ACTION Newsletter September 2026

ACTION

WWW.CANTONCHAMBER.ORG

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Sept. 2026

Roger Craig, right, accepts his Gold Jacket from Ed DeBartolo Jr., Friday, Aug. 7 during the Enshrinee’s Gold Jacket Dinner at the Canton Memorial Civic Center.

CHECK OUT THE

HALL OF FAME ENSHRINEMENT FESTIVAL WRAP UP

PAGES 8-11 AND CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEO IN THIS ISSUE

Oktoberfest Comes to Plain Township | Business After Hours | HOF Festival Wrap Up Quick Connect | Online Election guide | Supervisory Training | Marketing Matters | Member Renewals | Biz Bits New Members | Canton Chamber Board of Directors | Member Retirement Plan | Action Flashback

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With five da Vinci systems in Alliance, Canton and Orrville, you have minimal travel for maximum healing:

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• Smaller incisions • Faster recovery time • Shorter hospital stays • Less scarring • Reduced pain

HERE FOR YOU.

ACTION September 2026

Mark Wright Board Chair Jeff Dafler President & CEO

National expertise. Local talent.

Certified public accountants (CPAs) and business advisors personally invested in the success of your business.

Darla Brown Vice President – Marketing & Membership Strategy Melinda Kapalko Vice President – Development & Partnership Relations

Canton 330.966.9400

maloneynovotny.com

Mark Prosise Vice President – Events & Strategic Initiatives

WA L S H U N I V E R S I T Y

ACTION NEWSLETTER is a free, monthly online publication for the members of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Gain the business knowledge, strategic insight, and

Reader questions and comments are welcome and encouraged. Contents may be reprinted with credit. Address all inquiries to:

AI management skills to lead what’s next.

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Advertising rates are available for Chamber members.

Advertisement does not constitute endorsement by the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce.

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Classes Online Finish in 12 – 14 Months Next Start Date 10/26

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

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Mike Weiss Creative Director

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www.walsh.edu/ai 5x5.25_MBA AI ad_26_v2.indd 1

9/1/26 4:25 PM

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MENTAL HEALTH

MATTERS Mental health & suicide are the top two emerging issues that need addressed in Stark County.

Together we can impact lives, 0 families, and communities.

Building Hope is more than a capital campaign. It is one answer to the mental health crisis in Stark and surrounding counties. The Building Hope Campaign is a 2.5-million-dollar initiative to construct a new Encompass Christian Counseling and Encourage Foster Care facility. The new facility will more than double the current size of Encompass Christian Counseling and provide vital mental health resources to the area.

For more information, visit buildinghopecampaign.org BUILDING

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C A P I TA L C A M PA I G N

COMING TO PLAIN TOWNSHIP 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; Wiener Dog Race; Costume Contest and Stein Holding Contest.

SCHEDULE: 3 3:30 4 5 6:15 6:45 7 8 9

Gates Open Wiener Dog Race Scenic Route Keg Tapping Pretzel Eating Contest Costume Contest Captain Tom & the Hooligans Stein Holding Contest Event Concludes

Plain Township Amphitheater Oakwood Square • 2616 Easton St NE • Canton, 44721

Visit CantonChamber.org

Date: Sept. 19 Time: 3-9pm Location: Plain Township Amphitheater

Free reception hosted by Stark County Minority Business Association The Stark County Minority DETAILS Business Association (SCMBA) will bring business and What: Black College Football Hall of community connections to the Fame Classic Business Reception forefront during Black College Hosted by: Stark Minority Business Football Hall of Fame Classic Association weekend with its Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic When: Sunday, September 6 Business Reception on Sunday, 11:30 am–1:30 pm September 6, from 11:30 a.m.

Where: Pro Football Hall of Fame to 1:30 p.m. at the Pro Football (Nash Family & Event Center), Hall of Fame’s Nash Family & 2121 George Halas Dr. NW, Event Center, 2121 George Canton, OH 44708 Halas Dr. NW, Canton, Ohio Admission: Free; RSVP required 44708.

RSVP: www.bit.ly/2026MBR Designed to close out the weekend with meaningful connections and new opportunities, the free reception will bring together entrepreneurs, business professionals and community leaders for an afternoon of networking, food, raffles and relationship-building.

The event reflects SMBA’s ongoing commitment to creating spaces where businesses and professionals can expand their networks, build valuable relationships and connect with resources and opportunities that can help strengthen their businesses. Admission is free; however, RSVP is required for all attendees. Seating is very limited, and advance registration is strongly encouraged. Walk-in admission cannot be guaranteed.

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FANS, FOOTBALLS, FLOATS

AND HALL OF FAMERS WRAPPING UP THE HALL OF FAME ENSHRINEMENT FESTIVAL

CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEO 8

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THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS

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Medicare Made Easy

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Networking Series

Our next QuickConnect is Sept. 16 at La Pizzeria!

The Development Playbook: What we need to know about data centers As data center development grows across Ohio, communities are asking important questions about infrastructure, investment and long-term impact. We’ll bring together expert voices for a conversation designed to separate facts from assumptions and help us better understand the impact for our region.

REGISTER HERE

Presenting Sponsor:

Engagement Sponsor:

Ohio TechCred Program Updates Webinar In partnership with the Ohio Department of Development, the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance invites you to a webinar focused on relevant updates and new information on Ohio’s TechCred Program. After months of anticipation, TechCred will reopen on October 1, and this webinar will serve as a prime opportunity to learn about new rules, updated procedures, and areas of focus. All those who RSVP will receive relevant meeting materials and have the opportunity to submit questions for presenters.

Date: Friday, September 11 Time: 2 - 3 PM Online - Virtual Event

Register here All those who RSVP will receive relevant meeting materials and have the opportunity to submit questions for presenters.

Please note, this event is CLOSED to the media.

R E G I O N A L

S U M M I T

SAVE THE DATE

Date: October 15 Time: 8-11am

CHILD CARE & THE WORKFORCE:

ONE YEAR LATER

One year after bringing business and community leaders together to examine the region’s child care crisis, we’re reconvening to ask an important question:

What has changed, and where do we go from here?

SPEAKERS: Angela Moses Executive Director of Early Childhood Resource Center Liz Hibbs Executive Director, Early Childhood Education Alliance

Asha Boone Child Care Provider Senator Jane Timken Ohio Senate District 29 Lynanne Gutierrez Groundwork Ohio

FOR TICKETS VISIT: CANTONCHAMBER.ORG

In partnership with

2026 Voter Guide is Online The Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance is committed to providing pertinent information on candidates, ballot issues, and legislation that impacts your business. As such, the online Voter Election Guide serves as a one-stop resource for clear, nonpartisan information on key races and issues on the November 3 ballot.

This year’s ballot includes candidates for U.S. Senate, Ohio’s Congressional seats, Ohio Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer, and seats on the Ohio Supreme Court (as well as a number of Ohio House and Senate seats and local offices). The guide will feature candidate overviews, links to campaign websites, recorded conversations with candidates, and direct access to county board of elections for up-to-date local voting information.

With a full slate of candidates and issues on the ballot, make sure your voter registration is up to date. To the right are key deadlines and registration requirements to ensure you’re prepared for the November 3 election:

General Election: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 Voter registration deadline: October 5 Early in-person voting: October 6 – November 2 Absentee voting by mail: October 6 – November 2 *Absentee ballots must be received by your board of elections on election day by 7:30 p.m.

What You’ll Need to Register Online • Ohio driver license or Ohio identification card number • Name • Date of Birth • Address • Last four digits of your Social Security number *For more information, or to check your voter registration status, click here.

Contact: brandon@leadershipstarkcounty.org

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Marketing Matters

Data-Driven Marketing Solutions

Beyond the Big Scissors: The Hidden Content Engine in Your Business Milestone How to turn one ribbon cutting into months of social media content Most businesses treat their ribbon cutting as a one-day event: invite the community, take the traditional photo, post it on social media, and move on. But for the business hosting the event, a ribbon cutting is a mark of celebration for a grand opening, relocation, or expansion that can provide photos, video, community recognition, and social proof that can be used in marketing for months afterward.

Harnessing the Community Presence The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce hosts ribbon cuttings to celebrate important milestones for our members and promotes these milestone events through email newsletters, social media, and the Chamber’s online calendar of events.

Chamber staff, ambassadors, and local business leaders attend to celebrate your milestone and show their support for your business and its continued growth in the community.

This recognition reflects your business’s connection to the local community and gives you something meaningful to share with customers who may be getting to know you for the first time.

The Content Plan: Making It Last To turn a ten-second ribbon snip into months of marketing materials, you need to look past the main group photo. Have someone record the entire ceremony on a smartphone or camera.

The footage can be broken down into a library of micro-content such as short video clips that you can stagger across your calendar.

Here is how you stretch that single event across the next year: • Month 1 (Extend the Event): Publish a fastpaced, 60-second highlight reel on LinkedIn and Facebook. Follow up a week later with a dedicated thank-you post that tags the attendees, vendors, and the Chamber to capitalize on initial event engagement.

• Months 2 to 3 (Tell the Story Behind the Milestone): Shift from showing what happened to explaining why it mattered. Pull short clips from speeches, interviews, and candid moments that introduce the people and story behind the business. A 15-second clip of the owner explaining why the company expanded could become one post, while a team member talking about what the new space means for customers could become another. These smaller stories give people who were not at the event a reason to connect with

the business beyond the ribbon cutting itself.

• Months 4 to 6 (Build Local Trust): Use goodquality photos from your ribbon cutting on your About Us, Community Engagement, or location-specific landing pages to highlight the milestone and your connection to the local community. These photos also give prospective customers a genuine look at your business’s involvement and presence in the local community.

• Months 7 to 10 (Show What Happened Next): Revisit the milestone once you have a meaningful update to share. Instead of simply posting an anniversary photo, connect the original event to what has happened since.

For example: “It’s hard to believe it’s already been six months since so many of you joined us to cut the ribbon on our new space. Since then, we’ve welcomed more than 100 clients through these doors, grown our team, and settled into a place that finally feels like home.”

This makes the follow-up feel personal while giving your audience tangible evidence of the growth the original event represented.

Authentic over Produced The footage does not have to be professionally produced to work. In fact, raw, authentic moments from a real community milestone frequently perform better on social channels than highly polished corporate videos. People want to see the energy of the room, the real smiles, and the genuine community connection.

A ribbon cutting gives your business plenty to work with even after the event has ended.

The photos, videos, community recognition, and stories captured that day can support your marketing for months, giving you far more value than a single post ever could.

PRO-TIP FROM UB ADVERTISING Assign a dedicated content catcher before the event begins. Don’t rely on the business owner or keynote speaker. Give one team member a smartphone and a simple shot list: the crowd’s reaction, the ribboncutting moment, and behind-the-scenes setup. A few minutes of planning ensures you leave with marketing content you can use for months.

If you have a business milestone approaching and want to build a practical content campaign around it, our team at UB Advertising is happy to help you map it out.

2026 Canton Regional Chamber

Executive Board

Board of Directors

CHAIR Mark Wright President AultCare

Dr. Tim Collins President Walsh University

James Lambo Vice President – Auditing The Timken Company

Joseph D. Schauer President & CEO Schauer Group

Dr. Timothy Crone President Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital

Ralph J. Lober II, CPA, CEPA President & CEO Consumers National Bank

Michael Sirpilla CEO Society Brands

Joseph Luckring Regional President The PNC Financial Services Group

Leonard Stevens CEO Stark County Minority Business Assoc.

C. Stephen Mackenzie President & CEO Stark Economic Development Board

Jeff Talbert Superintendent Canton City School District

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 First Financial Bank TREASURER Eric Schreiber CPA 415 Group IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Christopher Goff Chairman, President and CEO Employers Health

Joseph Daleiden Senior VP – Commercial Banking KeyBank Jeff Floyd CFO Hilscher-Clarke Electric Company Teresa Golden President Environmental Flooring Group

Pete Opperman Vice President, Retail Market Manager Farmers National Bank

Justin Hardesty Financial Advisor Hardesty Partners & Jackson Twp. Trustee

Ronald Paydo Market President Akron/ Canton Huntington National Bank

Mary Ellen Icaza CEO / Executive Director Stark Library

Jim Porter President Pro Football Hall of Fame

Gregory L. King President University of Mount Union

Elaine Russell Reolfi President/CEO CommQuest Services Inc.

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

PRESIDENT & CEO Jeff Dafler Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce

Call our team of professionals for all your real estate needs!

RETAIL OFFICE MEDICAL INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENTS MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT 1031 EXCHANGES SITE ACQUISITION

400 South Main St. North Canton, Ohio 44720

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

Timothy J. Putman Wick Hartung Spencer Hartung Saylor Putman Jim Bednar President Broker, Co-Owner Vice President Vice President Sr. Sales Associate 330-495-0600 330-495-0601 330-936-0276 330-495-8292 330-417-9034

4065 Fulton Dr NW, Canton 330.498.4400 putmanproperties.com Est. 1985

Phone: 330.499.6000 Fax: 499.6423 www.bakerfirm.com

7 SESSIONS • 7 EXPERTS • 7 TOPICS

THE PROGRAM:

Developing talent from within your workforce is the best way of supplying leadership to your people. Your people see opportunity instead of stagnation.

You identify better leaders from within than you do from an external interview.

Your leaders are better respected when they have come up through the ranks.

THE COST:

$850 Chamber Members $1200 Public

THE TIME:

Mondays, 2-5pm

THE DATES:

Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26 Nov. 2, 9, 16

THE LOCATIONS:

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Walsh University and the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce

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TOPICS:

Motivating, training, planning, teamwork, effective communication, resolving conflicts, problem solving, process improvement, adjusting your methods to the personality of your employees, employment law and more.

Control your Cost,

Empower Your Workforce

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• 50+ Network Hospitals • 20,000+ Network Providers • National Network Access AultCare is here for you … committed to your company’s greatest asset: your people.

330-363-6360 AultCare.com 8559/26

MEMBER RENEWALS Alexis Building Systems LLC Alpine Bible Church AlterClinic Animal Care Anne Marie’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts Any Lab Test Now Arnold Gruber, Ltd. AT&T Autism Society of Greater Akron Bell Cleaning Services Best Mold & Manufacturing, Inc. Blue Habanero Street Tacos & Tequila Campbell Construction Canton Symphony Orchestra Association Carroll County Chamber of Commerce (The) Children’s Toy Fund, Inc. (The) Citizens Bank Cocklin Trenching Inc. Completely Cookied Coon Restoration & Sealants Inc. Crystl CLR Solutions Culture Lounge David Wolfe Design, Inc. DeHoff Realtors DeRamus Law Firm, LLC Diamond Solutions Dirty Donkey Customs LLC Dumont Seed Company Earth ‘n Wood Edward Jones - Samantha Heisley Employers Health Encompass Christian Counseling Executive Event Center Faircrest Door Fallsway Equipment Company Fives Bronx, Inc. Gionino’s Pizzeria of Dover/New Philadelphia Grass Master, Inc. Hall Acquisition Co., dba MACH 3 Heartland Expert Automotive Resource Team Heritage Signs LLC Hilton Garden Inn Akron-Canton Airport HSHL Productions, LLC dba Factory of Terror ICAN Housing J Williams Lawn & Landscape Use Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Jackson Township Board of Trustees Jackson Township Parks Dept Jackson Township Police Dept Jackson Township Zoning Dept JBJ Transport LLC K. Palmer Insurance and Financial Services KAT Hauling LLC Kennedy’s BBQ King Machine & Tool Co. Lake Cable Recreation Association Legacy Auto Group, LLC Life Professionals, LLC Logivision Technologies Love INC of Greater Holmes County Luckino Foot and Ankle Associates

Margaret B. Shipley Child Health Clinic, Inc. Merry Maids Minard’s Landscape and Design Mirabel Promotions, formerly ASAP! NickaJack Farms and The Mane Barn North American Commercial Tire Resources North Canton Executive Networking Group Ohio Health Benefits Ojim Inc. dba JLR Products PBS Western Reserve (formerly Western Reserve Public Media) Plain Local Schools Plymouth Creative Products Precision Cabinet Co. Public Salt Company - A Clarity Salt Company Pumphrey-Hamel Insurance R & R Counseling Center Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Recharge Canton Robert F. Fay, CPA Rogy’s Learning Place

Sand, Sebolt, & Wernow Co., LPA Santangelo Catering Tim Reinhart Shultz Machine, Inc. SMA Plastics LLC Sparky’s Welding and Fabrication, LLC Stark County Community Action Agency Stark County Regional Planning Commission Steiner Lumber Stray Cat Digital Sully’s Tool & Party Rentals Taggarts Ice Cream Parlor Talecris Plasma Resources Inc./Grifols, Inc. The Canton Classic Car Museum Thomas & Associates, D.D.S. Tri-K Enterprises Turn Hospitality Van Nostran Young Coutts Village of Beach City Warstler Bros. Landscaping, Inc. Wilderness Center, Inc./Foxfield Preserve (The) Winking Lizard Tavern

BWC’s Safety Grants program On August 17th, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) announced it is reopening its Safety Grants program, making more than $41 million available in fiscal year 2027 to help Ohio employers invest in equipment that keeps workers safe and reduces injuries. Eligible employers may now begin submitting new applications online.

Three different grant programs are available for eligible employers:

Safety Intervention Grant (SIG)

This program is available to any Ohio private or public employer covered by the State Insurance Fund. It allows employers to purchase equipment to signiQicantly reduce or eliminate injuries and illnesses associated with a particular task or operation. Recipients are eligible for a 3-to-1 matching grant, up to a maximum grant award of $40,000 for each three-year eligibility cycle. This means you receive $3 for every $1 you contribute as the employer. In return, employers must submit a oneyear case study one year after the implementation date of the intervention.

Firefighter Exposure to Environmental Elements Grant (FEEEG)

This grant aids firefighters’ protection from exposure and dangerous environmental elements.

Eligible safety equipment includes turnout gear, lifting tables, diesel exhaust systems, extractors/washing machines for turnout gear or personal protective equipment, hoods with barrier protection, turnout gear drying machines and washable gloves.

School Safety and Security Grant (SSSG)

This grant helps employers ensure the safety of staff who instruct children throughout the state.

Eligible equipment includes safety items such as slip-resistant flooring, safe food fryers, floor cleaning machines, secured keycard systems, security doors, trauma kits and many other items.

Refer to the BWC safety grants webpage for exclusions, additional details on eligible items and to apply: https://info.bwc.ohio.gov/for-employers/safety-services/safety-grants or email Sedgwick for additional information at sedgwickohriskservices@sedgwick.com.

Tozzi’s on 12th restaurant is now up for sale.

The longtime family-owned restaurant and event venue, is for sale. The 11,060-square-foot restaurant and event facility sits on four acres and can accommodate more than 300 guests.

The commercial property along 12th Street NW near Meyers Lake has been listed for $1.1 million through Keller Williams Legacy Group Realty. n Step back in time for an evening of music, mystery and a little bit of mischief at Speakeasy at the Onesto, a 1930s-inspired fundraiser hosted by the Symphony League of Canton. All proceeds benefit the Canton Symphony Orchestra’s Lighthouse Saturday Strings and Mindful Music Moments programs. On Thursday, September 17, enjoy live performances by musicians connected to the Canton Symphony Orchestra. Try your luck at blackjack and roulette in the casino room, browse a collection of unique silent auction items, and enjoy 1930s-inspired food and sweets throughout the evening. Admission is $75 for individuals, $140 for couples, visit boxoffice@cantonsymphony.org

BIZ Bitz n Shearer’s Foods listed for sale its 40,136-squarefoot, four-story office building at 100 Lincoln Way E. But a sale will not result in the food giant leaving anytime soon. Constructed in 2002, the four-story office building encompasses approximately 40,000 rentable square feet on 1.56 acres and serves as the long-term corporate headquarters for Shearer’s Foods, a leading North American manufacturer of private-brand snacks. The property benefits from strong regional connectivity to Akron, Cleveland, Canton, Columbus, and Pittsburgh. The building offers approximately 136 parking spaces, a professional headquarters image, and recent capital improvements. n Scratch restaurant coming to Canton. Owner and chef Demond Germany said the Scratch restaurant, which formerly was located in Louisville, will open Oct. 12 at 217 Market Ave. N in downtown Canton. Scratch’s signature steaks, seafood, chops and pasta will be served upstairs in

the former home of Doc’s Bar & Grille, and cocktails will be poured in Rare Speakeasy downstairs, in the former home of Rae’s on Court. Germany said Scratch’s menu will feature a broader selection of moderately priced dishes as his restaurant portfolio continues to grow. Germany also owns Lighthouse Bistro at Atwood Lake and Sail ‘N Power Grill in Monroe Township in Carroll County. n Kempthorn Motors has been sold. The familyowned auto dealerships were purchased by Great Lakes Auto Group. The deal, in the works for months, was completed Aug. 17. Dick Kempthorn joined his dad in the family business, then took over in 1965. As a businessman, he was widely known for his civic and community work, unwavering support for the Pro Football Hall of Fame and commitment to the city. Kempthorn Motors was founded by J.O. Kempthorn in 1938, and now includes fourth-generation employees Kristen (Kempthorn) Hodge and Kemp Parker. The transaction includes Kempthorn’s franchises, based at 1449 Cleveland Ave. NW.

SAFETY, HEALTH & HR FAIR Join us for the Safety, Health & HR Fair featuring 40+ exhibitors, valuable workplace resources, great food, networking and plenty of prizes.

Date: September 10 Program: 11am–1 pm Location: Alex D. Krassas Event Center 251 25th St., NW Canton, 44709

Spend the luncheon exploring exhibits and connecting with experts who can help make your workplace safer, healthier and better supported. You’ll find resources covering workplace safety, employee wellness, HR, occupational health, PPE, training, security and more.

WHAT TO EXPECT: 40+ Safety, Health & HR exhibitors and resources Delicious fair-style buffet Networking with 250+ local professionals Prize drawings throughout the event Grand Prize: $250 Visa Card New products, services and ideas you can take back to your workplace

• • • • • •

n Stark Parks was awarded state funds for a trail connection from Minerva Municipal Park to the Nickel Plate Trail. Stark Parks secured $2 million in state funds to extend a connector trail in Minerva Municipal Park to connect to the Nickel Plate Trail.

The planned connector trail would extend north from Minerva Municipal Park, also known as Brock Park, up North Market Street and continuing north following state Route 183 on an off-road path to connect with the existing Nickel Plate Trail. n Jackson High School alumna’s condiment brand lands at Giant Eagle Market District stores. Camille Worstell Allensworth was searching for a condiment that tasted indulgent without abandoning nutrition. Allensworth co-founded the better-for-you condiment brand, Sauce Revival, and it will be launching in the largest Regional Grocery Chain in Ohio in September. n Faith Community Church (formerly Canton Christian Tabernacle) opened its doors in 1946 and is celebrating its 80th year of incorporation on Sept. 5. The church has held small monthly anniversary events throughout the year, but is gearing up for its major events over the next two months. On Sept. 6, look for members of the church on the front lawn and in the side driveway of its 4301 Cleveland Ave. property to dedicate a tree and open the time capsule. Members will then head into the lobby to enjoy a reception.

Dr. Donald Hamilton (a previous pastor of the church) will be the guest speaker, and it is hoped Roger Sorensen, the founding pastors’ son, will be

BIZ Bitz

able to attend. On Sept. 13, past pastor Dr. Greg Holladay will present the message. There will also be a chili cook-off and fall festival for the whole family on Sept. 26 from 4-7 pm. In October, FCC will combine its 80th Anniversary Dinner with the kickoff of its World Outreach Missions Conference.

This is fitting, as the church began as a community of financial and prayer supporters of missionaries called to other countries. Pastor Mike Middleton is the current lead pastor of the church, finishing his third year this December. He and the church family of Faith Community Church invite the community to Sunday Service at 10:45 a.m. or to one of the major events the church is hosting to honor its 80 years of serving the Canton area. For additional information on upcoming events, visit churchfaithcommunity.com. n The Canton Museum of Art is proud to present Good Times: The Artistic Journey of Ernie Barnes in collaboration with the Ernie Barnes Estate, Ortuzar, New York, and Andrew Kreps Gallery, New York. In pop culture Barnes’ artwork appears on album covers, television, and movies, especially his iconic dance hall scene, The Sugar Shack (1976). This exhibition will showcase a wide range of his topics, from sports and music to everyday life. Well known in both the sports and visual arts worlds, Ernie Barnes (1938 - 2009) was celebrated early in his career by New York City art critics, who in 1965 referred to him as “the most expressive painter of sports since George Bellows.”

He was the first American professional athlete to become a noted painter, recognized for his unique style of movement, elongation, and energy portrayed in his art. Exhibit runs to November 1.

Shine with a Canton Icon

Contact Kayla DeVitto for sponsorship opportunities. kayla@cantonpalacetheatre.org

Candidates and Elected Officials Reception Join us for the ACAA’s annual Candidates and Elected Officials Reception on Thursday, October 8th from 5-7pm at House 330.

This event will bring together business leaders, elected officials, candidates, economic development partners, and community stakeholders for an evening of conversation, connection, and camaraderie.

This networking reception offers attendees a unique opportunity to meet and engage with area candidates and elected officials in an informal setting. With no formal program, attendees are encouraged to enjoy food and drinks while building relationships, exchanging ideas, and connecting with key decisionmakers and community stakeholders. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, discuss issues impacting the business community, or simply connect with local elected officials and candidates, this event provides a welcoming environment to foster meaningful conversations.

Date: Thursday, October 8 Time: 5 - 7PM Location: House Three Thirty 532 W. Market Street, Akron, 44303 Please note, this event is CLOSED to the media.

Registration includes appetizers and two drink tickets.

NEW MEMBERS

WELCOME to our newest members, who joined Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce last month. We encourage you to patronize their businesses. If you know of other businesses that would benefit from Chamber membership, please contact Sydney at sydney@cantonchamber.org Ellsworth Auto Body Shop, Inc. provides collision repair services.

1st Ayd 1325 Gateway Drive Elgin, IL 60124 (330) 617-9204 www.1stayd.com 1st Ayd is a B2B manufacturer and distributor of maintenance, safety, janitorial/sanitation supplies, and much more with 100,000+ products and growing.

Alex Wakefield State Farm 409 Applegrove St NW North Canton, OH 44720 (330) 494-226 insureWithAlex.com Alex Wakefield provides State Farm Insurance.

Ashlie’s Embrace 1967 E. Maple St., Suite 186 North Canton, OH 44720 (330) 418-4851 ashliesembrace.org Ashlie’s Embrace supports families experiencing stillbirth or infant loss by providing cooling bereavement units to medical facilities across the United States, ensuring every family has the gift of time.

DiMarzio Construction LLC 144 Sutton Ave NE North Canton, OH 44720 (330) 388-0518 dimarzio-construction.com DiMarzio Construction LLC provides residential and commercial concrete services.

Dynamic Hydraulic Services Co 205 Deeds Drive Dover, OH 44622 (330) 365-1390 dynamichsc.com Dynamic Hydraulic Services Co is a trusted hydraulic repair and service provider located in Dover, OH. They specialize in in-shop hydraulic equipment repair, custom hydraulic cylinder design, machining services, lubrication systems, and on-site repair and maintenance. Their team works with all types of hydraulic systems, from small components to large industrial equipment.

They offer 24/7 emergency service, pickup and delivery, and free quotes to make repairs fast and convenient. Their capabilities also include designing and building custom components and power units and providing engineering drawings for custom projects.

Elevate Life Network 2521 12th St NW Canton, OH 44708 (330) 456-4797 ElevateLifeNetwork.com Elevate Life Network is a Canton-based nonprofit that takes a holistic approach to helping individuals and families move out of poverty by addressing economic, relational, and spiritual barriers. Through our comprehensive Leader Program, participants receive career training, personal development, mentorship, community support, and the tools needed to pursue sustainable careers and build stronger futures.

Our mission is to abolish economic, relational, and spiritual poverty by empowering people to reach their potential and strengthen our community.

Ellsworth Auto Body Shop, Inc. 1607 East Maple St NW North Canton, OH 44720-3327 (330) 499-6033 ellsworthautobody.com

First American Title Insurance Company - NCS 950 Main Avenue, Suite 450 Cleveland, OH 44113 (330) 785-6237 commercial.firstam.com The First American Title National Commercial Services’ office in Cleveland is all about transforming commercial real estate transactions through innovative technology, trusted expertise, and exceptional service. We are backed by a nationwide team of commercial real estate professionals, and we provide the expertise and support needed to navigate transactions of all sizes and complexities. By combining industry-leading technology with a customer-first approach, we make commercial real estate transactions more efficient, transparent, secure, and straightforward.

Glenn’s Car Care 3020 Wise Ave Canton, OH 44718 (330) 477-0582

Integrity Aerial Imaging LLC (330) 952-3171 integrityaerialimaging.com Integrity Aerial Imaging LLC provides exterior cleaning using a drone, pressure washing, window washing, concrete cleaning and sealing.

Keri McDonnell Photography, LLC www.kerimcdonnell.photography keri@kerimcdonnell.photography 513.926.2431

NEW MEMBERS My name is Keri McDonnell, and I am a local commercial photographer working out of Louisville. I work with businesses of all types to provide photography services for market branding, social media use, special events and annual reports. My specialty is focusing on industrial and manufacturing companies, and as a part of that I am working to broaden my portfolio to include those industries. I am presently offering my professional services at deeply discounted pricing, and in very special cases, free for portfolio representation, to industrial and manufacturing companies, including annual report production. Please view my work at www.kerimcdonnell.photography, and I look forward to working with you!

Sable Creek Golf Course 5942 Edison St NE Hartville, OH 44632 (330) 877-9606 sablecreekgolf.com

new construction roofing, inspections, preventative maintenance, siding repairs and replacement, seamless gutter systems, skylight installation and replacement, and chimney repair and restoration.

Their team works with a variety of roofing systems, including asphalt shingles, metal roofing, EPDM, TPO, and other low-slope commercial roofing materials. Shane Fisk Roofing is committed to delivering exceptional craftsmanship, dependable service, honest communication, safety, professionalism and customer satisfaction on every project.

Hartville Golf at its Best. Prepare yourself for an unparalleled golfing experience. Our course is a pleasure for golfers of any skill level to play.

Simply Balanced Bookkeeping North Canton, Ohio (330) 451-6665 simplybalancedbyjulie.com

McCleery Law Firm 203 Front Ave SE New Philadelphia, OH 44663 (330) 407-1418 mccleerylawfirm.com McCleery Law Firm provides legal services.

Ohio Beauty 40 West Turkeyfoot Lake Rd Akron, OH 44319 (330) 644-2241

Sgt. Clean Car Wash 5122 Fulton Dr. NW Canton, OH 44718 (234) 322-8110 sgtclean.com Provide the highest quality car wash and superior customer service, while serving as positive role models in our communities.

Ohio Beauty provides stone fabrication and sales.

Old Forge Services Inc. P.O. Box 67 Mogadore, OH 44260 (330) 733-5531 oldforgeservices.com Old Forge Services Inc. is a wholesale industrial packaging material supplier specializing in Gaylord cartons and pallets.

Shane Fisk Roofing Company Inc. 305 Genoa Ave NW Massillon, OH 44646 (330) 484-9400 shanefiskroofing.com Shane Fisk Roofing is a locally owned and operated exterior restoration contractor specializing in residential and commercial roofing services throughout Ohio. They provide complete exterior solutions, including roof replacements, roof repairs,

Simply Balanced Bookkeeping provides bookkeeping for businesses, including reconciliation, cleanup and catch-up services, and monthly/end-of-year reports.

Wacker Chemical Corporation 553 Wacker Blvd NW Charleston, TN 37310 (423) 780-8191 WACKER.com WACKER’s Silicone operation produces cuttingedge silicone-rubber solutions under the SILMIX® trademark and delivers comprehensive technical expertise. Made-to-order silicone rubber is ideally suited for standard and specialty applications in four major industries - Health Care, Automotive, Industrial, and Energy.hardware stores, multi‑site retailers, sporting goods shops, and any organization managing complex stock — but our solutions fit companies of all sizes looking to streamline workflows and improve accuracy. By combining POS, cloud services, networking, and merchant processing, TRCG delivers practical, reliable technology that makes day‑to‑day operations easier and helps businesses grow with confidence.

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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.

What is a MEP? It’s a retirement plan sponsored by one entity for unrelated organizations that share a common business interest.

How it works •

MEP sponsor is the “lead” plan and generally the plan administrator and fiduciary

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“Adopting employers” can elect to join the MEP

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These plans can be defined contribution (DC) or defined benefit (DB) plans

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At any time, adopting employers are easily integrated into the plan hosted by the sponsor and tracked on the Transamerica platform

MEP sponsor

Adopting employers

Member benefits 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)

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Reporting data for each employer based on your unique employee base

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No individual annual audit or individual Form 5500 filing

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Potential cost savings through pooled assets compared to operating a single employer plan

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Dedicated website for adopting employers to gauge plan performance and participant engagement

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Dedicated participant website with tools and resources designed to help brighten retirement outcomes

Businesses can receive a startup tax credit covering 100% plan setup Often small businesses shy away from offering their employees a 401(k) plan under the fear of the costs the business is not willing to absorb. Employers who sponsor a 401(k) plan - particularly small and mid-sized businesses - may be eligible for valuable federal tax credits designed to significantly offset the cost of offering retirement benefits.

Businesses with up to 100 employees can receive a startup tax credit covering 100% of eligible plan setup and administrative costs, up to $5,000 annually for the first three years. In addition, employers that include automatic enrollment may qualify for an extra $500 per year for three years. These incentives make launching a new retirement

plan more affordable than ever.

Even more impactful, recent legislation introduced a new employer contribution tax credit, allowing eligible businesses to claim a credit of up to $1,000 per employee per year for contributions such as matching or profit sharing. This credit is available for up to five years, starting at 100% in the first two years and gradually phasing down. When combined, these credits can substantially reduce, or even fully offset, the cost of establishing and funding a 401(k) plan, creating a powerful opportunity for employers to enhance employee benefits while lowering their tax burden.

BOOST YOUR BRAND VISIBILITY Become a 2026 Sponsor: Boost your brand visibility, support the community, and connect with thousands of local professionals and families.

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS BUSINESS EVENTS SPORTS EVENTS COMMUNITY EVENTS

Click here for more info Interested in sponsoring?

Contact: Melinda Kapalko Vice President of Development melinda@cantonchamber.org (440) 855-9097

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL EVENTS LEADERSHIP STARK COUNTY EVENTS AKRON - CANTON ADVOCACY ALLIANCE EVENTS

7,500 S.F. & 18,750 S.F. SPRINKLERED WAREHOUSE/DISTRIBUTION PERRY TWP. RETAIL/OFFICE FOR LEASE SPACE 4268 & 4276 Strausser St NW, Jackson Twp., OH 44720

3641: 670 SF office w/private office, central air, gas heat, conference / break room and 2 restrooms. 670 SF - $780.55 / month + utilities 3643: 1,215 SF end cap retail/office - 2 entry doors from parking lot. Large open concept area or bullpen with two (2) restrooms. 1,216 SF - $1,416.64 / month + utilities Ample parking. Excellent visibility on Lincoln Way E. Great signage available on building & shared Pylon Sign. Owners may participate in tenant improvements for credited tenant & right terms. Perry Twp. has no personal or income taxes.

3641 & 3643 LINCOLN WAY E MASSILLON, OH 44646 For more information, please contact: Spencer Hartung 330.936.0276 Saylor Putman 330.495.8292 4065 Fulton Dr NW, Canton

330.498.4400

Putmanproperties.com

ACTION Flashback!

The Grand Opera House opened on October 30, 1890 where the Double Tree hotel is now located. Oscar Cobb, who designed more than 300 opera houses, designed the Grand. Seating capacity was: Floor, 550; Balcony, 320; Gallery, 300; Boxes, 48, and it featured a 36×28 foot stage. In 1920, the Thomas Waltenbaugh managed the Grand Opera House. The Grand had already begun showing movies by 1920. It appears that

by April of 1920, the theater was still trying to bring in high-class live shows, but when they couldn’t, they showed silent films. Like so many of the grand theaters of the time, the Grand began a slow decline as it showed movies and presented burlesque shows.

Bethel Tabernacle bought the Grand Opera House in 1946.

Chamber file photo circa 1892