It’s Here in Greater Akron
The Greater Akron Chamber is at the forefront of regional economic development work in collaboration with local and regional partners that benefits all communities, businesses and residents in our region. As a leading economic development organization, we stand ready to assist businesses of all sizes by creating a climate that encourages and supports business attraction and retention, job creation, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
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Ready to assist businesses of all sizes
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Learn about our research insights
and data trends
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Our region's collaborative economic development strategy
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Leading Northeast Ohio’s Polymer Industry Cluster development
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Ready to assist businesses of all sizes
and Research
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Learn about our research insights
and data trends
________
Our region's collaborative economic development strategy
________
Leading Northeast Ohio’s Polymer Industry Cluster development
Ready to assist businesses of all sizes
Learn about our research insights and data trends
Our region's collaborative economic development strategy
Leading Northeast Ohio’s Polymer Industry Cluster development
OUR REACH
Business Retention,
Expansion and Attraction
Business retention, expansion and attraction work is about removing the barriers and friction that exist for businesses when they are trying to start, grow, or move to this region. We work side by side with companies to understand what their challenges and opportunities are. Companies see benefits through connections to resources that advance their work in areas like relocation, building/site selection, workforce, diversity, equity and inclusion, access to capital, and more.
Along with our Elevate Greater Akron partners including the County of Summit, City of Akron and 30 suburban jurisdictions, the Greater Akron Chamber has developed a comprehensive BRE program that focuses on meeting the needs of regional businesses and ensuring Greater Akron remains their home. More than 700 companies have been identified for proactive outreach during 2024, including 300+ minority-owned businesses.
International Work
For more than 30 years, the Greater Akron Chamber, along with our Elevate Greater Akron partners including City of Akron, County of Summit, FirstEnergy, Team NEO/JobsOhio and University of Akron, have participated in domestic and international marketing activities as part of the “Akron, USA” initiative. The unique public-private partnership has been recognized as one of the premier Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) outreach efforts in the United States. As a result of “Akron, USA’s” ongoing efforts, nearly $500M has been invested – and reinvested – in the Greater Akron Region by international companies looking for a globally competitive location in North America.
Data and Research
Strong research and business intelligence serves as the foundation for sound economic development practice, marketing, and strategic decision-making. With our Elevate Greater Akron partners, we invest in research that will create opportunity and advance the Greater Akron economy.
Data and Research
Strong research and business intelligence serves as the foundation for sound economic development practice, marketing, and strategic decision-making. With our Elevate Greater Akron partners, we invest in research that will create opportunity and advance the Greater Akron economy.
Elevate Greater Akron is the strategic economic development plan for this region launched in 2018 by the Greater Akron Chamber, the City of Akron, Summit County, and the GAR Foundation. Unique to this plan is the ongoing collaboration of the core partners and 20 other ecosystem partners. The plan focuses on business retention and expansion, economic inclusion, igniting innovation and startup potential, investing in urban centers and job hubs, and creating a forward-looking culture of economic development for Greater Akron.
