NEWSLETTER
JAN. 2015
vol.
no.
XLVII ONE
Outgoing Message from 2014 Board of Directors Chairman Philip D. Fracassa Have you ever noticed how many songs are built around change? From David Bowie to Taylor Swift, from Tim McGraw to Bob Dylan, their lyrics pine for change, dread change, embrace change and celebrate change. As I reflect on this past year, I have a greater appreciation for why change tends to dominate the music scene: life is punctuated by change and our community is no different. Our Chamber is a driving force for positive change. This past year we welcomed new businesses to our region, enjoyed new events and programs, and launched new initiatives to improve the business environment and quality of life in Stark County.
With the strategic plan as our roadmap, we made meaningful progress against our six strategic goals: • Advance Unified Regional Economic Development • Help Employers and Educational Institutions Strengthen Workforce Readiness • Support Development of the Canton Urban Core • Advocate for Regional Travel Industry Infrastructure Expansion • Create a Public Policy Advocacy Voice for the Region • Reinforce a Chamber Culture of Collaboration, Integration and Service Excellence (continued on next page)
William C. Shivers elected Canton Chamber board chairman; new board members also elected INSIDE: Oil & Gas Column................................................. 3 AultCare Fast Break Breakfast.............................. 5 Business Excellence Awards................................. 6 Stir After Hours................................................... 7 Leadership Family Business Forum....................... 8 Leadership Government Academy........................ 9 Funding Partners.............................................. 11 ystark! Twenty under 40!................................... 12 ystark! Executive Committee Chairs................... 15 Stark County Safety Council Luncheon............... 15 New Members................................................... 17 BizBitz.............................................................. 18 January Calendar.............................................. 19
William C. Shivers, president, Greater Akron/Canton Region, Huntington Bank, has been elected chairman of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce board of directors for 2015. A 20-year veteran of the banking industry, Bill joined Huntington in 2007. Prior to being named President of the Greater Akron/ Canton Region he served as vice president and team leader of commercial banking. Previously, Bill held a commercial banking role at KeyBank. Additionally, his diverse background encompasses serving as a State Examiner for the Ohio State Auditors Office; Director of Sales and Marketing, as well as Vice President of Operations, for Quaker Manufacturing Corp. (continued on page four)
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