events & updates
In This Issue - August 30, 2016
chamber events
Lunch & Learn
The Morning Buzz
KNOW Luncheon
Republican Candidate Luncheon
30 for the Future Awards
Democratic Candidate Luncheon
chamber news & updates
Travel to Costa Rica in 2017
chamber benefits
Save Money on Health Insurance
partner events & news

chamber events

 
Lunch & Learn: How to Comply with the New Overtime Exemption Rules

Due to an overwhelming demand and importance of this topic, we will be hosting another Lunch & Learn to discuss the changes to the overtime rules.

Do you know that overtime rules are changing?

If you have exempt employees being paid less than $913 a week ($47,476 annually), the newly released overtime exemption rules will affect you. The new rules will be effective as of December 1, 2016, and will mean that all salaried employees - regardless of their professional, managerial or administrative responsibilities - must be paid at least $47,476 annually or the equivalent to $22.83 per hour, or they will be entitled to overtime.  

If that prospect seems daunting to your budget for salaried personnel, learn more about the new rules and how to minimize their impact on your workplace with Attorney Karen C. Lefton of The Lefton Group, LLC.

Where & When
Hilton Garden Inn Akron
1307 E. Market St.
Akron, OH  44305
Thursday, September 1, 2016
11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $25 per person

Click here to register.
 
The Morning Buzz
 
SummaCare Sponsored by SummaCare

The Morning Buzz, sponsored by SummaCare, is a monthly speaker breakfast series which aims to connect small and medium size businesses by facilitating the exchange of ideas and strategies for business growth and success.  

Join us to hear from Jeff Hoffman, Executive in Residence and Founding Director of UA's Center for Experiential Learning, Entrepreneurship and Civic Engagement.  Hoffman has founded and grown a series of successful startup companies, guiding them to acquisitions and public offerings. He is a founder/partner in ColorJar, a venture accelerator firm that helps entrepreneurs and small business owners launch and grow new business ventures. In this capacity, Jeff works as a virtual CEO with startup companies worldwide.
Morning Buzz
Hoffman is perhaps best known as a founder and CEO in the Priceline.com family of companies, where he led the development and launch of Priceline's consumer company (Priceline YardSale).

Where & When
Hilton Garden Inn, Akron
1307 E. Market St.
Akron, OH  44305
Friday, September 9, 2016
7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
7:30 a.m. - Business Connections/Registration/Breakfast
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. - Welcome/Presentation

Click here to register.

KNOW (Knowledgeable Network of Women) Empowering Women Luncheon
KNOW 2010 Logo
Join KNOW for the next luncheon to hear Abigail Pringle, Chief Development Officer, The Wendy's Company,  present.  Additional information will be forthcoming. 

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
Thursday, September 22, 2016
11:00 a.m.

For more information or to register, click here.

Republican Candidate Luncheon
 
Join the chamber for an opportunity to hear from Republicans running for federal, statewide, state legislative and county office this November. This is an exclusive opportunity for Greater Akron Chamber members only.

Where & When
Roetzel & Andress
4th Floor Multi-Purpose Room
222 S. Main St
Akron, OH  44308
Friday, September 23, 2016
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $15 (includes lunch)

Click here to register.
 
Chamber Announces 30 for the Future Award Recipients for 2016
 
30 FTF logo 2011 Thirty-one Greater Akron Region young professionals have been named the recipients of the tenth 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 29, 2016.

When & Where
E.J. Thomas Hall
198 Hill St.
Akron, OH  44325
Thursday, September 29, 2016
5:30 p.m.

Click here to register.

Platinum Sponsor:
Gold Sponsor:

Silver Sponsors:

Sponsorships are still available; contact Kurt Leibensperger at (330) 237-1234 for more information.

Democratic Candidate Luncheon

Join the chamber for an opportunity to hear from Democrats running for federal, statewide, state legislative and county office this November. This is an exclusive opportunity for Greater Akron Chamber Members only.

Where & When
Roetzel & Andress
4th Floor Multi-Purpose Room
222 S. Main St
Akron, OH  44308
Friday, September 30, 2016
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $15 (includes lunch)

Click here to register.
 

 


chamber news & updates

 
Book Your Chamber Trips Now!

Greater Akron Chamber presents Tropical Costa Rica...

February 2-10, 2017
...with Optional 3-Night Jungle Adventure Post-Tour Extension!

$2,799* per person (double occupancy)

This 9-Day Tour Includes Round-Trip Air and 13 meals (8 breakfasts and 5 dinners). 

Highlights...San Jose, Coffee Plantation, Guanacaste, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Hanging Bridges, Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal Cruise, Cooking Demonstration, Cano Negro Refuge, Zarcero, National Theatre, and More!

Click here to view a brochure.

For more information, contact:

Maria Edwards
AAA Travel Agency
(330) 762-0631
medwards@akron.aaa.com

Next trips up are Pacific NW & California - June 18-25, 2017, and Reflections of Italy - September 6-15, 2017!

*All rates are per person and subject to change.

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.



New OSHA Recordkeeping Reporting Rule


The new rule, which took effect August 10, 2016, requires certain employers to electronically submit injury and illness data that they are already required to record on their onsite OSHA Injury and Illness forms. Analysis of this data will enable OSHA to use its enforcement and compliance assistance resources more efficiently. Some of the data will also be posted to the OSHA website.  Click here for more information.
 


Nonviolent Strategies for Caregivers and Other Staff Working Directly with the Public

On Thursday, September 8, the BWC Canton office will present this crisis intervention training program.  It offers proven strategies for resolving situations when confronted by anxious, hostile or violent behavior, while protecting the therapeutic relationships with those in their care.  Click here for more information.



Safety Innovation Awards Now Open! Apply by September 30
 
The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation is accepting applications from Ohio employers for the 2017 Safety Innovation Awards.
 
Innovations must demonstrate reduction in safety or ergonomic risk factors, or occupational health exposures.  Cash awards up to $6,000. Apply by September 30, 2016.  Eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at  www.bwc.ohio.gov. Click on Safety Services, then Safety Innovation Awards.

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 & Events here.  

 
Click here to 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 MarketPlace
 
Connect to exclusive savings on services provided by Greater Akron Chamber Members for Chamber Members!  Chamber members can save on business services, health services, cleaning, travel, entertainment, restaurants, and more in The MarketPlace.

Click here to see the deals.

To find out how you can offer a discount or service to Chamber members, contact your 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 & news

 
Step Up for Stand Down!






Please join County Executive Ilene Shapiro, Councilwoman Liz Walters, FirstEnergy Foundation, the Greater Akron Chamber, and the Laura Williams Dunlop Memorial Stand Down for Homeless and Displaced Veterans of Summit County, Ohio in a new partnership, Step Up for Stand Down!

Why Step Up for Stand Down?

Stand Down is a full day of community and grassroots intervention that assists our homeless and displaced Veterans in preparing for the winter months by supplying them with warm clothing, sleeping bags, gloves, hats and shoes. The Veterans also receive medical testing, legal counseling and food cards.  There will be counselors available to work with Veterans on earned benefits and available services.

In the past, the United States Department of Defense has supplied The Laura Williams Dunlop Memorial Stand Down for Homeless and Displaced Veterans of Summit County with surplus items. This year, a three-day fie destroyed a New Jersey warehouse that housed the Department of Defense's donations that were being sent to assist local agencies such as Stand Down.  Now Stand Down needs as much local help as they can get.

The Laura Williams Dunlop Memorial Stand Down for Homeless and Displaced Veterans of Summit County will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, from 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Firestone VFW Post 3383, located at 690 Waterloo Rd. in Akron.

Please help our Veterans - Donate at the link below, and thank you!
www.gofundme.com/summitstanddown
 
Annual Diversity Career Fair

The Akron Urban League would like to invite your company to attend our Annual Diversity Career Fair, co-sponsored by the Greater Akron Chamber.
 
This event is a great opportunity for your company to promote career opportunities to a diverse pool of job seekers. Through our partnership with the Greater Akron Chamber, we are anticipating a large pool of well-qualified job seekers and an increased selection of employers. The Annual Diversity Career Fair will be highly publicized via radio, print and other media coverage. To participate in the Akron Urban League's Annual Diversity Career Fair, co-sponsored by the Greater Akron Chamber, please complete and return the registration form to careerfair@akronurbanleague.org. A prompt response will ensure your booth reservation and maximum publicity of your participation. 
 
If you have any questions, please call LaMon Harris at (234) 542-4157. We look forward to your participation at the career fair!

Where & When
Akron Urban League
President's Hall
440 Vernon Odom Blvd.
Akron, OH  44307
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
3:00 - 6:00 p.m. 
 
September'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 Theaster Gates, Artist and Founder & Artistic Director, Rebuild Foundation, presents "Importance of an Artist as an Entrepreneur."

Where & When

The University of Akron
Quaker Square Station 
135 S. Broadway St.
Akron, OH  44308
Thursday, September 15, 2016
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. 

Click here for more information on the speaker and ticket ordering information! 

Intellectual Property Webinar

Hosted by NEOTEC and Moxon & Association LLC

Exporters and Importers:  Learn how to protect your brand and technology when doing business with international customers.  Participate in this one-hour webinar to learn how intellectual property impacts your export / import business.  Presenters include expert patent attorneys from Moxon & Associates, who will discuss how to protect your patents and trade secrets, proper use and registration of trademarks, and new developments in trade secrets. 

When
Thursday, September 29, 2016
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Click here for more information and to register.  Log-on instructions will be provided to all registrants.
 
Utica Summit IV - Shaping an Energy-Rich Future

Anticipating the impact from a regional cracker is a major theme of Utica Summit IV. Shell has announced it will build a 94-mile pipeline through parts of Ohio, PA and WV. Gas processing plants in Cadiz and Scio, Ohio, will feed ethane to Shell's cracker plant in Beaver County, Pa. In its fourth year, Utica Summit IV draws a line from Utica energy to the plastics industry. That line goes through the ethane crackers proposed for the tristate Utica region.

Speakers include:
  • Joe C. Eddy, president and CEO, Eagle Mfg., Wellsburg, W.VA.
  • Tom Gellrich, principal, TopLine Analytics and a petrochemical consultantStan Glover of Zeiger Industries, Canton, OH, and leader within SPI
Other topics at Utica Summit IV:
  • MarkWest Midstream on the infrastructure needed to serve the proposed ethane crackers
  • Cleveland Federal Reserve on the state of the manufacturing and energy economy in the Fed's Fourth District
  • Discussion panel with building trades on power plant and ethane cracker construction workforce needs
Where & When
Embassy Suites by Hilton at Akron-Canton Airport
7883 Freedom Ave., NW
North Canton, OH  44720
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

For program updates and registration, click here.

Crain's [M]Power Manufacturing Assembly

[M]POWER 2016: WHAT'S THE SECRET SAUCE? Bring your entire leadership team to this one-of-a-kind event for manufacturers that will focus on creating a culture of excellence across all levels of your organization. Concurrent track sessions will focus on issues relevant to every aspect of your operation - from HR and operations to marketing. Not a manufacturer? Service providers can learn how to better reach manufacturing clients in a session designed just for you.

Where & When
John S. Knight Center
77 E. Mill St.
Akron, OH  44308
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  

For more information, click here.
 
Community & Veterans Job Fair

Calling All Employers! 

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

Where & When
The University of Akron
Quaker Square Station
130 E. Mill St.
Akron, OH  44308
Monday, November 7, 2016
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.

 
News from ODOT - Interstate 76 in the City of Akron/Summit County Projects
 
As part of the $8.6 million various bridge repair project on I-76 between the Kenmore Leg and the Portage County line, the Ohio Department of Transportation District 4 will have various ramp closures and mainline restrictions throughout the month of August.  For more information, visit Do the Detour or ODOT.



Curious how road construction will affect your commute?  Download the OHGO app today!  Access up-to-the minute details on current traffic speeds, incidents, road construction and weather-related conditions affecting travel from your desktop, tablet or mobile device.  Check out the tutorial video to the right for a preview of the app.

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.