Applications 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…
Read MoreGreater Akron Chamber, Cuyahoga Falls Leaders Celebrate the Grand Opening of The Business Commons of Cuyahoga Falls
CUYAHOGA FALLS — Built on a century-long tradition of connection, collaboration, and small business support, The Business Commons of Cuyahoga Falls is celebrating its grand opening in downtown Cuyahoga Falls—a space that will create new opportunities for business leaders to work, connect, and grow. Located at 111 Stow Avenue, The Business Commons of Cuyahoga Falls, powered by the Greater…
Read MoreBusiness Leaders Launch Inaugural Business Growth Symposium to Accelerate Company Growth in Greater Akron featuring Breeze Airways CEO David Neeleman
Akron, OH — In Greater Akron, the future of the region’s economy is being shaped by companies in growth mode—and now, local business leaders are coming together to fuel that momentum. To support the success of these companies, the Greater Akron Chamber is launching the inaugural Business Growth Symposium (BGS) on Friday, June 12, 2026, featuring keynote…
Read MorePolymer Innovation Pilot Facility Receives $1M Federal Lift
Akron, OH – One million in federal Congressionally Directed Spending for fiscal year 2026 has been secured to support the Polymer Industry Cluster’s (PIC) innovation pilot facility. The federal award was championed by U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno, who has been a significant supporter of the work the PIC is doing to innovate and redefine the future of the polymer industry in Northeast Ohio. “Ohio is leading the…
Read MoreGreater Akron Chamber Becomes Named Partner of Akron Public Schools’ Academy of Innovation and Industry at Garfield CLC
AKRON, Ohio — The Greater Akron Chamber is proud to build on its long-standing partnership with Akron Public Schools by becoming the named partner of the Academy of Innovation and Industry at Garfield Community Learning Center (CLC). As the named academy partner, the Greater Akron Chamber Academy of Innovation and Industry will provide instructional support and real-world…
Read MoreDr. Para Jones Selected as First Recipient of the Greater Akron Chamber Chairman’s Award For Community Impact
Akron, OH – The Greater Akron Chamber has announced that Dr. Para M. Jones, President of Stark State College, has been selected as the first-ever recipient of the Greater Akron Chamber Chairman’s Award For Community Impact. Dr. Jones will be honored at the Greater Akron Chamber’s Annual Meeting on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the John S. Knight Center.…
Read MorePolymer Cluster Update: 2025 Review and 2026 Outlook
By: Hans Dorfi, Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer The Polymer Industry Cluster (PIC) initiative leading up to 2025 was about the opportunity of building on a strong legacy in material innovation and manufacturing, sharing a compelling vision and attracting funding and commitments to make it happen. With federal and state grants awarded in 2024 and strong support from key stakeholders, we moved to accelerate our actions in 2025 with more than $100 million in funding for the next five years. The central and shared goal of the Polymer Industry Cluster is to bring together industry, academia, government, and community to collaborate and tackle shared challenges to drive economic growth that…
Read MoreDr. Cliff Deveny Named H. Peter Burg Economic Development Leadership Award Recipient
Akron, OH – The Greater Akron Chamber has announced that Dr. Cliff Deveny, Emeritus CEO and Strategic Advisor at Summa Health, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the H. Peter Burg Economic Development Leadership Award. Dr. Deveny will be honored at the Greater Akron Chamber’s Annual Meeting on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the…
Read MoreCuyahoga Falls Chamber Transitions to The Business Commons of Cuyahoga Falls, Powered by the Greater Akron Chamber
Cuyahoga Falls – After nearly a century of supporting local businesses, the Cuyahoga Falls Chamber of Commerce is beginning a new chapter as The Business Commons of Cuyahoga Falls (The Business Commons), powered by the Greater Akron Chamber. Located in the heart of downtown Cuyahoga Falls at 111 Stow Avenue, The Business Commons will serve…
Read MoreAkron-Canton Leader Recognized with National Small Business Association’s Advocate of the Year Award
Akron-Canton, OH –The Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance (ACAA) is pleased to announce that Dwayne Groll, CEO of Environmental Design Group and ACAA co-chair, was honored with the 2025 Small Business Advocate of the Year Award through the National Small Business Association (NSBA). This prestigious, national award recognizes a U.S. small business leader committed to advocating for…
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