March 2010 issue
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vol. XLII no. 3
A message to our members from the President & CEO The Canton Regional Chamber’s very mission is to inspire growth and business development in our community. This was a difficult mission to fulfill in 2009. This past year was perhaps one of the most challenging in our history and all of our members faced formidable decisions Denny Saunier about the direction of their businesses. As a result, our role as your business advocate has taken on even greater importance. We believe that 2010 will still pose significant issues for local business, but we are seeing economic indicators that suggest cautious optimism as we embark in 2010. As we try to anticipate what the future holds, here are some of the key elements that we’re working to bring to our business members and the community this year:
Generating Economic Development As we prepare to sign our first tenant to Mills Business Park, a 141-acre park located in the city of Canton, it is further confirmation that we now have one of the finest Class A business parks in Northeast Ohio. We will work in 2010 to attract additional developments to our area while helping established companies to retain and grow their businesses in Stark County. Developing New Opportunities for Small Business While we will continue to deliver your favorite networking and educational programs, such as AultCare Fast Break Breakfasts and our semi-annual NETWORK programs, we’ve just unveiled a NEW event – Stir After Hours – perfect for small businesses to expand their networks locally. Also in the works is a major networking opportunity for this fall that we’ll be sharing details on soon. (continued on next page)
Re-energize your small business at the Center for Entrepreneurial Success
i n s i d e : Business Excellence Awards
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STIR After Hours Project HIRE
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HOFEF Queen Pageant Apps. HOFEF Chairmen
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Chamber Membership Golf Outing Downtown Canton Events
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Spring Network 2010
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AultCare Fast Break Breakfast 11 Leadership Stark County Young Entre p reneur Snapshot
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ystark! Leadership Safety Council Luncheon
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S a fety Council CEO Breakfast Employment Program
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New Members BizBitz March Calendar
The Center for Entrepreneurial Success is now offering a seminar series geared toward aspiring or existing entrepreneurs. The program is designed to teach a “real life” curriculum of business knowledge.
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Volunteers, such as lawyers, accountants, and business professionals, teach the six or 12-week program. Topics include market feasibility, insurance and loss prevention, human resource issues, financial statements, business plan development, legal structure and technology planning. Nicole Garlando, executive director of the Ananda Center, is a graduate of the course. “This program is amazing and the professionals involved are great. It has helped me a great deal, given me confidence in my business abilities, and helped me gain knowledge needed to run the Ananda Center,” said Garlando. The course is taught at community centers, including Lake Township Chamber and Community Campus at Goodwill. Classes meet once a week and will be held beginning March 11 and March 24. Applications are now being accepted online at DefineYourSuccess.org. Scholarships and tuition assistance are available. For more information, please contact Marcie Bragg at (330) 445-1059.