Dreamers, Drivers, Doers

Think “fun at work” means a foosball table and a snack bar? Think again. Employee satisfaction, customer satisfaction, and turnover don’t operate in silos—and the impact shows up in real outcomes. In this episode, University of Akron Professor Dr. Steven Ash breaks down what truly drives employee engagement—from the fundamentals of self-determination theory to the outsized role of managers—and why it’s more than a “culture issue.” The result? A clearer path to improving performance, retention, and customer experience. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Think “fun at work” means a foosball table and a snack bar? Think again. Employee satisfaction, customer satisfaction, and turnover don’t operate in silos—and the impact shows up in real outcomes. In this episode, University of Akron Professor Dr. Steven Ash breaks down what truly drives employee engagement—from the fundamentals of self-determination theory to the outsized role of managers—and why it’s more than a “culture issue.” The result? A clearer path to improving performance, retention, and customer experience. 

District energy is a strategic economic and infrastructure advantage, and Akron Energy Systems (AES) has helped Akron punch above its weight. AES executives Mark Divis, President & CEO and Kevin Felder, VP of Sales, talk about how AES uses carbon‑free aggregation, water reuse, and major investments in efficiency to remove upfront capital barriers and support downtown and regional growth across Summit County. The conversation also explores workforce challenges, energy policy gaps, and AES’s philanthropic impact through the YouMatter Foundation—investing more than $9 million back into the community through STEM engagement. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A recent Supreme Court ruling has opened the door for U.S. businesses to recover money paid on certain tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), creating a significant refund opportunity for importers. In this episode, Damon Piatek, President and CEO of Piatek Customs & Logistics, breaks down what this means for business owners, who may be eligible, how the refund process is rolling out in phases, and why timing is critical. For companies seeking guidance, Damon will host a webinar on Monday, May 4 at 11:00 AM, offering a step-by-step walkthrough of the IEEPA refund process so importers understand exactly what’s required—and what isn’t. Webinar registration is available at members.greaterakronchamber.org/events. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For growing companies, legal strategy should be part of the plan, not something considered only when problems arise. In this episode, John Hill, Partner at Lewis Brisbois, unpacks common legal missteps businesses make as they scale—from misalignment with partners and not fully understanding governance documents to sticking with outdated processes simply because “that’s how it’s always been done.” He also explores how leaders can misread the impact of AI and why failing to plan for litigation can create real long-term risk. John shares practical guidance to help business leaders build legal awareness into their everyday decision-making. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when a growing business is ready to expand but can't find the right location? Inthis special episode, Elevate Greater Akron (EGA) partners explore site readiness and selection as a core strategy for supporting and coordinating local business growth. Facilitated by EGA partner Jason Dodson (Roetzel & Andress), panelists Camille Billups (Team NEO), Joan Chase (Cuyahoga Land Bank), and Brandy Brady (Summit County) draw on real-world examples, regional data, and available tools to help businesses grow locally with confidence. From site identification and assessment to infrastructure, utilities, and funding mechanisms, the conversation highlights how intentional collaboration through EGA is building a stronger pipeline of ready sites—supporting entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and growing employers across Northeast Ohio.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If students can see it, they can be it. A new partnership between Akron Public Schools and the Greater Akron Chamber at Garfield CLC is connecting students to local industries. In this episode, Marcie Ebright, Director of College & Career Academies, and Clay Cundiff, Academy Coach, discuss how the College & Career Academies model links learning to life after high school, providing expanded access to real-world learning and career pathways. Learn how your business can get involved—from mentoring and mock interviews to guest speaking and hands-on engagement—helping connect classrooms to careers and shape the next generation of talent. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amidst changing workplace expectations and guidelines, employee resource groups (ERGs) continue to play a vital role in shaping company culture, boosting engagement, and fostering a sense belonging. In this episode, Kevin Clayton, EVP and Chief Impact & Equity Officer at Rock Entertainment Group and the Cleveland Cavaliers, shares how ERGs can be leveraged as a business strategy to drive real business results and community impact. A nationally recognized leader, Kevin draws on his experience advising Fortune 1000 companies to show how embedding inclusion into business strategy builds stronger teams, connects employees, and create lasting organizational and societal value. Kevin also highlights this year’s ERG Summit, "Where Do We Go From Here,” designed to challenge, inspire, and ignite new conversations about ERGs and inclusive leadership: https://ow.ly/I1HI50YzPeS. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this special episode, we celebrate one of Greater Akron’s most impactful leaders, Dr. Cliff Deveny, Emeritus CEO and Strategic Advisor at Summa Health and the 2026 recipient of the H. Peter Burg Economic Development Leadership Award for his visionary leadership and lasting impact on the region. Under his leadership, Summa Health completed more than $400 million in regional development projects, strengthened strategic partnerships, and embraced innovation while remaining people-focused—positioning the health system for future growth through the HatCo transition and the creation of the Trailhead Community Health Foundation. Tune in as he shares his journey to leadership and his perspective on aligning healthcare with community prosperity. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When an issue hits, how you respond can determine whether it fades or becomes a full-blown crisis. In this episode, Bruce Hennes, Chief Executive Officer of Hennes Communications, recognized by Chambers and Partners as one of the nation’s top crisis PR firms, shares best practices for business owners and leaders navigating today’s fast-moving media landscape. From managing brand reputation to understanding the intersection of legal strategy and crisis communications, Bruce explains how leaders can move quickly, control the narrative, and become effective vindicators for their organizations. For more tips, subscribe to the newsletter at crisiscommunications.com. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.