M a r c h 2 0 1 0 i s s u e • v o l . X L I I n o . 3 A message to our members from the President & CEO The Canton Regional Generating Economic Development Chamber’s very mission As we prepare to sign our first tenant to Mills is to inspire growth and Business Park, a 141-acre park located in the business development in city of Canton, it is further confirmation that our community.This was we now have one of the finest Class A business a difficult mission to fulfill parks in Northeast Ohio.We will work in 2010 in 2009.This past year was to attract additional developments to our area perhaps one of the most while helping established companies to retain challenging in our history and grow their businesses in Stark County. and all of our members Denny Saunier faced formidable decisions Developing New Opportunities about the direction of their for Small Business businesses. As a result, our role as your business While we will continue to deliver your favorite advocate has taken on even greater importance. networking and educational programs, such as AultCare Fast Break Breakfasts and our semi-annu- We believe that 2010 will still pose significant al NETWORK programs, we’ve just unveiled a NEW issues for local business, but we are seeing eco- event – Stir After Hours – perfect for small busi- nomic indicators that suggest cautious optimism nesses to expand their networks locally. Also in as we embark in 2010. As we try to anticipate the works is a major networking opportunity what the future holds, here are some of the key for this fall that we’ll be sharing details on soon. elements that we’re working to bring to our (continued on next page) business members and the community this year: Re-energize your small business i n s i d e : at the Center for Entrepreneurial Success Business Excellence Awards 3 The Center for Entrepreneurial Success is now offering a STIR After Hours 5 seminar series geared toward aspiring or existing entrepreneurs. The program is designed to teach a “real life” curriculum of Project HIRE 5 business knowledge. HOFEF Queen Pageant Apps. 6 HOFEF Chairmen 8-9 Volunteers, such as lawyers, accountants, and business profes- sionals, teach the six or 12-week program.Topics include market Chamber Membership Golf Outing 10 feasibility, insurance and loss prevention, human resource issues, Downtown Canton Events 10 financial statements, business plan development, legal structure Spring Network 2010 10 and technology planning. Nicole Garlando, executive director of the Ananda Center, is a graduate of the course. AultCare Fast Break Breakfast 11 Leadership Stark County 12 “This program is amazing and the professionals involved are Young Entre p reneur Snapshot 13 great. It has helped me a great deal, given me confidence in ystark! Leadership 14-15 my business abilities, and helped me gain knowledge needed to run the Ananda Center,”said Garlando. Safety Council Luncheon 16 S a fety Council CEO Bre a k fa st 17 The course is taught at community centers, including Lake Employment Program 19 Township Chamber and Community Campus at Goodwill. Classes meet once a week and will be held beginning March 11 New Members 20 and March 24. Applications are now being accepted online at BizBitz 21 DefineYourSuccess.org. Scholarships and tuition assistance are March Calendar 23 available. For more information, please contact Marcie Bragg at (330) 445-1059. Message from the President ... (continued from cover) Learn more about these and other welcomed new businesses to the center Chamber events at CantonChamber.org. city and we have helped with the growth of Canton’s Arts District.Thanks to our Engaging Young Professionals downtown Canton events, including First The ystark! program is dedicated to Fridays,Taste of Canton, Zing in the City, March 2010 • Vol. XLII • No. 3 attracting, retaining and engaging Canton Blues Fest,Vintage Canton and talented young professionals in Stark Light Up Downtown, tens of thousands County.These YPs are a key ingredient to of people in our community are enjoying accelerating your company’s recessionary downtown Canton. rebound.We’ve just launched a new ystark! website that offers young Increasing Travel and Tourism professionals the opportunity to network for Stark County and socialize online and off, and offers Travel and tourism to the region is on the business owners a searchable database forefront of our minds, and we’re working of several hundred YPs in Stark County. to bring another 20 years of the OHSAA Visit ystark.org to take advantage of the State Football Championships to new site. Canton.We’re also looking forward to Thomas E. Cecconi welcoming the new class of Pro Football Chairman Developing Civic Leaders Hall of Fame Enshrinees, football heroes We are cultivating diverse civic leaders including guard Russ Grimm, linebacker Dennis P. Saunier to lead the community through Rickey Jackson, cornerback Dick LeBeau, President & CEO Leadership Stark County's Signature running back Floyd Little, defensive tackle Program, Spotlight Program and John Randle, wide receiver Jerry Rice David Zingery Government Leadership Academy. and running back Emmitt Smith, to Director, Marketing Canton at the 47th annual Hall of Fame Legislative and Education Advocacy Enshrinement Festival this summer. Jessica Bennett We have a strong presence in the legisla- Editor tive arena to ensure that public policy What to expect from the Chamber creates a positive climate for business The Chamber will work to bring new Denise Burton growth and capital investments.We’re companies into the area as well as bring Director of Membership & Sales also pursuing increased collaboration customers to businesses already here. Advertising Sales/Action and efficiencies in regional government. Expect to see new market access, (330) 458-2067 Likewise, because we know that educa- training and selling seminars, and many tion is the foundation for strong business opportunities in 2010. For a full look Sarah Bhatia now and in the future, we work alongside at our 2010 Strategic Plan, please visit: Graphic Designer local and regional educators to make CantonChamber.org/StrategicPlan. sure that the voice of local business is represented. Sincerely, Collaborating for Center City Revitalization Action is published monthly for the We are seeing more people in Dennis P. Saunier members of Canton Regional Chamber downtown Canton than ever before. President & CEO of Commerce.The subscription cost is We know that a strong region needs a Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce $25 per year and is included in the price strong center city, and we’re working of membership. to ensure the city’s prosperity.We have Reader questions and comments are welcome and encouraged. Contents may be reprinted with credit. Address all inquiries to: Editor, Action, Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, 222 Market Ave. N., Canton, OH 44702, or call (330) 456-7253, or fax (330) 489-6005. Adve rtising rates are available fo r Ch a m ber membe r s. Adve rt i s e m e nt doe s not co n s t i t u te endorsement by Ca nto n Regional Ch a m ber of Co m m e rce. 2 C a n t o n R e g i o n a l C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e Business Excellence Award winners honored April 27 Stark County’s premier business award RSVP ONLINE NOW AT nominations are in, and the winners CANTONCHAMBER.ORG of 2010’s Business Excellence Awards OR CALL (330) 458-2085. E X E C U T I V E C O M M I T T E E will be announced in an upcoming Chairman of the Board - Thomas E. Cecconi issue of ACTION! Winners of the Business Tuesday, April 27 Mercy Medical Center Excellence Awards will be honored on 5:30 p.m. cocktail reception Sr. Vice Chairman - George W. Lemon April 27 at a distinguished ceremony 6:30 p.m. dinner and and gala dinner at The University Center awards ceremony Vice Chairman - Rick L. Haines at Kent State University at Stark. The University Center at AultCare Kent State University at Stark Vice Chairman - Kevin Kampman Tickets for this event will sell out fast – 6000 Frank Ave. The Repository make sure you reserve your seat TODAY. North Canton 44720 Vice Chairman - Dean L. Olivieri Cost: $45 Fred Olivieri Construction Co. RSVP by Apr. 20 Treasurer - D. William Allen Our sponsors ... Pro Football Hall of Fame Immediate Past Chairman Ronald D. Becker Hilscher-Clarke Electric Co. President & CEO - Dennis P. Saunier Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce Corporate Secretary - Steven J. Katz Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce B O A R D O F D I R E C TO R S Michael S. Armbrester Geoff Karcher Marathon Petroleum Co. LLC The Karcher Group James T. Batchelder Tim Maloney The M.K. Morse Co. Canton Chair Rental Timothy M. Burke, Jr. Rick McQueen FirstMerit Akron-Canton Airport William R. Cook John A. Murphy, Jr. Chase N.A. Day Ketterer Ltd. Darryl J. Dillenback John O’Donnell Ph.D. Stark State Ken English College of Technology Charter One Mark J. Samolczyk Philip D. Fracassa Stark Community Foundation The Timken Company Thomas W. Schmidt Jerry Gilin Diebold Inc. William C. Shivers Huntington Bank Derek Gordon Canton Jaycees Paul E. Siegfried Siegfried Enterprises Inc. Jason F. Haupt Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Randolph L. Snow Dougherty Co., L.P.A. Black, McCuskey, Souers & Arbaugh LPA Rick L. Hull Vicky L. Sterling Terrance L. Jones Pinnacle Press Inc. Multi-Development Services of Stark County Dr. Gary W. Streit Malone University Richard L.