ALL-AMERICAN SOAP BOX DERBY DRAWS INTERNATIONAL VISITORS TO METROPLEX
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WINTER 2022
SMALL TOWN ROOTS Canton’s Pro Football Hall of Fame, which boasts a national spotlight, is expanding with a new HOF Village, a development surrounding the facility that will include shops, a hotel and more.
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Contents
Winter 2022
Columns 4 EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK
xploring the many E amenities of the AkronCanton Metroplex
6 GUEST COLUMN
Mayor Gerard Neugebauer explains how the AkronCanton Airport was founded on collaboration and continues to grow with the help of the community.
Sectors 32 NONPROFITS
The Canton Museum of Art is working to create exciting exhibitions in the hope of building a “cultural arts corridor” for Canton and surrounding communities.
34 HIGHER EDUCATION
36 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Small Town Roots
Canton’s Pro Football Hall of Fame, which boasts a national spotlight, is expanding with a new HOF Village, a development surrounding the facility that will include shops, a hotel and more.
Features
16
An Akron treasure Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens lends rich history and family fun to the Akron-Canton Metroplex.
22
Over 50 years of music
Blossom Music Center is not only a popular attraction, but also a source of pride for Akron-Canton Metroplex residents.
Photo by Courtesy the Pro Football Hall of Fame
2 Akron-Canton Metroplex
38 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
The city of Kent has much to offer by way of local treats, fresh-roasted coffee, special events and outdoor recreation.
42 HEALTHCARE
ON THE COVER
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Greenbridge recently relocated to Green because of its location, proximity to the airport and quality of life.
26
For the thrill of it
Akron’s very own Soap Box Derby is helping boost the economy while making the future brighter and more innovative.
Christopher A. Gessner assumed his new role as CEO of Akron Children’s Hospital Oct. 18.
46 TOURISM
The Stark County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau (Visit Canton) aims to drive tourism to Stark County.
48 ECONOMIC INDICATORS
October 2021 data from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services shows employment rates in the Akron-Canton Metroplex are beginning to rebound from COVID-19 pandemic lows.
PHOTO: KIRBY LEE/USA TODAY SPORTS
8
The University of Akron has partnered with local businesses since the early 1990s and continues doing so to this day.
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388 S. Main St., Suite 720, Akron, Ohio 44311 EDITORIAL EDITORS Theresa and Aaron Bennett CONTRIBUTORS Abbey Bashor, Ginger Christ, Karen Hanna, Maria McGinnis, Gerard Neugebauer, Kylie Sees, Maria Serra ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATOR Darlene Schuring 330-705-9228 dschuring@cantonrep.com DESIGN & PRODUCTION PRODUCTION/DESIGN DIRECTOR Craig Rusnak ART DIRECTOR Alyse Pasternak
Akron-Canton Metroplex is made possible with support from:
The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network
AES
BUILDING
PHOTO: KIRBY LEE/USA TODAY SPORTS
The Schipper Ltd. / AES Building Where Group, Akron’s leading companies thrive
To provide feedback or share a story idea, send it to metroplex@gannett.com VOLUME 1 / NUMBER 4 Akron-Canton Metroplex is published quarterly by LocaliQ, Gannett Northern Ohio. All contents of this magazine are copyrighted © Gannett Co., Inc. 2022. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or use, without written permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited materials.
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EDITORS’ NOTEBOOK
Celebrating what the metroplex has to offer
4 Akron-Canton Metroplex
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century, the All-American Soap Box Derby has called Akron its home, attracting visitors from across the globe and bringing joy to people both young and old. The organization brings more than just entertainment to the area–it also brings education, creating programs that help children learn STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) concepts both in and out of the classroom. (Read more on p. 26.) Some smaller, lesser-known activities are featured in this issue, too. The Canton Museum of Art, for example, may not bring the same number of visitors that more famed art museums do, but it is working to create exhibits that can transform Canton and its surrounding communities into a “cultural arts corridor.” (Read more on p. 32.) Those reading this magazine may be well aware of the interesting places and events featured in this issue. Sometimes, though, it’s easy to forget what’s in our own backyards, and perhaps you’ll learn about something new in the county next to you. But above all, we are our own advocates–it’s time to start showing people outside of the metroplex what this area truly has to offer. We hope the amenities featured between these pages are a start. Theresa and Aaron Bennett are freelancers based in Cuyahoga Falls.
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PHOTOS: TOP, FILE/AKRON BEACON JOURNAL; BOTTOM, COURTESY AARON BENNETT
Deciding where to live depends on more than the jobs available in an area. It also depends on numerous other factors, including affordability, climate, the area’s education system and amenities. In fact, millennials in the U.S. are choosing to live in urban areas more than past generations at the same stages of life because of amenities. A 2019 study found that amenities (measured by the density of retail, entertainment, recreation and foodservices employment) not only are a main draw for young adults, but also have become significantly more important to adults aged 24-35 over time, as reported by Bloomberg. The message is clear: younger generations are looking to settle in areas that have plenty of things to do. To that end, we’ve decided to theme this issue of the Akron-Canton Metroplex Magazine around the amenities this area has to offer. Luckily, between the four counties within the metroplex’s boundaries, there’s plenty to cover. Our cover story features a national draw to the area: the Canton Pro Football Hall of Fame, which is growing as we speak into a full-fledged “Hall of Fame Village” concept. By the time it’s finished, developers anticipate the area will be packed with retail shops, a hotel, restaurants, art installations and even a waterpark. (Read more on p. 8.) This issue also features an event that’s come to be known as a local treasure. For almost a
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PHOTOS: TOP, FILE/AKRON BEACON JOURNAL; BOTTOM, COURTESY AARON BENNETT
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GUEST COLUMN
Celebrating 75 years of the Akron-Canton Airport The regional airport was founded on collaboration and continues to grow with the help of the community.
This year, we celebrate the 75th anniversary to select CAK as air travel reemerges from the of the Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) and our global pandemic. In both instances, differences region’s entry into one of the most significant were put aside to work toward a shared vision infrastructure movements of our century: air for the region, and the airport’s importance to travel. The Akron-Canton Metroplex, like many economic growth and stability far outweighed regional hubs around the country, earned its politics or ideology. spot on the map when CAK was platted in Green, Ohio, long before Green became a city Room for Growth in 1992. The site was selected due to its elevaGreen and the Akron-Canton Metroplex certion and the availability of land tainly looked significantly differto expand in an area far from the ent in 1946 than it does today. In economic hubs at the time. the mid-1990s, under the leadOur region Now, some 75 years later, the ership of Fred Crum, the airport was blessed began to expand on the idea that site remains a gem for developthere was room to grow—a very ment and the airport itself is a with leaders of tenet of the original selection leading driver of growth for the process. With the footprint of region. Its success remains a tesbusiness and the airport defined, the remaintament to its roots of collaboraland could be put to good use tion and vision for growth. government who ing to create jobs, foster economic growth and support the airport History of Collaboration collaborated for Not unlike today, politics through revenue diversification played a significant role in influthe greater good. and leisure travel. Today, Port encing CAK’s development. NevJackson and Port Green—two ertheless, our region was blessed industrial park areas on CAK with leaders of business and govproperty—are home to 15 businesses that represent more than 500 jobs and ernment who collaborated for the greater good. together the parks contain more than 130 acres This act of bipartisanship led to a joint effort of available land shovel-ready for growth. to raise funds to purchase the land, name the In 75 years, practically a lifetime, there has airport and create a dual-county structure of been much change, development and growth at airport governance. Fast-forward 75 years, and the same spirit of CAK and within the region. Happy anniversary collaboration exists in our community. Busito the Akron-Canton Airport—we look forward nesses, governments and individuals throughto what’s next. out the Akron-Canton Metroplex raised funds to incentivize airlines (like Breeze Airways) Gerard Neugebauer is mayor of the city of Green.
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PHOTO: COURTESY GERARD NEUGEBAUER
BY GERARD NEUGEBAUER
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CANTON HAS A BOLD NEW VISION FOR EVENTS. CENTENNIAL PLAZA OFFERS A BOLD VISION FOR CANTON AND ITS RESIDENTS. INSPIRED BY THE CITY’S RICH HISTORY, THE DESIGN ESTABLISHES AN ICONIC PRESENCE DOWNTOWN, UTILIZING A VARIETY OF SOCIAL SPACES AND ARCHITECTURE THAT WILL INSPIRE RESIDENTS FOR YEARS TO COME.
An on-site cafe, two performance stages, large event lawn, LED videoboard, mist garden/play area and social garden provide a distinctive open-air exerperience for all visitors.
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The Premiere Event Space in the region on the campus of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
PHOTO: COURTESY GERARD NEUGEBAUER
A multi-million dollar venue transformation, updated and modernized with the latest
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cutting-edge technology and stunning innovative designs, that redefines the space to offer more amenities and hospitality options for your special event. Visit: ProFootballHOF.com
Call: 330-456-8207
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PHOTO: KIRBY LEE/USA TODAY SPORTS
The Pro Football Hall of Fame new expansion includes the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium
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BY MARIA MCGINNIS
Small town roots
PHOTO: KIRBY LEE/USA TODAY SPORTS
Canton’s Pro Football Hall of Fame, which boasts a national spotlight, is expanding with a new HOF Village, a development surrounding the facility that will include shops, a hotel and more.
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Few attractions in Northeast Ohio can rival the history and fascination of the Pro Football Hall of Fame (HOF). Nestled in Canton, Ohio, the HOF has attracted football fans near and far since opening in 1963. The HOF has a long-standing history in Canton and, according to the organization’s website, chose the city as its home for three reasons. For one, The American Professional Football Association, which was later renamed the National Football League (NFL), was founded in Canton on Sept. 17, 1920. Secondly, in terms of professional football’s beginnings, Canton was home to the Canton Bulldogs, an early-day pro football power, even before the days of the NFL. This team was also the first two-time champion of the NFL in 1922 and 1923. Lastly, in the 1960s, in recognition of all the football history that took place in Canton, its citizens launched a campaign to earn the site designation for their city.
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Because of the city’s ties to professional football and the history of the NFL, anyone who enjoys the sport should visit Canton, says John Kendle, the HOF’s director of archives and football information. “It’s almost like a pilgrimage so to speak, in terms of this is where the roots are, and then everything has blossomed throughout the rest of the country,” Kendle says. “But the roots of that tree really have a strong hold on Northeast Ohio and specifically the Canton area.” The HOF not only serves as a space to experience the history of the game, but also draws visitors’ attention to the Hall’s mission: to honor
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The Hall of Fame Gallery, one of the most notable exhibits at the HOF, features 354 bronze busts of pro football hall of famers.
PHOTOS: LEFT, COURTESY THE PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME; TOP RIGHT, KIRTHMON F. DOZIER/USA TODAY NETWORK; BOTTOM RIGHT, JULIE VENNITTI BOTOS/USA TODAY NETWORK
the heroes of the game, preserve the game’s history, promote its values and celebrate excellence. From its humble beginnings, the museum has grown from its original 19,000-squarefoot space when it first opened to today’s 118,000-square-foot facility, but the growth doesn’t stop there. Currently, an entire district surrounding the HOF is in development and will include retail shops, a hotel and more. According to the HOF’s website, the nonprofit organization has welcomed more than 10 million visitors since its founding, with nearly 200,000 people visiting each year. Typically, the HOF will see visitors from 40 to 45 out of
Above, fans walk to the HOF museum before the 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement ceremony. Left, Jim Porter, the president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
the 50 states in a week, says HOF President Jim Porter. “There’s been some weeks when we’ve hit 50 states or one week when we’re mad because one state didn’t show up and we hit 49, but consistently we’re in the 40s,” Porter says. “I’m proud of that and kind of amazed by it myself.”
Inside The HOF American football is the most popular and most watched sport by a wide margin in the United States, with 37% of U.S. adults naming it their favorite sport to watch, according to data from Gallup. The sport is special because it brings people together and offers its fans a unique sense of community. Porter says for a lot of passionate fans, the HOF is a bucket list item. There’s also only one hall of fame dedicated to professional WINTER 2022 \\
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BY THE NUMBERS
118,000 square-foot facility More than
10 million visitors since its founding Nearly
200,000 annual visitors
354 bronze busts on display in the HOF gallery
62 full-time employees (part-time fluctuates anywhere from 30-50)
120 volunteers regularly (and up to 5,000 during Enshrinement Week)
football, which contributes to why the museum is such a draw to the area. “Year in and year out, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is one of the top tourist attractions in Northeast Ohio,” said Canton Mayor Thomas Bernabei in an email. “Many people who visit the Hall also take in other area attractions, such as Gervasi Vineyards in Canton and the Hartville Marketplace.” Kendle says the museum’s collection has a lot to do with what makes it such a key attraction in Canton. When visitors go to the HOF, the memorabilia they see represents only about 1% of the museum’s entire collection, Kendle says, and the collection is frequently rotated throughout the year in response to the stories that are being told in each exhibit. According to Kendle, the HOF continuously works with both the NFL and all 32 of its teams to ensure all the history and content concerning the game is being preserved at the HOF, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. 12 Akron-Canton Metroplex
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PHOTOS: TOP LEFT, SCOTT HECKEL/USA TODAY NETWORK; BOTTOM LEFT, JULIE VENNITTI BOTOS/USA TODAY NETWORK; TOP AND BOTTOM RIGHT, KIRTHMON F. DOZIER/USA TODAY NETWORK
“When you look at our collection, nowhere else in the world does the amount of information that we have on the sport or the documents and artifacts that we have here in Canton exist anywhere outside of these walls,” Kendle says. The HOF’s museum has no shortage of exciting exhibits and attractions, from its many galleries to interactive experiences. One of the highlights at the museum is the Hall of Fame Gallery, which houses a bronze bust of each of the current 354 Hall of Famers. Visitors can expand their experience through the use of touch screen kiosks that feature bios, photos and videos of the inductees. “That’s the area where you are just truly surrounded by excellence,” Porter says. “There’s a lot of cool things in the Hall, but that one is my favorite.” Another main attraction at the Hall is the “A Game For Life” theater. It’s a multi-sensory, immersive experience featuring HOF legends like Joe Namath, Vince Lombardi and George Halas. The theater experience provides inspiration to fans by showing how the game of football can also teach important life lessons, leaning on the core values focused on at the HOF, including commitment, integrity, courage, respect and excellence. The “A Game For Life” experience is unique in that it doesn’t just focus on the player’s stats on the field, but rather the values they learned from the game and how they were able to incorporate those values into their everyday life, Kendle says. Ultimately, Kendle says he hopes people’s experience at the HOF is impactful, and when they leave, they realize these football legends didn’t just roll out of bed great — they persevered and leaned on those core values.
The HOF's Greater Impact
Scenes from the 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement week
With the many visitors making their way to Canton each year, the city enjoys substantial economic benefits from tourism. When people visit the area, they often frequent local businesses, which benefits not only those businesses but also the city. Though new economic impact data is set to publish soon, according to past data provided by the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and the HOF, the local economic impact of the annual Enshrinement Week festival alone is estimated at $43 million. For the state of Ohio, that impact is estimated at $77 million, Bernabei says. The Enshrinement event is a weeklong celebration meant to honor the best to ever play the game and also serves as the kickoff to the NFL football season. WINTER 2022 \\
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The Hall of Fame Village In the coming months, HOF visitors will have much to look forward to, including the continued development of the new Hall of Fame Village, sponsored by Johnson Controls. The HOF Village is a development of the Hall of Fame Resort and Entertainment Company, and is a multi-use sports, entertainment and media destination. The project is currently undergoing phase two of its development plan. According to News 5 Cleveland, the entire project is worth about $1 billion. So far, construction has been completed at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, an NFL-caliber stadium that also contains 28,000 square feet of event space. In addition to hosting Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week events, the stadium will host other events throughout the year such as concerts and other athletic events including soccer, football and lacrosse. Development is continuing at the Constellation Center for Excellence, which will be a multi-use office building. Another major area of the HOF Village under development and coming soon is a retail promenade called the “Fan Engagement Zone,” which will feature restaurants; retail and entertainment, 14 Akron-Canton Metroplex
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A rendering of the planned retail space to be developed for the HOF Village powered by Johnson Controls
including a Topgolf; a football-themed artistic display; a Hilton Tapestry Hotel called The Eleven; a football-themed waterpark; an outdoor entertainment space called the Play Action Plaza; and an indoor field house named the Center for Performance, which will host events including volleyball tournaments, wrestling matches, home and auto shows and indoor concerts. All of those assets, with the exception of the waterpark due to its more complex construction requirements, are expected to be finished by Enshrinement Week at the HOF next year, says Anne Graffice, executive vice president of public affairs for the Hall of Fame Resort and Entertainment Company. As of the time of publication, Enshrinement Week’s 2022 dates have not yet been announced. “The campus is going to look wildly different,” Graffice says. “People are going to be shocked at how fast these things can go up.” Graffice says phase three of development is already on the drawing books, and the HOF Village is anticipating several additional components, such as potential housing, more entertainment and a possible medical component. While the current masterplan available on the HOF Village’s website details three phas-
RENDERINGS: COURTESY THE HALL OF FAME RESORT & ENTERTAINMENT CO.
Even beyond Enshrinement Week, the area is still busy with visitors. “People have to eat and they have to buy gas,” Porter says. “We’re a huge economic engine for Northeast Ohio.” However, the HOF’s impact on the area isn’t solely economic. It also provides a lot of exposure for the city itself and puts Canton on the map. “The Pro Football Hall of Fame helps to boost Canton’s national identity,” Bernabei says. “Football players and announcers routinely mention Canton on national television or in other interviews. Canton has become synonymous with excellence due to this great exposure.” Despite the HOF’s track record for high visitation rates in previous years and its magnetic pull for football fans around the world, it has still felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The HOF closed for about three months in 2020 until it was deemed safe and allowed to reopen. When it did reopen, various rules and guidelines were put in place to keep visitors safe. Due to the pandemic, Porter says it was a slow start in terms of getting back to some of the HOF’s pre-COVID numbers, but he noticed in a recent report that attendance was only a couple of percentage points off from 2019 October numbers. “We’re still being cautious and we still recommend wearing masks and things like that, but the numbers themselves seem to be leveling off a bit for us,” Porter says.
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es for development, Graffice says the vision doesn’t stop there. “We really do know and believe if we do these things correctly, there’ll be a phase four, five and six and all down the line,” Graffice says. The HOF Village not only is an engaging development around the already popular Pro Football HOF, but also will serve as a strong economic driver for the Canton area. “When you build an economic development model on the backs of tourism, it’s really the best kind,” Graffice says. “Folks come in from outside your space and they spend dollars on your restaurants and your gas and the environments you’re building and then they go home. It’s new money coming in.” Graffice says the ultimate goal with the HOF Village is to create something that can be a driver for economic development in the Canton area. A project as large as the HOF Village takes a village to reach completion, and Graffice says the project wouldn’t be possible without support from various outlets that believe in the project and its importance. “We know there’s a lot of really great things happening amongst us,” Graffice says. “But we’re really proud to be one piece of that really great puzzle in Stark County.” Maria McGinnis is a freelance writer based in Kent, Ohio.
A rendering of the hotel and waterpark developments for the HOF Village powered by Johnson Controls
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Akron Treasure àí
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens lends rich history and family fun to the Akron-Canton Metroplex. áy êylie òees
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t a time when Akron was considered the rubber capital of the world, Franklin Augustis (F.A.) Seiberling, co-founder of The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, along with his wife, Gertrude, wanted to build a home on a large piece of land where their extended family, friends and community could gather. The Seiberlings had seven children, six of whom lived to adulthood. They began construction in 1912, and the family moved into the residence in December of 1915. They selected the west side of Akron, a then farming area, to construct their home. The Seiberlings named the property Stan Hywet, Old English for “stone quarry,” after the stone quarries that were originally located on the estate. From the beginning, the home became an excellent space for entertaining visitors, and the family hosted numerous musical performances, fundraisers and other events. This gathering place is embodied in the Seiberlings’ crest and motto. “Above the front door of the Manor House is the family motto of ‘Non Nobis Solum,’ which means ‘Not for Us Alone,’” explains Donna Spiegler, communications manager at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. It was in this spirit that the house was preserved as a piece of Akron history and opened to the community as a museum in 1957 after F.A. Seiberling passed two years prior at the age of 94. An aerial view of the Manor House at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
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STAN HYWET
By the Numbers
10
historic gardens
5
historic buildings
70 acres
64,500 sq. ft. manor
94,449 guests in 2020
32,398
Deck the Hall guests in 2020
79
wedding ceremonies in 2021
25
wedding receptions in 2021
5
celebrations of life in 2021
1,326
PHOTO: COURTESY STAN HYWET HALL & GARDENS
fifth graders in Akron Public Schools received virtual programming in 2020 SOURCES: STAN HYWET WEBSITE AND ANNUAL REPORT; DONNA SPIEGLER, STAN HYWET DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
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The Manor House is decorated with lights and festive décor for the Deck the Hall event.
Year-Round Events While Stan Hywet offers everyday exhibits, it also maintains the entertaining spirit with a wide variety of events throughout the year. Events typically begin in spring with an Easter egg hunt and breakfast, where the Easter Bunny makes an appearance along with a themed shuttle and egg hunts for different age groups. 18 Akron-Canton Metroplex
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F.A. and Gertrude Seiberling pose for a photograph together in 1937.
In June, the venue celebrates Founders’ Day Weekend, a gathering that draws thousands of visitors to celebrate Stan Hywet as the birthplace of Alcoholics Anonymous. In 1935, Henrietta Seiberling, daughter-in-law of F.A. and Gertrude Seiberling, invited her friend Dr. Bob Smith to meet Mr. Bill Wilson, both of whom struggled with alcoholism, to discuss the challenges of sobriety. That meeting lasted long into the night and is said to have been where Smith and Wilson established the principles
PHOTOS: COURTESY STAN HYWET HALL & GARDENS
Since that time, the home and its grounds have become a staple in the Akron area, drawing tens of thousands of visitors and living up to the Seiberlings’ hope of creating a place the community could enjoy. “It was the vision of the children, the heirs of Mr. and Mrs. Seiberling, because they decided that this was worth saving instead of just selling off the land,” says Spiegler. “Visitors are able to experience the rich history of the estate because of the generosity and communitymindedness of the Seiberling family.” Consisting of five historic buildings and 10 historic gardens, visitors often feel like they are stepping back in time, and according to Spiegler, “95% of the furnishings are original to the home.” The museum holds thousands of pieces of the original furniture and objects including the largely impressive “Tree of Life” rug located in the Music Room of the Manor. In an effort to preserve the authentic style of the Seiberling family home, detailed records, along with original fabric samples, were saved so that restoration could be expanded over time.
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PHOTOS: COURTESY STAN HYWET HALL & GARDENS
of Alcoholics Anonymous, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. “Founders’ Day Weekend commemorates the important history that took place at the Gate Lodge on Mother’s Day, 1935,” says Spiegler. “The Gate Lodge was renovated in 2020 and features the immersive exhibit, Henrietta Seiberling: A Spark for a Movement, with a focus on the role of Henrietta Buckler Seiberling in the first decades of AA.” Another Akron tradition is the Father’s Day Car show, also in June. It is one of the oldest car shows in the country and has become a yearly trip for many families. While Stan Hywet hosts a multitude of events throughout the year, the annual Deck the Hall event is the largest and longest event. In 2021, the event spanned across 27 nights. Each year, the event remains a popular attraction, and “a Northeast Ohio tradition for so many,” explains Spiegler. Running from late November through December, the most recent Deck the Hall event was titled Lights, Cameras, Christmas, and featured more than 1,000,000 holiday lights, warm gingerbread cookies for sale, manor decor themed in the style of classic and family favorite holiday movies and even an appearance from Santa. Complete with the beloved animated windows in the courtyard each year showcasing a bakeshop and vintage Akron at night in the 1920s, the annual event is one that many who live in the Akron-Canton Metroplex look forward to. Immediately following Deck the Hall, the estate closes down from January through March to maintain the property and prepare for another year of visitors and events. “Oftentimes we tackle projects in the offseason that would impact the guest experience,” says Spiegler. Shelley Funai, grounds manager at Stan Hywet, notes that along with removing all of the lights from Deck the Hall to replace with displays for the following season, there is much work to be done, including pruning, constructing displays and cleaning throughout the gardens and Corbin Conservatory. The conservatory is a beautiful garden area covered by glass. Located near the Playgarden and across from the Great Garden within the estate, the structure is a historic replication of the original once used by the Seiberlings to grow produce and plant materials. Today it contains tropical plants as well as changing exhibits and plants for the gardens. Funai predicts that the number of perennial, annual and bulb varieties on the property is “easily in the hundreds, if not tipping into the thousands.” This number includes native and
A òelection of 2022 Stan Hywet Events Reference the Stan Hywet website and social media pages for additional events, prices, updates, and admission hours. Opening Day – April 1 Beginning April 1, Stan Hywet opens the Estate to visitors for the regular season. Easter Egg Hunt and Breakfast – April 16 Along with breakfast, children are separated into age groups for an egg hunt and visit with the Easter Bunny. Mother’s Day – May 8 Mothers are able to take a complimentary self-guided tour of the Manor House, Gate Lodge and gardens. Founders’ Day Weekend – June 10-12 Admission to the Gate Lodge is free to honor the anniversary of the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Father’s Day Car Show – June 19 An Akron tradition, the car show features classic, antique, and collector cars. Off the Vine – July 22 Experience an evening of appetizers, music, and wine in the gardens.
Molto Bella Auto Show – September 11 A wide selection of high-value cars are displayed in the Great Meadow. OhioMart – October 6-9 Across the grounds are arts, decor, and other items available for purchase from artisans and exhibitors. This event also includes a food court. Murder in the Mansion – Select nights in October Visitors experience an interactive, mystery-solving event in the Manor House. Veteran’s Day – November 11 Veterans and members of the military are invited to take a complimentary self-guided tour of the Manor House, Gate Lodge and gardens. Deck the Hall – Select nights in November and December The gardens, grounds, and Manor House are decorated for the holiday season. The event will have a new theme alongside yearly favorites.
non-native species, along with a number of woody tree and shrub species. Similarly, the Manor House uses this time to remove Christmas decor and carefully clean the entire space. “It takes about eight weeks to clean all 92 rooms and adjoining hallways. The process entails removing all of the furniture and decorative items from each space; washing the walls, ceilings and floors before cleaning each item individually; and then returning [the items] to the room,” explains Julie Frey, curator and director of museum services at Stan Hywet. “We work with contractors to help us complete some of our more specialized cleaning projects such as cleaning our marble floors and fountains and polishing our crystal chandeliers.” WINTER 2022 \\
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Looking Forward to Entertaining in 2022 Along with these off-season tasks, the museum staff uses the winter to design and install exhibits based on a new theme that is selected and expanded on each year. At Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, the theme of 2021 was Restoration: If This Hall Could Talk, highlighting recent restoration projects to the house and property. The new theme for the 2022 season, Entertaining: You’re Invited, celebrates the Seiberling family’s generosity by sharing how the estate was used as a space for parties and events. Because these gatherings did not happen on their own, the exhibit also explores the staff’s contributions toward making the Seiberlings’ home a welcoming space. Tours of the Manor and grounds return on April 1st. For those who prefer a detailed experience, the Nooks & Crannies tour will be updated in 2022 to reveal more stories of the key staff who worked and lived alongside the Seiberling family at Stan Hywet between 1915 and 1955. Those who purchase a membership
The Lagoon at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
gain access to a short history feature on the Seiberlings and Stan Hywet directly to their email inbox, self-guided tours of the estate, learning experiences throughout the season such as Butterflies of North America, activities for the whole family and more. A day at Stan Hywet does not feel complete without a walk through the gardens. There are 10 historic gardens throughout the 70 acre estate, and each has its own distinct charm. One of the most popular is the English Garden, a walled space filled with beautiful flowers, statues and a reflecting pool. Other unique garden features include the tranquil Japanese Garden and the Birch Tree Allée and Vista, an alleyway made of gray birches spanning 550 feet. After a day of strolling the property and learning about the Seiberling family, visitors can shop in the gift shop, grab a bite to eat at the café and even visit the Playgarden or splashpad with the kids.
A Community-Minded Organization The motto of the Seiberling family continues to live on as their estate benefits the Akron community still to this day by regularly welcoming community events, weddings, family gatherings, cel20 Akron-Canton Metroplex
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PHOTOS: KAREN SCHIELY/AKRON BEACON JOURNAL
A custom-made rug on a staircase is part of the $6.2 million restoration of the Manor House at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens.
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PHOTO: COURTESY STAN HYWET HALL & GARDENS
PHOTOS: KAREN SCHIELY/AKRON BEACON JOURNAL
ebrations of life, and even education programs. Stan Hywet hosts education programs for families, adults, school groups, and scouts throughout the regular season covering a variety of topics such as Nature Photography, Butterflies in Bloom, Intro to Geocaching and more. Virtual learning programs consisting of interactive, online video sessions exploring the history of Stan Hywet are also available year-round for classes of students in grades three through five. As a testament to the value that Stan Hywet offers the Akron-Canton Metroplex, the community has stood by this historic estate, recognizing it as a vital piece of Akron history. “The Fund Recovery Campaign was created to alleviate financial effects of the pandemic,” explains Spiegler. “With most public programs canceled, and admission down by 68%, meeting budget was seriously at risk.” According to the Stan Hywet 2020 Annual Report, the community generously raised $188,447 for the Fund Recovery Campaign in less than three months during the 2020 pandemic. With local partners and events spanning a wide variety of interests, the estate has activities for all ages. Rather than seal this treasure
away, visitors can embrace the past while creating new memories for the future. Filled with charm and historic significance, Stan Hywet is a must-see attraction nestled within the Akron Canton Metroplex that tens of thousands of people enjoy each year. “It’s a great place to spend a day, learn about Akron history, and enjoy yourself while making family memories,” says Spiegler. “Stan Hywet is proud to share the ways that the Seiberlings cared and helped to shape Akron, Ohio. They were gracious hosts, art patrons, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and were instrumental in the formation of many organizations including Tuesday Musical, the Akron Garden Club, People’s Hospital - now Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Goodyear Heights, Fairlawn Heights, Sand Run Reservation - now part of Summit MetroParks, and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.” It only takes one trip to Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens to see that the carefully preserved estate is a vital part of the community, and continues to live up to the Seiberlings’ motto: Not For Us Alone. Kylie Sees is a freelance writer based in Akron. WINTER 2022 \\
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A 550-foot long pathway of gray birches, called Birch Tree Allee, leads to the covered porch at the north end of the Manor House.
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r e v O
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mu sic
Blossom Music Center is not only a popular attraction, but also a source of pride for AkronCanton Metroplex residents. BY: MARIA MCGINNIS
N
PHOTO: ROGER MASTROIANNI, COURTESY OF THE CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA
s of
estled on nearly 800 acres in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Blossom Music Center is an iconic space for concert-goers near and far, bringing both notoriety and a sizable economic impact the Akron Metroplex community. The Cuyahoga Falls-based amphitheater opened in 1968. After renovations in the early 2000s, it now has the capacity to entertain over 19,000 people at once, with 13,500 spots available on the lawn and 5,700 seats within the amphitheater. For those who live in the Akron-Canton Metroplex, Blossom is the place to go for summer concerts as it’s the largest amphitheatre in the area and also offers a variety of events. Since its opening in the ‘60s, it has served as the stage for numerous big-name musicians, including Metallica, Elton John, Alanis Morissette and Jimmy Buffett. In addition to traditional concerts, Blossom has also hosted several large events and music festivals, including Vans Warped Tour, Lollapalooza, Ozzfest and the annual Carnival of Horrors in October.
Visitors conclude a night of live music at Blossom Music Center with a firework show over the venue.
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Significant Economic Impact In terms of visitors, Blossom is consistently busy welcoming guests throughout the summer. Binnie estimates that in a typical Cleveland Orchestra summer, the venue welcomes about 150,000 guests. Orchestra attendance combined with attendance rates from 24 Akron-Canton Metroplex
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other concerts hosted by LiveNation, the company that manages the venue, reaches a total of approximately 500,000 guests per year, Binnie estimates. Representatives from Blossom Music Center and LiveNation could not be reached for comment. A large majority of visitors each year come from the Northeast Ohio area. However, Binnie says they also often see out-of-state visitors from Michigan, Pennsylvania and other states depending on the size of the event. The large number of people coming to Blossom each year has a significant economic impact on Cuyahoga Falls, as those traveling for shows will often stay at nearby hotels and visit local restaurants and gas stations. Cuyahoga Falls Mayor Don Walters says another economic impact
Blossom has on the area that extends beyond tourism is the admissions tax applied to each ticket sold, which is a countywide tax on event tickets. The purpose of the admissions tax, Walters says, is to help pay for increased wear and tear on the roads and calls to safety forces due to the influx of people coming to the area. During busier years, Walters says the city has collected about $600,000 a year from the admissions tax to help pay for road repairs and upkeep near Blossom. “It helps with litter clean up, traffic detail, just costs that we incur due to that influx of people,” Walters says. Blossom’s impact isn’t solely financial. In addition to ticket sales, concession revenue and employment opportunities, Blossom also provides people
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PHOTOS: TAYLOR, MANILOW, MATTHEWS: JOE RONDONE, OMAR ORNELAS, EBONY COX/ USA TODAY NETWORK; BUFFETT, KEITH, RONSTADT: BRENT N. CLARKE, GREG ALLEN, AMY SUSSMAN/AP FILE; STANLEY: AKRON BEACON JOURNAL
Blossom is owned by the Musical Arts Association, the parent organization of the Cleveland Orchestra, and is widely known by the community as the orchestra’s summer home. Ross Binnie, chief brand officer for the Cleveland Orchestra, says the orchestra sees a substantial number of visitors each season during its summer concert series thanks to both the size and accessibly of the venue. Binnie says the orchestra has been working to attract younger audience members, and Blossom is a great place to bring children to—especially with free admission for those under the age of 18. “You can actually come to our concerts for free and sit on the lawn,” Binnie says. “So, it’s a great venue for us to get our next generation of fans. It’s much more relaxing. They can have a picnic and they can run around and see the fireworks and the stars. It just makes our music a little bit more accessible for those first-timers. It’s so important to us from an audience building perspective.”
PHOTO: ROGER MASTROIANNI, COURTESY OF THE CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA
The Cleveland Orchestra performing at Blossom Music Center, widely known as the Orchestra’s summer home.
PHOTOS: TAYLOR, MANILOW, MATTHEWS: JOE RONDONE, OMAR ORNELAS, EBONY COX/ USA TODAY NETWORK; BUFFETT, KEITH, RONSTADT: BRENT N. CLARKE, GREG ALLEN, AMY SUSSMAN/AP FILE; STANLEY: AKRON BEACON JOURNAL
PHOTO: ROGER MASTROIANNI, COURTESY OF THE CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA
leaving the venue empty. In 2018 Blossom hosted 75 concerts, its highest number to date. In 2020, that number plummeted to just two. Blossom reopened in 2021 with several safety protocols in place, including a mask recommendation, limited capacity and socially distant seating. Though he can’t speak for the concerts hosted by LiveNation, Binnie says even with safety protocols in place, The Cleveland Orchestra did extremely well during the 2021 summer season. “People came out, came back,” Binnie says. “We had protocols in place where we were selling every other seat in the pavilion and had reduced capacity on the lawn, and the place was packed.” Thanks to its location within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, visitors to Blossom are able to enjoy both a beautiful atmosphere, paired with spectacular acoustics, Binnie adds. Whether it’s classical music or a rock show, Blossom attracts many big-name acts, resulting in thousands of people flocking to the venue. Walters says sometimes when he’s in other parts of the state, like Columbus, people will ask him where Cuyahoga Falls is. As soon as he mentions Blossom, the city rings a bell.
with a space to connect and share their love of music, says Jim Mahon, vice president of marketing and brand management at the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau. “During the past year and a half, I believe we have all re-evaluated and re-prioritized what is most important in our lives, and spending quality time with the people we love is incredibly important now more than ever,” he says. “Blossom is a special place to do just that.” Rebounding from COVID-19 The venue—like many others around the world—has faced challenges both this year and last due to the COVID19 pandemic. The pandemic forced several concerts and events to cancel or postpone,
Anticipation for the 2022 Season Looking toward the 2022 season, with the venue having reopened, Binnie says he’s looking forward to getting back to a more normal year in terms of the number of concerts the orchestra plays. Aside from events, Binnie says the orchestra is always working to improve the venue, so visitors can expect some upgrades to the space and amenities, like new paving in the parking lots. “Every year, we invest money to make the ground safer—for example, [with] new lighting systems,” Binnie says. “But the whole effort for the next few years will be sort of a rebuilding process to get people to come back. But there is still tons of demand for music, and people are ready to go, that’s for sure.” Maria McGinnis is a freelance writer based in Kent, Ohio.
Blossom’s Most Popular Acts
Below is a list of Blossom Music Center’s most popular acts paired with the number of times each has performed at the venue, according to Jim Mahon, vice president of marketing and brand management at the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau:
24 James Taylor
21 Jimmy Buffett Beach Boys
17 Michael Stanley Band
16 Barry Manilow Chicago
15 Dave Matthews Band Moody Blues
14 Toby Keith Doobie Brothers
12 Linda Ronstadt Preservation Hall Jazz Band Seals & Crofts
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Poison Santana
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PHOTO: PHIL MASTURZO/AKRON BEACON JOURNAL
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FOR FOR THE THE
THRILL THRILL OF OF IT IT
Akron’s very own Soap Box Derby is helping boost the economy while making the future brighter and more innovative. BY MARIA SERRA
PHOTO: PHIL MASTURZO/AKRON BEACON JOURNAL
Every July, Akron is flooded with visitors from all over the United States and even internationally who are thrilled to be in the city. They’re not here to cheer on the Akron Zips, see an internationally touring act at Goodyear Theater or take a tour of LeBron James’ beloved hometown. Instead, families travel from near and far to cheer on the participants of the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship at Derby Downs. Since its humble inception in 1933, the Soap Box Derby became one of the first public sporting events in the U.S. aimed at children. After watching a group of kids race soap box cars down a hill, Dayton resident Myron Scott copyrighted the event name and soon after talked Chevrolet into taking over as the first official sponsor for the debut of the annual All-American Soap Box Derby in 1934. Interestingly enough, the first race occurred in Dayton, but it moved to Akron in 1935 for its ideal hilly landscape. A sponsorship from Chevrolet helped boost the sport into notoriety. According to the South Bend Tribune, at its peak the event drew tens of thousands of fans and hundreds of participants yearly at the World Championships. A parade would line the street in honor of the participants and winners, and celebrities and public figures would make appearances as well. Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, Tom Hanks, Dale Earnhardt and the cast of Bonanza are just a few notable people who made a stop in Akron over the nearly nine decades of Derby celebrations. Catering to children between the ages of 7 and 20 who build their own cars with specific kits, the All-American Soap Box Derby once served as the fifth-most well-attended sport in the world, according to Derby historian, author, and former Soap Box Derby general manager Jeff Iula. “After the three major baseball, football and basketball [associations], the Indy 50, [there was] us,” shares Iula, also nicknamed “Mr.
Derby.” “You know, here we are, just a little kid’s activity that was started in the middle of the Great Depression, and [it’s] still going and being...great and big as it is.” Community Driven The All-American Soap Box Derby, which wrapped up its 83rd race year in 2021, is currently sponsored by FirstEnergy, an electric services company based in Akron. And though sponsors have changed, attendance has shrunk and many staff members have become volunteers, one thing remains the same: the race’s tight-knit community that keeps people returning to the city year in and year out. “The Soap Box Derby program is basically a people program,” says public relations chairman Bob Troyer. “Coming back to Akron in the summertime for the race [is] like a family reunion because so many of the volunteers have been doing it for decades.” Iula seconds this notion. “It’s a great bonding [experience] between different people,” he says. “I could leave Akron, Ohio today and go, you know, 200 miles [away] or 300 and go visit people all the way out to California, [and] there’ll be friends [from the Derby].” Beyond helping organize local races and ultimately hosting the All-American Soap Box Derby, the organization also allows others to race on the track with all the fanfare, but less of a competitive edge. This past August, Derby Downs hosted “Inclusion Day,” where people of all abilities had the chance to roll down the track in a ride-along Soap Box Derby car and see what it’s like to be in a race. Other events that attract visitors and Akron residents alike include Senior Day, where adults 50 and over can experience the thrill of racing on the Derby Downs Track. The organization has also opened the historic track for Veterans Appreciation Day, where those who served our WINTER 2022 \\
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country have the chance to race adultsized soapbox cars. The thousands of visitors that attend both these events, and especially the All-American Soap Box Derby, don’t just bring entertainment to the city, but also a significant economic boost. “The impact of the Soap Box Derby tops $3 million on an annual basis for our area,” says Samuel DeShazior, deputy mayor for economic development for the city of Akron. “That’s hundreds of families that come to Akron for an entire week of competition.” However, DeShazior adds that the event in itself is priceless. “What we can’t measure is the enthusiasm of the thousands who strive to get here to Akron,” he says. “There is a measure of goodwill for Akron there that we will never be fully accredited.” Preparing for 2022 Like many in-person and large-scale events, the Derby could not go on as scheduled in 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We really got knocked out of the whole international market, both in 2020 and 2021, because even this year, [participants] couldn’t qualify and travel internationally,” says Mark Gerberich, president and CEO of Soap Box Derby. Cities like New York City and Los Angeles did not run local races due to COVID restrictions, so many in bigger cities didn’t have the chance to participate in the 83rd annual event. “We did a lot of planning during the pandemic,” Gerberich says. “We were working closely with the health department and local county [and] city officials to make sure that we could come back in 2021.” Though the Derby events could not occur in full capacity as they normally would, “we ended up doing about 65% of our regular activities in 2021,” Gerberich says. While Derby Downs could not host the event in 2020, staff members remained busy crafting lesson plans throughout the year for students to learn derby-related STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) concepts. “We put together a really strong business plan around our education program,” says Gerberich. 28 Akron-Canton Metroplex
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Mark Gerberich, president & CEO of the International Soap Box Derby in 2020
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BY THE NUMBERS
21
PHOTOS; LEFT, PHIL MASTURZO/ BEACON JOURNAL; RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM, KAREN SCHIELY/USA TODAY NETWORK; JEFF LANGE/AKRON BEACON JOURNAL; KAREN SCHIELY/ AKRON BEACON JOURNAL
The number of countries that have competed in the International Soap Box Derby
$3,000
The scholarship amount awarded to the winners of each of the six racing categories
262
Above, champs complete their test run for the 2021 All-American Soap Box Derby. Left, Cash Chappell of Providence, Ky., puts on his goggles as he readies for his rally stock race. Below, Madden Cleveland of Murfreesboro, Tenn., and his father, Justin Cleveland, prepare his car for a test run.
The number of drivers who participated in 2021
35
The number of states represented at the event in 2021
“While we weren’t able to race, we were still able to deliver and impact students by providing at-home learning programs for kids.” The Soap Box Derby lends itself to offering hands-on learning. Its nationally-circulated education programs include the Gravity Racing Challenge STEM Team Competition, which allows high school students to put their engineering skills to the test at Derby Downs. Additionally, the nonprofit organization has opportunities for grade-school kids to build their own model car and learn about physics and math along the way in a classroom setting. The organization also provides teachers with workbooks and educator resources. Should students find that they have a passion for working with their hands and collaborating with a team, they can also partake in a summer camp at Derby Downs. “Kids [go] out there and they spend the day for a couple of weeks building cars and then, of course, racing them,” Troyer explains. The education options shared by the Derby are “ an increasingly important part of the program,” says Troyer. WINTER 2022 \\
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12
The number of regions the U.S. is divided into for local racing
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2021 All-American Soap Box Derby at Derby Downs
tion just awarded the organization a $25,000 grant to supplement the World Championship in July and other Derby Downs activities throughout the year. “We’re hopeful that we can get back to ... the 2019 levels in 2022,” Gerberich says. Thanks to Soap Box Derby’s longtime presence in Akron, the city and
the staff members behind the race have helped give rise to innovators and scientists. Beyond the event’s economic boost, it has made Akron a vital place for young people to figure out what they want to become. Maria Serra is a freelance writer based in Cleveland.
ALL-AMERICAN SOAP BOX DERBY: A CONDENSED HISTORY 1934
First official All-American Derby race takes place in Dayton, and the first derby winner is 11-year-old Bob Turner, a resident of Muncie, Indiana
1942–1945
All-American Soap Box Derby events are put on hold due to World War II
1971
First year girls are allowed to race
1975
First girl wins the All-American Soap Box Derby—Karren Stead, 11, of Lower Bucks County, Pennsylvania
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1987
All-American Soap Box Derby celebrates its 50th anniversary
2012
FirstEnergy becomes the program’s title sponsor, and the Derby celebrates its 75th anniversary
PHOTOS: TOP, KAREN SCHIELY/USA TODAY NETWORK; BOTTOM, FILE/AKRON BEACON JOURNAL
Without the racing and education programs, many children may have not discovered their dream jobs, Iula says. “You think how many kids, just because of the Derby, were lucky enough to either learn a lot [or] become mechanics or even engineers, designers,” Iula says. “A lot of the world champs do become engineers ... because of building the Derby car and learning off of it.” Beyond his excitement for the future of Soap Box Derby racing in Akron and all the educational opportunities that come with it, Mr. Derby has one related life goal he is looking forward to. “I joke about it because, you know, I’m not young by any means,” Iula laughs. “But, I started volunteering at the 25th Derby, and I want to be at the 100th ... and I want to flag the final heat. I don’t care if I’m in a damn wheelchair.” Now, with a lifetime of Soap Box Derby memories and myriad racing memorabilia on display in his home, Derby Hall-of-Famer Iula admits wholeheartedly that working for this organization and remaining an integral part of it was a “dream job.” Until Iula gets to see that 100th race come around, Gerberich is already planning for next summer, awaiting a new batch of excited derby-goers. In fact, the Akron Community Founda-
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WHY THE AKRON-CANTON METROPLEX? The Greater Akron Chamber and Canton Regional Chamber represent nearly 4,000 businesses in the region.
PHOTOS: TOP, KAREN SCHIELY/USA TODAY NETWORK; BOTTOM, FILE/AKRON BEACON JOURNAL
With a population of 1.2 million people, we share common assets, tourist destinations, universities, health care systems, a workforce and even an airport. By working together, we’re developing economic partnerships and collaborating on shared challenges and opportunities to foster regional growth.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE
INITIATIVES HERE:
A larger, stronger, more connected region with greater economic opportunity for all – that’s the Akron-Canton Metroplex.
GREATER AKRON CHAMBER
cantonchamber.org • 330.456.7253
greaterakronchamber.org • 330.376.5550
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NONPROFITS
Visitors explore the drawings of Judith Brandon.
This lesser known museum in the area is working to create exciting exhibitions in the hope of building a “cultural arts corridor” for Canton and surrounding communities. BY ABBEY BASHOR
Each visit to a museum offers something new to discover, especially when it comes to art. Whether it’s viewing the same piece from a different angle or observing a new exhibit for the first time, art museums often offer new experiences and perspectives for every visitor. The Canton Museum of Art (CMA) is one regional institution that invites visitors to get lost within its galleries. Reaching back to its beginnings as 32 Akron-Canton Metroplex
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the Little Civic Art Gallery founded within the Canton Public Library in 1935, the CMA has offered unique displays and programming throughout the past century. “The Canton Museum of Art has been a cornerstone for creativity and inspiration in Stark County for 85 years,” says Max Barton, CMA’s executive director and CEO. “The ability to bring people together, to inspire them and teach them about art, and
to become part of their everyday life gives the CMA its strong purpose and its place in our community.” After becoming the Canton Art Institute in 1935, the museum spent the following decades expanding its artistic and educational offerings while receiving full accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums in the 1970s. In 1995, the museum commemorated its 60th anniversary by adopting a new title as the Canton Museum of Art. Bringing Art to the Community As the CMA grew and transformed as an institution, its focus became more refined. Through a comprehensive evaluation of its own collection in 1989 and 1990, the museum found that its strengths lay in 19th century and later American watercolors and contemporary American ceramics from the 1950s forward. Popular exhibitions have featured painters like Andrew Wyeth
PHOTO: COURTESY CANTON MUSEUM OF ART.
The Canton Museum of Art: ‘Where art meets life’
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and Clyde Singer, as well as ceramists Karen Karnes and Paul Soldner. Barton says the CMA’s continual growth speaks to its mission of bringing art and people together. “We have the awesome responsibility as stewards of an incredible cultural resource to strengthen it, to share it, to enrich it, and to make sure future generations can enjoy all that [it] is and all that it will be,” he says. CMA acquires art for its collections and exhibitions in a variety of ways, often with a special emphasis on locally and regionally sourced work. Pieces can be drawn from the museum’s own collection; acquired from local and regional artists; donated from private, local collectors; and brought in from traveling exhibits.
Upcoming CMA exhibitions in 2022
In February, The Artchemist Project will incorporate a community art installation that invites families to explore what happens when chemistry and art collide. Abandoned America: Everything Must Pass will be on display during the April-July exhibit season. This exhibition will feature the photography of Matthew Christopher, who captures the beauty and lost history of abandoned sites across America.
PHOTO: COURTESY CANTON MUSEUM OF ART.
PHOTO: COURTESY CANTON MUSEUM OF ART.
The April-July exhibit season will also include Asian Voices, which features the CMA’s collection of work by Asian artists, as well as Witness to Wartime: The Painted Diary of Takuichi Fujii. Speaker Karen Jiobu will also visit the museum and discuss her firsthand experience at a Japanese internment camp during WWII.
Kaleigh Pisani-Paige, the museum’s registrar and curator of collections, cares for CMA’s permanent collection of about 1,500 pieces of American art. “With our collection, we try to diversify and include art that speaks to everyone,” Pisani-Paige says. “We try to cater our classes, events and workshops to our collection and exhibits so we get that art out to people.” Christy Davis, the museum’s curator of exhibitions, adds that having a diverse selection of artists and themes on display is important for visitors from within the community and beyond. “I’m a firm believer that there’s a type of art and artist for everyone,” says Davis. “I see that as being the driving force behind exhibits, to try to help people navigate [the art] and find someone or something that really speaks to them.” Both Pisani-Paige and Davis contribute to developing exhibitions for the museum. They schedule three to five years in advance, which involves research, writing and development along the way. Typically, there are around three to four exhibition seasons per year, and preparing for them requires dedicated time to revamp the space. Before each seasonal opening, the museum will close for several weeks as the gallery is emptied, walls are touched up and new pieces are arranged. Some exhibitions are originally curated, such as POP!, which is cur-
rently on display through early April. POP! features works from the Pop Art movement that utilize innovative techniques, such as printmaking and mixed media. Pisani-Paige developed the exhibition, saying, “We have pieces from our permanent collection, from the Art Bridges foundation and from private collectors in our area. [It’s a] mix of everything coming together that’s going to be really bright and colorful for the winter season.” Other exhibitions, like the currentlydisplayed Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross, are rented from other museums. Davis brought it to the CMA after contacting the Dunn Museum outside of Chicago, which was featuring Ross’s work in 2021. Davis then managed to secure the CMA as Marvelocity’s first stop as a traveling exhibition. The CMA’s variety of work is a magnet for visitors looking to explore art and the region itself. Barton says that on average, 40% of the museum’s visitors are from outside of Stark County. He adds that CMA is driven to create enticing exhibitions in the hope of building a “cultural arts corridor” that links together surrounding cities for cultural tourism. “Art strengthens and sustains our communities, providing greater opportunities for economic development and contributing to a healthy way of life,” Barton says. Abbey Bashor is a freelance writer based in Akron.
“I felt we needed to find somebody who could speak to that [experience] and represent it correctly,” says Davis. “The interesting part about this is that because we schedule our exhibits in advance, we had no clue there would be a pandemic and an influx of racism toward Asian Americans and Pacific Islander people. It’s incredibly timely.”
CMA’s Artisan Boutique displays items from local artists.
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HIGHER EDUCATION
University of Akron keeps with communityfocused roots
The University of Akron’s College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering is a world leader in polymer science and technology research.
The university has partnered with local businesses since the early 1900s and continues doing so to this day.
The University of Akron has been tied to the local community since its founding in 1870 by the Ohio Universalist Convention. With major rubber companies like Goodyear, Firestone and Goodrich based in Akron, the school began offering some of the first courses in rubber chemistry in the early 1900s, eventually helping develop synthetic rubber for World War II. As tire production became less of a force in the area, the university helped the city make its mark on polymers, according to university records. Its School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, formed in 1988, now is the largest such program worldwide, the university website says. Today, the university remains a partner with local businesses, helping provide a pipeline of future the next three years will workers and teaming up on have their tuition and fees research endeavors. fully covered, get paired Through a number of with mentors at both the co-op programs with area university and Goodyear, University of companies, “virtually and have opportunities to Akron’s President everyone can get an internapply for internships or coGary Miller ship,” says Gary Miller, ops at Goodyear. president of the University of Akron. “Inclusive opportunities are needed For example, The Goodyear Founto build a diverse workforce to help dation this year committed $1.6 milcorporations succeed, both today and lion to fund the Driving Opportunity in the future. Driving Opportunity will Scholars Program. Through the pronurture the growth of underrepresented students as they expand their skills, gram, 15 disadvantaged or underrepbuild a professional network and creresented undergraduate students over 34 Akron-Canton Metroplex
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ate a career path,” Richard Kramer, Goodyear chairman, CEO and president, said in a news release announcing the scholarship program. The university recently has been organizing discussions among polymer companies in the nine-county area, including through the AkronCanton Metroplex, over talent needs and needs to scale up manufacturing, Miller says. “We are a partnership university,” he adds. Through its research efforts, the university has helped launch a number of companies, such as Akron Surface
PHOTOS: COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
BY GINGER CHRIST
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PHOTOS: COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
Site Selection • Business Services Technologies Inc., a coating services company that Lebanon, Indiana-based IBC Coatings Technologies bought in early November. Steve Millard, president and CEO of the Greater Akron Chamber, which serves Medina, Portage and Summit counties, sees the university playing a pivotal role in future research and development on how to deal with the impact polymers have on the environment. “We think the university can play a key role in some of those breakthroughs,” Millard said. “I don’t think we can be successful in our community if we don’t have a thriving university as well.” The University of Akron, first known as Buchtel College, was a private one until financial troubles led its trustees to hand over ownership to the city of Akron in 1913. By 1967, it had become a state university. The school underwent a massive transformation in 2000 through its New Landscape for Learning program, which added 22 new buildings, 18 additions and renovations and 34 acres of green space, making the university into what it is today, university records say. The institution now enrolls more than 17,000 students annually from 46 states and 71 countries. “The University of Akron has a bright future. It is stable. We will be here for a long time serving this community and the Akron-Canton Metroplex,” Miller says. Ginger Christ is a freelance writer based in Northeast Ohio.
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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Greenbridge plants roots in Green The industrial strapping and packaging company recently relocated to the suburb because of its location, proximity to the airport and quality of life. BY GINGER CHRIST
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Greenbridge’s new Midwest distribution center located in Green
hay in the fields to stacks of bricks and lumber. The impact of Greenbridge’s move to Green has wide-reaching effects on the Akron-Canton Metroplex, Neugebauer says. “We feel the ability to attract a company like this far exceeds the impact on Green. It strengthens Summit and Stark counties,” Neugebauer says. “What’s good for Green is good for the region, and what’s good for the region is good for Green.” Although some of the Greenbridge jobs were relocated from Canton, the company is adding locals to its team. The resulting job creation is a positive for the region, Neugebauer says. The company realized the Green site was a good fit and a way to keep the manufacturer in the region, he adds. For its part, Greenbridge sees Green as an ideal fit. “Staying in the Northeast Ohio area was important,” Wolf says. “We were drawn to the site in Green because of its location off I-77, proximity to the Akron-Canton Airport, and equally by the quality of life.” Wolf continues, “Green is a smaller city that really offers a lot to our work-
force in terms of affordable housing, lots of recreational opportunities, good schools, and other amenities. Quality of life is very important to people, whether Gen X and Z, millennials or boomers. That includes current team members and new people who want to join a growing, missiondriven company.” Greenbridge’s relocation resulted from Green’s normal business attraction efforts, the mayor says. City officials had multiple calls with the company to promote the area. “We are always selling the advantages of our community,” Neugebauer says. For years, Green has tried to make itself more attractive, both to residents and to potential businesses, Neugebauer says. The city built parks, added an entertainment district that allowed it to support more restaurants and diversified its housing options. “You’re really seeing manufacturing clustering here in Northeast Ohio. We think Greenbridge fits into this perfectly,” Neugebauer says. Ginger Christ is a freelance writer based in Northeast Ohio.
PHOTO: COURTESY GREENBRIDGE
When Greenbridge opened the doors to its new Midwest distribution center in Green, Ohio, in August, it was a new beginning. The company, which manufactures straps, equipment, and tools used to secure various products, plans to turn the site on Massillon Road into what it calls “a center of excellence.” The building now houses Greenbridge’s Midwest distribution center, equipment manufacturing, tools and equipment service department, and training. Greenbridge merged teams from its Mentor and Canton shops into one location, where it plans to develop best practices for the company and its customers across North America, Mexico and Europe, says Greenbridge spokesperson Melanie Wolf. By press time, the Mentor, Ohio-based company expects to be fully moved in and operational. The 155,000-square-foot facility had been empty less than six months before Greenbridge acquired it, bringing 47 full-time jobs and planning for additional growth in the future, Green Mayor Gerard Neugebauer says. “It signals that companies are making a commitment to growth in the post-pandemic environment,” Neugebauer says about Greenbridge’s move and expansion. “We’re thrilled to see that growth at this time.” Since its founding in 1974 as a strapping company originally called Polychem that created materials for securing loads of products, Greenbridge has since added tools, equipment and advanced manufacturing systems to its portfolio of offerings. It also partners with a sister recycling company, Evergreen, to help companies reduce their reliance on landfills. Greenbridge now provides integrated, sustainable solutions to industries that include agriculture, construction, can and bottle, and meat and poultry, helping customers bundle and secure everything from
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Our roots are firmly planted in the Akron/Canton region Every day around the world, millions of Hendrickson trailer suspensions carry countless loads of freight and raw materials both on- and off-highway. We supply durable, lightweight, highperforming suspension systems and components to the major North American trailer OEMs, fleets and dealers. Hendrickson’s growing global position in the commercial transportation industry and its ongoing drive to provide products and services benefit truck and trailer manufacturers, fleets and owneroperators worldwide. Our tagline, The World Rides On Us®, reflects not only the spirit of the brand but also Hendrickson’s 100 plus years of innovation built-in.
Canton - Trailer Division Headquarters
PHOTO: COURTESY GREENBRIDGE
North Canton - Controls Business Unit
Navarre - Production Facility
www.hendrickson-intl.com
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
From above, it’s easy to see why the city of Kent’s nickname is “Tree City.”
The unique Ohio city has much to offer by way of local treats, fresh-roasted coffee, special events and outdoor recreation. BY MARIA SERRA
Just a short 20-minute drive east of Akron exists a center for art, culture and history in the small city of Kent, Ohio. The area is best known for housing Kent State University, Ohio’s thirdlargest higher education institution, which invites more than 21,000 undergraduates on campus each year. The school’s accredited journalism program, internationally-recognized fashion degrees and world-class theater classes entice enrollment from around the globe. The campus also holds an important place in U.S. history, as it is where the National Guard shot and killed four civilians and wounded nine near the university’s Taylor Hall on May 4, 1970. Despite a checkered past, “Tree City” (nicknamed for the many trees planted there by John Davey, a founder of a 38 Akron-Canton Metroplex
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local tree business) isn’t just a place for students—it’s also a great place for people of all ages to enjoy a weekend off and explore a small town with just under 30,000 residents with big citylevel activities. Heather Malarcik serves as the executive director for Main Street Kent, a local nonprofit whose mission is “growing, bettering, promoting and making Kent a better place to live, visit and do business.” Malarcik knows much of the city’s charm has to do with those who make up the surrounding community. “Kent is full of fascinating people, which makes for lots of interesting things to see and do,” she says. “There are little surprises all over the place, like a Little Box of Kindness–similar to a little free library, [it’s] a place to exchange tokens
of kindness—public art, galleries, live music shows, a farmers’ market...there’s always something fun to do here.” Whether someone is looking to catch up with a friend over some locally roasted coffee or hunting for the perfect, one-of-a-kind gift, Kent is the place to find it all. Visiting The City Despite only covering 9.3 square miles, the city of Kent boasts over 50 locally owned businesses. “Kent is very walkable, full of shops, bars and restaurants; combined with river recreation and parks within just a few blocks of each other, it’s a great place to be,” shares Malarcik. These restaurants and bars throughout the area offer a variety of food and drinks. Dining highlights include Wild Goats diner for breakfast, Wild Papaya for Thai food and Taco Tanto’s for Mexican-inspired eats. Just a short drive from downtown, Mike’s Place offers a particularly quirky style, with decor that features everything from license plates and lawn flamingos to cardboard cutouts and Star Wars figures, including a full-scale X-wing model outside. Several local coffee shops and tea houses serve up day-time beverages, while bars throughout the area offer
PHOTO: COURTESY KENT STATE UNIVERSITY
Kent’s small businesses attract more than just students
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PHOTO: FILE/AKRON BEACON JOURNAL
unique day-end drinks, from brews at Madcap Brew Co. to fishbowl-sized cocktails at Water Street Tavern. The area also features several unique shops, including Off The Wagon, which offers visitors plenty of novelty and gag gifts (including a rubber chicken-shaped air freshener, baconflavored candy and possum stress balls). Connected to this establishment is Red Letter Days, which aims to serve literary lovers with gifts like quirky stationery and punny pairs of socks. Kent Stage brings entertainment options to the area with monthly productions of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and regional and nationally touring acts. And for those who want to stay overnight in the downtown area, the Kent State University Hotel & Conference Center, recently built in 2013, is located in the heart of of the city. With the KSU Foundation taking complete ownership of the facility, recently the decision was made to hire a new operating manager, the
A pedestrian makes their way down a snowy sidewalk on Main Street in Kent.
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I-77 visibility on 6.52 acres in mature industrial park. 565’ Frontage on I-773 Neighbors include FedEx, Service Steel Aerospace, Solmet, Miller & Co., Canton Bandag, Kenworth Trucking, and AT&T. Canton Township has no personal or corporate income tax. All utilities at site. $35,000/acre. Wick Hartung 330.495.0601 Spencer Hartung 330.936.0276
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Kent Coffee Trail
With four coffee hotspots located in the heart of downtown Kent, here’s what coffee and tea fanatics love to pick up at each location.
1
1 2
PORTAGE ST.
2
N. WATER ST.
COLUMBUS ST.
3
3
E. MAIN ST.
4
4 E. ERIE ST.
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BENT TREE COFFEE ROASTERS 313 N Water St. Local favorites: • Lavender Latte • Spicy Mocha • Black Squirrel Blend Drip Coffee SCRIBBLES COFFEE CO 237 N Water St. Local favorites: • London Fog Latte • Turmeric Bolt • Red Eye LAST EXIT BOOKS AND COFFEEHOUSE 124 E Main St #1 Local favorites: • Honey and Turmeric Golden Latte • Mocha Latte • Pumpkin Pie Macchiato TREE CITY COFFEE 135 E Erie St. Local favorites: • Tree City Maple Latte • Rose Tea Latte • Nitro Cold Brew
Portland, Maine-based Olympia Hotel Management (OHM). According to the Record Courier, OHM was chosen for its successful track record managing properties on other college campuses including Oberlin, Swarthmore and Rollins College. Special Events Kent creates annual events that go above and beyond typical small city festivals. Every summer, “muggles” from all over convene for Wizardly Weekend, a festival dedicated to the world of Harry Potter where local businesses celebrate with themed decorations and products. Malarcik recalls how the event was once a large street fair but ultimately became the popular weekendlong festival. “The new format allows for better, and more spread out, impact on our businesses, and the community seems to enjoy it more with outdoor photo props, a 5K, miniature golf event and a bar crawl.” This winter also marks the first for Kent States, a partnership sponsored
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PHOTO: FILE/AKRON BEACON JOURNAL
by Ametek and coordinated by Kent State University, the city, the Kent State Hotel and Conference Center, Kent Area Chamber of Commerce, and Main Street Kent. “Each partner has been pivotal [in establishing] the city’s first outdoor ice skating rink with a focus on driving business downtown through various events, [with] specialty nights including honoring our health care providers and more,” says Dana LawlessAndric, Ph.D., Kent State’s associate vice president of university outreach and engagement. “We are grateful to have such a strong relationship that truly benefits all.” Other well-attended annual events include the Art & Wine Festival, Oktoberfest, the Chocolate Walk, Kent Beatlefest and Kent Rainbow Weekend. Outdoor Fun Kent has more to offer beyond its businesses. Fans of biking, hiking and walking will enjoy the city’s many footpaths and park areas. A riverbank that runs
Downtown Kent is home to a variety of shops, restaurants and bars.
through downtown offers one of the most scenic views in the area. The city is also home to several other green spaces, including the Portage Hike and Bike Trail, Yacavona Park, Fred Fuller Park and Forest Lake Wildlife Preserve. Visitors who enjoy the outdoors can also take a trip to Beck-
with Orchards and stroll alongside the apple trees. With each trip to Kent, travelers of all ages can expect to find something to do and enjoy in Tree City. Maria Serra is a freelance writer based in Cleveland.
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New Akron Children’s Hospital CEO sets sights on behavioral health, telehealth Christopher A. Gessner assumed his new role at the hospital Oct. 18. BY KAREN HANNA
A focus on outreach to children with behavioral health concerns, telehealth and academic research are among the priorities as Akron Children’s Hospital enters a new era. Christopher A. Gessner, 55, became the hospital’s new CEO on Oct. 18. Speaking in November on just his 21st day on the job, Gessner expressed admiration for “the culture of caring” of the system and staff as he settled into a city just a couple hours away from where he grew up in western Pennsylvania. He noted the hospital is already working toward becoming a care provider for more than just children 42 Akron-Canton Metroplex
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chik, who spent her last three years who are sick as part of its population in the system in its top job after rishealth strategy. ing through the ranks as a registered “That’s where the hospital is trying to nurse, chief nursing officer become a care partner for all and chief operating officer. the families and children in She had succeeded Bill ConNortheast Ohio, so that we’re sidine, who, with nearly 40 not just an episodic provider of care. … We help them years at the hospital’s helm, was another talent cultivatthroughout the continuum of care, whether they’re healthy ed internally. or sick, and that requires sort Gessner brings decades of experience in hospital of a change in mindset, and Gessner administration to the role, [the hospital system] started most recently serving as president and down that path,” Gessner says. “And CEO of UCHealth University of ColoI’d like to build upon that.” rado Hospital since 2019. From 2008 Gessner takes over as president and to 2019, he capped a long stint at the CEO for the retiring Grace Wakul-
PHOTOS: TOP, FILE/AKRON BEACON JOURNAL; BOTTOM, COURTESY AKRON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
HEALTH CARE
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Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, part of the UPMC Health System, by serving as president. He says he sees potential to find new ways to continue the growing system’s outreach to children and their families. According to its 2020 annual report, Akron Children’s Hospital’s most recent moves include opening new locations in Portage County, East Liverpool and Wooster, as well as expanding its affiliation with Mercy Health, allowing the system to grow into Lorain, Oberlin and Amherst. “Like any organization, we want to grow and expand our influence [and] touch more lives. But that really isn’t the ultimate goal. The goal is to enable Northeast Ohio to have the healthiest children, teens and young adults in the country,” Gessner says. Among Gessner’s targets for expanded services is behavioral health care, to help youngsters and their families manage anxiety, depression and trauma—problems that are on the increase both among
physically healthy children, as well as among children battling serious health conditions, including cancer. He believes caregivers need to continue to research new modes of treatment, using a holistic approach that takes into account both physical and mental health. He’d like to continue to integrate behavioral health services into the hospital system’s constellation of medical care. “There’s an opportunity for all of us to do better,” he acknowledges. Research is also in his sights. “I think first and foremost, clinical research and translational research [research that quickly moves from the laboratory to the bedside or into our community practices] is a general area in terms of learning how we deliver care more effectively, more cost effectively and at a higher quality level to populations and various types of communities,” Gessner says. He envisions building on the system’s strengths to provide care to even
BY THE NUMBERS
Akron Children’s Hospital
2,684 providers
877
total hospital beds
$2.7 BILLION operating budget
1,320 medical staff
6,478 employees
1,066,267 total outpatients (2020)
SOURCE: AKRON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
PHOTOS: TOP, FILE/AKRON BEACON JOURNAL; BOTTOM, COURTESY AKRON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
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Dr. Jennifer Grow, director, Neonatology at Akron Children's Hospital in a twin suite at Akron Children's Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
more children. The system’s virtual health platform—a burgeoning service that saw meteoric growth during the darkest days of the pandemic— represents one important opportunity for the system to increase its outreach. According to its most recent annual report, Akron Children’s Hospital provided 55,000 telehealth appoint-
ments in 2020, compared to just 275 the previous year. “I think that’s something that had started to evolve before the pandemic, but the pandemic has enabled us to accelerate the learning curve both for providers that deliver the care, and patients and families that receive the care,” Gessner says.
For hospitals, the pandemic has illustrated the need for preparedness and fostered more timely decision-making, Gessner says. It’s also brought them together. “I also think there’s been a sense of heightened collaboration amongst hospitals during this terrible time, as we’ve all banded together to learn from each other and help each other, and I hope that continues,” he says. As he and his wife, Jane, settle into Akron, he’s impressed with how well hospitals in the region work together. The father of a 20-year-old John Carroll University student (along with two other adult children), Gessner says moving to the area is a kind of homecoming. “[It] feels great to be close to the family and friends. My wife and I just took a hike yesterday in one of the many parks around Akron, and it felt like I was back where I grew up in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, in the Laurel Highlands, so, it’s a wonderful feeling,” he says. Karen Hanna is a freelance writer based in Cuyahoga Falls.
PHOTO: FILE/AKRON BEACON JOURNAL
HEALTH CARE
6,570. That’s how many days there are in childhood. We’re here to help your family make the most out of every one. From preventive care that keeps sick days at bay, to breakthrough procedures that speed up recoveries, to discoveries that make more birthdays possible – Akron Children’s is devoted to delivering the very best for kids. Learn more at akronchildrens.org/morechildhoodplease
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1
More childhood, please.
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PHOTO: FILE/AKRON BEACON JOURNAL
Help us feed our neighbors in need. This winter, 1 in 7 people may struggle with hunger.
No family should have to choose between nourishing food and other essential expenses. Please visit akroncantonfoodbank.org to make a donation today.
TOGETHER, WE CAN GET FOOD INTO THE HANDS OF FAMILIES WHO NEED IT MOST.
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SERVING 8 COUNTIES
12/21/21 10:04 AM
TOURISM
Centennial Plaza in downtown Canton
Why visit Canton? The Stark County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau (Visit Canton) aims to drive tourism to Stark County. BY KYLIE SEES
For those unfamiliar with the Canton area, it may be surprising to learn of the events and attractions that attract visitors from around the state and beyond. The Stark County Convention & Visitors’ Bureau, better known as Visit Canton, is the destination marketing organization for all of Stark County, promoting all there is to do and see within the area. Funded by a lodging tax, Visit Canton seeks to drive increased visitor spending in the area as a way to allow businesses to grow beyond their base of regional customers, bringing new dollars into the economy. “Visit Canton’s mission focuses on attracting visitors, but it’s ultimately about impacting the quality of life we enjoy here in Stark County,” explains Allyson Bussey, president of Visit Canton. 46 Akron-Canton Metroplex
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Driving Tourism to Stark County While the COVID-19 pandemic made travel more difficult and less abundant in 2020, Visit Canton is assuring it does not impact the long-term future of Stark County. “While travel was significantly impeded due to the pandemic, I am excited to share that we are approaching the 2019 occupancy levels at Stark County accommodations, up over 44% March through September this year compared to 2020,” says Tonja Marshall, executive vice president of marketing & communication for Visit Canton. Rather than viewing the past year as a setback, she believes it can serve as an opportunity to springboard into the future with new funding and partnership opportunities available.
One component of this is the Recovery and Destination Development Grants by Visit Canton in 2021. “Those are grants that are intended to help communities and businesses enhance the visitor experience,” shares Marshall. The grants provided up to $50,000 in matching funds for projects that align with the mission of Visit Canton and will provide a better visitor experience within the community. Stark County has many attractions that make it an ideal place for Akron-Canton Metroplex residents to spend time. Popular attractions include the Troll Hole Museum, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the First Ladies National Historic Site and the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum—not to mention the multitude of events that are brought to the area including business conferences, live music, and family activities as well as a multitude of sporting events including the NCAA Division III Football Championships Stagg Bowl XLVIII which took place in the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium this past December. The Troll Hole Museum holds an impressive troll doll collection
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explored through a guided tour immersing you in the history of trolls. At the extremely popular Pro Football Hall of Fame (see p. 8 for more), visitors can explore stories, attend events, and browse exhibits that bring the game of football to life. For visitors interested in history, the First Ladies National Historic Site showcases the important role of First Ladies throughout the history of the United States at their Education and Research Center and the Saxton McKinley House. Similarly, the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum is an enjoyable family friendly destination as a history and science museum, including the Hoover-Price Planetarium, as well as the McKinley National Memorial, burial site of President William McKinley. “While business travel [is] soft throughout the week, social events, leisure travelers, and sports tournaments have buoyed hotel demand, creating compression in the market over
weekends and major event dates. As we attract more and more events to our area, that number of high occupancy dates in Stark County is increasing,” explains Mary Vlahos, vice president of sales at Visit Canton. To continue bringing events to the community, Visit Canton implements direct sales initiatives, such as attending trade shows and conducting sales appointments, to reach business decision makers. Coupling this with traditional marketing efforts and an annual travel guide, they are able to share the value of traveling to and hosting events in Stark County. From there, the organization can provide marketing support as well as underwrite cooperative marketing packages for their partners. Improving the Quality of Life for Those Within the Community According to a study titled “Economic Impact of Tourism in Stark County, Ohio 2019” completed by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics Company, tourism generated $1.8 bil-
lion in total business sales as well as 13,501 jobs across several industries within Stark County. “Many businesses benefit from direct visitor spending, and we all benefit from revenue generated by sales tax and other local taxes,” shares Bussey. “A 3% lodging tax goes to the general fund of the locality where the hotel is located. According to the 2019 study, visitor spending saved every Stark County household $672.” The quality of life of those that live in the community is enhanced through the gained lodging and sales tax from visitor spending. As an added benefit, community members can also enjoy the attractions and events themselves. According to Marshall, the most impactful portion of her work at Visit Canton is “being able to engage in all of those different conversations and have a voice at the table to help shape what the future looks like.” Kylie Sees is a freelance writer based in Akron.
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ECONOMIC INDICATORS
Local employment indicators October 2021 data from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services shows employment rates in the Akron-Canton Metroplex are beginning to rebound from COVID-19 pandemic lows.
CARROLL COUNTY: Labor Force: 12,600 Employed: 12,100 Unemployed: 500 Unemployment Rate: 4.2%
BE
16%
PORTAGE COUNTY: Labor force: 85,300 Employed: 82,300 Unemployed: 3,100 Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE OVER TIME IN OHIO AND THE U.S. November 2019 to October 2021 14%
OHIO
STARK COUNTY: Labor Force: 181,200 Employed: 174,100 Unemployed: 7,100 Unemployment Rate: 3.9%
U.S.
12%
SUMMIT COUNTY: Labor force: 267,300 Employed: 256,500 Unemployed: 10,800 Unemployment Rate: 4%
Bel 12 from
10%
OHIO: Labor force: 5,673,700 Employed: 5,384,600 Unemployed: 289,200 Rate: 5.1%
Fro Bu Goo sho cor
U.S.: Labor Force: 161,458,000 Employed: 154,039,000 Unemployed: 7,419,000 Rate: 4.6% 6%
4%
NOV. 2019
JAN. 2020
APR. 2020
48 Akron-Canton Metroplex
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JUL. 2020
OCT. 2020
JAN. 2021
APR. 2021
JUL. 2021
OCT. 2021
SOURCE: OHIO DEPARTMENT OF JOB AND FAMILY SERVICES
8%
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#
CA
BELDEN VILLAGE MALL
#COMETOGETHER
Belden Village Mall, the premier shopping destination located in the hub of Eastern Ohio, boasts over 120 specialty shops and restaurants. Conveniently located off I-77, the center is just minutes away from the nationally known Canton Pro Football Hall of Fame and Akron-Canton Airport.
SOURCE: OHIO DEPARTMENT OF JOB AND FAMILY SERVICES
From stores and restaurants such as Chico’s, White House I Black Market, Pandora, PINK, Burntwood Tavern and Bravo anchored by Dillard’s, Macy’s, Dave & Buster’s, and the Dick’s Sporting Goods/Golf Galaxy combo store, Belden Village Mall welcomes shoppers to experience top of the line shopping and dining. The center celebrated half a century this past year and continues to be a cornerstone across generations with community-centric programming and experiential activities.
#COMETOGETHER @BeldenVillageMall @belden_village CALL US 330.492.7779 | beldenvillagemall.com
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