April 2011 issue
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vol. XLIII no. 4
Government Affairs: A look at your Chamber’s commitment to reform and collaboration regionally The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce is pursuing three initiatives in government affairs. Each has created new opportunities to collaborate with other Chambers of Commerce. The result is a more unified business voice in the halls of government.
Redesigning Ohio First, there is “Redesigning Ohio,” the 10-point plan for reforming state government. It is the result of more than a year of work for a group consisting of the eight largest Ohio Chambers of Commerce, those in Canton, Akron, Youngstown, Toledo, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton, along with the Ohio Chamber.
These Chambers came together with the goal of helping state government think its way through the problem of an $8 billion budget deficit. Though “Redesigning Ohio” doesn’t recommend $8 billion in cuts, it does point the way to a system of government that could become more efficient and more results-oriented over time. And that could keep Ohio out of severe budget crises in the future. The plan makes specific recommendations in areas such as criminal justice, health care, business regulation, civil service and public pension reform, local government subsidies, and tax expenditures. It recommends
reforms that would free government agencies to become more entrepreneurial and more subject to the competition of the free market. (continued on page two)
SARTA Endorsement
i n s i d e : Joint Chamber Mixer! Business Excellence Awards
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Downtown Event Calendar CVB - Best Of Stark County
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Chamber Golf Outing Blues In Schools, Blues VIP
For the sake of jobs and education, the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has endorsed a renewal of the one-quarter percent sales tax that runs SARTA.
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Spring NETWORK
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SARTA is the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority, the county bus service, and it has been running on the quarter-percent sales tax (1 penny on a $4 purchase) that voters first approved in 1997. The tax has to be renewed every five years.
AultCare Fast Break Breakfast 11 HOFEF Key Chairs Leadership Stark County
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Safety Council Luncheon
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If voters say yes to the SARTA’s tax renewal on May 3, nothing changes. No one loses a ride to work or to college. No one is left without a way to the doctor or the grocery story. And no one pays any more tax than they’re already paying.
Safety Council Awards Banquet 17 Group Safety Training Ownership Conference
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Young Entrepreneur Snapshot Next Leaders Survey
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New Members BizBitz April Calendar
The Canton Regional Chamber’s Board of Directors, made up of volunteers who are leaders in the business and professional community, endorse a tax issue only when it has an important effect on business or jobs development. But SARTA’s sales tax certainly qualifies.
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SARTA buses transport thousands of workers to their jobs every working day, and many hundreds of students to college or (continued on page three)
Government Affairs ...
April 2011 • Vol. XLIII • No. 4
George W. Lemon Chairman Dennis P. Saunier President & CEO Jessica Bennett Editor & Director of Marketing Denise Burton Director of Membership & Sales Advertising Sales/Action (330) 458-2067 Sarah Bhatia Graphic Designer
Action
Running through most of these recommendations is the theory behind “Redesigning Ohio.” It is a proven concept called Budgeting For Outcomes. Under Budgeting For Outcomes, state government determines how much it should spend in any given budget, it determines what the state’s highest priorities are and how much should be spent on each, and then it invites state agencies to submit proposals for meeting those priorities. The state spends its budget by purchasing the outcomes promised in these proposals, and it ensures high performance by negotiated outcome goals, which can result in financial rewards for the state workers achieving those outcome goals. And, by the way, when the money runs out, the programs that are left over do not get funded. This plan is far superior to the way Ohio has budgeted in the past, through tinkering with the status quo, virtually guaranteeing agencies 90 percent of their past budget, and demanding no high level performance outcomes.
Chamber and Stark Development Board Initiatives In the local arena, the Canton Regional Chamber and the Stark Development Board are working to make business a partner and helper in a series of potential reforms being considered by Stark County government. These two business organizations are offering specific help
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to the Stark County commissioners and other elected officials as they study the findings in the recently released Citizens Review Committee report on county operations. For instance, the Canton Regional Chamber, on behalf of SDB, accepted a challenge from the Stark County commissioners to provide business assistance in creating a strategic plan for the county. In addition, the Canton Regional Chamber and SDB offered to recruit subject experts in areas the county is studying. They include collaborations in: purchasing, mailroom operations, human resources and information technology. This involvement in government projects is a direct result of a team effort launched two years ago by seven Chambers of Commerce in Stark County, the Canton-Stark County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau and the Stark Development Board. These organizations shared a desire to encourage more collaboration among local governments. They decided to ask the SDB to take on the mission of encouraging these collaborations, and the SDB agreed to do so if the Canton Regional Chamber contributed staff time and talent to the work. (continued on page 23)
is published monthly for the
members of Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce. The subscription cost is $25 per year and is included in the price of membership. Reader questions and comments are welcome and encouraged. Contents may be reprinted with credit. Address all inquiries to: Editor,
Action, Canton
Regional Chamber of Commerce, 222 Market Ave. N., Canton, OH 44702, or call (330) 456-7253, or fax (330) 489-6005. Advertising rates are available for Chamber members. Advertisement does not constitute endorsement by Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce.
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SARTA ...
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career classes that prepare them for jobs in our local economy. In addition, SARTA provides transportation to grocery stores, doctor’s offices and day-care locations for people who cannot or do not drive. “One of the marks of a progressive community is a well-run public transportation system,” said Dennis P. Saunier, president and CEO of the Canton Regional Chamber.“That is why we are proud to endorse another renewal of the SARTA tax.” SARTA operates buses on 34 routes throughout Stark County and also provides door-to-door service to citizens with special circumstances. It transports 8,000 riders every weekday. Of those riders, 49 percent
of them earn less than $9,000 per year, and 60 percent have no access to a car. The penny on a $4 purchase that Stark Countians pay for bus service makes up 74 percent of SARTA’s operating budget. It could not keep the buses running without renewal of its small tax every five years. Despite rising fuel costs, SARTA has been able to maintain service without asking for a tax increase by rearranging routes to make them more productive and by reducing staff to make the operation as efficient as possible. Furthermore, every dollar Stark County taxpayers invest in SARTA generates $3 to $5 in the local economy, in such things as wages spent and services purchased.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairman of the Board - George W. Lemon Retired President, Technical Products Group Sr. Vice Chairman - Rick L. Haines AultCare Vice Chairman - Karen Brenneman Hall, Kistler & Company LLP Vice Chairman - Philip D. Fracassa The Timken Company Vice Chairman - Kevin Kampman The Repository Treasurer - D. William Allen Pro Football Hall of Fame Immediate Past Chairman Thomas E. Cecconi Mercy Medical Center President & CEO - Dennis P. Saunier Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce Corporate Secretary - Steven J. Katz Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce
B O A R D O F D I R E C TO R S Michael S. Armbrester Marathon Petroleum Co. LLC
Tim Maloney Canton Chair Rental
Brian Belden The Belden Brick Company
Rick McQueen Akron-Canton Airport
Timothy M. Burke, Jr. FirstMerit
John A. Murphy, Jr. Day Ketterer Ltd.
William R. Cook Chase N.A.
Alan Rodriguez Jülz by Alan Rodriguez and Rodriguez’s House of Stones
Darryl J. Dillenback DNS Insurance, Inc. Mark Fleiner Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems
Thank you to our ADVANTAGE CANTON funding partners: AEP Ohio,
Jerry Gilin Diebold Inc. Greg Harbert CharterOne Bank
AultCare, Aultman Health Foundation, Charter One Bank, Chase
Jason F. Haupt Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty Co., L.P.A.
Bank, The City of Canton, Dominion East Ohio, Fifth Third Bank,
Jan Hein Morris Office Environments
FirstMerit Bank, Hilscher-Clarke Electric Company, Huntington Bank,
Terrance L. Jones Multi-Development Services of Stark County
KeyBank, Mercy Medical Center, PNC and The Timken Company.
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Geoff Karcher The Karcher Group
Mark J. Samolczyk Stark Community Foundation William C. Shivers Huntington Bank Paul E. Siegfried Siegfried Enterprises Inc. Randolph L. Snow Black, McCuskey, Souers & Arbaugh LPA Alice C. Stephens The Employment Source Walter F. Wagor, Ph.D. Kent State University at Stark David M. Wheeler AEP Ohio Mike Williams Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority
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Make reservations now to honor outstanding Stark County businesses RSVP by April 28 for Business Excellence Awards of Greater Canton Honorees of this year’s Business Excellence Awards will be recognized during the gala awards dinner held on Tues., May 3, at The University Center at Kent State University at Stark. This year’s Business Excellence Award winners include: Buxton Roofing Hospitalists Management Group Leo Dick & Sons Morgan Engineering Systems, Inc. Siegfried Enterprises, Inc. Vasco Group - Vasco Asphalt Committee's Choice: Bonnie's Engravers Gallery & Signs RSVP by April 28! The Business Excellence Awards begin with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards presentation at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $48 per person. Register online at CantonChamber.org.
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If you have questions about the Business Excellence Awards, please contact Nancy Leffler, event manager, at (330) 458-2073 or nancyl@cantonchamber.org. RSVP ONLINE NOW AT CANTONCHAMBER.ORG OR CALL (330) 458-2085. Tuesday, May 3 5:30 p.m. cocktail reception 6:30 p.m. dinner and awards ceremony The University Center at Kent State University at Stark 6000 Frank Ave. North Canton 44720 Cost: $48 RSVP by Apr. 28
Our sponsors to date ...
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VOTE for your STARK COUNTY FAVORITES beginning April 11 The Canton/Stark County Convention & Visitors’ Bureau is gearing up for its annual “Best of Stark County Awards.” The annual awards recognize Stark County venues and organizations in conjunction with May’s Destination Stark County month. Voting for the Best of Stark County Awards runs from April 11 through 30.
New! Best Historic Site
Destination Stark County Month is a month-long celebration of tourism in Stark County. In 2007, the Bureau, in conjunction with the Destination Stark County Committee, created an awards program that allowed local residents to vote for their favorite community attractions, restaurants and events in Stark County as a way of fulfilling part of the mission to educate local residents. This program received RAVE REVIEWS from local residents and companies; and with the generous support of The Repository, The Independent and WHBC News-Talk 1480AM / Mix 94.1 FM, these awards continue to grow exponentially each year!
Best Outdoor Recreation Site or Park
The community will have the opportunity to vote for their favorites in a plethora of categories including: New! Best Family Attraction Best Public Golf Course Best Performance Art Group Best Art Museum or Gallery
Best Flavors of Stark County New! Best Large Festival or Event New! Best Small Festival or Event Best Museum
New! Best Hotel New! Best Bed & Breakfast or Inn New! Best Campground New! Best Shopping Destination Most Unique Shop Best Place to Host a Meeting New! Most Unique Place to Host an Event VOTING BEGINS APRIL 11 Local residents will be able to vote by going online to www.BestofStark.com, or by filling out a ballot at the Tourist Information Center, located at 2618 Fulton Drive NW in Canton.
For more information on Destination Stark County Month or the Canton/ Stark County Convention & Visitors’ Bureau, please contact Allyson Bussey at (330) 458-2086, or visit www.VisitCantonStark.com.
Winners of the “Best of Stark” awards will be announced at the 10th annual Tourism Luncheon on Friday, May 13, at Lakeside Banquet and Meeting Center in Navarre.
SAVE THE DATE! Annual Chamber Membership Golf Outing Stay tuned for more details about our June 24 Golf Outing at Tam O'Shanter Golf Course. More info coming to an inbox and mailbox near you this month! This year is sure to be another banner, sellout year for our annual outing!
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Fourth annual BLUES IN SCHOOLS program bigger than ever! Blues in Schools is back again this year in conjunction with the annual two-day downtown Canton Blues Fest! Now in its fourth year, the Blues in Schools program is growing in size and prominence, becoming one of the premier Blues education programs in Ohio! The Canton Regional Chamber is bringing the history and culture of the blues genre to our area middle and high schools through this unique, hands-on instrumental program. The three hour sessions are held on Saturdays at Kent State University at Stark over a 14-week period. This year’s class is comprised of 44 students from middle and high schools throughout Stark County, with almost half of the students returning from last year’s program. Instructors this year include "blues master" Bob Bowers on horns, along with Manny Cahill (bass) , Peggy Coyle (vocals), Scott Grewell (drums), and Jeff Poulos and Mike Lenz (guitars). Two BIS grads are also serving as instructors: Anthony Lumpp, threeyear veteran, is helping on bass while Keith Wilson (two-year vet) is assisting with drums and keyboards. The Blues in Schools Program will culminate in a mastery-student perform-
ance on-stage in front of thousands at the highly anticipated Canton Blues Festival in downtown Canton on Saturday, June 11 at noon!
Two-day Blues Festival VIP Passes are available for $75 per person. With your VIP pass, you’ll receive: • 2-Day Canton Blues VIP Access, complete with appetizers, beer and soda and private front of stage seating • Email newsletters with the latest Blues Festival information and special event notices • Advance notice of the year’s full entertainment line-up One-day passes are also on sale for $45 per person.
Blues in Schools is made possible through sponsors: Kent State University at Stark, Phil and Nancy Sonner, Bob and Claudia Bowers, Merisa Bowers and Curtis Hill and NEOBA Blues.
Want the best seat in the house? Buy VIP Blues Festival Passes and enjoy incredible views and other perks The Canton Blues Festival, presented by the Canton Development Partnership (a department of the Canton Regional Chamber) is back this year on Friday, June 10, and Saturday, June 11. The widely popular two-day festival is free – but make sure you get the best views of the stage with our one- and two-day Blues VIP Passes!
Get your Blues Festival VIP Pass quickly before they sell out – visit CantonBluesFest.com to purchase tickets online, or contact Monique Kennedy Thompson at (330) 458-2070. OUR SPONSORS TO DATE:
Schauer Group Insurance, Phil & Nancy Sonner, Blue Moon, AEP Ohio, J&J Refuse, The Karcher Group, The Repository, Mix 94.1 and News-Talk 1480 WHBC AM, PPI Graphics, The McKinley Grand Hotel, Quonset Hut, Downtown Canton Special Improvement District and The City of Canton.
Baker, Dublikar, Beck, Wiley & Mathews attorneys at law Telephone: (330) 499-6000 Telecopier: (330) 499-6423 400 SOUTH MAIN STREET NORTH CANTON, OHIO 44720 www.bakerfirm.com
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Do Less, Have More! TM April AultCare Fast Break Breakfast featuring Noah St. John, Ph.D. Are you tired of “money-making” programs that don’t make you more money? At the Apr. 8 AultCare Fast Break Breakfast, let Noah St. John, Noah St. Joh, Ph.D. Ph.D., lifestyle expert and number one bestselling author of The Secret Code of Success, demonstrate the proven formula to help you dump your “head trash,” get massive results with less time and effort, and exponentially grow your business using the secret code used by the Naturals of Success. In this action-packed session, you’ll learn:
• How to get MASSIVE RESULTS from every money-making program you’ll ever buy • Four steps to get what you want twice as fast with half the effort • The invisible secret of happy millionaires • And most important, how to share your talents with the world and receive more wealth and influence in return! Don’t let any more of your valuable time or hard-earned money slip away without getting the most out of every investment you make – in yourself or your business – for the rest of your life. Learn what it takes to be a Natural and start reaping the rewards!
Beyond this important segment of the program, Fast Break attendees have the opportunity to obtain business leads through enjoyable networking activities at an event that has built a reputation as one of the most energetic lead-producing sessions around. Bring a door prize valued at $15 or more and receive 30 seconds at the microphone to promote your business. Friday, Apr. 8 7 a.m. registration 7:30 a.m. program Courtyard by Marriott 4375 Metro Cir. North Canton, OH Cost: $18 members; $21 members less than 48 hours in advance; $25 non-members RSVP by Apr. 6
Save your seat; register in advance at www.cantonchamber.org or call (330) 458-2085. In order to better accommodate guests at Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce events, we ask that you be sure to register in advance for each event. This will ensure that we have accurate counts for food service and seating. Please register online at www.cantonchamber.org. Please call (330) 458-2085 to register with Rosie Kurtz. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the beginning of an event are not eligible for refund. No-shows will be billed. In order to reduce operation costs, registration for all major Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce events – such as Annual Dinner or awards dinners – must be paid in advance of the event. Guests may pay for monthly programs in advance or at the door by check, credit card or cash.
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Chamber and Hall of Fame announce key chairs for Community Parade, Food, Staging and Special Events committees The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival department of Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pro Football Hall of Fame have named the following key committee chairs: Brad Longbrake, Community Parade; Karen Myers, Food; David Kiddey, Staging; and Joann Smith, Special Events. Longbrake is partner at Reminger Co. LPA. A graduate of Wooster High School and the College of Wooster, he graduated from the School of Law at Case Western Brad Longbrake Reserve University. A member of the Community Parade Committee for the past 14 years, this marks his second year as chairman. He also served two years on the Grand Parade Committee. He and wife Suzanne have two children. The Community Parade is scheduled to kick-off at 2:30 p.m. on July 31, at 11th Street and Market Avenue North, and will travel south through the heart of downtown Canton. Longbrake will be assisted by vice chairman Bernie Bresson. Myers is a 15-year member of the Food Committee, with this being her first year as chairman, and she brings great expertise to the task via her position as consumer services superviKaren Myers sor for the Canton City Health Department. A graduate of East Canton High School and Kent State University, she has also taken classes at Walsh University. She and her husband Les have two children and three grandchildren. The Food Committee oversees the menu and wine selections, working closely with caterers, to ensure the success of the food service to 12,000 guests at the
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Enshrinement Festival’s Fashion Show Luncheon, Enshrinees Dinner and Enshrinees GameDay Roundtable. Serving as vice chairman of the committee is Dean Kahler. Kiddey brings 12 years of committee experience with him to his first year as chairman of the Staging Committee, along with exceptional knowledge gained David Kiddey in his position as department supervisor for The Home Depot. He graduated from the former Glenwood High School and attended Kent State University. He is past president of Trendition House Color Association and has been active in the Jackson Band Boosters and Boy Scouts of America. He and wife Vicky are the parents of two children and grandparents to seven. The Staging Committee directs the planning, preparation and production of the Queen Pageant, Fashion Show Luncheon, Enshrinees Dinner and Enshrinees GameDay Roundtable. Greg Briggs is assisting Kiddey as vice chairman. Smith, coordinator of student teaching and field experience at Kent State University at Stark, is heading the Hall of Fame Special Events Committee for the ninth year. Joann Smith Prior to this position, she served as chairman of the Enshrinement Festival Souvenir Committee, was a long-time member of the Appreciation Party Committee, and she continues to serve as co-chairman of the Ribs Burnoff judging sub-committee. She shares her musical gifts as a choir member at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, and as a singer and secretary of the board of trustees for Voices of Canton. She and husband Fred are the
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parents of two sons and grandparents of two granddaughters. As Special Events chairman, one of her major tasks will be to coordinate the Hall of Fame Board of Trustees Reception, which is staged as the first official function for the Enshrinees and their presenters, returning Hall of Famers and other out of town guests. Additionally, the Special Events Committee provides services such as emergency medical and dental assistance for guests of the Hall of Fame during their stay in Canton, and the committee is always on call to assist the Enshrinees and their families as needed. Smith will be assisted with these many duties by vice chairman Linda Leitzke. In 2011, the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Enshrinement Festival will mark the 48th anniversary of honoring the legends of professional football, which includes conducting a world-renowned festival celebrating the annual enshrinement of football players, coaches and contributors into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The collaborative efforts of this leadership team, combined with the professional staffs at the Chamber of Commerce and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the dedicated team of more than 4,200 volunteers, will ensure the success of 18 unique events from July 28 to Aug. 9, 2011. The Enshrinement Festival activities, attended by nearly 700,000 people, are expected to produce an economic impact of over $30 million for the Canton/Stark County area and nearly $54 million for the State of Ohio. In addition, millions will experience aspects of the Enshrinement Festival as events are televised and covered by other media. The central focus and highlight of the festivities will be the Aug. 6 induction ceremony for the 2011 Class of Enshrinees, comprised of Richard Dent, Marshall Faulk, Chris Hanburger, Les Richter, Ed Sabol, Deion Sanders, and Shannon Sharpe.
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Key event chairs named for Balloon Classic Invitational, JacksonBelden Food Fest & Fireworks, Ribs Burnoff and Timken Grand Parade The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival department of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce has named the following key committee chairs: Scott Sanders, Balloon Classic Invitational, and Todd Hawke, Jackson-Belden Food Fest & Fireworks; Vicky Sterling, Ribs Burnoff; and Eric Stasiowski, Timken Grand Parade. Sanders is president of KreighbaumSanders and Sanders Funeral Homes, Inc., and served as 2002 General Chairman of the Chamber’s Enshrinement Festival committees. He came to that position with 12 years of leadership experience after having chaired the former Kickoff Sunday Parade and Race committees, as well as the Grand Scott Sanders Parade and Marketing committees. He is a graduate of Canton South High School, The Ohio State University and Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. A former East Canton Citizen of the Year and Jaycee Outstanding Citizen, Sanders has been active in a wide variety of community activities including East Canton Club, Ohio Funeral Directors Association, Osnaburg Township Citizens Fire Committee, and Stark County Fair Beef and Marketing Committees. He and wife Julie are the proud parents of three sons. Assisting Sanders as vice chairman of the Balloon Classic Invitational committee is Randy Reed, as the event proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Initiated in 1986 at the urging of Maury Sullivan and with the encouragement and help of his business partner, Tom Schervish (then the Enshrinement Festival’s vice chairman), the event was initially known as the “Balloon Fiesta” and has since grown to levels well beyond those ever imagined possible during its formative years. What started with 25 balloons at Weis Park has grown to a capacity field of nearly 70 balloons on the campuses of Kent State University at Stark and Stark State College, with nearly 125,000 people enjoying the two-and-a-half day event. The Balloon Luminary was added in 1993 and is currently known as the Night Glow, and a further milestone was marked in 1995 when the Jackson-Belden Food Fest & Fireworks came under the umbrella of the Enshrinement Festival and joined forces with the Balloon Classic Invitational.
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The Jackson-Belden Food Fest & Fireworks committee is chaired this year by Todd Hawke, principal at GDK & Company. He is a graduate of Kenton Ridge High School and Ohio Wesleyan Todd Hawke University, and has served in various capacities on the Food Fest committee since 2002. He is actively involved in the community and serves on the boards of the Jackson-Belden Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement of East Central Ohio and American Cancer Society of Stark County. Todd and wife Tricia have one son and one daughter. Hawke will be assisted in the planning and staging of the Food Fest by vice chairman Carles Moore. This year’s Balloon Classic and Food Fest activities will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 29, 30 and 31, and will include a wide variety of food and beverage vendors, children’s activity area, musical entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display. Sterling, vice-president of sales and marketing for Pinnacle Press, Inc., is serving her first year as chairman of the Ribs Burnoff Committee after serving in a wide variety of sub-committee leadership positions since Vicky L. Sterling 1994. A graduate of Louisville High School, she also served on the security committees for the Balloon Classic and Enshrinement Ceremony. A past member of the board of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, she is a past recipient of the Chamber’s Community Salute Award of Merit, and also a recipient of the Canton Advertising Federation’s Silver Medal Award. She also extends her time and resources to the Aultman Health Foundation and Aultman Women’s Board, Leadership Stark County, Canton Blues Festival and J.R. Coleman Women in History Luncheon. The mother of two, Sterling is married to Todd and has four grandchildren. Long-time Ribs Burnoff committee volunteer Brian Harbert has been selected to
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serve as vice chairman of the committee. Together, they will oversee all aspects of the Ribs Burnoff, which will take place Aug. 3 through 5 at the Stark County Fairgrounds. Special attractions include a wide variety of rib and specialty food vendors, beverages, children’s entertainment area, fantasy football zone of interactive inflatables, an enormous sand sculpture and musical entertainment. Stasiowski, director of communications for Akzo Nobel Paints, is a native of Massachusetts and received his MBA from Penn State University. A member of the Grand Parade committee since 2001, this is Eric Stasiowski his second year as its chairman. An Eagle Scout, he remains active with the Boy Scouts of America as a member of the Buckeye Council’s Marketing Committee, and also enjoys his duties as an official scorer for the Akron Aeros baseball team. He and his wife Donna are parents to one daughter. Stasiowski will partner with vice chairman John Fehrenbach to attend to the myriad of details involved in staging this family event. The Timken Grand Parade will step off at 8 a.m., Sat., Aug. 6, and will be enjoyed by nearly 200,000 spectators along the 2.2 mile route, as well as by millions more via the television broadcast. The parade will feature the current Class of Enshrinees, many returning Hall of Famers, marching bands, giant helium balloons, fabulous floats, and animal and specialty units. Call (330) 4582048 now to guarantee a bird’s-eye view of all the units by purchasing reserved chairs or bleacher seats for only $8.50 each. Approximately 700,000 people are expected to enjoy the Enshrinement Festival festivities, which consist of 18 diverse events over nearly two weeks, with the central focus and highlight being the Aug. 6 induction ceremony for the 2011 Class of Enshrinees comprised of defensive end Richard Dent, running back Marshall Faulk, linebacker Chris Hanburger, linebacker Les Richter, contributor Ed Sabol, cornerback Deion Sanders and tight end Shannon Sharpe. For the complete schedule of events, ticket information, and latest news, check the Web sites periodically: www.profootballhofef.com or www.profootballhof.com
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Are you a LEADERSHIP SIGNATURE PROGRAM Candidate? Take the one-question quiz today! The Signature Program is perfect for both seasoned and emerging leaders who are dedicated to growing their community trusteeship. Currently, our graduates add their expertise to more than 170 local non-profits and 43 members of our alumni classes are presently serving as president or chair for those boards! Do you think the Signature Program is right for you? Ask yourself one simple question: What do I hope to gain from LSC’s Signature Program? a) I want to expand my professional network. b) I would like to engage in a meaningful civic endeavor. c) I hope to enhance my leadership capabilities. d) All of the above! If you answered all of the above, you might be the perfect candidate for Leadership Stark County’s Signature Program 25th Anniversary Class! What’s included in the program? During your experience in the Leadership Signature Program, you will:
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• Complete a comprehensive analysis of your leadership style. • Take a bus trip through the cities, villages, farms, businesses, and communities of Stark County, highlighting the history and diversity we have locally. • Explore economic development with in-depth tours and small-group interaction with CEOs. • Experience a nationally recognized poverty simulation to initiate discussion of human services. • Converse in small groups with local judges and elected officials. • Take a ride in a police cruiser and tour the Stark County jail facilities. • Participate in non-profit boardsmanship training. • Develop asset-building community service projects.
$2,350 tuition (assistance may be available for candidates representing non-profit, small business and government sectors) Are you ready for the Leadership Stark County challenge? If you or someone in your organization is ready to build their leadership potential, apply now at www.leadershipstarkcounty.org or contact Fran Wells at (330) 4582094. Applications for our 25th Anniversary Class will be accepted through April 22, 2011.
Program Details 10-month program from Sept. 2011 through June 2012 11 full days, along with optional site visits and a required group project
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Bedbugs: What are your employees bringing to work besides their lunches? APRIL STARK COUNTY SAFETY COUNCIL LUNCHEON Courtney Meyers, RS, environmental health specialist for the Stark County Health Department, will educate you about the creepycrawlers that could be making Courtney Meyers their way into your offices! Those little critters can mean BIG problems for your business and home. The key to protecting yourself from bedbug infestations brought into work by your employees is through education! Join us for the Apr. 14 Stark County Safety Council Luncheon to ensure you can take preventive measures when it comes to bedbugs! As an environmental health educator and registered sanitarian at the Stark County Health Department, Meyer’s
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chief role is to develop environmental programs and in turn make the Environmental Division of the Stark County Health Department a resource for environmental education. Her programs have been geared towards the general population including: children, schools, colleges, adult organizations and businesses. Topics of discussion have included: general overview of the health department, landfills, recycling, water wells, waste water systems, school inspections, food handling and safety, and environmental community awareness. She has presented at the Ohio’s Health Commissioner Conference, Kent State University, Stark Parks, Mount Union College’s Nature Center, as well as area businesses, churches and schools. Meyers is also a member of the Stark County Bedbug Prevention Taskforce. She is a 1998 graduate from the University of Rhode Island with a B.S. in Wildlife Biology.
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Thursday, Apr. 14 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Meyer’s Lake Ballroom 3218 Parkway St., N.W. Canton, OH 44708 Cost: $16 RSVP by Apr. 11
Spotlight Company:
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FBI Senior Resident Agent to headline the 2011 SAFETY COUNCIL AWARDS BANQUET On Tuesday, May 10, the Stark County Safety Council and the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation will honor area companies who are committed to maintaining a safe workplace during the 2011 Safety Awards Banquet at Skyland Pines Event Center. This year’s keynote speaker is John R. Dysart, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. During the evening, certificates from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Division of Safety and Hygiene will be awarded in the following categories: Group Award (for the lowest incident in each group), 100 Percent Award (for each company that worked the entire year without a lost-time injury), Achievement Award (for each company that decreased its incident rate by at least 25 percent from the previous year), and the Special Award (for each company that has accumulated at least 500,000 hours and operated at least six months without a lost-time injury within a year). RSVP online at CantonChamber.org by Apr. 28. Tuesday, May 10 5:30 p.m. social hour; 6:30 p.m. dinner Skyland Pines 3550 Columbus Road NE in Canton Cost: $35 RSVP by April 28
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Working Together & Saving Jobs: Ohio Employee Ownership Center 25th annual conference The 25th Annual Ohio Employee Ownership Conference will be held Friday, April 29, at the Akron Fairlawn Hilton in Fairlawn, Ohio. This year’s conference theme is “Working Together and Saving Jobs.”The Canton Regional Chamber is once again sponsoring this important training program. Typically attracting 400 participants annually, the event is the best regional one-day training program on employee ownership in the country, and a wonderful education opportunity for business owners. This year’s keynote speakers include Michael A. Peck, founder and principal of MAPA Group U.S. Representatives of The Mondragon Cooperatives, and Jeff Evans, president & CEO of The Will-Burt Company. This year’s conference is going to focus on bridging the divides that appear to be separating us and focusing on an idea that unites all sides: saving and creating jobs with employee ownership. The conference will feature panel discussions on employee ownership issues, including: • Selling to your employees • ABCs of Employee-led buyouts • Developing an ownership culture • Best Practices in Governance and Leadership • Younger Employee-Owners Who Get It • Creative Communication and Education Approaches • Visions for the Future For a full list of the topics focused on your specific area of interest, visit OEOCKent.org. Registration is $85 by April 7, $100 between April 8 and April 28, and $150 at the door. Registration to the conference includes a continental breakfast, plated lunch, coffee break, and closing reception. For more information, contact the Ohio Employee Ownership Center at Kent State University (OEOC) by phone at (330) 6723028 or by email at oeoc@kent.edu. Visit the conference website at www.oeockent.org
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Young Entrepreneur Snapshot technology surrounding them will be a significant resource in coming years. What are your thoughts on ystark!? I think it is a great way for young professionals to see that there are opportunities here “at home” where they can gain valuable experience and networking that will benefit them for a lifetime. By finding others that are in similar situations and similar businesses, they can develop networks that will help them over the years, as they become leaders in this community.
Editor’s note: In keeping with ystark!’s mission – to attract, retain and ENGAGE talented young people in Stark County – ACTION will feature monthly snapshots of outstanding young entrepreneurs throughout 2011. Name: Matt Bailey Age: 42 Company Name: SiteLogic – Online Marketing Consultants How did you come up with the idea for your business/product/service? I’ve been in the online marketing business for nearly 20 years. After working for other agencies and having built up a national reputation, I went out on my own to start SiteLogic, a consultingbased service to businesses for online marketing. Which attributes best define you as an entrepreneur? SiteLogic is accessible and understandable. Despite being in a technical business, I have to make it understandable. The key to our company is that we educate our clients. Our focus is making online marketing logical and understandable. In order to accomplish this, my emphasis is on developing marketers; in my own company and in others. As an entrepreneur, I am best defined by the people that work at SiteLogic. When they are successful, I am successful; so, my philosophy is to give them the training, tools and the freedom they need to be successful.
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Why have you chosen Canton as your home base? I grew up in Canton and love the area. I saw downtown at its worst in the 1970’s, and have been inspired by the recent revival. Locating downtown created a great sense of ownership among all of us at SiteLogic. Having a wonderful urban neighborhood downtown has created many great relationships. I also wanted my children to grow up near family and friends. I had many opportunities to take jobs in other places, but I kept coming back to Canton. I don’t miss anything being here. People here are just as talented as you would find in major cities, and they also have an amazing work ethic that drives them to be successful. How have the amenities of Stark County contributed to your success? From a business standpoint, the accessibility of Cleveland-Hopkins and Akron- Canton Airports allow me to do a lot of business in New York and throughout the rest of the country very easily. Because our business is based here, our overhead is significantly lower. I can compete nationally for accounts, as I have a lower overhead that allows me to invest more in people than in real estate. Why is having a strong YP community important for your business? This is a YP business. Technology and marketing are inextricably combined; it will not only dominate business marketing, but also the ways that we communicate, educate and consume as individuals. Young Professionals that have grown up with and understand the
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What advice would you give to YPs who share your entrepreneurial streak but are just getting started? The first bit of advice is sometimes said off-the-cuff, but ‘do what you love.’ My business started as a hobby, and now it is a successful business that has allowed me to see the world and do more than I ever thought possible. Unless you love what you do, are passionate about it, and willing to spend inordinate amounts of time in building it, you will not be successful. The second thing is people. People are your most valuable resource. Network, develop relationships and value each one. You never know which connections will come back after years and be the one that develops or contributes to a very profitable result. Networking with people has been my most valuable business asset, as I can trace business I have today to relationships that I built more than 15 or 20 years ago. What’s next for you? I would love to help develop a business and technology incubator here in Canton. As I mentioned, there are talented people in this area, and I want to help give them a place to develop and network with other talented people. Not only that, I want to help other young entrepreneurs and owners develop the entrepreneurial skills that aren’t necessarily taught in schools. I also have my first book, Internet Marketing: An Hour A Day (Wiley) is out this month. It addresses internet marketing holistically, but with a straight-forward and actionable approach.
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Next Leaders Survey benchmarks ystark!’s impact on young professionals in our community
ystark!, the Canton Regional Chamber’s young professional initiative, contracted with Next Generation Consulting, to conduct an online survey designed to gauge the level of impact that the organization has had on young professionals in Stark County, and to what extent ystark! has fulfilled their mission of attracting, retaining and engaging YPs. Next Generation Consulting is led by Rebecca Ryan, the consultant hired in 2005 to assess the Canton/Stark County region and its aptitude for cultivating a brain gain. With Ryan’s guidance, the community, led by the Canton Regional Chamber, developed the Brain Drain to Brain Gain initiative, which ultimately became ystark! The Next Leaders Survey (NLS) measures young people’s perceptions of the community’s quality of life, and also predicts possible “YP flight” from a community. The survey also measures the direct impact YPs make on their communities, including volunteerism, voter registration and participation, job creation, and economic impact. The survey was completed by 237 Stark County young professionals; comprised of 166 ystark! members and 71 non-members. The following is a topline overview of the Next Leaders Survey results. For more information or to download a copy of the entire Next Leaders Survey, visit ystark.org. YSTARK! IMPACT ON COMMUNITY Survey results show that ystark! has had a positive impact on the quality of life for area young professionals: 69% of all respondents (76% of members and 59% of non-members) said
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their perception of the Canton region’s quality of life was very positively or somewhat positively impacted by ystark!. Additionally, 27% of all respondents (34% of members and 19% of non-members) said they were more likely to stay in the community because of ystark!. YP PLANS & PERCEPTIONS OF CANTON/STARK COUNTY Our region has an interesting YP makeup: while 48% of respondents were “lifers,” 20% define themselves as boomerangers (raised here, moved away and eventually returned) and 32% are transplants. 77% of all respondents had a VERY POSITIVE or SOMEWHAT POSITIVE perception of Canton. 72% of all respondents plan to stay in Canton for at least five years; while 53% plan to stay in the region for the long-haul: 16+ years! 85% of YPs feel that that they can afford the cost of living in our community; Cost of Lifestyle (living in a community where I can afford to live work and play) is the most important factor when valuing a community (95%). CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND PHILANTHROPY Young professionals in the Canton region are invested in the community! Nearly all (97%) are registered voters, and 73% voted in the last local election. The vast majority (82%) volunteer in their community at least once a month, with an average of approximately 10 hours per month. Volunteerism was highest at non-profit organizations (47%), followed by educational initiatives (33%), and individual assistance (27%).
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Last but not least, respondents were very charitable, with 83% donating over $50 to nonprofit or charitable organizations over the last 6 months, with an average donation of approximately $750 (and a total of $178,000 for all respondents) ENTREPRENEURSHIP Entrepreneurship and business leadership are crucial elements in Canton/Stark County community. Approximately 11% of respondents identified themselves as entrepreneurs or business owners. Earning (I want a broad choice of places to work and an environment that is friendly to entrepreneurs) is the second most important factor when valuing a community (93%). DEMOGRAPHICS OF RESPONDENTS Overall, the survey respondents were: • Well-educated (88% have a four-year degree or higher) • Married or living with a significant other (63%) • Mobile (53% do not have children) • Home-owners (68%), with an average home value of approximately $170,000 • Working in Management, Professional, and Related Occupations (68%) • Earning a median individual income of approximately $47,500 • Less than 35 years old (71%) YP FLIGHT IMPACT How important is the young professional community to the greater Canton/Stark County business community? While the vast majority of our respondents plan to stay in the (continued on page 23)
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community, 13% do plan to leave within the next two years. What kind of economic impact could this have on the community? Using a standard economic impact calculator of 1.2 we can see that when a YP leaves our community, it makes a $57,000 impact per person. In other words, the Canton region will lose an average of $57,000 for each young professional who leaves the area. With 13% of young professionals planning to leave, and approximately 23,930 young professionals in the CantonMassillon metro area, the area stands to lose a total of $177 MILLION in the next two years. We believe that these findings demonstrate the importance of our mission – to attract, retain and engage YPs – and show that we are delivering on these objectives. But we believe there is still much work ahead. For more information about ystark! and ways you can get involved, visit www.ystark.org.
Government Affairs ... (continued from page 2)
Six Chamber Collaborative Finally, six Chambers of Commerce in Stark County have been meeting quarterly at the Canton Regional Chamber to speak as one voice on issues affecting business at the state and federal level. The other participants are the Chambers of Alliance, Jackson-Belden, Lake Township, Massillon and North Canton. With staff work contributed by the Canton Regional Chamber, these Stark County chambers have spoken out on pending federal legislation and environmental regulations that would have an adverse effect on the manufacturing community. In early conversations about collaboration among local governments, local officials occasionally challenged us by saying,“You want us to collaborate, but the chambers don’t collaborate very well among themselves.” We think we now have a different and pretty good story to tell. C a n t o n
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WELCOME to our newest members, who joined Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce in February. We encourage you to patronize their businesses. If you know of other businesses that would benefit from Chamber membership, please contact the Membership Department at (330) 458-2067.
A1 Concrete Leveling and Foundation Repair (CONCRETE LEVELING) Jeff Hagstrom 8529 Cleveland Ave. North Canton, OH 44720 (330) 499-5551 www.A1-level.com
E Cellular Connection Verizon at H. H. Gregg (TELECOMMUNICATIONS) Scott Schroeder 5509 Dressler Rd. NW North Canton, OH 44720 (330) 433-4006 www.Ecellularconnection.com
Alliance Computer Exchange (COMPUTER - RECYCLING SALES - REPAIR) Stephen H. Robinson 67 West Vine St. Alliance, OH 44601 (330) 454-2020
Exclusively Yours Catering (CATERERS) Adam Bauer 624 Henry St. Dalton, OH 44618 (330) 998-2670
Auntie Anne's Pretzels (PRETZELS) Adam Bauer 4289 Belden Village Mall Canton, OH 44718 (330) 499-7496 www.auntieannes.com Buckeye Event Center (EVENT CENTER) Sandra Miller 624 Henry St. Dalton, OH 44618 (330) 828-2466 www.buckeyeeventcenter.com Canton Rugby Football Club (RUGBY) Dan Sturtz 3234 Arbor Rd. SW Canton, OH 44710 (330) 209-2268 www.cantonrugby.com CFSG Life Inc. (FUNERAL EXPENSES PRE-ARRRANGED) Cherie M. Clapper 401 W Tusc St. NW, Ste 404 Canton, OH 44702 (330) 588-3040 www.cfsglife.com Chesapeake Energy Corporation (ENERGY SERVICES) Keith Fuller 6100 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (330) 324-4836 www.chk.com
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Joshen Paper & Packaging (PAPER - PACKAGING & BROKERS & MANUFACTURERS) Fred Van Brunt Jr. 5800 Grant Ave. Cuyahoga Heights, OH 44105 (330) 575-3065 www.joshen.com My Personal Trainer (FITNESS - PERSONAL TRAINING) Eric Schaefer 3524 Cleveland Ave. NW Canton, OH 44709 (330) 417-7364 Pro Audio Innovations Ltd. (AUDIO & VIDEO - SALES & SERVICE & INSTALLATION SECURITY SERVICES HOME THEATERS) John Terrell 3200 Whipple Ave., Ste A Canton, OH 44718 (330) 495-6073 www.paiohio.com Project Digital Inc. (GRAPHIC DESIGN ADVERTISING - MARKETING PRINTERS - LARGE FORMAT) Dave Snyder 6633 Frank Ave. NW North Canton, OH 44720 (330) 966-2728 www.projectdigital.com
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Quaker Steak & Lube (RESTAURANTS) Matt Derienzo 6073 Dressler Rd. NW North Canton, OH 44720 (330) 433-WING www.quakersteakandlube.com Shanklin Heating & Air Conditioning (HEATING & COOLING RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL) Derek Shanklin 5185 Alabama Ave. Navarre, OH 44662 (330) 832-5848 www.shanklinheatingandcooling.com Sisters of Charity Foundation of Canton (FOUNDATIONS) Joni T. Close 400 Market Ave. N, Ste. 300 Canton, OH 44702 (330) 454-5800 www.scfcanton.org Spriegel & Associates, LLC (ATTORNEYS - PATENTS TRADEMARKS - COPYRIGHTS) Andrew R. Spriegel 110 W. Streetsboro, St. L4 & L14 Hudson, OH 44236 (330) 247-2211 www.Smart2Patent.com Stark County Out of Poverty Partnership, Inc. (SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES) Jay Murdock, Jr. PO Box 20468 Canton, OH 44701 (330) 489-5489 www.scopp.org Subway - Downtown Canton (RESTAURANTS) George Jordan 217 Market Ave N Canton, OH 44702 (330) 451-2190 UCI - Daily Referral Jared Hughes & Associates (RECRUITERS - BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY) Jared Hughes 300 W. Tuscarawas St., Ste. D Canton, OH 44702 (330) 280-6560
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The law firm of Morrow & Meyer LLC is pleased to announce that Shannon M. Draher has joined the law firm as an associate in the Firm’s Employment Litigation Department. Draher graduated magna cum laude from The University of Toledo College of Law in 2001. She received her undergraduate degree from The University of Toledo in 1998. Draher was previously associated with the Cleveland office of Jones Day and the Akron office of Vorys, Sater Seymour and Pease, LLP. The law firm of Morrow & Meyer LLC represents and defends companies in the Akron-Canton area and throughout Ohio. Visit www.morrowmeyer.com for more information and news from the firm. From hundreds of thousands of ratings by clients, lawyers and recruiters in a national survey conducted jointly by U.S. News and Best Lawyers, Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLP was selected the best law firm in Akron, with 18 of its practice areas in Akron and Cleveland rated among the best in the region. The survey for Best Law Firms 2010 involved tens of thousands of law firm clients including every Fortune 100 company and more than half of the Fortune 1,000 companies. Buckingham received the highest Tier 1 rating in 15 practice areas within its Cleveland and Akron offices. Three additional practice areas were given Tier 2 or Tier 3 ratings. Further information on Buckingham is available at www.bdblaw.com. The Workforce Investment Board of Stark and Tuscarawas Counties announced today that they have received a state grant of $250,000 to develop a new initiative that will identify and assist companies at risk of closure or downsizing. The Early Warning Network grant will fund a business retention program called the Regional Business Network (RBN). This network will cover both Stark and Tuscarawas counties and will expand and enhance the retention and expansion efforts currently underway in both counties.
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Tegrey Family of Coatings Inc. is proud to have added two new painters, Tom Lawver and Patricia Laney. They have brought leadership skills and customer service to Tegrey Coatings. The addition increases the painting crews to five fulltime members. The increase allows Tegrey Coatings the opportunity to increase business and complete painting projects in half the time.
Title One and Cutler Real Estate are pleased to announce that 2010 was Title One’s best year since 2006. In total, 1,113 transactions were successfully closed in the seven counties Title One serves. Title One is affiliated with Cutler Real Estate, serving Stark, Carroll, Tuscarawas, Summit, Medina, Portage, and Wayne counties. For more information, visit their website at www.CutlerHomes.com.
Once Upon A Child (4641 Dressler Rd NW) brought nationwide recognition to the Canton children’s gently used resale store by achieving top sales in 2010 over the other 240 franchised stores spanning the United States and Canada. The Canton store has been in operation for over 15 years, moving to its current location in Thursday’s Plaza on Dressler Road in Canton in spring of 2010.
Bob Fay, CPA, a member of the Accountancy Board of Ohio, has been appointed chairman of the Disciplinary Advisory Committee and the Education Assistance Committee for 2011. The Accountancy Board of Ohio oversees the more than 33,000 CPAs licensed in Ohio and the more than 3,000 CPA Firms licensed in Ohio in regards to protecting the public and upholding the standards of practice for CPAs across the state. Ohio is the 5th largest state in America in regards to CPAs licensed and regulated.
In the Round Design Group is happy to announce that Craig Joseph has joined their team as a creative director and brand manager. With a background in English, theatre and film, Joseph is - at heart - a storyteller. He brings that love of narrative to In the Round, helping clients better articulate their identities. Since moving back to Canton, his hometown, Craig has been heavily involved with ArtsinStark and the Canton Arts District, curating at Anderson Creative and helping local artists and galleries hone their marketing and business plans. He previously worked as creative director for several large non-profits in Chicago and Minneapolis. For more information on Joseph and the firm, visit IntheRound.com. Business owners Darryl Doane and Rose Sloat of The Learning Service, Ltd. have been honored as Inscape Publishing Award winners. Inscape is a world leader in instrumented learning profiles which includes the new Everything DiSC Leadership 363° Profile. In 2010, fewer than 1% of Inscape’s independent consultants worldwide earned the honor of this Award. For more information about the companies, visit www.thelearningservice.com.
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Stark County Hunger Task Force (SCHTF) officials announce expansion of hours for emergency pantry at 408 9th St. SW in response to the growing numbers of residents experiencing food insecurity. The emergency pantry in the community campus will now be open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays. Call (330) 455-6667 for additional information. The National Science Foundation Fuel Cell Forum, "Fuel Cells - The Future: Preparing the Workforce," will be held at The University Center at Kent State at Stark on Apr. 18 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants will develop an understanding of and vision for the future of the fuel cell industry in Ohio. The event is hosted by The Great Lakes Fuel Cell Education Partnership and the Ohio Fuel Cell Symposium. CEUs are available for participating educators. Registration information is available at www.starkstate.edu/forum. Submit Biz Bitz articles to jessb@cantonchamber.org. Deadline is five weeks prior to publication.
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PLEASE REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.CANTONCHAMBER.ORG OR CALL (330) 458-2085 Please Register in Advance!
First Friday – Sketch into Spring! Here a sketch, there a sketch, everywhere a sketch-sketch! Enjoy Sketch into Spring First Friday on April 1 from 6 to 10 p.m. You’ll get to visit all of the great new exhibits and experience many live drawing demonstrations throughout downtown. Experience Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art school, or pick up a pad and pencil and give it a try yourself. Music, food, art and fun all in one place in downtown Canton!
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Leadership Stark County Signature Program Recruitment Breakfast Learn more about the Leadership Stark County Signature program by attending this free, no-obligation, informational breakfast session! Register at LeadershipStarkCounty.org.
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First Friday, Apr. 1 6 – 10 p.m. Downtown Canton FREE!
Friday, Apr. 1 7:45 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce 222 Market Ave. N. (downtown) Cost: Free! RSVP online or by calling (330) 458-2095
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Stark County Entrepreneur Experience The Small Business Development Center, Kent State University at Stark (SBDC) is proud to announce the 2011 Stark County Entrepreneur Experience, featuring events to educate and provide networking opportunities for entrepreneurs at all levels. Seven great events for entrepreneurs and business leaders! Learn more about each session at www.cantonsbdc.org.
Apr. 5, 6, 12 & 19 The University Center at Kent State at Stark 6000 Frank Ave. NW, North Canton $10-20 (varies by event) RSVP online at www.cantonsbdc.org
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Do Less, Have More!™ April AultCare Fast Break Breakfast featuring Noah St. John, Ph.D. Are you tired of “money-making” programs that don’t make you more money? At the Apr. 8 AultCare Fast Break Breakfast, let Noah St. John, Ph.D., lifestyle expert and number one bestselling author of The Secret Code of Success, demonstrate the proven formula to help you dump your “head trash,” get massive results with less time and effort, and exponentially grow your business using the secret code used by the Naturals of Success.
Friday, Apr. 8 7 a.m. registration 7:30 a.m. program Courtyard by Marriott 4375 Metro Cir. North Canton, OH Cost: $18 members; $21 members less than 48 hours in advance; $25 non-members RSVP by Apr. 6
VOTE for your STARK COUNTY FAVORITES beginning April 11 The annual Best of Stark County awards recognize Stark County venues and organizations in conjunction with May’s Destination Stark County month. Voting for the Best of Stark County Awards runs from April 11 through 30.
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What are your employees bringing to work besides their lunches? April Stark County Safety Council Luncheon Courtney Meyers, RS, environmental health specialist for the Stark County Health Department, will educate you about the creepy-crawlers that could be making their way into your offices! Those little critters can mean BIG problems for your business and home. The key to protecting yourself from bedbug infestations brought into work by your employees is through education!
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Apply Now! Leadership Stark County Signature Program The Signature Program is perfect for both seasoned and emerging leaders who are dedicated to growing their community trusteeship. Applications are due April 22.
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PICTURE THIS ~ Joint Chamber Mixer! Join us for a complimentary networking event for members of the Canton Regional and Jackson-Belden Chambers of Commerce. After the HUGE success of our first-ever joint mixer, you won't want to miss the second installment in downtown Canton!
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Ohio Employee Ownership Center 25th annual conference The 25th Annual Ohio Employee Ownership Conference will be held Friday, April 29, at the Akron Fairlawn Hilton in Fairlawn, OH. This year’s conference theme is “Working Together and Saving Jobs.” The Canton Regional Chamber is once again sponsoring this important training program.
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Business Excellence Awards of Greater Canton Honorees of this year’s Business Excellence Awards will be recognized during the gala awards dinner held on Tues., May 3, at The University Center at Kent State University at Stark.
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Vote Online from Apr. 11 - 30 www.BestofStark.com Save the Date! Winners announced May 13 at the annual Tourism Luncheon Thursday, Apr. 14 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Meyer’s Lake Ballroom 3218 Parkway St., N.W. Canton, OH 44708 Cost: $16 RSVP by Apr. 11
Apply Online by Apr. 22 for the 25th Annual Signature Class www.LeadershipStarkCounty.org Thursday, April 28 5 to 8 p.m. The Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography 520 Cleveland Ave. NW, downtown Canton Cost: Free! RSVP online at CantonChamber.org Friday, Apr. 29 Akron Fairlawn Hilton 3180 West Market Street, Akron Cost: $85 to $100 early bird; $150 at the door RSVP at www.OEOCKent.org or call (330) 672-3028 Tuesday, May 3 5:30 p.m. cocktail reception 6:30 p.m. dinner and awards ceremony The University Center at Kent State University at Stark 6000 Frank Ave. North Canton 44720 Cost: $48 RSVP by Apr. 28
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