Dreamers, Drivers, Doers

This special episode of Dreamers, Drivers, Doers highlights the new partnership between the Greater Akron Chamber and the Cuyahoga Falls Chamber of Commerce. On November 20, 2024, the Chambers hosted a joint luncheon for members of both organizations to hear from Steve Millard, GAC President and CEO, and Ned Parks, Interim Executive Director of Cuyahoga Falls Chamber, discuss the partnership in a Q&A format.This collaboration provides unified membership benefits, enhanced regional connectivity, and local programming to foster economic growth and small business success throughout the Greater Akron area. Learn more at greaterakronchamber.org

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Energy costs are on the rise, but businesses and organizations will see a significant increase in 2025. Xpense Solutions President and energy expert John Verdile stopped in earlier this year to explain the increase on episode 87; in this second part, John describes how businesses can adapt to these changes, including energy saving techniques and resources to utilize.

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In September, Akron Municipal Court Navigator and community advocate Tara Mosley hosted “Women Supporting Women,” which brought women leaders and business vendors from across the region for a day of celebration, networking and purchasing products at Hardes ty Park. In this episode Steve chats with Tara and Joelle Diane Zellman, a vendor at the event and owner of Monochrome Canvas. The trio discuss the event, support and resources for small business owners, and Zellman’s perspective on the local art industry and how it fits into the greater business community.

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In this episode, Steve sits down with RJ Nemer, who was appointed to President of the University of Akron in May 2024. RJ shares his vision for the university, reflecting on his journey and experiences that have led him to this role. From strategic goals to strengthen the university's academic programs to deepening its connections with the Akron community, RJ reveals how he plans to drive impactful changes across the university.

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In September, Akron Municipal Court Navigator and community advocate Tara Mosley hosted “Women Supporting Women,” which brought women leaders and business vendors from across the region for a day of celebration, networking and purchasing products at Hardesty Park. In this episode Steve chats with Tara and Marketa Fry, a vendor at the event and owner of Security is Kee. The trio discuss the event, support and resources for small business owners, and the challenges and successes Marketa has gone through as an entrepreneur

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BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) boasts a rich history steeped in innovation and performance. From the Naval Nuclear Propulsion program to research test reactors for national labs to complex operations management, BWX excels through a talented workforce, state-of-the-art technologies, and innovative solutions. In this episode, BWXT General Manager Mark Huber details how the company’s success stems from internal training, partnerships with universities, and a general focus on employee growth.

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As we celebrate Manufacturing Month throughout October, a number of organizations are collaborating in response to employment needs in this vital industry sector within our region. The Greater Akron Chamber’s workforce team, ConxusNEO, is partnering with the Ohio Manufacturer’s Association (OMA) to support the USEDA's Good Jobs Challenge to boost the talent pipeline for manufacturing in Summit and Portage counties. To prepare individuals for career in manufacturing, Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates (JOG) is delivering “WorkAdvance” programming that combines short-term training for basic manufacturing skills alongside career readiness and coaching. In this episode, Steve sits down with leaders from each organization to learn how they are working together to support workforce development within the manufacturing industry

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The number one challenge for employers right now is workforce. In Green, OH, it’s no different. As Mayor Rocco Yeargin talked with employers, residents and community leaders in his city, he realized that there are a host of resources and opportunities that exist to support the City’s businesses that he could help better connect. Steve talks with Mayor Yeargin about Green, some of the challenges for its employers and an event coming up to connect the dots to support the workforce challenges being felt by all. The Mayor has assembled a great set of resources that you are going to want to know more about. The event is on October 16th and is free to attend, though registration is required: https://www.cityofgreen.org/755/Engaging-Green

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The Center for Family Business is a new resource for the region. Created by the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, the Center is focused on the unique issues, needs and experiences of family-owned businesses in Northeast Ohio. Steve sits down with Laura Bonnet, Director for the Center for Family Business, to talk about the environment for family-owned businesses, some of the unique issues faced in family businesses and the help and support the Center for Family Business is designed to provide. Laura also talks about their upcoming “company chat” being held in Akron at the JS Knight Center on October 30th were fifth generation owner and former CEO of iconic Tabasco Sauce maker, McIlhenny Company, Tony Simmons, will share his experiences and the “secret sauce” for owning, leading and maintaining the legacy of a 150+ year old family business. Beyond the experience and ideas Tony will share, the event is also a chance to meet other family business leaders and owners in Greater Akron.

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Business owners: are you stuck in the day-to-day grind of your business and struggling to focus on yourbusiness? Feeling the strain of growing pains or like you’ve hit a ceiling?This isn’t a sales pitch–in thisepisode, Andy Platt joins Steve Millard to explore the Entrepreneurial Operating System® (EOS), abusiness management framework designed to help small and mid-sized businesses streamline theiroperations and boost efficiency. Platt, a Professional EOS Implementor, shares insights from his tenure atThe J.M. Smucker Co., where he helped the company grow from a million-dollar “jelly and jam” business toa billion-dollar enterprise, and how the company used similar tools andprocesses to navigate that growth.Discover if EOS is the right fit for your business at www.eosworldwide.com/andy-platt.

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