shining stars today!  Click here to download the nomination form.  Click here for more information.

 

10th Annual National Hamburger Festival - August 8 & 9, 2015
Hamburger Festival logo
Employee/Customer Appreciation Package Supporting Akron Children's Hospital

Every year, hamburger afficionados converge on Akron, Ohio for a real smorgasbord. The National Hamburger Festival serves as the national celebration of the hamburger. Each year over 20,000 hamburger fans have enjoyed family fun, great entertainment and one of the largest assortments of hamburgers ever assembled in one place. The Food Network filmed the festival for a segment on their hit show "Unwrapped". Local media, including television, radio and print are always on-site for the annual event. The citizens of Ohio have embraced the festival with open arms making the event one of Ohio's favorite food festivals.

The festival is held at historic Lock 3 Park in beautiful downtown Akron. The festival raises money each year for one of Akron's favorite charities, the Akron Children's Hospital. Twenty restaurants will serve up over 50 different styles of burgers to hamburger connoisseurs from northeast Ohio and beyond. Enjoy family fun and entertainment with live music all weekend long. Crazy contests include the Ohio Hamburger Eating Championship, a burger cook-off, Miss Hamburger Pageant, a hamburger challenge between the Akron Fire Department and Akron Police, and even a bobbing for hamburgers contest in a kiddie pool full of ketchup. The festival provides much civic pride for the City of Akron as well as its citizens as they stake claim to the invention of the hamburger. So join us in celebrating Akron's Food Icon while also supporting Akron Children's Hospital.

Akron Children's Hospital Your investment helps support Akron Children's Hospital while thanking your customers and/or employees at a minimal cost. Your employees and customers will see that you are supporting an important local event as well as the Hospital. This is also a great way to treat your employees to some end-of-summer fun.  Consider one of the following ticket packages:

Well Done Package - $1,000
* 200 tickets @ $5 each
* Ad in 20,000+ Festival Guides
* Logo and Link on Festival Website
* $200 will be donated to Akron Children's Hospital

Medium Package - $500
* 100 tickets @ $5 each
* Logo and Link on Festival Website
* $100 will be donated to Akron Children's Hospital

Rare Package - $250
* 50 tickets @ $5 each
* $50 will be donated to Akron Children's Hospital

You can customize a package that includes any quantity of admission tickets and donation to the Akron Children's Hospital.  To order tickets, call (716) 565-4141 or e-mail drew@hamburgerfestival.com.
 
August's Akron Roundtable
  
Founded by the Akron Beacon Journal, Greater Akron Chamber and Kiwanis Club of Akron
 
Join us for the next Akron Roundtable when Danielle Sarver Coombs, Author and Associate Professor, Kent State University, will be the speaker.

Where & When

Quaker Square Inn at The University of Akron
135 S. Broadway St.
Akron, OH  44308
Thursday, August 20, 2015
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. 

Click here for ticket ordering information! 

18th Annual Northeast Ohio Logistics Conference & Golf Open

NEOTEC logo Presented by NEOTEC in conjunction with the Port of Cleveland  

 
Don't miss our annual Logistics Conference & Golf Open focusing on the trucking industry.  Hear about current regulations, trends, workforce issues, challenges and opportunities in the industry.  The agenda includes experts from the Port of Cleveland, the Ohio Trucking Association, Small World Logistics Recruiting, Oswald Companies, and the FTR Transportation Intelligence.  A panel discussion will be moderated by Perry Trunick, logistics expert and editor.

Where & When
Firestone Country Club
452 E. Warner Rd.
Akron, OH  44319
Monday, August 24, 2015
7:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Breakfast, Conference & Lunch
8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Breakfast, Conference, Lunch, Golf & Dinner

For more information and to register, click here.
 


Crain's [M]Power Manufacturing Assembly

Co-presented by Crain's and MAGNET, this year's event will provide attendees with an in-depth, street-level view for growing their business. Educational sessions will address ways to increase your competitive advantage in the new face of manufacturing and today's economically challenging times. The 2014 event was a sell-out, and we encourage you to purchase your tickets early.

Join us on September 30th and POWER UP for Manufacturing Month!

Where & When
John S. Knight Center
77 E. Mill St.
Akron, OH  44308
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.  

For more information, click here.

 

Missed an E-blast?

To view the Greater Akron Chamber's archived e-blasts and e-newsletters, click here.  

 


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

  
Greater Akron Chamber
1 Cascade Plaza, 17th Fl.
Akron, Ohio 44308
www.greaterakronchamber.org


Greater Akron Chamber logo
The Greater Akron Chamber is the only economic development organization in the State of Ohio  
to be accredited by the International Economic Development Council.