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 speaker David Neeleman, President and CEO of Breeze Airways and founder of multiple successful airlines including JetBlue.
The facts are in the numbers – companies with 10 to 100 employees and $1 million to $50 million in revenue generate more than 40% of jobs nationwide. Recognizing the outsized impact of these businesses, the Chamber is doubling down on its commitment to support their continued growth and success.
Designed for companies actively scaling, BGS is a half-day experience built to give owners and key leaders the space—and the right conversations—to think differently about growth.
The program includes:
- A candid CEO panel on navigating growth challenges
- Interactive breakout sessions focused on real-world strategies and shared experiences
- Curated opportunities to connect with other leaders facing similar opportunities and pressures
- A keynote from Neeleman, sharing lessons from building and scaling multiple companies in complex industries
“When you’re in growth mode, it’s important to stay focused and keep your head down,” said Julie Brandle, GAC Board Chair and President of Metis Construction Services. “This is an opportunity to learn from others, exchange ideas, and come back with a clearer path forward.”
What sets BGS apart is that it was built by the very leaders it’s designed to serve.
“This wasn’t created in a vacuum,” said Andrew Sprungle, Chair of the Business Growth Symposium Task Team and Co-Founder and COO of Secret Creative. “It’s been shaped by people who are in it—building teams, navigating challenges, and trying to grow. We wanted to create something we would actually want to attend.”
The Chamber sees the Symposium as part of a broader effort to strengthen the region’s business ecosystem by bringing leaders together in meaningful ways.
“Our region’s economic success is directly tied to the success of our growth companies,” said Steve Millard, President and CEO of the Greater Akron Chamber. “One of the most powerful things we can do is connect leaders with each other—so they can learn, share, and grow together. That’s what this is all about.”
Early bird registration is open through April 30, 2026, at $150 per person. Registration increases to $175 after that date.
For more information and to register, visit greaterakronchamber.org/events.