events & updates
In This Issue - October 19, 2015
chamber events
Summit of Sustainability Awards
Lunch & Learn
Coffee, Tea & Contacts
KNOW Luncheon
Candidate & Elected Officials Reception
Economic Outlook
Connect After Work
chamber news & updates
Imperial Cities Trip
chamber benefits
Save Money on Health Insurance
partner events

chamber events

 
Summit of Sustainability Awards
Sustainability logo
The Summit of Sustainability Awards recognize and celebrate businesses and nonprofits in Summit County who have raised the bar for sustainability. This is the fourth year for the county-wide awards program that showcases the best examples of commercial energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation and green purchasing. 

This year, the Summit of Sustainability Awards aims to recognize individuals who are Sustainability Changemakers, or those persons who have created value for their Summit County organization, and community, through their ongoing sustainability efforts. Recipients were nominated by their peers, supervisors, and sustainability experts in Summit County, and they will be recognized at the annual SOSA breakfast on October 22.  Click here to see this year's Sustainability Changemakers.

For the first time, this year, the annual awards ceremony has planned a panel discussion rather than a single keynote speaker at the event.  On this panel will be guest, award-winner and changemaker in her own right, Holly Harlan, whose extensive bio details her experience as entrepreneur, engineer, and economic and business development strategist. Joining Harlan on the event's sustainability discussion panel will be Nichole Koharik, Global Sustainability Marketing Director at GOJO Industries, Inc. and John Farber, Head of School at Old Trail School.

Where & When
The University of Akron
Quaker Square Station
135 S. Broadway St.
Akron, OH  44308
Thursday, October 22, 2015
7:30 - 8:00 a.m. Registration & Networking
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast & Awards Program

Click here to register now.

Lunch & Learn: Marijuana Legalization - State Issue 3

Sponsored by AUI

This fall, citizens will be voting to legalize medical and recreational marijuana in the state of Ohio.  Please join the Greater Akron Chamber as we host Darryl Blake, Executive Director, Summit County Community Partnership for a discussion on what does state Issue 3 contain and its potential impact on business. 
 
Space is limited for this event, so register now! Once we reach capacity there will be a waiting list. 

Where & When
Greater Akron Chamber
One Cascade Plaza, 17th Floor
Akron, OH  44308
Friday, October 23, 2015
11:30 a.m. Registration & Networking
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Program 
Cost: $10 includes lunch

Click here to register.

 
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, October 27, 2015
7:30 - 9:00 a.m. 
  

Click here to register.  

KNOW (Knowledgeable Network of Women) Luncheon

BCG & Company Premier Sponsors are BCG & Company and BCG Systems 
 
Join KNOW for the October quarterly luncheon to hear Iris E. Harvey, Vice President for University Relations, Kent State University, present "Leadership: Lean in With Purpose - Power Will Follow." 

Iris serves as the university's chief strategist on branding, marketing and communications, regional development and corporate affairs. Since joining Kent State University in 2008, Iris has contributed to the university's ranking as the second largest university in Ohio, helped quantify the annual economic impact of Kent State University to the State of Ohio as $1.9 billion and raised the global visibility of the university which contributed to its recognition as a "Top University in the World" by the Time Higher Education World University Rankings.

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.
 
Where & When
Portage Country Club
240 N. Portage Path
Akron, OH  44303
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
11:00 a.m.

For more information or to register, click here.

Supporting Sponsor, Roetzel & Andress.

2013 Roetzel logo

Candidate & Elected Officials Reception

AT&T Logo Sponsored by AT&T, Summa Health, and Oriana House

Don't miss this unique networking opportunity with local, state, and federal candidates and elected officials!  This is your opportunity to meet one on one with officials and candidates to share your perspective on the local economy, the needs of your organization, and hear from them where they stand on the issues.  Please join us and connect with other Chamber members, elected officials, and candidates for the upcoming election.

Where & When
Roetzel & Andress
222 S. Main St.
Akron, OH  44308
Thursday, October 29, 2015
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $30 for members
 
Click here for more information to see what officials are attending and to register.
 
Economic Outlook 2016

Westfield Bank stacked Sponsored by Westfield Bank

Representing Westfield Bank, Jon Park and Rich Nash, will provide insight and commentary on key U.S. economic trends including employment, industrial, housing and construction activity, interest rates and expansion versus recessionary indicators.

Where & When
Hilton Akron/Fairlawn
3180 W. Market St.
Akron, OH  44333
Friday, November 6, 2015
7:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Click here for more information and to register.
 
Connect After Work

Celebrate the grand opening of KnowYourCustomers.com's new offices at the Akron Global Business Accelerator.  Come tour the new facility, network, and enjoy food and drinks.

Where & When
KnowYourCustomers.com
Akron Global Business Accelerator
526 S. Main St., Ste. 409
Akron, OH  44311
Thursday, November 12, 2015
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Click here to register.
 
 


chamber news & updates

 
Book Your 2016 Chamber Trips Now!

Greater Akron Chamber Presents Imperial Cities...

...Featuring Prague, Vienna & Budapest!
October 10-20, 2016
This 11-Day Tour Includes Round-Trip Air and 14 meals (9 breakfasts and five dinners).   
 
Highlights...Prague, Hradcany Castle, Prague Folklore Dinner and Show, Cesky Krumlov, Vienna, Grinzing Evening, Schoenbrunn Palace, Danube River Cruise, Batislava, Budapest, Matthias Church, Fisherman's Bastion, Szentendre, Renaissance Dinner

Click here to view a brochure. 
 
Starting at $3,649* per person (double occupancy)

You're invited to a special travel presentation 
Tuesday, October 27, 2015, 5:00 p.m. 
Akron-Summit County Public Library 
60 S. High St., Room 2AB, Akron, OH  44308 
RSVP to (330) 376-5550.
 
For more information, contact:
 
Maria Edwards
AAA Travel Agency
(330) 762-0631
 
* All rates are per person and subject to change. 
 
Seeking STEM Speakers Series

NIHF logo Do you work in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) profession?  Do you happen to like working with energetic,creative students?  Then, your help is needed.  You are invited to participate in the STEM Speakers Series at the National Inventors Hall of Fame® School ... Center for STEM Learning, which features real-life professionals that work in a STEM field.  The series helps students rediscover their interests, talents, abilities, and the different ways STEM capabilities can be used in the classroom and beyond. It also equips students to form a realistic picture of various academic and career opportunities.

You are invited to teach students about different STEM careers or experiences by presenting in four, half-hour sessions, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. in one fun-filled afternoon.  Since one of the goals of the NIHF-STEM School is to inspire students to be creative and inventive thinkers, feel free to make your presentations interactive and to involve the students if at possible.  If you are interested in this opportunity or know someone that may be, contact Dreama Mason Whitfield at (330) 761-3195 or e-mail to dwhitfie@akronk12.oh.us.  Below are available dates for the Speaker Series:

October 7, 2015
November 4, 2015
December 2, 2015
February 17, 2016
April 20, 2016
October 21, 2015
November 18, 2015
February 10, 2016
March 16, 2016
May 4, 2016
 
 


      

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.
 


Control Your Unemployment Expenses with CareWorksComp

Many of our members may not be aware that in addition to providing state-of-the-art Workers' Compensation programs for business, our partner, CareWorksComp is also available to assist them with unemployment cost control. Their dedicated team has 16 years of unemployment claims and tax management experience. Every participant of our Workers' Compensation Group Rating program receives companion Unemployment Consultation at no additional cost. In addition to the consultative service, CareWorksComp offers full-service unemployment cost-control services. Highlights of the full-service unemployment program include:
  • Claims management
  • Pre-termination consultation
  • Avoid claim penalties
  • Claim impact/analysis
  • Hearing preparation/representation
  • Account monitoring
  • Controlling fraud
  • Tax analysis
Membership Has Its Benefits!

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, Palitto Consulting/Business Communications Specialists, Boggs Chiropractic, Electric Impulse Communications, Everstream, Focal Point Social Media, 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

 
Insightful Women Who Drive the Nation Breakfast-Networking-Resource Fair

Transform goals into reality and participate in this inaugural (free) event - to learn the secret to leadership and professional development.  Join Congressman Jim Renacci to discuss how women from all walks of lie and backgrounds:
  • Learn how the present legislative and regulatory environment helps or hinders the professional development of women in the workplace;
  • Discover how Federal agencies and current federal policies enhance women entrepreneur and their opportunities to excel in today's economic climate;
  • Conquer the challenges facing professional women.
Keynote speaker will be Kristi Noem, Congresswoman from South Dakota.

Where & When
Holiday Inn - Strongsville
15471 Royalton Rd.
Strongsville, OH  44136
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
7:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Click here to register.

Greater Summit Business Conference & Expo

Corporations such as Bridgestone and Goodyear have shaped the unique identity of the region. The contributions made by these and other corporations have helped the region grow. People now look at Northeast Ohio as a symbol of prosperity because strong businesses build strong communities. The Greater Summit Business Conference & Expo builds on those strengths by providing a unique opportunity to promote partnerships between corporations, small business, and governments to increase the prosperity of Ohio's multicultural communities.

The Greater Summit Business Conference and Expo provides information on opportunities and
resources to small businesses. The event provides a platform for local businesses, corporations, and government officials to promote diversity, collaboration, and innovation. From start-ups to established businesses, there will be valuable information and corporate contacts to help you start and grow your business, and major corporations will be able to increase their pool of small business talent to address their outsourcing needs. We anticipate 500 attendees so don't miss this opportunity to learn, network. and prosper.  For questions or more information, please call 1-800-900-7735 or click here.

Keynote speaker will be Russ Pry, Summit County Executive, County of Summit, Ohio.

Where & When
The University of Akron
Quaker Square Station
135 S. Broadway St.
Akron, OH  44308
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Click here to register.


Veterans Career and Community Job Fair

Calling All Employers! 

Meet the Greater Akron area's top quality military personnel with your career opportunities!

Where & When
The University of Akron
Quaker Square Station
135 S. Broadway St.
Akron, OH  44308
Thursday, November 12, 2015
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Veterans Only
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Veterans and All Job Seekers

Booth spaces are available.  For more information and to register, click here

 
November'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 John Farber, Head of School, Old Trail School, will be the speaker.  His topic will be "From One-Room Schoolhouse to Collaboration in the Cloud...The Future of Education in the United States."

Where & When

The University of Akron
Quaker Square Station 
135 S. Broadway St.
Akron, OH  44308
Thursday, November 19, 2015
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. 

Click here for ticket ordering information! 

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.