Dr. 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…
Read MoreBounce Innovation Hub, Polymer Industry Cluster Select First Cohort for Synthe6 Materials Accelerator
Bounce Innovation Hub, in partnership with the Polymer Industry Cluster, has announced the selected companies for the inaugural Synthe6 Materials Accelerator cohort, a new 12-month accelerator for polymer and materials science startups. In this first cohort, early-stage companies are accelerated with grant funding, commercialization training, and access to industry leaders through the Polymer Industry Cluster.
Read MorePolymer Industry Cluster Announces the Future Site of the Innovation Pilot Facility
Akron, OH – The Polymer Industry Cluster, in partnership with The University of Akron, is excited to announce the selected location for a new facility that will enable researchers, small businesses and established polymer companies to accelerate the production of advanced polymer materials and support go-to-market strategies for these innovators. The facility will be located…
Read MorePolymer Industry Cluster Selects Hans Dorfi as Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer
Akron, OH – Today, the Greater Akron Chamber and Polymer Industry Cluster announces Dr. Hans Dorfi as the Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer of The Polymer Industry Cluster (PIC). Dorfi will assume the role and responsibilities immediately. In this role, Dorfi will be responsible for leading the work of the Polymer Industry Cluster on…
Read More2025 30 For the Future Honorees
Akron, OH – The Greater Akron Chamber is excited to announce the recipients of the 2025 30 For the Future Awards. Since 2007, the Chamber has celebrated professionals aged 25-39 who demonstrate exceptional leadership and are making an impact on our region. These honorees are recognized as the next generation of leaders who have the…
Read MoreHow Small Businesses Build Big Futures in Greater Akron
By Steve Millard, President & CEO, Greater Akron Chamber May marks National Small Business Month, and here at the Greater Akron Chamber, we’re taking time to celebrate the thousands of entrepreneurs, startups, family businesses, and independent shops that fuel the heart of our regional economy. I’ve spent a large part of my career working specifically…
Read More