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 Leadership.  Dr. Jones will be honored at the Greater Akron Chamber’s Annual Meeting on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the John S. Knight Center.…

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Akron-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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Bounce 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.

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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…

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2025 30 For the Future Honorees

A photo collage of individual portraits

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…

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Greater 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…

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