Sponsors support Greater Akron Chamber events and receive recognition, both at the event and in Chamber media. Event sponsorship and business-to-business advertising opportunities for 2016 are now available. Receive recognition and exposure to the 5,000+ business leaders who are active in the Chamber.

For more information, contact Kurt Leibensperger, Director, Membership Development, at (330) 237-1234 or kurt@greaterakronchamber.org.

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

InterCity Leadership Visit to Greenville, SC

Greenville was chosen for this year's ICLV in September because it is an industrial/post-industrial city rejuvenating through technology, location and logistics; has made innovative use of its urban core and a revitalized downtown; has knowledge-based initiatives in an area with 11 universities and colleges; and pursues strategies to attract and grow talent. Once "Textile Capital of the World," it has a diversified economy of corporate and research companies. Healthcare contributes the largest employment sector, and there is a heavy automotive industry presence and a strong educational foundation. The city has been named a top 100 Arts Town.

The Greater Akron business, civic and community leaders were impressed by sessions on education and talent, the reimagining of the city/downtown, BMW's investment in research and development plus an innovative BMW plant, and Greenville's strategic Platform for Growth.

In response to the visit, the Greater Akron contingent agreed that priorities for our region include:

Strategic master plan
Downtown development and walkability
Visionary leadership with time and energy for transformative efforts
Partnerships in workforce and academic collaboration.

Medical Mutual Plans, Discount 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.

2015-2016 Greater Akron Chamber's Relocation Guide Available

The 2015-2016 Experience Greater Akron, the Greater Akron Chamber's Relocation Guide, is available. This is a great resource for those relocating from around the world or across town. We encourage you to use this guide for your organization and as an employee recruitment tool.

Both print and interactive web versions of the guide promote Greater Akron to companies, individuals and families relocating to the region. It also highlights the talented people who have moved here and the outstanding amenities that make our region one of the best places to live, work and play. Check out "75 Reasons We Love Greater Akron," an informative, fun read about what makes the region cool.

To view the "clickable" version of the magazine, click here. For copies of the guide, call the Chamber at (330) 376-5550.

Interested in advertising in the 2016-2017 Experience Greater Akron? Contact Gail Kerzner at (216) 272-1111.

First-Time Greater Summit Business Conference & Expo

Panel on small business. Paula Carter (moderator), 3MG; Billy Vickers, Modular Assembly Innovations; Keith Eakins, Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council; Hilton Smith, Turner Construction; Joseph Loboda, FirstEnergy; Daryl Watson, Honda North America.

To celebrate and support small business diversity, the Greater Akron Chamber, Akron Urban League, Akron Zoo, City of Akron, County of Summit, Black Pages Magazine, FirstEnergy, Kent State University, Summit Magazine and The University of Akron hosted this Expo. It included individual meetings, networking, panel and workshops on small business success.

Akron Mayor-Elect Dan Horrigan made his first public remarks after being elected, and County Executive Russ Pry gave a keynote on the need to support local entrepreneurship and small business.

"We believe an inclusive public-private partnership will expand the influence of opportunity," said Rick Rebadow, Chamber Executive Vice President. "We are proud to have been a sponsor: such events are vitally important to our community."

Chamber Attends New York Trade Shows

Economic Development Staff
at MDM in New York City

The Greater Akron Chamber and FirstEnergy attended the Medical Design and Manufacturing Show (MDM) in New York, where nearly 1,000 suppliers to the medical device industry showcased the latest technological advances in components, computer aided design, health care products and medical grade materials. The Chamber attends MDM to strengthen our region's advanced materials and medical industry cluster. This year nearly 20 companies from Northeast Ohio exhibited.

While in New York the Chamber and First Energy also conducted meetings at three other trade shows: Pharmapack North America, Plastec East and the East Pack Expo, the East Coast's largest packaging and processing show.

"FirstEnergy has often successfully partnered with the Greater Akron Chamber at domestic and international trade shows like MDM," said Carol Haines, Director for Economic Development for Ohio and West Virginia with FirstEnergy. "It is important for us to not only meet with local companies exhibiting at MDM but also companies looking to expand or relocate in North America. MDM is the opportunity to do both."

Chamber at MEDICA Show

The City of Akron and Greater Akron Chamber once again co-chaired "Akron USA's" participation at the MEDICA Show in Dusseldorf, Germany, one of the largest healthcare events in the world. A delegation including Summit County, City of Fairlawn, SNS Nano Fiber Technology and Brennan Manna Diamond went to support and expand the medical cluster in the Greater Akron Region.

More than 125,000 attendees from 100 countries and 4,000 exhibitors from 50+ countries participated. "Akron, USA" had 60 scheduled meetings with international companies looking to establish a presence or expand into the North American marketplace. As a result, six international companies have already shown their intention to visit the Greater Akron Region in late 2015/early 2016.

"Akron, USA" also addressed a business forum in Turin, Italy with more than 25 Italian companies registered.

Sponsorship for this event resulted from a public-private partnership with Barberton Community Development Corporation, FirstEnergy, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) and the Mayor's Association of Portage, Summit and Stark Counties.

"This was the first international trade show I've had the opportunity to participate in," said Jeff Fusco, then-Mayor of Akron. "Without question, our community has a successful track record and is seen as a portal for those looking to do business in the United States."

Veteran's Fair is Again a Success

This year's Veterans and Community Career Fair surpassed last year's participation with 84 businesses interviewing many attendees. The Chamber, the Akron Beacon Journal, Akron Metro, Ohio Means Jobs-Summit County, and The University of Akron partnered for this second annual fair at Quaker Station. The first hour of the event was solely dedicated to assisting veterans, with more than 150 registered for career placement.

Director Cynthia Dungey of the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services and Director Chip Tansil of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services thanked local companies for hiring men and women who have served our country.

"Of all the events we participated in this year, the veteran's job fair is, without question, one of the most important," said Rick Rebadow, Executive Vice President of the Chamber.

30 For The Future Recipients

On September 3, The Greater Akron Chamber proudly recognized 30 for the Future, 30 young professionals (ages 25-39) who live and/or work in the Greater Akron Region, who are trendsetters in their industries, and who make an impact on the region through dynamic leadership and community service. Here are the winners.

Prague, Vienna, Budapest: Chamber Takes You to Imperial Cities in 2016

Here is your chance for the most wonderful holiday gift, ever!

A trip to Europe's great romantic cities is on deck for October 10-20, 2016. Highlights include Prague, Hradcany Castle, a Prague Folklore dinner and show, Cesky Krumlov, Vienna, a Grinzing Evening, Schoenbrunn Palace, Danube River Cruise, Batislava, Budapest, Matthias Church, Fisherman's Bastion, Szentendre, and a Renaissance Dinner. The 11-day tour for Chamber members includes Round-Trip Air and 14 meals.

Click here to view a brochure.

For more information, contact: Maria Edwards | AAA Travel Agency | (330) 762-0631 | medwards@akron.aaa.com

Economic Development Correspondents

Samuel D. DeShazior, Deputy Director, City of Akron
Stephen Kidder, President, German Link, Inc.
Richard F. Rebadow, Executive Vice President, Greater Akron Chamber
Gregg P. Cramer, Vice President, Economic Development, Greater Akron Chamber

The Greater Akron Chamber is the only economic development organization in the State of Ohio

to be accredited by the International Economic Development Council.