March 2011 Action Newsletter

March 2011 issue

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vol. XLIII no. 3

A message to our members from the President & CEO This year marks important milestones in our recent history.

Dennis P. Saunier Ten years ago, we moved to our new location inside the Millennium Centre in downtown Canton. I began my tenure as the president and CEO of the Chamber, and Steve Katz began his as senior vice president. Other staff ascensions occurred as well, with John Kiste formally becoming the executive director of the Canton/Stark County Convention & Visitors’ Bureau and Joanne Murray leading the

Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival. Over the past 10 years and under the leadership of director Fran Wells, Leadership Stark County has grown from one exceptional Signature Program to add three additional programs targeted at different interest groups.

Ten years ago, the Canton Development Partnership was founded, and we began our concerted efforts to revitalize downtown Canton. Along this 10-year path, Mike Gill has taken over the reins of the CDP, and as a result, we have seen growth in center city business and infrastructure. The need to cultivate a sharp, engaged, young professional workforce

was the catalyst for the creation of the ystark! initiative, led by Aimee Belden. Over the course of five years, it has flourished, growing to 1,300 YP members actively engrossed in our community. Our efforts for educational partnerships and government collaboration have been strengthened by the activity of David Kaminski in advocating efficiencies for the operation of governing bodies at the local, regional and state levels. The Chamber has grown the Stark County Safety Council department, led by Connie Cerny, to more than 300 members, and in the past five years, it has been ranked in the top five of the 88 Safety Councils in Ohio. (continued on page two)

i n s i d e : STIR After Hours

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Business Excellence Awards

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Hot Business on the Burner!

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New Hires & Promotions

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HOFEF Queen Pageant HOFEF Chairmen

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AultCare Fast Break Breakfast

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Leadership Signature Program 16 Leadership Government Academy

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Young Entrepreneur Spotlight 18 ystark! Executive Committee Safety Council Luncheon

Downtown Event Calendar

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Safety Council CEO Breakfast

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BizBitz March Calendar

The breezy easy blues are blowing back into Canton this June for the 10th anniversary edition of Canton Blues Fest. One of the Northeast’s finest free blues experiences is back with a 2011 lineup sure to strike a chord with blues fans large and small! This FREE outdoor summer festival brings the best of the blues home to downtown Canton, with music all day from noon to 10:30 p.m. on June 10 and 11.

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Ohio Safety Expo

New Members

Boogie woogie your way downtown to Canton Blues Fest

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The Canton Development Partnership’s (a department of the Canton Regional Chamber) tenth annual festival will feature headliners Michael Burks on Friday, June 10, at 8:30 p.m. and Ronnie Baker Brooks on Saturday, June 11, at 8:30 p.m.

Guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Michael “Iron Man” Burks stands tall as a major contemporary blues figure. With a nickname earned by his hours-long, intensely physical performances, fearsome guitar attack, tough, smoky vocals and the thousands (continued on page three)

Message ...

March 2011 • Vol. XLIII • No. 3

George W. Lemon Chairman Dennis P. Saunier President & CEO Jessica Bennett Editor & Director of Marketing Denise Burton Director of Membership & Sales Advertising Sales/Action (330) 458-2067 Sarah Bhatia Graphic Designer

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Chamber membership, our bread and butter, has grown steadily over the past 10 years under the direction of Denise Burton, with current figures exceeding 1,550 members. Though newer to the executive management team, Jessica Bennett has brought her marketing, PR and online expertise to the position of marketing director, and has overseen or developed four new websites on behalf of the organization. Longtime finance director Kathy Irwin has guided our organizations in financial matters through even the most difficult economic times.

In the big scheme of things, 10 years is a short time. But the milestones along this 10-year path are among the crucial benchmarks that guide us in the work we are doing to fulfill our mission of advanc ing business and developing community.

They direct us in our path forward.

2010 was not a year without challenges, but it was absolutely a year of resurgence: • We delivered quality programs and events, including a first class business exhibition, the Stark B2B Expo, a fruitful collaboration with The Repository.

• We achieved tangible economic development by way of securing two tenants to Mills Business Park: Medline Industries and Old Dominion Freight Line.

young professionals alike, generating trusteeship and workforce development.

• We delivered world-class festivals on every scale, with the Enshrinement Festival engaging 700,000 individuals during 18 events over nearly two weeks.

• We encouraged tourism to our region and equipped our tourism partners with tools and resources to market themselves in a down economy.

• We were awarded the OHSAA State Football Championships through 2013, maintaining a 20-year tradition.

• We enabled further growth and strength in our center city through strategic partnerships and alliances and a keen focus on the arts.

As we prepare for the coming year, I turn to our professional executive management staff, a tremendous corps of volunteers, and our seven departments for their strategic recommendations on how to continue to achieve our simple but considerable objective. In 2011, our 97th year, our vision will continue to lead us toward business and economic growth and developing and enhancing the quality of life for the Canton/Stark County community.

Sincerely,

• We launched an industry-leading website and social media communications, with more strategies under way.

Action

is published monthly for the

members of Canton Regional Chamber

• Through our departments, we enhanced the leadership culture of seasoned and

Dennis P. Saunier President & CEO

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, OH 44702, or call (330) 456-7253, or fax (330) 489-6005.

Advertising rates are available for Chamber members. Advertisement does not constitute endorsement by Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce.

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Blues Headliners ... of miles logged behind the wheel of his touring van, Burks is a modern blues hero. Nobody in today’s blues world successfully bridges searing electric guitar blues with unbridled rock and roll energy like Burks. For more information, visit MichaelBurks.com.

Chicago guitar-hero Ronnie Baker Brooks puts his own special twist on blues-rock, a twist that involves enlivening the genre with deep soul, modern hip-hop vocals and funk rhythms. He draws on the choppy, hipshaking rhythms of funk, the emotional truth of soul and the forcefulness of rock to bring a distinctive dimension to his groundbreaking sound.

For more information, visit RonnieBakerBrooks.com.

As many as fifteen thousand people will enjoy two days of smooth grooves and ten incredible entertainers at Canton Blues Fest. The festival is free to all, but if you’re looking for the best seat in the house, look no further! VIP

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passes are available again this year at CantonBluesFest.com. You’ll get the best views of the stage from your VIP seats all day and enjoy free food and beer in the evening.

Visit CantonBluesFest.com for a full list of festival performers, including special guest stars Tinsley Ellis and The Rusty Wright Band!

The Canton Development Partnership’s 2011 Canton Blues Fest is made possible in part by Cormony Development and Standard Plumbing and Heating Co. and sponsors (as of this printing) including Schauer Group, Inc., Phil and Nancy Sonner, Quonset Hut, J&J Refuse, The Repository, The Karcher Group, Mix 94.1 and News-Talk 1480 WHBC AM and the Downtown Canton Special Improvement District.

Below left: Michael Burks Below right: Ronnie Baker Brooks

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairman of the Board - George W. Lemon Retired President, Technical Products Group Sr. Vice Chairman - Rick L. Haines AultCare Vice Chairman - Karen Brenneman Hall, Kistler & Company LLP Vice Chairman - Philip D. Fracassa The Timken Company Vice Chairman - Kevin Kampman The Repository Treasurer - D. William Allen Pro Football Hall of Fame Immediate Past Chairman Thomas E. Cecconi Mercy Medical Center 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

Photo © Paul Natkin

Photo © Suzanne Foschino

Michael S. Armbrester Marathon Petroleum Co. LLC

Tim Maloney Canton Chair Rental

Brian Belden The Belden Brick Company

Rick McQueen Akron-Canton Airport

Timothy M. Burke, Jr. FirstMerit

John A. Murphy, Jr. Day Ketterer Ltd.

William R. Cook Chase N.A.

Alan Rodriguez Jülz by Alan Rodriguez and Rodriguez’s House of Stones

Darryl J. Dillenback DNS Insurance, Inc. Mark Fleiner Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems

Thank you to our ADVANTAGE CANTON funding partners: AEP Ohio,

Jerry Gilin Diebold Inc. Greg Harbert CharterOne Bank

AultCare, Aultman Health Foundation, Charter One Bank, Chase

Jason F. Haupt Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty Co., L.P.A.

Bank, The City of Canton, Dominion East Ohio, Fifth Third Bank,

Jan Hein Morris Office Environments

FirstMerit Bank, Hilscher-Clarke Electric Company, Huntington Bank,

Terrance L. Jones Multi-Development Services of Stark County

KeyBank, Mercy Medical Center, PNC and The Timken Company.

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Geoff Karcher The Karcher Group

Mark J. Samolczyk Stark Community Foundation William C. Shivers Huntington Bank Paul E. Siegfried Siegfried Enterprises Inc. Randolph L. Snow Black, McCuskey, Souers & Arbaugh LPA Alice C. Stephens The Employment Source Walter F. Wagor, Ph.D. Kent State University at Stark David M. Wheeler AEP Ohio Mike Williams Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority

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STIR up the LUCK of the IRISH at a special St. Patty’s Day STIR AFTER HOURS 24 countries. Walsh offers 55 academic majors, seven graduate programs and accelerated degrees for working adults. Its 136-acre tree-lined campus encompasses 24 buildings. Walsh also has satellite campuses in Akron, Medina, Canfield, and an international campus just outside of Rome, Italy.

Walsh offers outstanding academic programs and facilities, award-winning athletics, and unique programs in areas such as bioinformatics and museum studies.

RSVP online at CantonChamber.org.

Start your St. Patty’s Day celebration off right at the Stir After Hours at the Barrette Center at Walsh University on Mar. 17. Get your green on and head for one of the area’s premier conference and event centers for a little luck of the Irish. Enjoy delicious appetizers and cocktails – and don’t forget to enter for a chance to win your very own pot o’ gold. We’ll have a variety of fantastic door prizes available, including your chance to win an article about your business in an upcoming issue of Action Newsletter!

We’re going to have tabletop exhibitors onsite so you can check out great products and services from your local business colleagues. Interested in a table to promote your business?

Contact Terri Fullmer at terrif@cantonchamber.org and (330) 458-2077.

Tabletops are $25 each.

The Barrette Center at Walsh University is the ideal location for your next meeting, seminar, conference or special event. Located in the heart of the campus, the Barrette Center has what you’re looking for. A beautiful two-tiered glass atrium that overlooks Walsh’s campus welcomes your guests and our conference room is a state of the art facility designed to accommodate all your needs.

*For convenient parking, enter Walsh University’s campus from Market Ave. Thursday, Mar. 17 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Stir After Hours Networking Walsh University – The Barrette Center 2020 East Maple Street, North Canton Cost: $5 RSVP by Mar. 15

Founded by the Brothers of Christian Instruction in 1960, Walsh University is a coeducational Catholic university with 3,000 students from 15 states and

Business Excellence Awards winners honored May 3 Stark County’s premier business award nominations are in, and the winners of 2011’s Business Excellence Awards will be announced in an upcoming issue of ACTION! Winners of the Business Excellence Awards will be honored on May 3 at a distinguished ceremony and gala dinner at The University Center at Kent State University at Stark.

Tickets for this event will sell out fast – make sure you reserve your seat TODAY and find out which business will be named Outstanding Business of the Year.

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Our sponsors (to date) include BrunerCox LLP, Day Ketterer, Attorneys at Law, The Repository and Stark State College.

RSVP ONLINE NOW AT CANTONCHAMBER.ORG OR CALL (330) 458-2085.

Tuesday, May 3 5:30 p.m. cocktail reception 6:30 p.m. dinner & awards ceremony The University Center at Kent State University at Stark 6000 Frank Ave. NW, North Canton Cost: $48 RSVP by Apr. 26 C h a m b e r

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Perfectly Pawsible Dog Obedience MARCH HOT BUSINESS ON THE BURNER Having pooch problems? Frustrated with your canine relationship? Get in touch with Perfectly Pawsible today!

Grant Holmes, founder of Perfectly Pawsible Dog Obedience, loves your canine companions, and just like you, he wants your dog to be a loving, happy and respected member of your family (pack). If your pup isn’t behaving the way you’d like, Perfectly Pawsible may be the perfect solution!

“Bringing a pet into your pack is a huge undertaking and a huge responsibility. We ‘fall in love’ with a certain breed, personality or cute face and just have to bring that cute bundle home. But at the end of the day, you could end up with the cutest pet in the world that just doesn’t obey,” said Holmes.

That’s where Perfectly Pawsible comes in. Perfectly Pawsible helps to train you to motivate your pooch to progress to the level of obedience that you need in your home. Holmes works one on one with each pet and owner’s pack, ensuring that your dog(s) are trained and behave in the right manner. He works with the most natural methods available, so your dog is doing what it would understand in nature.

“I don’t train using aggression, tricks or over-treating, but methods to help your dog understand your leadership and help you understand how to establish your leadership role.

Rude and non-social behavior not allowed!”

Want to see your business featured here? Come to our monthly Stir After Hours Small Business Networking series for your chance!

You can reach Grant Holmes at (330) 478-1065 or Grant.Holmes@perfectlypawsible.com. Visit PerfectlyPawsible.com for more information about the customized in-home programs available for you and your canine companions!

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Chamber announces new hires and promotions The Canton Regional Chamber has announced several new hires and promotions for its organization and departments. Rebekah Olsen has joined the Chamber as graphics manager and Jessica Bennett has been promoted to director of marketing; Corleon “CJ” Taylor Assent has joined the Canton Development Partnership as event manager and Kelly Blandford Bah has been promoted to assistant director; Rosie Kurtz has been promoted to marketing and events liaison for ystark!

Rebekah Olsen has joined the Chamber as graphics manager, where she designs and delivers on almost every creative design project for the Chamber and Rebekah Olsen its various departments. You can see her work at any of the Downtown Events, First Friday, and

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the upcoming Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival. She brings a fresh perspective and professional image to the Chamber’s materials and promotions. A Chicagoland native, Olsen moved to Canton in 2008. Prior to her career as a graphic designer, she was a musician with a degree in classical trumpet performance from Indiana University. Upon graduating, she realized her aptitude for the visual arts.

She now has over eight years of experience in visual design across a variety of platforms, including video production, interactive flash design, and print design.

Jessica Bennett

Jessica Bennett was most recently the PR & marketing manager for the Chamber. In her new role as director of marketing, she oversees all communications on behalf of the Chamber,

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including promotion and publicity for more than 50 events. She also serves as the chief marketing resource for the Chamber’s seven departments, manages public relations activities and writes two publications: Action Newsletter and Downtown Developments. Bennett is an honors program graduate of Walsh University and has two bachelor’s degrees in English and in corporate communications. Prior to joining the Chamber, Bennett worked at Innis Maggiore, the nation’s leading advertising agency in the practice of positioning, as an account executive and direct marketing manager. She is the arts editor for Buzzbin Magazine, a monthly alternative press serving Northeast Ohio, and the executive director for Indigo Ink Press, a nonprofit publishing house in Canton.

She is the past president of Canton Advertising Federation, an advisor to the ystark! executive committee, a member of the ArtsinStark special initiatives committee, marketing chair and board trustee for the Canton Symphony (continued on page 11)

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New Hires & Promotions ...

Orchestra and winner of the ‘Thrive Under 35’ marketing award.

Corleon “CJ” Taylor Assent joined the Canton Development Partnership as event manager in January of 2011.

As Event Manager, she is responsible for all management aspects of CJ Taylor Assent the downtown events, including Taste of Canton, Canton Blues Festival, Zing in the City, Vintage Canton, Light up Downtown, and the Canton Farmers Market. Born in Oklahoma City, OK, Assent spent most of her youth in Washington, D.C. A graduate of the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business, Assent worked in retail merchandise planning for Macy’s and HSN for over five years and won several awards, including #1 Rank in Gross Margin for all Macy’s stores, Outstanding Global Productivity Performance for the Year (HSN), and Inventory Manager of the Year Award (HSN). Assent and her husband, Dr. Brian Assent, MD, who is a resident OB/GYN at Aultman Hospital, moved to Canton in the summer of 2010. She is a member of the Junior League of Stark County and served as a volunteer at the American Red Cross Stark County Chapter.

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Kelly Blandford Bah joined the Canton Development Partnership in 2008 as the project manager responsible for many projects including Canton Kelly Blandford Bah First Friday and the Canton Farmers’ Market, where she won the 2010 Most Innovative Special Grant award from ArtsinStark for inclusion of arts programming. She was promoted to assistant director in 2010. Her responsibilities include managing the activities and projects of Canton Tomorrow Inc., Downtown Canton Land Bank and the Downtown Canton Special Improvement District. Born in Canton, Bah earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology at The Ohio State University and shortly thereafter moved San Francisco, launching her career at CEVA Logistics (formerly Eagle Global Logistics) while volunteering her time with community outreach organizations. Interested in pursuing a career in the nonprofit world, she turned to the United States Peace Corps, where she worked as a small business and agricultural specialist in the Gambia, West Africa. During her two years of service, she split her time between rural community projects and business initiatives and events at the Gambian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She is a

graduate of the 22nd class of Leadership Stark County where she is also on the Cultural Diversity Committee. She and her husband Modou and their daughter Ahmie live in Canton.

In addition to her role as administrative specialist for the Canton Stark County Convention & Visitors’ Bureau, Rosie Kurtz has joined ystark! as marketing and events liaison. In Rosie Kurtz her new role, she will oversee event planning and marketing for Stark County’s young professional group. Kurtz joined the Chamber in 2008 after attending Stark State College, and working for one of the region’s top tourism attractions, The Amish Door Village. She has lived in southern Stark County all of her life and appreciates the many opportunities that living and working in Stark County has provided.

Kurtz is an active member in the ystark!

Dodgeball league, serves on the Best of Stark County Awards committee, the OHSAA Football Championship committee and the has worked at many Chamber events including Canton Blues Fest, Vintage Canton and Light Up Downtown. Outside the office, she enjoys traveling, the arts, spending time with family and reading.

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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Deadline nearing for HOFEF Queen Pageant applications Don’t miss the opportunity to compete in the prestigious Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Queen Pageant! The deadline to submit the completed application and a $68 fee is Monday, March 14, by 5 p.m.

Applications and tickets for the 2011 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Queen Pageant are still available at the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Queen Pageant will take place Thursday, May 5, beginning at 7 p.m. at Canton Palace Theatre. All seats are reserved at $18 each, and tickets can be purchased at the Enshrinement Festival Office, Canton AAA and Massillon AAA.

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The Enshrinement Festival Queen Pageant is not a beauty pageant.

While overall appearance is certainly an important component, contestants are judged based on personality, poise, beauty, communication skills, academic achievement and service to community. If there is a tie at any point in the judging process, it will be broken by utilizing the scores for personality, poise and beauty – in that order.

Candidates cannot be younger than a high school senior and 18 years old by May 1 or older than 23 years of age before Sept. 1, and must reside and, if employed, work within a 30-mile radius of Stark County. The Queen and seven Court members will be selected to coincide with the number in the 2011 Class of Enshrinees, comprised of Richard Dent, Marshall Faulk, Chris Hanburger, Les Richter, Ed Sabol, Deion Sanders and Shannon Sharpe.

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In addition to greeting guests at most of the 18 events during the nearly two-week Enshrinement Festival scheduled July 28 through Aug. 9, the Queen and Court will volunteer their time to civic organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Turnaround Community Outreach Center, MRDD and many more. Certainly one of the most memorable experiences for the Queen and Court will be their ride on the float in the Timken Grand Parade.

For the complete schedule of events, ticket information, and the latest news, check the Web sites periodically: www.profootballhofef.com or www.profootballhof.com.

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Enshrinement Festival names key committee chairs for Steering, General Chairman Alumni and Safety Management committees The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival department of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce has named chairmen of three key committees: Dan Fuline, Steering Committee; William Schauer, General Chairman Alumni Association; and Ron Dougherty, Safety Management Committee.

Daniel J. Fuline, CEO and executive director of Community Services of Stark County, Inc., most recently served as 2010 general chairman of the Chamber’s Enshrinement Daniel J. Fuline Festival committees. The function of the Steering Committee is to assist and facilitate as needed to successfully accomplish the Enshrinement Festival mission statement and goals. This committee’s approval is required for crucial Enshrinement Festival issues, such as annual budget, ticket pricing changes and policy issues.

Fuline previously served on and chaired numerous Enshrinement Festival committees, including Security & Logistics, Communications, Balloon Classic Invitational and Souvenirs. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Youngstown State University and master’s degree in social work from The Ohio State University. He holds a Diplomate in clinical social work. He was honored in 1991 as Social Worker of the Year, received the Good Samaritan’s Award in 1999, and was the Golden Dove Award recipient in 2001.

Schauer was the 2006 general chairman of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival. For the second consecutive year, he now oversees a committee comprised William Schauer of past general chairmen, many of whom will offer assistance to the Enshrinement Festival in the areas of sponsor recognition, promoting community awareness and support in planning and producing Enshrinement Festival events.

Corporate Treasurer of Schauer Group, Inc. he is a Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter as well as Chartered Life Underwriter. He is past president of the Arthritis Foundation of Canton and has served as a member of Canton Palace Theatre Association board and Cultural Center for the Arts budget and marketing committees. In addition, he has participated in fundraising for the Downtown Canton YMCA, Malone and Walsh Universities, United Arts, United Way, and Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges. He and his wife Bobbi have three sons.

A Canton native, Dougherty graduated from Canton Lincoln High and was honored in 2000 as a Distinguished Alumnus. He graduated from Dartmouth College and the Ron Dougherty University of Virginia Law School, and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1954-1957 as a lieutenant and captain. He is the only Stark County lawyer to hold the office of president of the Ohio State Bar Foundation, and he served as chairman of the Stark County Public Defender Commission for 26 years and as Canton Assistant City Solicitor. Active in and chairman of various Enshrinement Festival activities since its beginning in 1963, Dougherty was the founder of the Enshrinement Festival General Chairman Alumni Association as well as its Individual Award of Merit recipient in 2009 and the 2002 Award of Merit recipient from Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Additionally, he was The Wilderness Center 2004 honoree and is the immediate past chairman of the board of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He and his wife, the former Carole Stover, have one daughter, one son and three grandsons.

Dougherty, of Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty law firm, is serving his 16th term as chairman of the Safety Management committee. He also serves as chairman of the Joint Coordinating Committee that serves as liaison between the Enshrinement Festival department of the Chamber and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

He is a past president of Canton Rotary Club and is a Paul Harris Fellow. He serves on the boards of the Sisters of Charity and the Austin-Bailey Health and Wellness Foundations. He is also a member of the Prescription Assistance Board and on the advisory boards of the Salvation Army and the Advisory Social Work Board for Malone University. Fuline has been married to wife Linda for 40 years, and together they have two sons and seven grandchildren.

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HOFEF Enshrinement Festival names auxiliary chairman for Communications, Special Services and Security & Logistics committees The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival department of the Canton Regional Chamber has named the following auxiliary committee chairs, all of whom are in their second year of committee leadership: Alex Hoce, Communications; Diana Morse, Special Services; and Doug Froelich, Security & Logistics.

Hoce, a career firefighter/paramedic currently with the Plain Township Fire Department and president of their Union Local 2967, also works part-time for Canton Township and Jackson Alex Hoce Township Fire Departments. He has fond memories of participating in Enshrinement Festival activities since he was a child, including selling pop, working the trash patrol and assisting with first aid efforts at the Ribs Burnoff. A graduate of Central Catholic High School, he attended the University of Toledo and obtained a bachelor’s degree in emergency management from University of Richmond, Va. He is a member of the International Association of Firefighters and formerly a member of St. Paul’s UMC mission team and Canton Civic Opera volunteer.

Hoce will be assisted by committee vice chairman Gary Lyon.

The Communications committee assumes responsibility for communications equipment utilized at all Enshrinement Festival events. Members are responsible for distributing equipment, charging radios and telephones, monitoring EMS activities and serving as a clearinghouse for inquiries from guests, patrons and media.

Morse, fraud manager for GE Capital, serves as co-leader of GE Women’s Network. She graduated from Garfield High School and The University of Akron.

She and her husband Ricky have two adult children and two grandchildren.

Assisting Morse with committee duties is vice chairman Dan Paumier.

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The Special Services Committee assists many of the event committees with varied duties, including media and sponsor hospitality, registration at the Balloon Classic Diana Morse Invitational media flight, transportation for the Drum Corps Competition and hosting the Timken Grand Parade float judges.

Froelich, a teacher at Green High School, heads the committee that coordinates security and logistics for several Enshrinement Festival events, including the Fashion Show Doug Froelich Luncheon, Enshrinees Dinner and Enshrinees GameDay Roundtable. This is his 13th year as a member of the committee, and he has also served as chairman of the Balloon Classic Invitational Committee and was an eight-year member of the Hall of Fame’s Hospitality Committee.

A graduate of North Canton Hoover High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University and a master’s degree from Ashland University.

Serving as vice chairman of the Security & Logistics committee is Dennis Manzella.

Fireworks, 2-Mile and 5-Mile Races and Timken Grand Parade committees.

In 2011, the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Enshrinement Festival will mark the 48th anniversary of honoring the legends of professional football, which includes conducting a world-renowned festival celebrating the annual enshrinement of football players, coaches and contributors into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The collaborative efforts of this leadership team, combined with the professional staffs at the Chamber of Commerce and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the dedicated team of more than 4,200 volunteers, will ensure the success of 18 diverse events over nearly two weeks from July 28 to Aug. 9, 2011.

The Enshrinement Festival activities, attended by nearly 700,000 people, are expected to produce an economic impact of over $30 million for the Canton/Stark County area and $55 million for the State of Ohio. In addition, millions will experience aspects of the Enshrinement Festival as events are televised and covered by other media.

The central focus and highlight of this year’s Enshrinement Festival will be the Aug. 6 induction ceremony for the 2011 Class of Enshrinees, comprised of defensive end Richard Dent, running back Marshall Faulk, linebacker Chris Hanburger, linebacker Les Richter, contributor Ed Sabol, cornerback Deion Sanders, and tight end Shannon Sharpe.

For the complete schedule of events, ticket information, and latest news, check the Web sites periodically: www.profootballhofef.com or www.profootballhof.com

The Security & Logistics committee issues security passes for all personnel servicing the events, oversees the delivery, distribution and security of food, beverage, flowers, favors, programs and other items necessary to the success of the three indoor events, and monitors movement of people from the perimeter rooms into the main auditorium for the program portion of each of the three events. The committee also provides security support for the Queen Pageant, Drum Corps Competition, Community Parade, Ribs Burnoff, Concert &

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100 breakfasts together and counting!

MARCH AULTCARE FAST BREAK BREAKFAST Join us on Friday, Mar. 11, for a milestone event of breakfast proportions!

We’re celebrating our 100th AultCare Fast Break Breakfast with a special networking session. There’s no better opportunity for local business professionals to meet, exchange ideas and contacts, and have a delectable breakfast than Fast Break!

Here’s a sneak peek of what we have planned: • Pointers for polishing your 30-second commercials • Table networking & commercial competition (winners will receive fabulous door prizes!)

• Tips on getting the most out of the networking at Fast Break • A look back at our Top 10 all time favorite commercials!

Enjoy this month’s Fast Break with extraordinary sales tips, networking opportunities and more than a few surprises for our guests. We’re offering a special rate this month - $18 for all attendees, members and nonmembers alike! Head home with tons of great leads and a few new friends!

Cost: $18 for ALL guests!

RSVP by Mar. 9 SEASON PASSES STILL ON SALE! VISIT CANTONCHAMBER.ORG TO PURCHASE AT AN EXCELLENT VALUE!

And for all of you regulars, don’t worry! Bring a door prize valued at $15 or more and you’ll receive 30 seconds at the microphone to promote your business!

Friday, Mar. 11 7 a.m. registration 7:30 a.m. program Courtyard by Marriott 4375 Metro Cir. North Canton, OH

Save your seat; register in advance at www.cantonchamber.org or call (330) 458-2085.

In order to better accommodate guests at Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce events, we ask that you be sure to register in advance for each event. This will ensure that we have accurate counts for food service and seating.

Please register online at www.cantonchamber.org.

Please call (330) 458-2085 to register with Rosie Kurtz. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the beginning of an event are not eligible for refund. No-shows will be billed.

In order to reduce operation costs, registration for all major Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce events – such as Annual Dinner or awards dinners – must be paid in advance of the event. Guests may pay for monthly programs in advance or at the door by check, credit card or cash.

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LEADERSHIP STARK COUNTY SIGNATURE PROGRAM accepting applications now! humbled by my classmates, in awe of the many people giving time for their communities and appreciative of the opportunity to learn and participate with this class.

Open your eyes to a broader vision of Stark County and new leadership perspectives!

Let Leadership Stark County’s ten-month Signature Program introduce you to the professional, cultural, economic, geographic and ethnic diversity of your community. Now in its 24th year, Leadership Stark County offers an experience that is invaluable on both a professional and personal level. We are now accepting applications for its 25th class, which will begin in September 2011.

Bart Fredrick, technical service manager, Marathon Petroleum

Bart Fredrick Who should apply?

According to Fran Wells, director, the program is seeking community-minded individuals who: • Possess high standards of personal integrity • Show evidence of, or potential for, achievement in community service • Are interested in seeking volunteer leadership roles in the community • Are able to attend all programs (approximately 12 hrs. /mo.)

• Live or work in Stark County Consider the testimonials of recent graduates of LSC:

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The experiences provided through the Leadership Signature Program were eye opening. The struggles of the less fortunate, the level of poverty, entrepreneurs’ risk-taking and vision, the vision of Stark State, Kent State Stark and the Akron Canton Airport, the level of support at the Goodwill Campus, the challenges of the school systems, the plight of those young people that find them selves in the Juvenile Center on Faircrest... the list goes on. I am

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I enjoyed the fact that we were exposed on a deeper level to some of the opportu nities and challenges our community faces. It was easy to glance through the newspaper and read of some of the happenings in the area, form an opinion based on my own frame of reference, then go on with my life. With the activities of the past year the class was exposed to the people who are living through these challenges themselves… as a result of Josh Harris the diversity of the class there were dis cussions, which allowed us to see issues through many different sets of eyes. Through this process you realize you don’t want to just go on with your life – you want to become involved.

Josh Harris, owner, In The Round Design Group

How to Apply If you or an employee or colleague are interested in learning more about the Signature Program, please attend the informational breakfast on Friday, April 1, from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. at the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Make your reservation for this free event at LeadershipStarkCounty.org or call (330) 458-2095.

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Government Leadership Academy class members announced Leadership Stark County is pleased to announce the members of the 2011 Government Leadership Academy. The class members include elected public officials, people who have filed a petition to run for office, and communityminded citizens.

Katherine Baylock, director, W.A.T.O.E.S. Out Reach Programs Thomas Bernabei, Stark County Commissioner Cynthia Billings, Hartville Village Council Milan Chovan, owner, Proforma Cross Media Marketing Anthony Flex, assistant prosecutor, City of Canton Law Department Raeann Guiley, vice president, Salco Machine, Inc Donald Guisinger, interactive brand manager, WHBC NextMedia Joshua Harris, owner, In The Round Design Group Michael Lynch, Nimishillen Township Trustee Jean Madden, magistrate/bailiff, Alliance Municipal Court Sarah McIntosh, VP, government banking, Huntington Bank James Molnar, community volunteer Andrew Oser, self employed, property management Loretta Richardson, owner, Touch of Faith Alterations & More Ida Ross-Freeman, founder, Stark County UMADAOP Mark Shaffer, director, technical support, Time Warner Cable Mary Strukel, retired, University of Akron Jane Timken, vice chairman, Stark County Republican Party

Anthony Flex and Cynthia Billings share leadership strengths insights.

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Young Entrepreneur Snapshot Canton. Now that we are established and have a great team developed here, we are keeping our headquarters in Canton.

How have the amenities of Stark County contributed to your success?

Stark County has a great talent pull, and is full of good workers. Stark County is a great place to build a foundation for my business, and get our legs wet. The size of our community has enabled us to manage our clients more efficiently.

Why is having a strong YP community important for your business?

It is important because it is like the “changing of the guard.”Young professionals are our future CEOs and business leaders. It’s crucial to make connections with fellow YPs from a business and a personal standpoint. It is all about the networking aspect, and being around likeminded individuals.

Editor’s note: In keeping with ystark!’s mission – to attract, retain and ENGAGE talented young people in Stark County – ACTION will feature monthly snapshots of outstanding young entrepreneurs throughout 2011.

What advice would you give to YPs who share your entrepreneurial streak but are just getting started?

It is extremely important to find a mentor and be selective on who you choose. Constantly educate yourself in what you are doing. Just do it, too many people talk about taking action and do not do it. Work hard for your dreams and never ever give up. Always stay focused, always stay active.

What’s next for you? Expanding in more cities and states, but keeping our corporate headquarters here in my hometown!

What are your thoughts on ystark!? ystark! hosts great organized functions.

They have educational speakers and meet & greets. It is a great way to connect with your peers, meet new people and have a good time doing it!

Name: Chris Paxos Age: 32 Company Name: A Quality Cleaners How did you come up with the idea for your business/product/service?

From a young age, I have worked in the commercial cleaning industry. I moved from being the actual cleaner to a sales position, and then ultimately on to becoming part of management. From there, I decided to start my own company, whose philosophy I could believe in.

Which attributes best define you as an entrepreneur? I view myself as an achiever. When I have an idea, I execute it. I have the vision and passion that it takes to be an entrepreneur. I believe that my focus and work ethic are my strongest attributes.

Why have you chosen Canton as your home base? I began my company at a young age with not a lot of revenue, so my only option was my hometown of

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ystark! Leadership leading the charge for YPs in 2011 The 2011 ystark! Executive Committee is off and running with great programs and professional development endeavors for Stark County YPs. Get a glimpse of this year’s executive committee, an IMPRESSIVE group of young movers and shakers lead by ystark! director Aimee Belden. Visit each leader’s profile at ystark.org to find out more about their efforts for engaging young professionals. Their volunteer leadership is helping to make Stark County a great place for YPs to live, work and play!

PerplexCity Chair Emily Menyes Aultman Hospital www.ystark.org/profile/EmilyMenyes

2011 Chair Maureen Ater The Repository & About Magazine www.ystark.org/profile/MaureenAter

Recreation Chair Eric Belden Pathway Caring for Children www.ystark.org/profile/EricBelden

2011 Vice-Chair Chris Seeley Premier Bank & Trust www.ystark.org/profile/ChristopherMSeeley

Special Initiatives Chair Robert Murphy Black, McCuskey, Souers & Arbaugh, LPA www.ystark.org/profile/RobertMurphy

Advisory Board Chair Joseph Schauer Schauer Group www.ystark.org/profile/JosephDSchauer

Twenty under 40! Chair Steve Maddox Rice’s Nursery www.ystark.org/profile/SteveMaddox

Alliance YP Chair Matthew Hunt Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffith & Dougherty www.ystark.org/profile/MatthewRHunt

At-Large:

Ambassador Committee Co-Chair Brittany Fehlman Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences www.ystark.org/profile/BrittanyFehlman

Joseph Daleiden 415 Group www.ystark.org/profile/JosephDaleiden

Professional Development Chair Dan Leahy Diebold www.ystark.org/profile/DanLeahy

Monique Cox-Moore Stark County Board of Elections

For more information on ystark! or to join this group of YPs engaged in Stark County, visit ystark.org. Membership is free and easy – so be sure to connect with the executive committee online by building your own online profile!

Ambassador Committee Co-Chair Kathryn Siegfried Siegfried Enterprises, Inc www.ystark.org/profile/KathrynSiegfried Business Outreach Committee Chair Eric Dublikar Aultman Hospital www.ystark.org/profile/EricDublikar Education Committee Chair Katie Cerrone Arnold University of Akron www.ystark.org/profile/KatieCerroneArnold Events Committee Chair Kate Carlson Walsh University www.ystark.org/profile/KateCarlson Marketing Committee Chair Ryan Hollingsworth Akron-Canton Airport www.ystark.org/profile/RyanHollingsworth

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Energy Drinks + Your Employees = Increase in Root Cause MARCH STARK COUNTY SAFETY COUNCIL Madeline Martin, clinical supervisor for the Gleneigh Center of Niles, will expose the dangers of energy drinks of all kinds at the Stark County Safety Council Luncheon Madeline Martin on Mar. 10. Learn what these widely popular drinks mean to your workplace and the risks associated with employee health at work and at home.

Martin has been working in the field of chemical dependency for more that 20 years. In addition to her work at Glenbeigh, Martin facilitates educational

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and support groups for St. Elizabeth & St. Joseph Surgical Weight Loss Center.

She also works for Pathways of Ohio Counseling Services in private practice with a focus on eating disorders. Martin received a bachelor’s degree in social work from Youngstown State University (YSU) in 1993 and a master’s degree in social work from YSU in 2006. She is both a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor and a Licensed Independent Social Worker. She assisted in opening Glenbeigh’s newest outpatient center here in Canton, which treats still-suffering alcoholics, addicts, and their families.

3218 Parkway St. NW Canton, OH 44708 Cost: $16 RSVP by Mar. 7

Spotlight Company:

Thursday, Mar. 10 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Meyer’s Lake Ballroom

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Ohio Safety Congress & Expo 2011 The 2011 Ohio Safety Congress & Expo (OSC11) is your ticket to Ohio’s safety-conscious business community. More than 6,000 employers and employees representing 36 Ohio industries will attend this event to shop for services, industrial supplies, safety equipment and gear. As a product or service provider, you will connect with Ohio’s business representatives to market your products and services.

The Ohio Safety Congress & Expo enters its 81st year of bringing Ohio buyers to a single location for their industrial supplies and workplace safety and health needs. You will: • Identify new sales opportunities; • Expand your prospect base; • Strengthen existing customer relationships; • Establish your business as an industry leader; • Build visibility in the occupational safety and health market The OSC11 will be held on Wednesday, Mar. 30 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Thursday, Mar. 31 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Products and services at the Expo Marketplace include: consultation, ergonomic, fall protection, health and medical services, industrial hygiene, managed care organizations, occupational safety and health consulting, personal protection, production safety, rehabilitation, safety equipment and service, third-party administrator and training.

For more information about attending the OSC11, or to become a vendor, visit www.ohiobwc.com/employer/programs/safety/SafetyCongress.asp.

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A Safety Challenge to Leaders 2011 Stark County Safety Council CEO Annual Breakfast The 2011 Stark County Safety Council CEO Annual Breakfast on Tuesday, Mar. 15, will feature a briefing on safety today and employee engagement for leaders Kent McElhattan who care from Kent McElhattan, chairman of the board of directors for the National Safety Council.

During his presentation, McElhattan will begin by summarizing the phenomenal success achieved in the USA over the past century. You’ll discover why you are now 12 times safer at work than you are at home! He’ll also present trends and concerns in safety today. Employers today need to be just as concerned about off the job safety as they are on the job. Whether an injury occurs at work or at home, the cost of treatment will almost certainly be paid by the employer’s medical insurance.

McElhattan will make the case that employers consider a ban on cell phone usage while driving and how the National Safety Council can help.

awarded a doctorate in science, honoris causa from Clarion University, Clarion, Pa., and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Davis & Elkins College, Elkins, W.Va. He serves on the boards of the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh and the Beard Center of Leadership & Ethics, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pa. Among other affiliations, he is a director and past finance chair of the Boy Scouts of America Greater Pittsburgh Council and holds membership in the Society of Mining Engineers.

Join us for this annual CEO Breakfast event! Our special annual event is one that Safety Council member company’s presidents, CEOs or other members of senior management are invited to attend in order to meet requirements of Workers’ Compensation discount plan.

Tuesday, March 15 7 a.m. registration 7:30 – 9 a.m. program and breakfast Meyer’s Lake Ballroom 3218 Parkway St. NW Canton, 44708 Cost: $20 includes breakfast RSVP by Mar. 19

Finally, the breakfast will close with a challenge to leaders that, if you want a highly energized and engaged workforce then you must first care for the well being of your employees. Personal safety at work is one tangible component of their well being that you can control.

McElhattan serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the National Safety Council, which is its principal governance body and provides oversight over fiduciary and strategic affairs.

He was elected to the Council’s Board of Directors in 2007, serving on the finance and audit committees, as well as the strategic planning committee. He most recently served as Chair of the Trustees.

McElhattan served as president and CEO of Industrial Scientific from 1985 to 2010.

Under his leadership, the company grew to become the market leader in gas detection for safety purposes with operations in 17 countries. McElhattan was C a n t o n

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WELCOME to our newest members, who joined Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce in January. 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.

Brighten Heights Charter High School (SCHOOLS - PRESCHOOL THRU HIGH SCHOOL) Brian Vannest 1100 Cleveland Ave. NW Canton, OH 44702 (330) 456-4490

Kinsey Heating & Cooling (HEATING & COOLING RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL) Dave & Cathy Kinsey 803 Olds Orchard Dr. Bolivar, OH 44612 (330) 874-3204

Pheasantview Dairy Goats (HEALTH & WELLNESS) Brian & Kathy Jeffers 6988 Center St. NE Hartville, OH 44632 (330) 412-6499 www.pheasantviewgoatsoap.com

Centre Party Rental (PARTY RENTALS) Mike Reed PO Box 529 New Philadelphia, OH 44663 (330) 308-5900 www.rentaparty.net

Lehman Design & Marketing (ADVERTISING - AGENCIES WEB DESIGN) Les Lehman 143 Wilbur Drive North Canton, OH 44720 (330) 498-0213 www.leslehman.com

Primo's Downtown (RESTAURANTS) Leann Macri 216 4th St. Canton, OH 44702 (330) 456-2511

DHK NDT Services, LLC (TESTING & INSPECTION) Dave Kieffer 1817 20th St. NE Canton, OH 44714 (330) 452-4409 www.dhkndt.com

Shady Hollow Country Club (COUNTRY CLUBS) Teri Piekarski 4865 Wales Ave. NW Massillon, OH 44646 (330) 832-1581 www.shadyhollowcc.com

Majestic Bancard (CREDIT CARD SERVICES) Brett Mansdorf 11015 Oasis Ave. NE Uniontown, OH 44685 (800) 545-6810 www.majesticbancard.com

Sonoco Phoenix (MANUFACTURERS) Ed Harhager 3075 Brookline Rd. NW North Canton, OH 44720 (330) 244-2304 www.sonoco.com

Harmony Organizational Services (CLEANING & ORGANIZING) Rick Cline 7843 Cheryl Lane NW Massillon, OH 44646 (330) 949-0033 www.harmony3.intuitwebsites.com

Marbec Properties (REAL ESTATE REHABILITATION) Michael & Becki Rukavina 1706 Neimans Ave. SE East Canton, OH 44730 (330) 488-3001

Heart Transactions Counseling Service, LLC (CLINICAL COUNSELORS) Rick & Jacqueline Scolaro 2026 Fulton Rd. NW #C Canton, OH 44709 (330) 451-2060 www.hearttransactions.com

Meritech Total Office Solutions (OFFICE SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT & SOFTWARE) Chris Defazio 2939 Inwood Dr. NW Massillon, OH 44646 (330) 268-9465 www.meritechinc.com

Jay Mac Body & Frame, Inc. (TRUCK BODY SHOP & REPAIR) Bruce Hale 1801 Ivydale St. SW Canton, OH 44706 (330) 456-0592 www.youngtrucks.com

National Shrink Wrap, LLC (PACKAGING SERVICES - SHRINK WRAPPING - PORTABLE - RV & BOATS) John Keating 3509 Sherman Church Ave, SW Canton, OH 44706 (330) 224-1499 www.natshrinkwrap.com

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Trinity IT Consulting (COMPUTER & BUSINESS CONSULTANTS) Jeff Gortney 2020 Mt. Vernon Blvd. NW Canton, OH 44709 (330) 933-3468 www.trinityitconsulting.com Two Girls Goodies (BAKERIES) Julie Safreed & Michele Parker 5607 Thunderbird Cir. NW North Canton, OH 44720 (330) 495-7108 www.twogirlsgoodies.webs.com

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Aultman Hospital has appointed Anne Gunther, RN, BSN, MSN, to serve as chief nursing officer. She will lead Aultman’s Nursing and Patient Care Divisions and be responsible for all nurses delivering care to patients. Gunther has been with Aultman since 1990, serving in several nursing management and executive roles. Most recently, she served as vice president of the Aultman Heart Center. Gunther, a resident of Dover, earned her diploma nursing degree from Ohio Valley Hospital School of Nursing, Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Walsh University, and Master of Science degree in nursing from The University of Akron. Additionally, she is a board-certified nurse executive from American Nurses Credentialing Center. For more information, visit Aultman.org.

Mercy Medical Center has been awarded recertification for its Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation programs by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).

Mercy Medical Center is home to the first nationally certified cardiac and pulmonary rehab programs in Stark County. The goal of Mercy Pulmonary Rehabilitation is to improve the quality of life for individuals with chronic lung disease through education, breathing retraining, emotional support and graded exercise conditioning. For more information, visit CantonMercy.org.

The law firm of Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty Co., L.P.A. is proud to announce that David J. Lewis has recently joined the firm as shareholder and director.

Lewis concentrates his practice in taxation and business law. He received his B.B.A. Degree in accounting from Kent State University, his Juris Doctorate cum laude from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Ohio. He is a member of the American, Ohio and Akron Bar Associations, and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Ohio Society of CPAs. Lewis lectures frequently to lawyers, accountants and professional associations on topical taxation and business developments. In addition, he is an adjunct faculty member of the University of Akron where he teaches “Tax Practice and Procedure” to Masters of Taxation candidates and law students. For more information visit kwgd.com.

Stark State College has agreed to purchase 14.6 acres on Shuffel Road NW to establish the Stark State College Emerging Technologies Airport Campus. The land is

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adjacent to the Ohio State Highway Patrol Post at 4710 Shuffel Road NW. The purchase, subject to approval by the Chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents and the State Controlling Board, supports public-private partnerships promoting collaborative applied research and development activities and educational enhancement in Stark County. The $200,000 transaction will pave the way for the site’s first development - a world-class Wind Energy Research and Development Center. The 12,000-square-foot facility, to be built in partnership with the Stark County Port Authority/Stark Development Board and The Timken Company, will be used for industry research along with education and training of current and future industry technicians. Visit StarkState.edu for more information.

Black McCuskey Souers & Arbaugh, LPA is pleased to announce that Michelle L. Molinet, CPA has joined the firm as director of finance and administration.

Molinet brings 18 years of public accounting and management experience to Black McCuskey. She is responsible for the financial and human resource initiatives for the firm. Prior to joining Black McCuskey, Molinet most recently held the position of senior manager for the public accounting firm of Bober, Markey, Fedorovich & Company. She was co-chair of the firm’s construction services practice group and the director of Bober, Markey, Fedorovich University; a program designed to provide in-house professional education opportunities. Molinet, a certified public accountant is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Visit BMSA.com for more details.

North Canton Medical Foundation (NCMF) is pleased to announce the addition of Annette Ciavarella as the new Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer.

Ciavarella serves on many community boards and brings over fifteen years of experience and passion in healthcare regulatory compliance. She received her J.D. from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and is currently an LL.M. in Health Law Candidate at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. In addition, the Laboratory Department at North Canton Medical Foundation’s main campus recently received a perfect score on their COLA (Commission on Office Laboratory Accreditation) inspection and was selected as a recipient of the COLA Laboratory Excellence Award. COLA is an organization that helps keep medical laboratories compliant with CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments). For further information, visit our Web site at ncmf.com.

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Ameridial is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Schmidt as president. Schmidt is responsible for day-to-day operations and the profitable growth of commercial and healthcare divisions. He began his call center career in 1982 and has a long history of developing and improving business processes and profitability. Schmidt holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and business administration from Findlay College, is a certified call center auditor from Benchmark Portal and is past president of the Ohio Chapter of the ATA. For more information on call center services, visit Ameridial.com.

The Corporate University, Kent State University at Stark is offering The SHRM® Learning System. The program is designed to help human resource professionals prepare for the PHR and SPHR certification exams. The content of the certification preparation program will provide information to prepare human resource professionals to effectively manage the HR challenges encountered in today’s demanding workplace. The program follows the body of knowledge as defined by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI); the materials provided as part of the program cover all sections of the certification exam. Visit YourCorporateU.com for more information.

Bruner-Cox LLP is pleased to announce that Steven O. Pittman, CPA, MBA, has been named managing partner of the firm.

Pittman succeeds Ronald J. Manse, CPA, who served as managing partner since 2003. Manse will continue to serve as a tax partner within the firm. Pittman joined Bruner-Cox LLP in 1978 and offers more than 30 years experience in mergers and acquisition services, financial accounting, reporting, tax strategy and planning and strategic and succession planning. For more information about Bruner-Cox LLP, visit BrunerCox.com.

Employers Health recently merged with the Employer Health Care Alliance in Cincinnati, which brought the opening of a new office and the addition of two staff members in that region. As a result of the merger, Employers Health now has offices in Canton, Columbus and Cincinnati, 16 staff and more than 200 member organizations located in 21 states. Additionally, Sharyn Ball has been hired as director, Member Services. She will be responsible for account management, vendor relations, customer service and new-member implementation. Darcy Fiocca, formerly director, Member Services has been promoted to senior director, Member Services, and will lead the account management strategy in collaboration with a variety of vendor partners. Visit ehpco.com for more information.

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March

PLEASE REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.CANTONCHAMBER.ORG OR CALL (330) 458-2085 Please Register in Advance!

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First Friday - pARTicipate Put some spring in your step and stop and smell the roses – and the art – as you visit the downtown Canton Arts District and pARTicipate at the March 4 First Friday! Join in the fun by taking a stroll through First Friday and become part of the action! Take a free belly-dancing lesson, have your caricature drawn, learn a magic trick and much more. You’ve visited the arts district before, now pARTicipate in it!

First Friday, Feb. 4 6 – 10 p.m.

Downtown Canton FREE!

Energy Drinks + Your Employees = Increase in Root Cause March Stark County Safety Council Luncheon Madeline Martin, clinical supervisor for the Gleneigh Center of Niles, will expose the dangers of energy drinks of all kinds at the Stark County Safety Council Luncheon on Mar. 10. Learn what these widely popular drinks mean to your workplace and the risks associated with employee health at work and at home.

Thursday, Mar. 10 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Meyer’s Lake Ballroom 3218 Parkway St., N.W. Canton, OH 44708 Cost: $16 RSVP by Mar. 7

100 breakfasts together and counting! - MARCH AULTCARE FAST BREAK BREAKFAST Join us on Friday, Mar. 11, for a milestone event of breakfast proportions! We’re celebrating our 100th AultCare Fast Break Breakfast with a special networking session. There’s no better opportunity for local business professionals to meet, exchange ideas and contacts, and have a delectable breakfast than Fast Break!

Friday, Mar. 11 7 a.m. registration 7:30 a.m. program Courtyard by Marriott 4375 Metro Cir., North Canton Cost: $18 for ALL guests!

RSVP by Mar. 9

A Safety Challenge to Leaders 2011 Stark County Safety Council CEO Annual Breakfast The 2011 Stark County Safety Council CEO Annual Breakfast on Tuesday, Mar. 15, will feature a briefing on safety today and employee engagement for leaders who care from Kent McElhattan, chairman of the board of directors for the National Safety Council.

Tuesday, Mar. 15 7 a.m. registration 7:30–9 a.m. program & breakfast Meyer’s Lake Ballroom 3218 Parkway St. NW Canton, 44708 Cost: $20 includes breakfast RSVP by Mar. 19

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Stir up the LUCK of the IRISH at a special St. Patty’s Day Stir After Hours Start your St. Patty’s Day celebration off right at the Stir After Hours at the Barrette Center at Walsh University on Mar. 17. Get your green on and head for one of the area’s premier conference and event centers for a little luck of the Irish. Enjoy delicious appetizers and cocktails – and don’t forget to enter for a chance to win your very own pot o’ gold. We’ll have a variety of fantastic door prizes available, including your chance to win an article about your business in an upcoming issue of Action Newsletter!

Thursday, Mar. 17 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Walsh University – The Barrette Center 2020 East Maple Street, North Canton Cost: $5 RSVP by Mar. 15

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ystark! Congregate & Skate Monthly Meet-Up Join us on the ice again this year with your whole family! Show off your skills on skates, enjoy cappuccino and hot cocoa for the kids! Rent skates for $2.

Triple salchows not required!

Friday, Mar. 18 7 to 9 p.m.

Center Ice Sports Complex 8319 Port Jackson Ave. NW, Canton Free!

RSVP by Mar. 16

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Stark County Entrepreneur Experience The Small Business Development Center, Kent State University at Stark (SBDC) is proud to announce the 2011 Stark County Entrepreneur Experience, featuring several events to educate and provide networking opportunities for entrepreneurs at all levels.

There are seven great events for entrepreneurs and business leaders in March and April!

Learn more about each session at www.cantonsbdc.org.

Tuesday, Mar. 22 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. & Wednesday, Mar. 30 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. (more events coming in April!)

The University Center at Kent State at Stark 6000 Frank Ave. NW, North Canton $15 per person (each event) RSVP online at www.cantonsbdc.org

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Ohio Safety Congress & Expo 2011 The 2011 Ohio Safety Congress & Expo (OSC11) is your ticket to Ohio’s safety-conscious business community. More than 6,000 employers and employees representing 36 Ohio industries will attend this event to shop for services, industrial supplies, safety equipment and gear. As a product or service provider, you will connect with Ohio’s business representatives to market your products and services.

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Wednesday, Mar. 30 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. & Thursday, Mar. 31 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Greater Columbus Convention Center 400 North High Street, Columbus More details www.ohiobwc.com

The OSC11 will be held on Wednesday, Mar. 30 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Thursday, Mar. 31 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m

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