We’re shaking things up with a new Small Business Celebration this year! We’re excited to celebrate the businesses making an impact in our region. Join us for the party at CommQuest and cheer them on!
This isn’t anything like a traditional, buttoned-up awards ceremony. Instead, it’s about real businesses and real stories. The ones who show up every day, figure it out as they go and keep our community moving forward. Expect a relaxed atmosphere, a little personality and plenty of moments to cheer on fellow businesses!
DETAILS
Date: Wednesday, April 29
Time: 5:30 - 7:30PM
Cost: $75 includes cocktail party, hors d’oeuvres and Awards Program.
Location:
CommQuest Services, Inc. 625 Cleveland Ave. NW Canton, OH 44702
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April 2026
Mark Wright Board Chair
Jeff Dafler President & CEO
Darla Brown Vice President – Marketing & Membership Strategy
Melinda Kapalko Vice President – Development & Partnership Relations
Mark Prosise Vice President – Events & Strategic Initiatives
Mike Weiss Creative Director
ACTION NEWSLETTER is a free, monthly online publication for the members of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce.
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.
2026 Canton Regional Chamber
Executive Board
CHAIR
Mark Wright
President AultCare
SENIOR VICE CHAIR
& CORPORATE SECRETARY
Sue Grabowski
CEO
Desidara
VICE CHAIR
Dan DeHoff
CEO
Dehoff Development Company
VICE CHAIR
Matt Halter
President & COO
Solmet Technologies, Inc.
VICE CHAIR
Jeff Snyder
Senior VP & Market Leader Westfield Bank, A Division of First Financial Bank
TREASURER
Eric Schreiber
CPA 415 Group
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
Christopher Goff
Chairman, President and CEO Employers Health
PRESIDENT & CEO
Jeff Dafler
Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors
Dr. Tim Collins President Walsh University
Dr. Timothy Crone President Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital
Joseph Daleiden Senior VP – Commercial Banking KeyBank
Jeff Floyd CFO
Hilscher-Clarke Electric Company
Teresa Golden President Environmental Flooring Group
Justin Hardesty Financial Advisor
Hardesty Partners & Jackson Twp. Trustee
Mary Ellen Icaza CEO / Executive Director Stark Library
Gregory L. King President University of Mount Union
James Lambo
Vice President – Auditing The Timken Company
Ralph J. Lober II, CPA, CEPA President & CEO Consumers National Bank
Joseph Luckring Regional President The PNC Financial Services Group
C. Stephen Mackenzie President & CEO Stark Economic Development Board
Ronald Paydo Market President Akron/ Canton Huntington National Bank
Jim Porter President Pro Football Hall of Fame
Elaine Russell Reolfi President/CEO CommQuest Services Inc.
Joseph D. Schauer President & CEO Schauer Group
William C. Shivers Senior VP, Regional President Farmers National Bank
Michael Sirpilla CEO Society Brands
Leonard Stevens CEO Stark County Minority Business Assoc.
Jeff Talbert Superintendent Canton City School District
Lucien Tolbert Human Resources Director Marathon Petroleum Company, LLC
Dustin J. Vrabel Managing Partner Buckingham, Doolittle, and Burroughs, LLP
Thomas West President and CEO Greater Stark County Urban League
Scott M. Zurakowski Attorney at Law Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty Co., LPA
Donate here:
We are deeply grateful for your past support and commitment to our mission. Past gifts have helped us celebrate remarkable success in our 39th year — and now, as we enter our 40th, we need your support once again to continue this important work.
Dear Member,
Over the past few months, I’ve spent time with business owners across our region — in conference rooms, on shop floors and over coffee — asking a simple question: What do you need most right now to keep moving forward? The answers vary, but the theme is consistent. Conditions are changing, and support needs to be more targeted to be truly helpful.
That’s why we’re inviting you to complete a brief, confidential Business Assessment
This assessment will give us a clearer picture of where your business stands today — from growth plans and workforce needs to capital, operations and technology. Your input will help our team connect you to the most relevant resources, programs and opportunities offered through the Chamber and our regional partners.
To be clear, this is not a sales survey. Your responses will not be shared publicly and will be used only to help the Chamber better serve your business.
By taking a few minutes to complete the assessment, you will help us:
• Match you with programs, tools and expertise aligned to your needs
• Connect you to potential grants, financing and incentive opportunities
• Shape Chamber events, education and advocacy around what matters most to businesses like yours
• Strengthen the overall business environment in Stark County
• The better we understand your reality, the more focused and valuable our work can be — for your business and for our region.
If you have questions about the assessment, please contact Melinda Kapalko, Vice President of Development & Partnership Relations. Following the survey, you can expect personalized out reach from Melinda to review your results and match you to the programs that are a fit for your business.
I encourage you to take the assessment today and help shape how the Chamber serves you in 2026 and beyond.
Thank you for your continued commitment to our business community. We look forward to moving ahead together.
Sincerely,
Jeff Dafler President and CEO Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce
Need Healthcare Coverage for Your Small Business?
The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and AultCare have partnered to offer healthcare coverage through a multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA).
The MEWA was developed to provide additional options to employers and to help control the costs of healthcare benefits. Medically underwritten MEWA rates may provide a less expensive option than a smaller community rated plan obtained under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This plan is available for small group employers with less than 50 employees.
Product Overview
• Employee health benefit plan options
• Vision coverage included
• Groups are not subject to ACA community rating
Eligible Employers
• 2-50 eligible employees
• 75% minimum participation requirement
For Chamber membership information, call 330-456-7253. For health fund information, contact your independent broker or your AultCare representative.
All AultCare health plan quote proposals include commission, unless otherwise specified.
• 50% minimum employer contribution for single coverage
• Chamber member in good standing
• Member in good standing with the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce
Benefit Plan Options
• 16 plan options
• Traditional copay plans
• Health plans/health savings account (HSA) compatible
• Dental coverage available upon request
APPLICATIONS DUE APRIL 30
Applications are open for the 40th Class of the Leadership Stark County Signature Program.
If you’re looking to grow as a leader, expand your professional network, and make a meaningful impact in Stark County — this is your opportunity.
The Signature Program is a ‘10 month cohort’ and transformational experience that challenges perspectives, builds connections, and inspires action.
This immersive experience includes:
• Gallup Strengths assessment
• Behind-the-scenes look at Stark County
• CEO and community leader networking
• Poverty simulation
Application Fee is $25
Signature Program tuition is $3,200 (scholarships are available)
Deadline is April 30, 2026
Register at CantonChamber.org or scan the code below
BIZ Bitz
Amusement rides for sale
The Hall of Fame Village is selling three amusement rides from the Play-Action Plaza. “The Village is transitioning from the outdoor amusement park rides on campus. They are not economically viable, a good fit to be next to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, or part of our community and football-first vision going forward,” said Anne Graffice, the Village’s executive vice president of public affairs. The ferris wheel and two other rides are being listed for sale. The Gameday Bay water park at 2301 George Halas Drive NW, by the Fulton Road NW entrance to the Village, is now projected to open in the spring of 2027. A nearby hotel is scheduled to open by the end of next year.
ArtsinStark has officially launched its 2026 Campaign for the Arts. The campaign goal is $1.45 million, supporting Stark County’s major arts organizations, arts education initiatives, public art, grantmaking, and the ongoing stewardship of the Cultural Center for the Arts campus. “The arts connect us, strengthen our economy, enhance education, and contribute to the vibrancy of Stark County,” said Maureen “Mo” Ater, President & CEO of ArtsinStark. For more information about the Campaign for the Arts or to make a gift, visit artsinstark.com/give.
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First Financial Bank has expanded into Stark County by acquiring and rebranding Westfield Bank locations, including the Jackson Township branch at 4809 Dressler Road. Branch hours are 9am-5pm Monday through Friday.
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Step into the stories of the First Ladies whose travels helped transform diplomacy, leadership, and American life. From international visits that reshaped global relationships to cross-country journeys that sparked environmental and cultural change, these women used travel as a powerful tool for influence and progress. This Third Thursday program highlights unforgettable journeys: from Jackie Kennedy’s iconic moments abroad to Lady Bird Johnson’s road trips that helped redefine America’s landscapes. Enjoy an engaging evening of storytelling, history, and connection, complete with a wine and light bites reception. Event Details: Thursday, April 16, 2026. Tickets: $25.00
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The Pro Football Hall of Fame and Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce have named two longtime community volunteers to the top leadership positions for their annual joint festivities this summer. Bill Smith will serve as General Chair and Mike Gallina will serve as General Vice Chair of the Enshrinement Festival. This year’s annual event kicks off the NFL’s 107th season and centers around the Enshrinement for members of the Class of 2026 presented by Visual Edge IT – Drew Brees, Roger Craig, Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri – that will take place Saturday, Aug. 8, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
Exhibition on view at the Keller Gallery for the Stark County Black History Museum in the McKinley Presidential Library and Museum. June 19 - Nov. 29, 2026.
Benefits of a multiple employer plan
Canton Regional Chamber 401(k) Retirement Program
NEWBENEFITALERT! ALLMEMBERSELIGIBLE
A strong retirement benefit program can help businesses of all sizes gain a competitive edge to attract and retain talent — but it can also mean added costs and responsibility. A multiple employer plan (MEP) may be an attractive option for businesses seeking to ease the administrative burden, fiduciary risk, and expense of offering a quality retirement plan. The Canton Regional Chamber has partnered with the Greater Akron Chamber to offer this benefit to all members.
What is a MEP?
It’s a retirement plan sponsored by one entity for unrelated organizations that share a common business interest.
How it works
• MEP sponsor is the “lead” plan and generally the plan administrator and fiduciary
• “Adopting employers” can elect to join the MEP
• These plans can be defined contribution (DC) or defined benefit (DB) plans
• At any time, adopting employers are easily integrated into the plan hosted by the sponsor and tracked on the Transamerica platform
Member benefits
MEP sponsor
Adopting employers
The key to outstanding support for this MEP starts with Transamerica’s sophisticated recordkeeping platform. Our ability to track adopting employers using one contract allows you to enjoy the following benefits:
• Flexible plan features (safe harbor, Roth, etc.) and customizable plan design (eligibility, matching contribution formula, and more)
• Reporting data for each employer based on your unique employee base
• No individual annual audit or individual Form 5500 filing
• Potential cost savings through pooled assets compared to operating a single employer plan
• Dedicated website for adopting employers to gauge plan performance and participant engagement
• Dedicated participant website with tools and resources designed to help brighten retirement outcomes
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Networking Series
April 15 at La Pizzaria
The Leadership Playbook: The 7 C’s of Resilient-Minded Leaders
Strong leadership isn’t built when things are easy. It’s revealed when challenges show up. Join us for the April QuickConnect as Margaret DeLillo-Storey shares the 7 C’s of resilient-minded leaders and how they shape leaders who can navigate change, pressure and uncertainty with confidence.
Presenting Sponsor: Engagement Sponsor:
Event Sponsor:
RESERVE YOUR TABLE TOP!
This venue provides an opportunity for table top exhibit opportunities. This is a member only opportunity. Showcase your services or products during the event with your personal tradeshow exhibit. Tables will be provided. Cost for an exhibit will be $50 while they last!
About the series: AultCare QuickConnect offers great networking opportunities for business leads. Join Stark County’s premier luncheon – enjoy activities, hear speakers, make connections, and savor lunch.
Members can promote their business with a 30-second commercial by contributing a $15+ door prize. Contact Erica Barnes at erica@cantonchamber.org.
MARGARET DELILLO-STOREY
3D Meats LE LLC
720 Market
AAA Plastics and Pallets
Absolute Health Services Inc
Access Tusc
CommQuest Services, Inc.
MEMBER RENEWALS
Akron Pediatric Surgical Associates, Inc.
ReliaRide
Alliance For Children & Families, Inc.
Amy Lyn’s Sweet Shoppe
Aqua Ohio Inc
Arrowhead Golf and Banquet Center
A-Z Home Healthcare Services
Belden Village Mall
Belden Village Towing Company, Inc.
Bittinger Carbide, LLC
Breitenbach Wine Cellars
Gill, Weitzel & Company LLC, CPA’s
Buehler’s Fresh Foods Canton-Nobles Pond
Campbell Landscaping
Carolina Stair Supply Co.
Stark County Medical Group
Ohio Health Insurance Consultants LLC
CHASE
Coleridge Law Office
Coleridge Law Office
CIVPRO Engineering, LLC
Complete Hydraulic Component Service / Ohio CAT
Congress Lake Club
Conley’s Service, LLC
Cross Truck Equipment Co. Inc.
Beck Electric, Generators & Plumbing
She Elevates, Inc.
Direct Action Co., Inc.
Executive Event Center
Executive Event Center
Fenton Brothers Electric
ForeverLawn NEO
GMC Heating & Cooling, Inc.
Great Lakes Best One Tire & Service
Great Ranger Services, LLC
Gregory Industries
Haidets Glass Company LLC
Hampton Inn - Massillon
Heidelberg Materials
Harding Harding & Associates, Inc.
Historic Onesto
Hoopes Fertilizer Works, Inc.
HV Coil, LLC
Yeck Heating and Cooling
Jerzee’s All American Bar & Grille - Fulton
Apex Skin
Karcher Group Inc (The)
Invited dba Firestone Country Club
Koala Kruizers
Lemmon Development, LLC
McDonald’s - Tomtreyco
GiGi’s Playhouse Canton
Nose to Tail Veterinary Clinic
Stark Flavor
My HVAC Guy
CAPTRUST
Northstar Asphalt Inc.
Canton South BMV License Agency
Pearce Insurance, LLC
Per-Tech, Inc.
Petitti Garden Centers
PHI Cares
Raymond James Financial - Stoll Financial Group : Jeff Stoll and Mark Rojek
RCW Industrial Solutions, Inc.
Rice’s Landscapes Redefined
Alborn Excavating, LLC
Reliable Runners
Robertson’s Building Center
Rohrer Farms Inc.
Rotary Club of Canton, Ohio, Inc.
SA Recycling LLC
Sam Palleschi Enterprises
UniFirst Corporation
Santangelo Catering Tim Reinhart
SCORE - Canton Regional Chapter 580
Sky Zone Belden Village
Sound Energy Company, Inc.
Speedie Auto Salvage
SRT Sales and Service, LLC
Bixler Moore, LLC
You Have a Publication in Your Back Pocket Most Members Never Use Marketing Matters
How to treat the ACTION Newsletter like a thought leadership platform, not just a place to post announcements.
Your Chamber membership already includes access to a publication that reaches over 8,000 people a month. It goes out to business owners, decision-makers, and community leaders across Stark County and the surrounding region, people who are actively engaged with the local business community. For most businesses, building an audience that size from scratch would take years and a real budget. The question is whether you are using it to its full potential.
What the ACTION Newsletter Actually Is
Members have two ways to show up in the ACTION Newsletter. The first is Biz Bitz, a free section available to all members for short announcements: a new hire, an upcoming event, a milestone worth sharing. The second is paid advertising, which ranges from a small fractional (1/8) placement up to a full page, with mid-size options that give you enough space to share a real perspective.
Most members stick with Biz Bitz and never explore what a paid placement can do. That habit leaves a meaningful visibility opportunity on the table every single month.
Free vs. Paid: Knowing What Each One Does
Biz Bitz keeps your name visible at no cost and works well for exactly that: staying on people’s radar with timely news.
Consistent appearances in a trusted, high-reach publication build the kind of familiarity that referrals run on.
Paid placements do something different. A larger format gives you enough room to share a perspective, offer a practical tip, or address a question your best clients ask you all the time. That kind of content demonstrates expertise, not
just existence.
Ad sizes range from a small fractional (1/8) placement up to a full page, with 6-month and 12-month commitments unlocking meaningful discounts. Starting mid-size is a practical way to test what resonates before committing to a larger format.
Writing a Placement That Earns Its Space
The instinct is to lead with your company name and what you do. Resist it. Lead with something the reader can use instead. One topic, one practical takeaway, written the way you would explain something to a client who just asked you a good question.
The goal is not to sell in the placement. It is to be remembered as the go-to when the need arises. And if you want to make that connection measurable, include a simple next step: a link to sign up for your newsletter, register for an upcoming event, or download a short resource. It gives readers somewhere to go and gives you a way to see what is resonating.
Getting More Mileage Out of Every Placement
A well-written placement does not have to live only in the newsletter. Repurpose it as a LinkedIn post, add it to your website as a news item, or drop it into a short email to your list. The content is already done. Put it to work in more places.
Consistent appearances in a trusted, high-reach publication build the kind of familiarity that referrals run on. Showing up month after month with something useful does more for your reputation in this community than any single campaign.
If you are ready to be more intentional about how your business shows up in the region, our team at UB Advertising would love to be part of that conversation.
Pro-Tip from UB
Advertising
Before you submit a paid placement, ask yourself: “If I read this and didn’t know my business, would I find it useful?” If the answer is no, rewrite it. That one filter will change how your submissions land.
May 29 • 4 - 9PM
Sip and taste your way around the world at this reimagined wine pairing experience inside the Civic Center. Guests will now also enjoy a curated tasting journey featuring delicious bites matched with globalinspired wines, all under one ticket price!
• LIVE ACOUSTIC MUSIC FROM SAMUEL JOHN
• A ROAMING VIOLINIST, ADDING AN ELEGANT AMBIANCE
• LOCAL VENDORS TO EXPLORE BETWEEN POURS
• FUN PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Sponsors
LUNCH & LEARN SALES VS. GROWTH WHAT EVERY BUSINESS NEEDS TO KNOW
Join us to hear real-world stories and learn how to solve the “math” behind building a successful sales organization. During this interactive discussion, you will gain practical insights you can apply immediately,
Pricing: $15
(includes lunch and program)
Location: Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce
222 Market Ave N Canton, OH 44702
Date: April 13
Time: 11:30 AM - 1 PM
SAFETY COUNCIL
Be prepared for the unexpected at our April 9 Safety Council Luncheon featuring a Local Emergency Roundtable panel discussion. Hear from local experts on emergency management, infrastructure response, and community preparedness—including Matt Sweeney (Stark County EMA), Steve Gronow (Stark County Engineers), Steve Bast (American Red Cross), and Aaron Stoller (Jackson Twp Fire Dept) - moderated by Brian Mayle (Brechbuhler Scales)
Pricing: $25
(includes delicious buffet)
Location: Alex D. Krassas
Event Center
251 25th St., NW Canton, OH 44709
Date: April 9
Time: 11:30 AM - 1PM
ADVANTAGE TURNING AI INTO CANTON AI TECH SUMMIT
Turning Artificial Intelligence Into Advantage
The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and Walsh University invites you to join the region’s leading business minds for the 3rd Annual Canton AI Tech Innovation Summit, designed to help organizations understand, adopt, and scale artificial intelligence.
Keynote topics may include:
· How AI is reshaping productivity, competitiveness, and talent
· What businesses must do now vs. what can wait
· Myths vs. reality of AI adoption
· Why AI is no longer optional for businesses of any size
· Strategic decision-making around AI
· Build vs. buy decisions
· Organizational readiness
· Change management and workforce implications
· Measuring ROI on AI investments
3rd Annual Canton AI Tech Innovation Summit
DATE: Tuesday, May 12
TIME: 8:30am-1pm
LOCATION: Walsh University
PRICE: $40 for members
$50 for non-members
TICKETS: CantonChamber.org
SUMMIT SNAPS
NEW MEMBERS
WELCOME to our newest members, who joined Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce last month. We encourage you to patronize their businesses. If you know of other businesses that would benefit from Chamber membership, please contact Autumn Zerbe at autumn@cantonchamber.org
7 Brew Coffee Co
4405 Tuscarawas St. W Canton, OH, 44708 (360) 694-7855
7brew.com
“7 Brew Coffee is a drive-thru coffee experience built around speed, quality drinks, and genuine human connection. Known for its upbeat energy and friendly Brewistas, 7 Brew serves a wide range of handcrafted beverages including specialty coffees, energy drinks, teas, smoothies, and shakes — all delivered quickly and with a smile.
Our Canton stand is proud to be part of the local community and is dedicated to giving back through partnerships with local organizations, charitable donations, and community events. At 7 Brew, our mission is simple: serve great drinks and make someone’s day a little brighter.”
Astro-Tec Manufacturing, Inc.
550 Elm Ridge Ave.
Canal Fulton, OH, 44614 (330) 854-2209
Astro-Tec.com
Astro-Tec Mfg., Inc. Manufactures Planetarium Projection Domes and specialized screens and installs them all over the world.
CLP Services - Portable Toilets And Restroom Trailers
125 Canal Street NE Bolivar, OH 44612 (330) 874-7131
www.CLPrestroomtrailers.com
CLP Services provides portable toilets and restroom trailers throughout Stark, Tuscarawas, and surrounding counties.
Chasing Hope House
408 Ninth St. SW, Suite 2450 Canton, OH, 44707 (234) 521-9466
www.chasinghopehouse.com
Chasing Hope House (CHH) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Canton, Ohio empowering foster youth and teen parents who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. As Ohio’s first licensed Independent Living Program for foster youth ages 13–18, we provide safe housing, life-skills training, and mentorship. We also offer after-school support and resources to youth ages 13–19 who are still enrolled in school, and our Nurturing Futures program delivers parenting education and life-skills training for young parents. Our mission is to help vulnerable youth build stability, independence, and brighter futures.
East Carroll Nursing Home Inc. dba Countryview Manor is a home that provides residential services to people with Developmental Disabilities. We are a family owned business that supports, teaches and integrates the residents to be a part of our rural community.
First Commonwealth Mortgage
Mortgage Services Luke Sabo 4650 Hills and Dales Rd NW Canton, 44708 330-605-6697
Lhsabo@fcbanking.com
Home Mortgages & Refinancing First Commonwealth Bank
First Commonwealth Mortgage is an innovative residential lending organization that collaborates closely with homebuyers, homeowners, and real estate professionals to provide strategic and personalized financing solutions. We take a holistic approach to the mortgage process, ensuring each client receives guidance and support from application to closing.
Established in 2014, First Commonwealth Mortgage was founded with a commitment to delivering a better lending experience built on trust, communication, and service. What began as a community-focused mortgage platform has grown into a trusted provider of home financing solutions. Today, we offer a full range of loan products and work alongside realtors, builders, and financial professionals to help clients achieve homeownership and long-term financial success. We believe we can create a better financial future through education, transparency, and strong relationships. Our commitment to these values allows us to guide our clients through every step of the home financing journey.
Our mission as a company is to improve the financial lives of our neighbors and their businesses.
Our approach goes beyond simply closing loans. We strive to make a lasting impact by educating our clients and helping them make informed financial decisions. We are committed to creating a culture of trust, responsiveness, and continuous improvement. By investing in our people and processes, we ensure that every client receives a smooth, efficient, and personalized mortgage experience.
Hall of Fame Builder (330) 936-0020 www.hofbuilder.com
HOF Builder creates custom, buildable experiences that people keep, display and talk about. We want to help you create anything out of LEGO® that you can imagine!
Gold’N Krisp Potato Chips
NEW MEMBERS
We design and produce fully customized LEGO® builds for businesses, whether you need 100 branded kits to wow employees or clients, or a single, highly detailed build that becomes a centerpiece. Our kits come with custom building instructions and can be tailored to reflect your brand, such as your logo, your building, a signature product or something entirely original. We also create larger-scale models for offices, events and displays that instantly become conversation starters and are memorable pieces that turn your brand into something people can interact with and remember. If you’re looking for a different kind of client gift, a team experience or a way to showcase what your business does in a way people won’t forget, we build it.
heart of Canton to life. With two floors of working studios, rotating exhibits, and events like First Friday in downtown Canton, our space connects the public with painters, photographers, sculptors, and makers of all kinds.
Located in the heart of the Downtown Canton Arts District, across from Centennial Plaza and surrounded by restaurants, bars, shops, and other galleries, Second April is a true gathering place. It’s where art, music, comedy, and cocktails come together to create an experience that’s vibrant, welcoming, and uniquely Canton.
Originally opened in 2005, Second April Studios has long been a cornerstone of the Canton Arts District, helping shape downtown Canton’s identity as a hub for creativity. Founded by Canton native Tim Carmany, Second April first made its mark as a space for artists to create and connect. Tim later launched The Hub Art Factory—now the longest-tenured gallery in the district—before returning to 324 Cleveland Ave NW with a vision to reawaken the building’s legacy. The name Second April was lovingly restored as both a nod to its history and a symbol of creative rebirth.
Today, Second April Studios is more than just an art gallery. We are a collaborative community of artists, vendors, and creatives who bring the
We’ll take IT from here. At Keystone, we take IT off your plate so you can get back to the job you love. We’ll get to know your business challenges upfront and tailor our approach to your specific needs. You’ll feel safe and secure knowing we treat your business as if it were our own.
Keystone Technology Consultants partners with businesses of all sizes to deliver safe, secure, and reliable technology solutions — whether serving as a company’s complete IT team or co-managing an existing infrastructure. Our services include cybersecurity, cloud solutions, business continuity, disaster recovery, and virtual CIO consulting. At Keystone, people are at the center of everything we do. We combine deep technical expertise with a relationship-first approach, helping local businesses focus on growth while we handle the complexity of IT.
At Keystone, our mission is “to make a difference for people.” This mission has allowed us to build strong partnerships over the last 25+ years as a company and become the leading MSP in Northeast Ohio.
Mahon Property Maintenance
8484 Georgetown St NE Louisville, OH 44641
(330) 871-9919
http://www.mahonpropertycare.com/
Commercial landscape maintenance contractors specializing in snow & ice management and large communities.
Midmo.ai PO Box 36042 Canton, OH 44735 (216) 230-9834
www.midmo.ai
Midmo.ai is a Canton, Ohio–headquartered supply chain technology company delivering AIpowered item-level traceability, identification, and automation across manufacturing, intralogistics, transportation, distribution, and retail environments.
Through its device-agnostic middleware platform, MotionView, Midmo connects RFID, BLE, GPS, vision systems, IoT sensors, and other edge technologies into a unified visibility architecture. The platform fuses journey data with conditional and contextual metadata such as temperature, shock, dwell time, chain-of-custody, and aggregation events to provide real-time operational intelligence.
Midmo’s AI-driven analytics layer transforms raw edge data into predictive and prescriptive insights, enabling smarter decision-making, automation triggers, exception management, and digital twin environments that mirror real-world operations. The company supports upstream manufacturing execution, midstream logistics and yard orchestration, and downstream fulfillment and retail compliance. Solutions include inventory accuracy, WIP optimization, dock and yard execution, compliance validation, asset tracking, and intelligent workflow automation.
Mission
To simplify traceability, elevate operational intelligence at the edge, and enable AI-driven supply chains that are faster, smarter, and more accountable.
Building a Smarter, More Sustainable Future
By improving inventory precision, reducing shrink and waste, optimizing asset utilization, and enabling real-time decision support, Midmo helps organizations operate more responsibly and efficiently while building resilient, future-ready supply chains.
Muggswigz Coffee & Tea Coffee roaster and tea merchant Alexander Haas 117 Walnut Ave. NE Suite 219 330.452.6336 president@muggswigz.com www.muggswigz.com https://www.facebook.com/ muggswigzcoffeeandtea/
Founded in 2003 as a single downtown Canton coffeehouse, Muggswigz Coffee & Tea Co. has grown into a vertically integrated specialty beverage company. What began as a neighborhood café has expanded into coffee importing and roasting, tea importing and blending, and the direct operation of four retail coffee and tea bars that serve as community hubs.
Muggswigz sources from small, specialty farms and works toward direct relationships with growers to ensure traceability, quality, and consistency. The company maintains rigorous freshness standards, including a 30% retail discount on coffee more than 10 days off roast — a reflection of its commitment to serving coffee at peak flavor.
All baking, syrups, and sauces are produced in-house using natural ingredients, creating layered, distinctive flavor profiles across its beverage programs. Through its B2B division, Muggswigz supports cafés, bakeries, restaurants, and offices with professionally roasted coffee, specialty teas, and beverage solutions informed by real-world retail experience. Its roasting operations have earned industry recognition, underscoring a longstanding commitment to craftsmanship, quality control, and operational excellence.
Stutzman Lawn & Landscaping 1138 Commercial Ave SE New Philadelphia, OH 44663 (330) 339-4234
stutzmanlawnandlandscaping.com
VanMeters Auto Repair LLC 3409 State Route 39 NW Dover, OH 44622 (330) 364-5355
Foreign & domestic auto repair.
BOOST YOUR BRAND VISIBILITY
Become a 2026 Sponsor:
Boost your brand visibility, support the community, and connect with thousands of local professionals and families.
Velvet on the Rocks PO Box 35232 Canton, OH 44735 (330) 801-4514
velvetontherocks.com
Velvet on the Rocks is a luxury mobile bartending service offering elevated, professional bar service for weddings, private parties and special events.
Direct to film printing. Embroidery. Custom apparel.
Melinda Kapalko Vice President of
Controlling costs with the Disabilty Relief Program
The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) offers the Disability Relief Program (formerly known as Handicap Reimbursement) to potentially offset claim costs and encourage employers to hire and retain employees with disabling conditions. Ohio Revised Code 4123.343 recognizes 26 conditions / disabilities in which, under some circumstances, the employer may be eligible for reimbursement of partial claim costs
The disability percentage awarded by BWC will reduce claim costs without reducing the benefits to the injured worker. The reduced claim costs can result in sizable premium reductions.
Eligibility Requirements
If an employee suffers a lost-time industrial injury/ occupational injury or death, the claim may be eligible for disability relief if it can be shown that the disability pre-existed the industrial injury or occupational disease and either caused the claim or contributed to increased costs or delay in recovery. Additionally, one of the following benefit types must have been paid in the claim:
• Temporary total compensation
• Permanent total disability
• Permanent partial-scheduled loss
• Survivor benefits
• Wages in lieu of temporary total disability
Application Filing Deadlines
Private Employers:
• If the date of injury is between Jan. 1 and June 30, the application must be filed by June 30 of the year no more than six years from the year of the date of injury or occupational disease.
• If the date of injury is between July 1 and Dec. 31, the application must be filed by June 30 of the year no more than seven years from the year of the date of the injury or occupational disease.
Public Employers:
• A public employer must file the application by Dec. 31 of the year no more than six years from the year of the date of the injury or occupational disease.
The Sedgwick cost containment team conducts reviews on claims which meet the eligibility requirements for disability relief, files the application and attends the disability hearing on behalf of our Ohio TPA clients.
If you have any questions, contact our Sedgwick program manager, Dominic Potina at 614-579-4723 or dominic.potina@segwick.com
CANTON PALACE THEATRE FUNDRAISER
Date: Saturday, April 25th 2026
Time: 7:30pm to 10:30 PM
Location: Historic Onesto Event Center 225 2nd St NW in downtown Canton
Tickets: $125 per couple or $75 each.
Tickets are limited, and available online and by calling the Canton Palace Theatre box office at 330-454-8172.
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CALLING ALL HR & TALENT LEADERS!
The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce invites you to an exclusive networking lunch and collaborative roundtable. As the workforce landscape shifts in 2026, we are dedicated to ensuring our local HR professionals have the tools, resources, and influence to succeed. Join us for the first HR-focused conversation of the year. Your voice is essential in building a stronger, more resilient talent pipeline for our region. Your insight. Our strategy. Better talent outcomes.
WHY ATTEND?
Unlock Funding: Learn about available workforce grants and state-funded programs.
Peer Networking: Build a “brain trust” of local HR professionals facing similar challenges. Direct Impact: Tell us exactly what your organization needs so the Chamber can go to work for you.
Pricing: $15 (includes lunch and program)
Location: Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce 222 Market Ave N Canton, OH 44702
Date: April 20
Time: 11:30 AM - 1 PM
You can reach SCORE at cantonscore@gmail.com or phone 800-634-0245. You can learn more about the chapter, including upcoming workshops, at www.score.org
Great Idea! Or is it? How
Dollar Business Idea Has the Legs to Succeed
Having a great idea for a business can be exciting. Many entrepreneurs feel the spark of inspiration and immediately start imagining what success might look like. However, a business idea alone is not the same as a business plan. Before investing significant time, money or effort, it is important to define your idea clearly and validate whether it can realistically succeed. The process of evaluating a business idea involves asking thoughtful questions, researching the market, and taking an honest look at your own readiness to pursue the opportunity.
Start With the Problem
Every successful business solves a problem or fulfills a need. One of the first questions to ask is: What problem does my business solve?
Avoid creating a solution that is looking for a problem. Instead, identify the people or organizations that would benefit from your product or service and understand why they need it. Is your idea offering something entirely new, or does it improve on something already available by being faster, more affordable or more efficient?
Next, consider what makes your offering different. This is often called your competitive advantage. Make a list of the features of your product or service and the benefits those features provide. For example, a bicycle may include a high-tech braking system (a feature), but the real value is improved rider safety (the benefit). Thinking in terms of benefits helps clarify how your idea solves a real customer problem.
Define Your Business Model
Once you understand the problem you are solving, the next step is to determine how your business will operate and generate revenue
Ask yourself practical questions such as:
• How will the business make money?
• How will customers receive the product or service?
• Will inventory be required?
• What resources, equipment or partnerships are needed?
These operational considerations help turn a concept into a workable business model.
Research the Numbers
After defining your idea conceptually, it is time to focus on objective data. Researching the numbers helps determine whether the opportunity is viable.
Start by examining industry data. How large is the market? Is the industry growing or shrinking? Understanding trends can help you avoid entering
a declining market and instead focus on industries with future potential.
Next, analyze competitor data. Some industries consist of many small businesses competing in niche areas, while others are dominated by a few major companies. Understanding the competitive landscape will help you determine how your business could position itself.
Finally, evaluate customer data. How many potential customers exist for your product or service? What are their demographics and purchasing behaviors? Are these customer segments expanding or contracting? In some cases, geography may also play an important role in defining your target market. Looking at these numbers objectively can confirm whether your idea has strong potential or may need refinement.
Evaluate
Yourself as the Founder
A business idea may look promising on paper, but another important question is whether you are the right person to execute it.
Consider whether your skills, experience, and personality align with the type of business you want to build. For example, someone starting a restaurant may benefit from prior experience in food service or retail operations. If you lack certain skills, think about whether you can learn them or hire someone who already has that expertise.
Entrepreneurship also involves risk and commitment. Starting a business often requires long hours, financial uncertainty and patience while the company grows. Ask yourself whether you are prepared for these realities and whether you can sustain yourself financially during the startup phase.
Finally, consider your passion for the idea. Entrepreneurs often need to persuade customers, partners, and investors to believe in their vision. Genuine enthusiasm and conviction can make a meaningful difference.
Seek Guidance and Mentorship
Evaluating a business idea can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time entrepreneurs. Mentorship and structured guidance can provide valuable perspective. SCORE offers free mentoring and educational resources for entrepreneurs at every stage of the business journey. Tools such as SCORE’s Startup Roadmap and workbook Simple Steps for Starting Your Business can help you analyze your idea, develop a business plan and move forward with greater confidence.
Working with a SCORE mentor can also help you identify potential challenges early and uncover opportunities you may not have considered.
The 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival will take place in Canton, Ohio this July and August as our community welcomes the 2026 Enshrinees, many returning Hall of Famers, and football fans from across the country. Mark your calendars to experience this signature community tradition!
JULY 24-26 JULY 25 AUG. 1 AUG. 7
7
BALLOON CLASSIC
Presented by Aultman
UP, UP & AWAY 5K
Presented by OrthoUnited COMMUNITY PARADE
FASHION SHOW LUNCHEON
Presented by Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons
ENSHRINEES’ GOLD JACKET DINNER
Presented by Haggar
GRAND PARADE
Presented by Certified Angus Beef
CLASS OF 2026 UNSCRIPTED & TAILGATE
Presented by Employers Health
Since 1963, The Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce have partnered to produce the Enshrinement Festival. The Enshrinement Festival is currently 18 national and community events held to celebrate the enshrinement of the newest class into the Pro Football Hall of Fame; honor all the Hall of Famers; and celebrate why CANTON is the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame!
These events are not possible without the time, effort and passion of over 2,500 volunteers needed to stage these events. We are currently looking for additional volunteers to continue to produce the Enshrinement Festival.
UNFUSED BREW HALL
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15
5 - 7PM
NETWORKING MORNING MIXER CANTON REGIONAL CHAMBER
Join us for Morning Mixer, a morning networking event designed to help you connect before the day gets busy! On May 27, we get to visit Embassy Suites, 7883 Freedom Ave NW, North Canton, OH 44720, for a morning of coffee, breakfast and networking. Stop by, grab a cup of coffee and start your day connected! Chamber Members: Free to attend! Bring a $15 door prize to earn 30-seconds at the microphone to spotlight your business. NonMembers: $15 to attend. Register at cantonchamber.org.
INTO
STARK EMERGING TALENT LUNCHEON
An engagement and retention opportunity for your interns and emerging talent
JUNE Wed., June 24, 2026 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Gervasi Vineyard 1700 55th St NE Canton OH 44721
• Engage interns beyond the workplace and connect them to the local business community
• Showcase Stark County as a great place to live, work and grow professionally
• Increase the likelihood that interns choose to stay and work in the region after graduation
ACTION
Flashback!
Dueber-Hampden Watch Company was fully operational in early June 1889. Canton played a sigificant role for watch manufacturing in the United States. The company employed about 2,300 local residents as reported in the 1890 census. The sprawling watch works buildings were located south of Tuscarawas Street W between Dueber Avenue SW and the West Branch Nimishillen Creek but were torn down in the 60s to make way for I-77 through Canton.
