Greater Akron Chamber Announces Featured Speakers for 2026 Economic Outlook Event
Businesses in Greater Akron continue to navigate shifting markets, workforce pressures, and evolving economic conditions. Understanding what’s coming is core to being able to initiate proactive strategies and pivots to best position business for success in the coming year. As such, the Greater Akron Chamber is excited to announce the featured leaders who will share…
Read MoreBuilding Child Care Solutions: A Business Strategy for Employee Retention
Child care has more to do with employee retention than many employers realize. At Elevate Greater Akron and ConxusNEO’s recent Workforce Deep Dive, employers, workforce leaders, and community partners continued to examine the connection between workforce stability and employee access to reliable child care. Ohio employers lose an estimated $862 million annually due to productivity losses tied to child care challenges. Employees continue to leave jobs, miss work, or reduce their participation in the…
Read MoreOhio TechCred Returns: What Ohio Employers Need to Know About New Rules, Funding, and Applications
Ohio’s TechCred program is back with updated rules designed to make funding more sustainable while continuing to help employers invest in workforce development. The Ohio Department of Development, hosted by the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance, recently outlined several significant changes that businesses should understand before the next application period opens on October 1, 2026. If your company has used TechCred in the past,…
Read MoreBounce Innovation Hub Announces Second Cohort of Synthe6 Materials Accelerator
Akron, OH – Bounce Innovation Hub, in partnership with the Polymer Industry Cluster, has announced the selected companies for the second cohort of the Synthe6 Materials Accelerator, a 12-month accelerator for polymer and materials science startups. Through Synthe6, startup founders gain access to expert mentorship, tailored industry connections, and specialized workshops, ensuring they have the…
Read MorePolymer Industry Cluster Applauds up to $160M NSF Engine Award as a Defining Win for Akron and Northeast Ohio
AKRON – The selection of the NEO-SMART Engine, led by Case Western Reserve University, for the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines program is a transformational win for Northeast Ohio’s advanced materials economy and a powerful validation of Akron’s role as the place where polymer innovation began and continues to lead. With up to $160…
Read MoreGreater Akron Chamber Names 2026 30 for the Future Honorees, Marking the Program’s 20th Year
Akron, OH – The Greater Akron Chamber is pleased to announce the 2026 class of 30 for the Future honorees, marking the 20th anniversary of the awards program and two decades of recognizing leaders whose vision, talent, and commitment are making a lasting impact on Greater Akron. Since 2007, the Chamber has celebrated 600 professionals aged 25-39 whose leadership and accomplishments have helped strengthen the region. This year’s honorees continue that tradition, reflecting the strength…
Read MoreNew Report Shows Immigrants in the Akron-Canton Region Contributed $5.0 billion to Region’s GDP
Immigrants in Akron-Canton contributed to 5.0% of the GDP and comprised 3.8% of the overall population in the region in 2023. Ohio, June 18, 2026 – New research from the American Immigration Council underscores the crucial role immigrants play in Ohio’s labor force, housing market, population growth, and economy. The new report was prepared in…
Read MoreWorkforce Deep Dive: Child Care Is a Business Issue, Not a Personal Challenge
On June 11, employers, policymakers, and community leaders convened at the Greater Akron Chamber for the Workforce Deep Dive on child care.
Read MoreGreater Akron Chamber Announces New Board Members, Transition of Board Chair
AKRON – The Greater Akron Chamber is pleased to announce the appointment of new members to its Board of Directors, along with a transition in board leadership. The new board members represent a range of industries and institutions across the region and will bring valuable perspective and expertise to help inform the Chamber’s strategic direction. They are: Tracy CarterPresident & CEO, Trailhead Foundation Bill ChanSenior Vice President, Strategic Alliances,…
Read MoreApplications Open for Polymer Industry Cluster R&D Funding
Akron, OH – The Polymer Industry Cluster is accepting proposals for translational research and development (R&D) funding to accelerate polymer innovations from concept to commercialization through the Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub, supported by the Ohio Department of Development Innovation Hub program. Open to startups or companies located in Ohio or willing to operate in the state, this application cycle prioritizes solutions that unlock new capabilities in materials and manufacturing, advance…
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