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June 2026
Mark Wright Board Chair
Jeff Dafler President & CEO
Darla Brown Vice President – Marketing & Membership Strategy
Melinda Kapalko Vice President – Development & Partnership Relations
Mark Prosise Vice President – Events & Strategic Initiatives
Mike Weiss Creative Director
ACTION NEWSLETTER is a free, monthly online publication for the members of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce.
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, Ohio 44702 or call (330) 456.7253, or e-mail news@cantonchamber.org
Advertising rates are available for Chamber members. Advertisement does not constitute endorsement by the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce.
$50 credit per referral
Applicable toward:
• Membership dues
• Chamber advertising
After four qualified referrals in a calendar year:
• Automatic upgrade of your directory listing to the Gold Package ($1000 value)
• Upgrade valid until Dec. 2027
Public recognition:
• Social media acknowledgment
• Mention in newsletter
A stronger network, right here in our region
Connect with nearly 1,900 businesses working together to grow and move the region forward. Most members see the value of membership come back through new connections, visibility and business opportunities.
We represent business at the advocacy table
From local to regional efforts, we’re working on the issues that impact your business every day, and invite you to have a seat at the table when it matters most.
Built-in visibility from day one
We offer ribbon cuttings, sponsorships and low-cost marketing opportunities help you stay visible. Get your business listed in our directory, plus newsletters, social media and member communications.
Healthcare coverage that works for small business
Members with 2-50 employees can access our Health Fund (MEWA), designed to give smaller employers a more competitive local option.
Strong retirement benefits that help you compete
Offer your employees a stronger 401(k) through the Multiple Employer Plan without taking on the burden alone.
Events that build relationships
From small group networking to large community events, there are consistent ways to get in the room and make connections.
Directory upgrade ($1,000 value) Turn your listing into an expanded marketing page that works for you year-round
Waived application fee ($30)
New member spotlight opportunities Additional visibility through our marketing channels JOIN DURING THE DRIVE AND GET MORE
Weekly drawings during the drive
A marketing-first guide to choosing partnerships that align with your specific growth goals.
Most professionals view event sponsorship as a simple visibility play, a way to get a logo on a banner or a name in a program. But if you’re looking at sponsorship as just “buying exposure,” you’re missing the most valuable part of the equation. The members who see the highest return on their investment aren’t just seeking eyeballs; they are matching their specific business goals to the unique energy and audience of each event.
AUDIENCE ALIGNMENT IS YOUR BEST ROI
The Canton Regional Chamber offers a diverse calendar, and each event carries its own “personality.” To get the most out of your marketing budget, you have to look past the price tag and look at the room.
A golf outing like the Chamber Cup offers hours of relaxed, relationship-building time with decision-makers. Conversely, an event like Vintage Canton or Light Up Downtown puts you in the heart of the community, perfect for B2C brands looking for high-volume local engagement. If you are looking to connect with the next generation of talent and innovators, events like Twenty Under 40! or ystark! programs are where those conversations are happening. The first question shouldn’t be “How many people will see this?” but rather “Who are the people in the room, and do they need what I solve?”
One of the most underutilized resources in our Chamber is the ability to customize your approach. Melinda Kapalko, our VP of Development and Partnership Relations, often emphasizes that she prefers to start with a conversation before you look at a menu of options.
Why? Because she wants to understand your specific growth goals. Are you trying to recruit
talent? Are you launching a new B2B service? Or are you celebrating a company milestone? When you share your “why” with Melinda, sponsorship stops being a line item and starts being a tailored partnership. Taking the time to have that diagnostic conversation ensures that your investment aligns with your actual business trajectory.
You don’t always need the top-tier package to make an impact. High-value marketing is often about being in the right room, not just the biggest room.
• Targeted over Total: A smaller sponsorship at a niche event, like a Stark County Safety Council meeting or a Business After Hours, can often yield higher quality leads than a massive logo at a general event if those attendees represent your primary target audience.
• Consistent Presence: Consider a “seasonal” approach. Sponsoring one event per quarter allows you to stay top-of-mind throughout the year rather than exhausting your budget on a single day.
A sponsorship opens the door, but your team has to walk through it. To make your partnership
• Be a Face, Not Just a Font: Ensure someone from your team is present. A logo is a reminder; a person is a relationship.
• Offer Value: If the sponsorship level allows for a booth or materials, bring something that solves a problem or starts a conversation.
• The 48-Hour Rule: The momentum of an event fades quickly. If you meet a prospect, follow up within two business days while the event is still fresh in their mind.
Sponsorship is one of the most powerful tools in your Chamber toolkit, provided you use it with intention. When you shift your approach from passive visibility to active partnership, the return on your investment moves from a simple impression to a lasting business connection.
Before committing to your next sponsorship, reach out to the Chamber team to discuss the demographics of past attendees. Understanding the “who” behind the “how many” is the key to a sophisticated marketing strategy.
To explore which upcoming events align with your 2026 goals, contact Melinda Kapalko to start a conversation about your business growth.
For employers, immigration is not abstract—it directly impacts workforce availability, talent pipelines, and the ability to grow. Hosted by the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance, this event will explore data-driven insights from the American Immigration Council in a candid conversation with: Juan Avilez, State and Local Policy Associate; U.S. Representative Michael A. Rulli (OH-6); U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) Madison Lisotto Whalen, Esq.; Patrick Shen, Vice President, Immigration Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce; business leaders, and community stakeholders on how immigrant populations impact key industries, population trends, local and regional economies, and workforce gaps across our region.
Breakfast and networking will be from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., offering attendees an opportunity to connect with peers and regional leaders. The program will start at 8:30 a.m. and feature several sessions that will highlight key data and insights on how immigration contributes to workforce participation, business growth, and overall regional economic development from the perspective of key stakeholders and elected officials.
Date: Thursday, June 18
Time: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Breakfast and networking
Pricing: $35 per person
Location:
Embassy Suites by Hilton Akron-Canton Airport
7883 Freedom Ave NW, North Canton, 44720
Attendees will receive an exclusive first look at a report detailing updated datapoints on how immigrant populations fit into our regional economy, and have the opportunity to participate in Q&A with presenters. Participants will also hear diverse perspectives on current workforce challenges and explore how immigration plays a role in addressing critical talent needs across key industries.
Connect Stark County’s business community
Showcase Stark County as a place to live, work, and grow
Encourage interns to build their future in the region
INTERNSHIP KICK-OFF LUNCHEON
Meet and greet 100 local interns!
Cost: $25 | Lunch included
Time: Doors open 11:00 AM | Program 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
Registration Deadline June 26
Location: Gervasi Vineyard
Address: 1700 55th St NE, Canton, OH 44721
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT:
GALLUP STRENGTHS ASSESSMENT & TRAINING
Discover your top strengths, and learn how to apply them in leadership and the workplace
Cost: $25 | Breakfast provided by the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Time: Doors open 8:00 AM | Program 8:30–11:30 AM
Location: Pro Football Hall of Fame, Gold Jacket Lounge
Registration Deadline July 10
Address: 2121 George Halas Dr NW, Canton, OH 44708
Event Capacity: Limited to 60 interns
DISCOVER DOWNTOWN INTERACTIVE WALKING TOUR
Explore downtown Canton & connect with local organizations in the community!
Cost: $25 | Sweet treat + snacks included
Time: Doors open 1:00 PM | Program 1:20–4:00 PM
Location: Canton Museum of Art
Address: 1001 Market Ave N, Canton, OH 44702
Event Capacity: Limited to 60 interns
Contact: Julia Kasper
Program Manager
Leadership Stark County julia@leadershipstarkcounty.org
Raza Fayyaz, CIO of Aultman Health System, will break down what’s real with AI, why many companies still aren’t seeing results and how businesses can start using AI to build efficiency without overcomplicating it. If you’ve been trying to figure out what AI actually means for your business, this conversation is for you.
Presenting Sponsor:
Engagement Sponsor:
RESERVE YOUR TABLE TOP!
This venue provides an opportunity for table top exhibit opportunities. This is a member only opportunity. Showcase your services or products during the event with your personal tradeshow exhibit. Tables will be provided. Cost for an exhibit will be $50 while they last!
About the series: AultCare QuickConnect offers great networking opportunities for business leads. Join Stark County’s premier luncheon – enjoy activities, hear speakers, make connections, and savor lunch.
Members can promote their business with a 30-second commercial by contributing a $15+ door prize. Contact Autumn at autumn@cantonchamber.org.
PRICING: $30 (members), $40 (non-members)
These incredible leaders have completed the Signature Program at Leadership Stark County, a Department of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce on June 4, 2026
CHRIS AUMAN
Sanctuary - A Digital Marketing Group
MINDEE BARBER Schauer Group, Inc.
CHRIS BENNINGHOFF Aultman Health Foundation
DEREK CARMICHAEL Stifel
PJ CHAVEZ The Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital
AMANDA DALPIAZ Walsh University
MIKE DESPOSITO The Wellife, LLC
LEIGH DONATELLA
Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities
TARYN DOUGLAS Westfield Insurance
STEPHANIE DUDEK Metallus Inc.
SHANNA EBERT The Timken Company
BYRON ELMORE Williams
JOHN FALLON Arrowhead Talent Solutions
KEVIN GARDNER Stark State College
STEPHANIE JANECEK Hendrickson
CHANCE JONES AWP Safety
MELINDA KAPALKO Canton Regional Chamber
TRAVIS KELLEY JP Morgan Chase
BHUPENDRA KENJALE (BK) The Timken Company
JEN KENNEDY Siffrin Inc
ALEXIS LOUIVE Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital
ANDY LOWTHER Beaver Constructors
THERESA MATTOX Huntington Bank
KEVIN MCDOUGAL Perry Local Schools
MATT PETRICK Akron - Canton Regional Foodbank
ADAM PIEGOLS Marathon Petroleum
RETHA PORTIS IES Infrastructure
JACOB PRIES Western Reserve Land Conservancy
RACHAEL REINHART St. Joseph Care Center
KETRINA SABEAN Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities
BEN SCHILLIG Beaver Constructors
CHRISTEN SEDMOCK Canton City School District
NICOLE SINGER Central Catholic High School
39th Presenting Sponsor Graduation Sponsors
CHRIS SMITH Canton Township
MICHELLE STACKHOUSE Quiet Waters Wellness Center
KELLY TISEVICH Rivertree Christian Church - First Church of the Resurrection
DANI VRANESEVIC CommQuest
TAYLOR WEAVER Early Childhood Resource Center
NICK WILLIAMS Knight Material Technologies
JAY WITHEE Employers Health
ALEXANDRA YOSKEY
Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio
Canton Regional Chamber members are invited to attend the Business Growth Symposium on June 12 at the Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls. Canton members can attend at the member rate through our partnership with the Greater Akron Chamber. This half-day program is designed for business owners and leaders focused on growth, with practical insight on scaling, investment decisions and what it takes to move forward.
Topics include:
Turning AI into real results
Identifying your next stage of growth
Building the right team for scale
Finding your next revenue opportunity
The program concludes with a keynote from David Neeleman,
Date: Friday, June 12
Time: 8am to 1pm
Pricing: $225, enter code canton to receive the discounted member rate of $175
Location: Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls 1989 Front St, Cuyahoga Falls, 44221 DETAILS
Dear Member,
Over the past few months, I’ve spent time with business owners across our region — in conference rooms, on shop floors and over coffee — asking a simple question: What do you need most right now to keep moving forward? The answers vary, but the theme is consistent. Conditions are changing, and support needs to be more targeted to be truly helpful.
That’s why we’re inviting you to complete a brief, confidential Business Assessment
This assessment will give us a clearer picture of where your business stands today — from growth plans and workforce needs to capital, operations and technology. Your input will help our team connect you to the most relevant resources, programs and opportunities offered through the Chamber and our regional partners.
To be clear, this is not a sales survey. Your responses will not be shared publicly and will be used only to help the Chamber better serve your business.
By taking a few minutes to complete the assessment, you will help us:
• Match you with programs, tools and expertise aligned to your needs
• Connect you to potential grants, financing and incentive opportunities
• Shape Chamber events, education and advocacy around what matters most to businesses like yours
• Strengthen the overall business environment in Stark County
• The better we understand your reality, the more focused and valuable our work can be — for your business and for our region.
If you have questions about the assessment, please contact Melinda Kapalko, Vice President of Development & Partnership Relations. Following the survey, you can expect personalized out reach from Melinda to review your results and match you to the programs that are a fit for your business.
I encourage you to take the assessment today and help shape how the Chamber serves you in 2026 and beyond.
Thank you for your continued commitment to our business community. We look forward to moving ahead together.
Sincerely,
Jeff Dafler President and CEO Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce
The 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival will take place in Canton, Ohio this July and August as our community welcomes the 2026 Enshrinees, many returning Hall of Famers, and football fans from across the country. Mark your calendars to experience this signature community tradition!
JULY 24-26
JULY 25 AUG. 1 AUG. 7
7
8
9
BALLOON CLASSIC
Presented by Aultman
UP, UP & AWAY 5K
Presented by OrthoUnited COMMUNITY PARADE
FASHION SHOW LUNCHEON
Presented by Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons
ENSHRINEES’ GOLD JACKET DINNER
Presented by Haggar
GRAND PARADE
Presented by Certified Angus Beef
CLASS OF 2026 UNSCRIPTED & TAILGATE
Presented by Employers Health
Since 1963, The Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce have partnered to produce the Enshrinement Festival. The Enshrinement Festival is currently 18 national and community events held to celebrate the enshrinement of the newest class into the Pro Football Hall of Fame; honor all the Hall of Famers; and celebrate why CANTON is the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame!
These events are not possible without the time, effort and passion of over 2,500 volunteers needed to stage these events. We are currently looking for additional volunteers to continue to produce the Enshrinement Festival.
A Cut Above Tree Service
Abbott Electric Inc.
Ace Carpet Cleaning Co.
Akron Reserve Ammunition, Inc.
Alexander Funeral Home
All Makes and Models Auto Repair
Alterations Express
Andrew Eicher Photography
ARCO National Construction
Atomic Sewer LLC
Bartlett Tree Experts
Beaver Petroleum Company, Inc.
Biery Cheese Company, Inc.
Blackstone Wealth Management
Bob’s Auto Sales
B-Tek LLC
Buckeye Restoration Services
Canton Brewing Company (The)
Canton Sterilized Wiping Cloth Co., Inc.
Children’s Physician’s, Inc.
Clay’s Resort Jellystone Park
ColorWrap Inc
Community One Credit Union of Ohio, Inc.
Community Restoration Centers of Stark County, Inc.
Contractor Connection Inc
County Line Veterinary Service, Inc
Crack Corn Ltd.
CSL Plasma
Cutter Power Sales
Davies Pharmacy
DeliverThat
Desert Inn
DeVille Developments
DJ Billy Manos
DriveEasy
Ed Schory & Son Co.
Edge Branding Solutions Cutco Closing Gifts
EN-RICH-MENT
Farmers Insurance - Buddy Johnson Agency
Farmers National Bank Regional Office
Fox Enterprise Services
Fully Promoted of Canton
Gary Bresson
Glenbeigh
Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland & East
Central Ohio
Gragg Electrical Services, LLC
Gridiron Guys Construction
Hahlen Line Services LLC
Hampton Inn & Suites Canton
Harris Battery Co. Inc.
Herzing University
Holiday Inn Canton
Homeworth Fabrication and Machine Inc.
Howmet Aerospace
Humbert Sanitary Service
Hyatt Place Canton
Industrial Tool Company Inc.
Italo’s Pizza Shop Inc.
James Maccora
Jeff Burner - Keller Williams Legacy Group Realty
JRC
Kenan Advantage Group
Kendel Welding & Fabrication, Inc.
Kitchen Tune-Up Akron Canton
Laurels of Massillon
Layman Law Group
Legacy Energy Services LLC
Lehman’s
Log Cabin Catering
Louise & Edward Mahoney
Mack Law Co., LPA
Maloney + Novotny LLC
Mark Grucella, D.D.S., FICOI & James D. George, D.D.S.
Martin Pallet Inc. aka MPI Logistics & Service
Martins Steel Fabrication
McIntosh Oil Company
MDS & Associates Inc.
Midwest Industrial Supply, Inc
Modern Hearing Solutions
Monty Enterprises Inc.
Motter & Meadows Architects
Mt. Hope Auction
Neuro Behavioral Clinical Research, Inc.
Nisley Cabinet Shop
Norman Eckinger, Inc.
Northern Mobile Electric
Northwestern Mutual
Novelli Chiropractic Clinic
Ohio Desk
Ohio Musicue Corp.
Ohio Prestwick Country Club
Paychex
Penske Truck Leasing
Peoples Services, Inc.
Pizza Oven/Papa Bears Restaurant & Bear
Management
Plus Ltd., Inc. dba Little Sprouts Child Development Center
PMI REM!
PNC Financial Services Group (The)
Polymer Packaging Inc
PPI Graphics & Innovative Trends
Prestige Plumbing
Pro Football Hall of Fame
Pursuit Lending Group
R.D. Allison & Assoc Inc
Roma’s Radiator Specialties
Roricks Inc
Ruhlin Company (The)
S. Slesnick Company, Inc.
Satin Sound Systems, Inc.
Sirak Financial Companies
Snelling Staffing Services
Society For Equal Access, LLC
Squeaky Clean Company, LLC (The)
Standard Plumbing & Heating Co
Stark A11y
Stark County Career Compact
Stark County Farm Bureau
Stark Glass Enterprises, Inc.
Stewart’s Caring Place
Superior Beverage Group Ltd
Superior Dairy, Inc.
Supreme Cellular Repair
T K Harris Commercial Real Estate
The Inkeeper’s Tattoo Parlor
The Inn at Belden Village
The Phillips Organization
The Thrasher Group, Inc.
TomTod Ideas
Trenchless Rental Solutions
TruGreen
Unified Restoration Systems
United Rentals / Reliable Onsite Services
US Prosthetix
US SafetyGear, Inc.
Vista Psychological and Counseling Center, LLC
Vitalant
West Valentine Power Wash
Western & Southern Life - Canton-Alliance
Wheatland Steel Co. - Banco Die
WRL Advertising LLC
Yellow USA OHIO LLC
YWCA - Early Childhood Learning Center
Canton Regional Chamber 401(k) Retirement Program
A strong retirement benefit program can help businesses of all sizes gain a competitive edge to attract and retain talent — but it can also mean added costs and responsibility. A multiple employer plan (MEP) may be an attractive option for businesses seeking to ease the administrative burden, fiduciary risk, and expense of offering a quality retirement plan. The Canton Regional Chamber has partnered with the Greater Akron Chamber to offer this benefit to all members.
It’s a retirement plan sponsored by one entity for unrelated organizations that share a common business interest.
•MEP sponsor is the “lead” plan and generally the plan administrator and fiduciary
•“Adopting employers” can elect to join the MEP
• These plans can be defined contribution (DC) or defined benefit (DB) plans
• At any time, adopting employers are easily integrated into the plan hosted by the sponsor and tracked on the Transamerica platform
The key to outstanding support for this MEP starts with Transamerica’s sophisticated recordkeeping platform. Our ability to track adopting employers using one contract allows you to enjoy the following benefits:
•Flexible plan features (safe harbor, Roth, etc.) and customizable plan design (eligibility, matching contribution formula, and more)
•Reporting data for each employer based on your unique employee base
•No individual annual audit or individual Form 5500 filing
•Potential cost savings through pooled assets compared to operating a single employer plan
•Dedicated website for adopting employers to gauge plan performance and participant engagement
•Dedicated participant website with tools and resources designed to help brighten retirement outcomes
CHAIR
Mark Wright
President AultCare
SENIOR VICE CHAIR
& CORPORATE SECRETARY
Sue Grabowski
CEO Desidara
VICE CHAIR
Dan DeHoff
CEO Dehoff Development Company
VICE CHAIR
Matt Halter
President & COO Solmet Technologies, Inc.
VICE CHAIR
Jeff Snyder
Senior VP & Market Leader Westfield Bank, A Division of First Financial Bank
TREASURER
Eric Schreiber
CPA 415 Group
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
Christopher Goff Chairman, President and CEO Employers Health
PRESIDENT & CEO
Jeff Dafler Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Tim Collins President Walsh University
Dr. Timothy Crone President Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital
Joseph Daleiden Senior VP – Commercial Banking KeyBank
Jeff Floyd CFO
Hilscher-Clarke Electric Company
Teresa Golden President Environmental Flooring Group
Justin Hardesty Financial Advisor
Hardesty Partners & Jackson Twp. Trustee
Mary Ellen Icaza CEO / Executive Director Stark Library
Gregory L. King President University of Mount Union
James Lambo Vice President – Auditing The Timken Company
Ralph J. Lober II, CPA, CEPA President & CEO Consumers National Bank
Joseph Luckring Regional President The PNC Financial Services Group
C. Stephen Mackenzie President & CEO Stark Economic Development Board
Ronald Paydo Market President Akron/ Canton Huntington National Bank
Jim Porter President Pro Football Hall of Fame
Elaine Russell Reolfi President/CEO CommQuest Services Inc.
Joseph D. Schauer President & CEO Schauer Group
William C. Shivers Senior VP, Regional President Farmers National Bank
Michael Sirpilla CEO Society Brands
Join the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and Plain Township as we host the 2026 Oktoberfest at the Plain Township Amphitheater.
This traditional Oktoberfest is a FREE, family-friendly event which will feature live music, food, traditional German style and American beer selections, Kid’s Area and games. The schedule of games include: Pretzel Eating Contest; Weiner Dog Race; Costume Contest and Stein Holding Contest.
Leonard Stevens CEO Stark County Minority Business Assoc.
Jeff Talbert
Superintendent Canton City School District
Lucien Tolbert Human Resources Director Marathon Petroleum Company, LLC
Dustin J. Vrabel Managing Partner Buckingham, Doolittle, and Burroughs, LLP
Thomas West President and CEO Greater Stark County Urban League
Scott M. Zurakowski Attorney at Law Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty Co., LPA
SEPT. 19
Flory Grocery Supermarket was established around 1910 by A.B. Flory. The business had up to 85 branches within a 30 mile radius and included trucks on the highways selling goods to customers. On the front of the trucks read, “Here Comes Flory,” and on the back it read, “There Goes Flory.” The first super market was located on the corner of Cleveland Avenue and 5th Street NW and was attached to the Flory Hotel. By 1928, Flory closed shop and moved to Florida. Information provided by Mark Holland, McKinley Presidential Library & Stark County Archives. Chamber file photos circa 1916.
