Bernett Williams is a go-to leader in the Akron region through the roles she has played at organizations such as The Urban League, Leadership Akron, United Way, and the Greater Akron Chamber. As the Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer; Vice President for Community Initiatives at Akron Children's Hospital, Bernett is helping pave the way for future leaders in our community. Steve Millard and Bernett also discuss how we are growing as a workforce and what that will look like in the near and distant future.

In honor of National Wear Red Day on February 3rd, we have two guests this week to help bring greater awareness to the impact of heart disease. Joining Steve Millard in the studio is Val Weber, the Senior Community Impact Director of the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the American Heart Association, and Dr. Justin Dunn, an Interventional Cardiologist at Summa and a member of the chapter's board. Both discuss their involvement with the American Heart Association and the importance of heart health especially when it comes to prevention. After listening to this important discussion, you can find out more by going to www.heart.org

As the Executive Director of the Greater Akron and Mahoning Valley Red Cross, Rachel D'Attoma and her team get to offer hope to people who are very much in need during a challenging time in their lives. The Red Cross in our region is making a difference every day. Rachel and Steve Millard also discuss the sense of community in the Akron area and how people can get involved.

This week Steve Millard talks to Towpath Distillery Owner and CEO Anthony Piscazzi, an Akron entrepreneur who comes from generations of family members in both the food and spirits industries. Last September, Towpath Distillery launched their first product and Anthony reflects on that experience along with operating a popular restaurant, The Merchant, during some challenging times.

In her career, Suzie Graham has always been a supporter of greater Akron through public service. From her work with theater programs for children, to bringing the Lock 3 entertainment space to life. Now, as the President and CEO of Downtown Akron Partnership, she and her team have helped oversee the revitalization of the core of a legendary legacy American city. Steve Millard sits down with Suzie to talk about her passion for Akron, its people, and its progress.

As the Managing Partner at Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, Steve Dimengo always knew he was going to be a lawyer. Greater Akron Chamber President Steve Millard sits down with Steve and discusses how he set himself on this professional path, how he helps others focus on their own expertise, and why he thinks Akron is the place to work and play.

In Akron, the birthplace of Knight Newspapers and the foundation, Knight focuses on downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods through investments in talent, opportunity and engagement. Our guest today, Kyle Kutuchief is the Akron Program Director for the Knight Foundation and has been involved in a number of Akron initiatives including serving as the president of Torchbearers. He has received Akron’s 30 for the Future Award, Cleveland’s 25 Under 35 Movers and Shakers Award and Torchbearer’s Friend of Young Leaders Award.

On this crisp Fall day, Steve Millard has a conversation with Chuck Mullen, Chairman of Apple Growth Partners, one of the Akron region's premiere accounting and business advisory firms. Chuck talks about building his career in Akron and how his organization has expanded to other cities and states. His leadership has helped his firm grow and develop a culture that cultivates new talent, as well as encourages seasoned professionals.

In this episode, Steve Millard talks with Gino and Barbara Faciana from the Pleasant Valley Corporation. Their path is an amazing example of entrepreneurship and building upon success after success in the real estate and facilities management industry. Their strategic planning as a company is leaving a legacy for both their family and the greater Akron business community.

The Greater Akron Chamber's podcast this week welcomes Meghan Meeker who is the Senior Manager of Social Media at Vericast but also serves as the President of the Board of Directors of Torchbearers here in Akron. Steve Millard discusses her experience growing up in Northeast Ohio and why she decided to stay and network here in our region as a professional and how that brought her to Torchbearers.