ACTION Newsletter January 2017

NEWSLETTER

JAN. 2017

vol.

no.

XLIX ONE

Downtown Canton Ice Rink Now Open Collaborative effort results in the reopening of outdoor ice rink The Downtown Canton Special Improvement District, a program of the Canton Regional Chamber, along with the City of Canton, Coon Restoration, Canton Parks & Recreation, Arcade Coneys and Center Ice Sports, are pleased to announce that through a collaborative effort, the Hall of Fame City Ice Rink is open for the 2016-2017 winter season. The ice rink, located on Courthouse Plaza (215 Tuscarawas St. W) had been dormant for the past seven years.

Amenities include: on-site food and skate rentals at Arcade Coneys, lighting for day and evening skating, outdoor seating and broadcasted music.

The rink is open Monday-Thursday from 10 am – 7 pm, Friday-Saturday from 10 am – 8 pm, and Sunday from Noon-6 pm. Admission is free, and figure skate and hockey skate rentals are $3.00 per person. ystark! to hold Monthly Meet-Up at Hall of Fame City Ice Rink on Jan. 24. See page 8 for details.

Outgoing Message from 2016 Board of Directors Chairman Brian Belden: INSIDE: Public Policy and Energy...................................... 3 Denny Saunier | ABOUT Magazine........................ 4 Business Excellence Awards Nominations............. 4 AultCare Fast Break Breakfast.............................. 5 AultCare Quick Connect Luncheon........................ 5 FastBreak & QuickConnect Season Passes............. 5 New Chamber Board Members............................. 6 Leadership Government Academy........................ 7 ystark! New Chairs & Ice Rink Event...................... 8 Safety Council Monthly Luncheon...................... 11 New Members................................................... 13 BizBitz.............................................................. 14 January Calendar.............................................. 15

A LOOK TO THE FUTURE

I can’t think of a time when there has been more excitement at the Canton Regional Chamber. Your Chamber board and staff have put in many long days this year planning to move the organization forward and strengthen the business community in our region. Clearly one of the most important things we accomplished this year was the merger between the Jackson Belden Chamber and the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce. The boards of both organizations deserve great credit for their vision and willingness to work together.

We now have one of the strongest Chambers in the State of Ohio and have positioned our organization to provide a level of service that is unprecedented in our region.

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Collaboration continues to be a focus at the Chamber. The Canton Regional Chamber continues to partner with other regional

WWW.C ANTONCHAMBER.ORG

OUR MISSION: To lead the region in business and community development through collaboration and innovation.

O U TGO I NG M E S S AG E January 2017 - Volume XLIX - No. 1

Judith E. Barnes Lancaster Attorney at Law Chairwoman Dennis P. Saunier President & CEO Steven M. Meeks COO Collyn Floyd Editor and Director of Marketing Denise Burton Advertising Sales / Action 330.458.2067 Molly Romig Advertising Sales / Action 330.458.2077

Sarah Lutz Graphics Manager

organizations in order to provide the best possible impact for our business community. With our attention focused on economic development, business retention and expansion and greater workforce development we partner with many great organizations in the community to reach these goals. We continue to work towards partnering with these organizations to provide the best opportunities for all business success in the region.

With the establishment of the Small Business Growth Network and our partnership with SCORE, the Chamber is excited to see the growth and development of our many small business members. What a great opportunity to assist members looking for advice on preparing business and marketing plans, understanding business law and improving cash flow just to name a few of the many services offered. The Chamber continues to improve our member services through these types of partnerships and places an emphasis on the small business community as it is the heart of the Chamber’s membership community.

Our five year strategic plan still guides us through our future planning. We’ve made many great strides since implementing the plan in 2014. We’ve enhanced our partnerships throughout the region.

We’ve evaluated our events and services and made adjustments to the changing demands of the community and our membership. We’ve strengthened our voice in the region with regards to public policy and business legislation and advocacy.

We’ve supported our urban core and promoted the development of downtown

is published monthly for

the members of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The subscription cost is $25 per year and is included in the price of membership.

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, Ohio 44702 or call (330) 456.7253, or e-mail news@cantonchamber.org Advertising rates are available for Chamber members.

Advertisement does not constitute endorsement by the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce.

(continued from cover)

Canton. The strategic plan has been an effective road map to help us reach our end goals of strengthening our community and the region.

The vitality of the Chamber continues to be its leaders. I’d like to thank Chamber President & CEO Dennis Saunier and the rest of the Chamber staff for their dedication and continued hard work. I’d also like to commend the 2016 Board of Directors for the vision and direction.

With a great team working together we were able to achieve many successful accomplishments this year. Your Chamber board is made up of strong community leaders who volunteer their time to make our organization first-rate. I welcome Judith Barnes Lancaster as your incoming Chairwoman. I’m confident she and the board will continue the mission and have another successful year in 2017.

Lastly I’d like to thank our Chamber board of directors and members for allowing me the opportunity to lead this great organization over the last year. A tremendous thank you to our volunteers for your commitment to the Chamber and its success. Without you we couldn’t make the difference and recognize our continued growth. It truly is a time to be excited about the future.

Sincerely,

Brian S. Belden 2016 Chairman of the Board Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce

BOARD OF

PUBLIC POLIC Y & ENERGY

DIRECTORS

A New Year for Public Policy and Energy We recently offered our Chamber’s Board of Directors a preview of 2017. Here is what we anticipate in public policy and energy.

Chamber will be watching out for your interests and staying in touch with our U.S. senators and congressional representatives.

In state government, Gov. John Kasich will take the lead by introducing his fourth and last two-year budget. This is not only a spending plan but a policy document that recommends new directions for government programs, agencies and departments.

In energy matters, we told you last month that the drilling companies in the Utica seem to be looking for more workers for the new year. Those indications remain strong as we enter 2017. We are expecting good news at our first oil and gas seminar of the year. It is:

We are anxious about the budget, particularly since the governor has been saying in recent months that state revenue has not been meeting expectations. Here is what our Chamber’s pubic policy agenda says about taxes:

Utica Upstream | April 5 Barrette Center at Walsh University

Tax law and policy at all levels of government should contribute to a more competitive business environment. It should encourage business investment and expansion, which creates jobs that benefit the community or region. Tax burdens should be distributed fairly.

In midstream activity (pipelines, gas processing plants and related infrastructure issues), we have been told to expect a big, positive impact on Stark County’s economy when the interstate gas pipeline construction opens several weeks from now.

Though a new term of the Legislature will be sworn in, and many of the 132 representatives and senators will have new laws to propose, the governor’s budget will occupy most of the capital’s energy for the first six months.

Finally, in downstream, Ohio is anticipating an announcement in first-quarter 2017 that PTT Global Chemical is moving forward with its proposed $5.7 billion ethane cracker in Belmont County. A cracker plant converts abundant ethane into the raw material for creating plastics.

This would be the second ethane cracker for the Utica-Marcellus shale region, and is expected to boost the already strong chemical and plastics industry in our region.

We supported the post-election effort to put Ohio’s unemployment compensation system on firmer footing, but the plan succumbed to backroom disagreements at the last minute. A new effort will be made to balance employer input and worker benefits.

A new federal government is taking shape, and it will be taking new directions, some which are yet to be made clear. Your

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairwoman of the Board Judith E. Barnes Lancaster Attorney At Law Sr. Vice Chairman - Jim Porter The Canton Repository Vice Chairman - Joe Feltes Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLP Vice Chairman - Todd Hawke GDK & Co Vice Chairman - Geoff Karcher The Karcher Group Vice Chairman - Rick McQueen Akron-Canton Airport Vice Chairman - Amanda Sterling TimkenSteel Treasurer - D. William Allen Pro Football Hall of Fame

Registration will be opening soon. Check www.uticasummit.com, our event website, for developments.

Immediate Past Chairman - Brian S. Belden The Belden Brick Company President & CEO - Dennis P. Saunier Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce COO - Steven M. Meeks Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce Recording Secretary - Connie R. Cerny Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Emil Alecusan Brewster Cheese

Michael Moore FedEx Custom Critical

Katrina Barton Belden Village Mall

Frank Monaco Four Fifteen Group

Greg Brokaw Consumers National Bank, Jackson-Belden Office

Steven O. Pittman CliftonLarsonAllen

David Kaminski Vice President for Public Policy and Energy davidk@cantonchamber.org (330) 458-2059

David Cemate Mercy Medical Center

Rodney Reasonover Stark County Community Action Agency

Ajay Das The Timken Company

Robert E. Roland Day Ketterer, LTD.

R. Eric Dellapina KeyBank

Joseph D. Schauer Schauer Group, Inc.

William F. Downey Kenan Advantage Group

Dr. Denise A. Seachrist Kent State University at Stark

Chris DiLoreto Jackson Local Schools Mike Gallina AultCare Health Network Dr. Jay Gershen Northeast Ohio Medical University Michael Graeff Matt Gregory Gregory Industries Dr. Para Jones Stark State College Dr. David A. King Malone University Bradley R. McKain Marathon Petroleum Company, LP

CANTON REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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Bruce M. Soares Black McCuskey Souers & Arbaugh Tracy Stevens Dominion East Ohio John M. Tucker Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty Co., L.P.A. Brandon Wehl Portage Electric Products Inc. Mark Wright Aultman Health Foundation Cathy Wyatt Carpe Diem Coffee Shops

UPCOMING EVENTS Denny Saunier Named as One of About Magazine’s 2017 People of the Year The Chamber begins 2017 with some very good news! Our own Denny Saunier, Chamber president and CEO, has been named one of About Magazine’s 2017 People of the Year, along with Zach Herrera and The Bluecoats! About defines Person of the Year as, “someone who embodies success, positive influence and who has helped shape community.” The January issue of About Magazine is on newsstands now.

Deadline nearing for BEA Nominations Nominations for Stark County’s most prestigious business awards are due by Jan. 20, 2017.

The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce is seeking Business Excellence Awards nominations for Stark County businesses. Help us celebrate businesses that have distinguished themselves by being a significant presence in and/or providing substantial benefit to the citizens and economy of Stark County.

To be considered, the business must be for-profit, non-publicly-traded (and not a wholly-owned subsidiary of a publicly traded company). In addition, the business needs to have demonstrated several of the following attributes: Ø Growth in business and/or employment Ø Capital improvements Ø Innovation (expansion of products/product lines) Ø Longevity Ø Expansion of operations and/or efficiencies Ø Responsiveness to business/industry challenges Ø Consistent involvement in the community Ø Outstanding customer service Ø Entrepreneurship For full eligibility information, or to nominate a company, please visit cantonchamber.org/awards.

If you have questions regarding eligibility or the nomination process for Business Excellence Awards, please contact Melissa Elsfelder, event manager, at melissae@cantonchamber.org or 330.458.2073. Remember, nomination deadline is Jan. 20, 2017.

SAVE THE DATE! Honorees of this year’s awards will be recognized during the awards dinner scheduled for Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at The Conference Center at Kent State Stark.

Sponsors to date: Westfield Bank, Day Ketterer, Stark State College

Baker, Dublikar, Beck, Wiley & Mathews attorneys at law

Telephone: (330) 499-6000 Telecopier: (330) 499-6423 400 SOUTH MAIN STREET NORTH CANTON, OHIO 44720 www.bakerfirm.com

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CANTON REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

UPCOMING EVENTS Kick Off the New Year with Two Exciting Opportunities!

Want to grow your contacts and leads? We offer the AultCare Fast Break Breakfast and the AultCare QuickConnect Networking Luncheon, each month! Whether you prefer your networking at breakfast, at lunch, or both, we’ve got you covered.

Every month, Fast Break and/ or QuickConnect attendees can obtain business leads through enjoyable networking activities, hear a compelling speaker, meet new business contacts and enjoy a delicious meal. Plus, when you bring a door prize valued at $15 or more, you’ll receive 30 seconds at the microphone to promote your business.

January AultCare Fast Break Breakfast with Marvin Montgomery A perennial January favorite, Marvin “the Sales Doctor” Montgomery, Author/Motivational Speaker & Professional Sales & Customer Service Trainer, is coming back to get us Marvinized for 2017. Get ready to ring in the Fast Break New Year with a fun, energizing session on Friday, January 13. Marvin’s positive outlook on life and business is sure to put you in the right mindset for 2017.

Friday, Jan. 13 7:30 – 9 am (Registration begins at 7 am) Courtyard by Marriott 4375 Metro Circle, Canton $18 Members/$25 Non-Members Register by Jan. 11 at CantonChamber.org January AultCare QuickConnect Networking Luncheon with Jim Ondrus of JA Ondrus LLC Be there for our January networking luncheon when Jim Ondrus presents on “The 10 Commandments of Personal Leadership.” You’ll come away: • Understanding that trust is the foundation of leadership

• Understanding that we all cast a shadow of influence

• Learning how to push the reset button to change your mindset • Understanding the impact of moods on our success Wednesday, Jan. 18 11:30 am – 1 pm (Registration begins at 11 am) Shady Hollow Country Club 4865 Wales Ave. NW, Massillon $18 Members/$23 Non-Members Register by Jan. 16 at CantonChamber.org

CANTON REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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NEW BOARD MEMBERS Judith E. Barnes Lancaster Elected Canton Chamber Board Chairwoman; New Board Members Also Elected Judith E. Barners Lancaster, attorney at law, has been elected as chairwoman of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce board of directors for 2017.

Judith has served as special counsel to the Ohio Attorney General since 1995, and maintains a private practice in Canton focusing on personal injury and probate.

She has owned her own clinical laboratory and established a tissue bank for the transplantation of human bone.

She was recently named to the Stark State College Foundation Board of Directors.

She also serves or has recently served as an active trustee of the Akron University Law Alumni Association, member of the Northeast Ohio Medical University Board of Directors, member of the Walsh University Board of Directors, and member of the Kent State University Arts & Science Board.

Judith serves as a member and executive officer of the Foundation Board of Mercy Medical Center. She has been a member of and held various offices with the Women’s Impact Board of Directors, Prescription Assistance Network Board, Athena International Board of Directors, and the Canton Museum of Art Foundation Board. She was the first female Rotarian in Stark County.

In 2007, Judith created the Judith E. Barnes Lancaster Diversity Student Scholarship for a deserving Northeast Ohio Medical University student. And in 2009, Judith received the Community-Based Diversity Partner Award from NEOMED in recognition of her lifelong commitment to education.

She was named the 2015 Outstanding Law Alumni of The University Akron School of Law and received the 2015 Harold K. Stubbs Humanitarian Award for Law, along with the 2014 Martin Luther

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King, Jr. Award for Community Service and the 2013 Stark County Contemporary Trailblazers Award.

She received her bachelor of science degree from Kent State University and a juris doctorate from The University of Akron School of Law. She also earned a certificate in bargaining and negotiating at the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of Virginia.

Newly elected members of the board are: • Matt Gregory, executive vice president, Gregory Industries •

Joe Schauer, vice president of business development, Schauer Insurance

•

Cathy Wyatt, owner/operator, Carpe Diem Coffee Shops Matt Gregory is the Executive Vice President for Gregory Industries.

In addition to a senior management role, Matt leads Gregory’s various operating divisions.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Management from Wittenberg University and a MBA from the University of Akron.

Matt is a board member and former President of the board for Pathway Caring for Children and a board member for the Stark Development Board. He has been the varsity head coach of the boys lacrosse team at Hoover High School since 2003.

Matt and his wife Tara, have three children and reside in North Canton, Ohio.

Joe Schauer is vice president of business development at Schauer Group, where he is focused on organizational growth, client retention and client development.

He joined the firm in 2004, after earning a bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University. He earned his designation as

a Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) in 2007, and his Associate in Risk Management (ARM) in 2010.

He is a current member of the board of trustees for Stark Development Board and board member for Canton Tomorrow, Inc. Previously, Joe served on First Merit Bank’s Advisory Board, was chairman of ystark!, and chairman of the Eric Snow YMCA. He is a past director for ArtsinStark, and is a graduate of the 22nd class of Leadership Stark County.

Joe was selected as Business Insurance Magazine’s top 40 Under 40 Insurance Brokers in 2014, recipient of the YMCA’s Red Triangle Award in 2013, YMCA Volunteer of the Year in 2011 and ystark!

Twenty under 40! honoree in 2009. Joe is married with two daughters.

Cathy Wyatt is owner/ operator of Carpe Diem Coffee Shops, which has two locations: in downtown Canton (opened 2003) and Belden Village Mall (opened 2013).

Cathy is currently a board member of Alliance for Children & Family Services.

She is the past president of the Canton Palace Theater, Impact 100 of Community Services, and past race director for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Gold Jacket 5K Race.

Cathy and her husband of 34 years, Patrick, have two children. They reside in the Onesto Lofts in downtown Canton.

CANTON REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

LEADERSHIP STARK COUNT Y Don’t Miss These Leadership Opportunities Apply Now! Government Leadership Academy begins January 31, 2017 Tuition: $425, scholarships available Government Leadership Academy is perfect for civic minded individuals interested in learning about our government, how to impact local issues, and the importance of service leadership. The Academy is a five-week course of leadership development promoting excellence in local governance. Meeting bi-weekly at the Chamber of Commerce and branches of the Stark County District Library, the course will cover: Gallup StrengthsFinder for Government Leaders | Strengths Based Economic Development and Strengths Based Citizen Engagement Your Role as a Government Official | Effective Communication & Engaging with the Media | Ethics in Government | Board Training Successful Campaigning | Local and Regional Shared Services | Where can you make a difference in government leadership?

Apply Now! Spotlight for Young Professionals begins February 27, 2017 Tuition $525, scholarships available •

This program is for young professionals in their 20’s to early 30’s, who are ready to take their career and community involvement to the next level. It is a great option for employers to enhance leadership potential and build leadership competencies in young professionals.

January 30, 2017 LSC 30 Year Celebration: Local Business Spotlight – Hendrickson Lunch & Tour Hendrickson Begins at Noon Cost: $15 per person, includes lunch •

Take a tour of one of Stark County’s cutting-edge businesses and global leader in heavy-duty suspensions, Hendrickson. Key leaders will share how Hendrickson continues to pioneer innovative solutions.

March 2, 2017 Building Better Boards Seminar Aultman North Canton Medical Group, Education Building 6046 Whipple Ave NW, North Canton Cost: $35 per person, $105 for 4 from same agency •

Energize your non-profit organization with the latest trends, best practices, and techniques. Attend the Building Better Boards seminar and start 2017 moving smoothly toward your organizational goals. Non-profit board members and staff or anyone interested in non-profit administration are encourage to attend. Topics include ‘The Role of the Board,’ ‘Legal Responsibilities of Board Service,’ and more.

Register for any of these events at www.LeadershipStarkCounty.org

CANTON REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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YSTARK! ystark! Turns 10, Welcomes New Chair, Vice-Chair for 2017 We’re excited to announce for our 10th year anniversary, Quinn Parker, Associate, GDK & Co., will serve as 2017 Chair of ystark! and Whitney Willits-Monroe, Associate, Black, McCuskey, Souers & Arbaugh, LPA, will serve as Vice Chair.

Quinn Parker has been active in ystark! for over 5 years, both as a regular attendee and our past Golf Outing Chair. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and a minor in Economics from Malone University and is a Central Catholic High School graduate. He and his wife Marissa live in Canton with their children Paxton and Gabriel. In his spare time he’s involved in the community, an avid golfer and a Hoban golf coach. We’re honored to have Quinn’s diverse and local background as part of our volunteer leadership team.

Whitney Willits-Monroe, who joined us over 4 years ago, has most recently served as Events Committee Chair and is a positive conduit between ystark! and the Stark County Bar Association Young Lawyers Committee. She received her Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University and Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Capital University after graduating from Perry

High School. She is married to Jordan and together they have Midas, their four-legged friend at their home in North Canton.

Both of these young leaders bring a passion and purpose, while also representing local roots of community understanding. We anticipate great things with these two and our full line-up of committee chairs for our 10th year anniversary. To get involved, visit ystark.org or call 330-458-2302.

Break the Ice at ystark!

Networking Event on Jan. 24 Test your skating skills on January 24 at our ystark!

Monthly Meet-up as we “break the ice” and skate into a new year of networking! Whether you’re a young professional or young at heart, you won’t want to let this unique networking opportunity slip by!

Tuesday, Jan. 24 5:30-7:30 pm Hall of Fame City Ice Rink 215 Tuscarawas St. W Free, but reservations are required at ystark.org

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CANTON 330.456.8341 | NEW PHILADELPHIA 330.364.6553 | BMSA.COM

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CANTON REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SAFET Y COUNCIL January Stark County Safety Council Luncheon: Marijuana – Is it Really That Bad in the Workplace?

What accommodations, if any, do employers have to make? Is the drugfree workplace a thing of the past? Are hiring practices affected by the medical marijuana legalization? Will you still get your workers’ compensation discounts?

These and many other questions will be answered at our January Safety Council luncheon featuring Gust Callas, partner at Black McCuskey Souers & Arbaugh, LPA. Thursday, Jan. 12 11:30 am to 1 pm Meyers Lake Ballroom 3218 Parkway St. Canton, OH 44708 Cost: $17 RSVP by Jan. 9 Spotlight company:

About our speaker: Gust Callas currently serves as Coordinator for the Labor and Employment Practice Area of the Firm. He is also a member of the Firm’s Litigation and Workers’ Compensation Service Groups. Gust was the first lawyer in Ohio to be Board Certified as a specialist in both Labor & Employment Law as well

as Workers’ Compensation Law. Gust has extensive experience in litigation and particular specialty in the defense and counseling of clients in employmentrelated matters. He has successfully argued cases before the Ohio Supreme Court, as well as the United States Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Gust received both his law degree and undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Akron, receiving both degrees with the highest honors.

Combining both degrees has assisted him in commercial litigation as well as advising several corporations as general counsel. Gust is recognized by his peers as one of the preeminent lawyers in his field, having received an AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell*, and has been recognized as an Ohio Super Lawyer from 2004 to 2017.

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Canton | 330.966.9400

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CANTON REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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Canton • Hudson • Toledo • Youngstown

MODERN LAW SINCE 1872 330.455.0173 www.dayketterer.com

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Canton’s oldest law firm is also modern. When William R. Day founded our firm, he was committed to one idea: practicing law with the most modern techniques of the day.

Now, 144 years later, we’re still committed to practicing law that values relationships, teamwork and an understanding that the path to success is as important as the success itself.

CANTON REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME to our newest members, who joined Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce in November. We encourage you to patronize their businesses. If you know of other businesses that would benefit from Chamber membership, please contact the Membership Department at (330) 458-2067.

33 Mile Radius (ONLINE MARKETING) Tim Gill 6133 Rockside Road - Ste. 400 Independence, OH 44131 (216) 600-0879 www.33mileradius.com

Digital Operations Group, LLC (NETWORK CABLING) Timothy J. Smith 5111 Fleetwood Ave. NW Canton, OH 44718 (234) 348-2030 digitaloperationsgroup.com

6th Street Yoga (YOGA) Mike & Topaz Tolloti 214 6th Street NE Canton, OH 44702 (330) 354-7426

NLZ Canton Corral dba Golden Corral Restaurant (RESTAURANTS) Nikki Zehner 4910 Dressler Rd. NW Canton, OH 44718 (330) 493-6120

Abbot’s Blinds & Window Fashions, Inc., (BLINDS - WINDOW COVERINGS) Diana Shirey & Donna Warner 4437 Whipple Ave. NW Canton, OH 44718 (330) 492-0711 abbotswindows.com Allstate - Rich Esber Agency (INSURANCE) Rich Esber 1635 Whipple Ave. NW Canton, OH 44708 (330) 478-0171 www.allstateagencies.com/ RICHESBER/Welcome Apex Electric Supply Co. (ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES - WHOLESALE) Susan Palshook 406 W. Exchange St. Akron, OH 44302 (330) 253-5157 www.apexesupply.com Canton Chophouse & Market (RESTAURANTS) Josh Schory 218 Court Ave. NW Canton, OH 44702 (330) 491-7955 www.cantonchophouse.com Crisis Intervention and Recovery Center, Inc. (SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES) Jeffrey Allen 832 McKinley Ave. NW Canton, OH 44703 (330) 452-9812 www.circstark.org

HomeBuyer Experts (REAL ESTATE) Joseph Shaffer 5050 Quail Hill St. Apt. H North Canton, OH 44720 (330) 475-9893 hbexperts.com InterChez (LOGISTICS - FREIGHT FORWARDING -TRANSLATIONS & TRANSCRIPTION SERVICES) Clifton B. Cox 600 Alpha Parkway Stow, OH 44224 (330) 592-0634 www.interchez.com J. Albert Studios (PHOTOGRAPHERS - PORTRAIT AND/OR COMMERCIAL) Joe Albert 207 Market Ave. N Canton, OH 44702 (330) 417-6600 www.jalbertstudios.com Dr. Kuendig & Associates, Inc. (PSYCHOLOGY) Dr. Miran Kuendig 100 - 30th St. NW Ste 109 Canton, OH 44709 (330) 492-5272 Marsino’s Bingo (BINGO - WHOLESALE) Gina Sibila 5052 15th St. SW Canton, OH 44710 (330) 605-1781

MegaBalance Massage Therapy (MASSAGE THERAPY) Meg Pomeroy, LMT 2700 Roberts Ave. NW Canton, OH 44709 (330) 224-8703 www.megpomlmt. massagetherapy.com NSME Akron/Canton Nat’l Sales/Mrkting Exectives (ASSOCIATIONS SALES & MARKETING) Sharon Reed 2430 40th St. NE Canton, OH 44705 (330) 818-0123 www.nsmeakroncanton.org Owner’s Management Co. (REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL SERVICES) Paul T. Wilms 25250 Rockside Road Bedford Heights, OH 44146 (440) 439-3800 www.ownerslive.com Patient PAL, LLC (ADVOCACY) Melissa Williams 5605 San Florentine Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89141 (417) 348-0777 www.patientpal.org ServiceMaster by Steinbach (CLEANING & RESTORATION - COMMERCIAL & RETAIL JANITORIAL - OFFICE CLEANING) Kevin Steinbach/Tracy Yartzer 6824 Wise Ave. NW North Canton, OH 44720 (330) 497-5959 www.local.servicemaster.com./ ohio-canton-steinbach

T K Home Inspection, LLC (HOME INSPECTION SERVICES) Terry Kleptach & Amy McIntire 7110 Whipple Ave. NW #D101 North Canton, OH 44720 (330) 361-5505 www.TKHomeInspection.com Terra Logic Inc. (SURVEYORS) Michael J. Blasio 2418 State St. NW Uniontown, OH 44685 (330) 324-9999 The Landing of Canton Meridian (ASSISTED LIVING) Anne Schiller, LNHA 4550 Hills & Dales Rd. NW Canton, OH 44708 (330) 477-5727 www.meridiansenior.com True Hire LLC (BACKGROUND CHECK) Stephanie Froelich 11730 Cleveland Ave. NW Uniontown, OH 44685 (330) 305-1200 www.true-hire.com Tzangas Plakas Mannos Ltd. (ATTORNEYS) Lee E. Plakas 220 Market Ave. S - Floor 8 Canton, OH 44702 (330) 455-6112 www.lawlion.com Zimmerman Steel & Supply Co., LLC (WELDING - METAL FABRICATION) Dave Zimmerman 18543 Davis Rd. Dalton, OH 44618 (330) 828-1010 www.zimmermansteel.com

Shredit Mower Blades (MOWER BLADES) J. Britton Morrow 2030 Industrial Pl. SE Canton, OH 44707 (800) 869-6621 www.shreditblades.com

CANTON REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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BIZ BITZ Consumers National Bank has received the Top Community Bank Lender Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Cleveland District Office. The award recognized the bank’s outstanding performance making SBA 7(a) and SBA Express loans during SBA fiscal year 2016, ranking first among community banks in the 28 norther Ohio counties served by the Cleveland SBA Office. Over the 2016 fiscal year, Consumers National Bank lent $4.3 million to small businesses through 19 SBA loans. The bank ranked 5th in dollars and 10th in volume out al all banks in the SBA’s Cleveland District.

Consumers National Bank has nine commercial lenders serving business clients from the bank’s 12 branches in Carroll, Columbiana and Stark counties, plus two loan production offices in Stow and Wooster.

Connie Collings, president of the Stark County Real Estate Investors Association, was elected as vice-president of the Ohio Real Estate Investors Association on November 5, 2016.

Robert F. Fay CPA, PFS, CGMA was recently awarded the Gold Medal for Meritorious Service Award to the Accounting Profession from the Ohio Society of CPAs. Every year the Ohio Society of CPAs recognizes one member for significant contributions to the accounting profession and the Ohio Society. This is the highest level award given by the organization. Bob has served in a leadership role on the executive board of the Ohio Society as well as past member and chairman of the Accountancy Board of Ohio. Nationally, Bob has held leadership roles with the American Institute of CPAs executive committees, boards, and commissions for the last 14 years. Bob currently is a member of the ethics committee of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy.

The Karcher Group, a digital marketing agency with offices in Ohio and South Carolina, has announced the addition of two new members. Patrick French joins the agency as a Sales Strategist and Mark Turkeltaub as Relationship Manager. In

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The Great Trail Council, encompassing the Akron, Warren and Youngstown communities; and

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A new council, yet to be named, will be formed along Lake Erie from Ashtabula County to Erie County, incorporating the City of Cleveland.

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www.greatwork.cc

Manufacturing • Clerical • Technical • Warehouse Akron 330.535.3800

Canton 330.479.0758

Streetsboro 330.626.0500

Wadsworth 330.334.5555

Lakewood 440.663.0050

L E T YOU R H E A R T

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The Buckeye Council, with boundaries stretching from the Marion/Mansfield area to the eastern border of Ohio, along Route 30

Have business news you’d like to share via Biz Bitz? Send your news release to Collyn Floyd, director of marketing, at collynf@cantonchamber.org.

Providing workforce solutions in NE Ohio since 1992

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) in Northeast Ohio have announced that the volunteer leaders of five area Scouting councils voted to consolidate to three councils by early 2017. The five area councils – the Greater Cleveland Council; the Great Trail Council; the Greater Western Reserve Council; the Heart of Ohio Council; and the Buckeye Council – will pare down to three to focus Scouting’s resources towards our mission of providing the area’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership. The remaining three councils will be comprised of: •

his new role, French will promote new business development, as well as manage the agency’s marketing and communications programs. With experience in both the agency and client-side of the business, French brings extensive experience in digital marketing strategy and project management. Turkeltaub has more than 20 years of experience developing innovative digital media solutions for local and national brands, including American Honda Motors, AmTrust Financial and John Carroll University. In his role as relationship manager at TKG, Turkeltaub will foster client partnerships and provide new business support.

ROME Come here. Go far.

330.966.2252 | palmervacations.com

CANTON REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

JANUAR Y C ALENDAR

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January 2017 Calendar First Friday www.cantonfirstfriday.com First Friday is a monthly party in the downtown Canton Arts District featuring themed music, performance and visual arts events. Rain or shine, year ‘round. January’s theme: Cold as Ice!

First Friday, January 6 6:00-10:00 pm Downtown Canton Arts District FREE

January Luncheon: Stark County Safety Council www.starkcountysafetycouncil.org Join us in January for “Marijuana: Is it Really That Bad in the Workplace?” with Gust Callas, attorney at law.

Thursday, January 12 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Meyer’s Lake Ballroom $17 per person

January AultCare Fast Break Breakfast www.cantonchamber.org Get “Marvinized” in the New Year with perennial favorite, Marvin “the Sales Doctor” Montgomery!

Friday, January 13 7:00 am registration 7:30 am program Courtyard by Marriott in North Canton $18 members, $25 non-members

January AultCare QuickConnect Luncheon www.cantonchamber.org Join us for the AultCare QuickConnect Luncheon featuring Jim Ondrus of Jim Ondrus LLC on “the 10 Commandments of Personal Leadership.”

Wednesday, Jan. 18 11:30 am – 1 pm (Registration begins at 11 am) Shady Hollow Country Club $18/members, $23/non-members

ystark! Monthly Meet-Up at Hall of Fame City Ice Rink ystark.org Help us break the ice and skate into a new year of networking fun at downtown Canton’s ice rink!

Tuesday, January 24 5:30-7:30 pm Hall of Fame City Ice Rink Free, but reservations are required

LSC 30 Year Celebration: Local Business Spotlight – Hendrickson Lunch & Tour leadershipstarkcounty.org Take a tour of one of Stark County’s cutting-edge businesses and global leader in heavy-duty suspensions, Hendrickson.

Monday, January 30 Begins at Noon Hendrickson International $15 per person, includes lunch

CANTON REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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Your Community.

Your Health.

Your Choice.

In-Network Rates for out-of-network plans.

Mercy “Your Choice” allows those with non-network PPO plans to access Mercy services at in-network rates. That means no out-of-network penalties. If you’re ready to make the switch, call 330-588-4663 to find out if you qualify for “Your Choice.”

cantonmercy.org | facebook.com/cantonmercy

Mercy Your Choice Chamber Ad FINAL.indd 1

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