Press Releases
Polymer 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 MoreGreater Akron Chamber’s Annual Meeting Honors and Recognizes Economic Development Leadership and Accomplishments in 2024
Akron, OH – More than 850 business, community, and civic leaders gathered at the Greater Akron Chamber’s 118th Annual Meeting on March 12, 2025 to reflect on the bold moves, the big bets, and celebrate the strategic collaborations and leaders that have contributed to Greater Akron’s transformational progress over the last several years. “We have…
Read MoreRichard Rogers Named H. Peter Burg Economic Development Leadership Award Recipient
The Greater Akron Chamber has announced that Richard Rogers, Executive Director of Curated Storefront, and former owner of Tribute Software and B.W. Rogers Company, has been selected to receive the 2025 H. Peter Burg Economic Development Leadership Award. Rick will be honored at the Chamber’s annual meeting on March 12, 2025, at the John S.…
Read More$6.4 Million in Federal and Local Funding Awarded by the EDA with Local Match to Support Advanced Polymer and Manufacturing Job Training and Placement
Akron, OH – The Greater Akron Chamber (GAC) was awarded $3 million through the U.S. Economic Development Administration Good Jobs Challenge program, complete with a $3.4 million local match, to strengthen the polymer industry’s workforce pipeline through in-demand skills training and placement in “Good Jobs” through the Advanced Polymer and Manufacturing Excellence (APEX) initiative. The…
Read MorePolymer Industry Cluster Receives Support from Ohio Innovation Hubs Program
Akron, OH – The Polymer Industry Cluster, powered by the Greater Akron Chamber, has been named Ohio’s third applicant to receive an award from Ohio’s Innovation Hubs Program. The program’s $31.25 million award to fund the Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub project, led by the Polymer Industry Cluster, will be matched by $10.4 million from…
Read MoreWomen’s Network Leadership Institute Launches Board Directory, Featuring Over 200 Women Interested in Board, Committee Service
Akron, OH – The Women’s Network Leadership Institute (WNLI) is pleased to launch an online directory featuring more than 200 women in Greater Akron who are interested in board and/or committee service. The WNLI Board Leadership Directory is part of the Women’s Board Leadership Initiative, an effort that was launched earlier this year to bridge…
Read More2024 30 For the Future Honorees
Akron, OH – The Greater Akron Chamber is excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 30 For the Future Awards. Since 2007, the Chamber has celebrated professionals aged 25-39 who demonstrate exceptional leadership, diversity, and dedication to our region. These honorees are recognized for their early-career impact on Greater Akron through industry leadership, community…
Read MorePolymer Industry Cluster Selected for $51 Million Federal Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub Phase 2 Investment
Akron, OH (July 2, 2024) – The Polymer Industry Cluster, a collaboration of private and public partners focused on innovation and investment opportunities for the region’s legacy materials industry powered by the Greater Akron Chamber, has been named the recipient of a $51 million federal investment as part of the EDA Tech Hubs Phase 2…
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