MENTAL HEALTH MAT TERS
ACTION WALSH UNIVERSITY
August 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.
Marketing Matters
Stop Staring at a Blank Screen: How to Turn Chamber News Into Your Next LinkedIn Post
Tagging the Chamber on social media is an easy way to demonstrate local authority.
Many professionals assume that building an active presence on social media requires inventing entirely new concepts from scratch. They wait until they have the time to write an original article or pull together an extensive industry study. That pressure often means they end up posting nothing at all.
The most consistent, reputable voices on platforms like LinkedIn are not always generating new research. Instead, they act as a filter for their audience. They review regional updates, pick the ones that matter to their network, and provide a brief perspective on why they matter.
Why Sharing Local Milestones Builds Credibility
When you share a piece of regional business news, you are doing something distinct from your competition. You are signaling that you look beyond your own immediate products or services to understand the wider business community.
It’s the difference between being a vendor and being an advisor. Consistently highlighting these regional shifts shows your audience you understand the macro forces that impact their own success. By filtering and framing local growth, workforce initiatives, or expansions through your specific lens, you position your business as a well-informed guide, proving that you’re deeply invested in the market where you both operate.
A Streamlined Framework for Sharing News
Transforming a Chamber update into social media content does not require a significant time investment. You can easily build this habit around a few simple steps.
• Scan for Relevance: When reading the ACTION newsletter or browsing the AkronCanton Advocacy Alliance updates, look for items that touch your industry, your clients’ industries, or the business environment across our neighboring counties.
• Identify the Impact: Ask yourself one question: What does this mean for the people I serve?
• Write a Two-Sentence Bridge: Share the update or article on your social media feed. Lead with your perspective, tag the Chamber to build collaborative visibility, and keep it brief.
Tailoring Your Commentary
The difference between simply sharing a link and demonstrating true market awareness comes down to that brief bridge sentence. For example, if the Chamber shares an update about a new regional workforce development grant or a local infrastructure project, a general post might just say, “Great news for our community.”
A more strategic post would say, “This regional focus on manufacturing workforce partnerships is exactly what local business owners need to watch. It is great to see the Chamber driving initiatives that address our area’s hiring challenges.”
The Multiplier Effect
An added benefit of sharing these updates on social media is the collaborative visibility it creates. When you share a report and tag the Canton Regional Chamber or the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance, you connect your brand to a broader regional network. This interaction frequently introduces your profile to other growth-minded business leaders across the region who are tracking the exact same local issues.
PRO-TIP FROM UB ADVERTISING
The next time you read a piece of general news in the ACTION newsletter that makes you think of a specific client or industry group, use it as a prompt. Post the update on LinkedIn, tag the Chamber, and add a single sentence that answers: “How will this change the day-to-day experience of the people I help?” Then invite your audience to share how it affects their work. That small step is the difference between resharing information and demonstrating real expertise.
If you would like help making your website work harder as a credibility and conversion tool, our team at UB Advertising is happy to take a look.
Our next QuickConnect is Sept. 16 at La Pizzeria!
The Development Playbook: What we need to know about data centers
As data center development grows across Ohio, communities are asking important questions about infrastructure, investment and long-term impact. We’ll bring together expert voices for a conversation designed to separate facts from assumptions and help us better understand the impact for our region.
REGISTER HERE
Presenting Sponsor:
Engagement Sponsor:
LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE!
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!
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
HUGE shoutout to all the volunteers, pilots, committees and staff on a super successful Balloon Classic and Up, Up and Away 5K
THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS
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
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COMING TO PLAIN TOWNSHIP
5-Star Metering
Absolute Home Health & Hospice
Adelman’s Truck Parts Corp
MEMBER RENEWALS
Akron Building & Outdoor Maintenance dba
Riverreach Construction
Alliance Coins and Jewelry
Alliance Family Health Center
Andreas Furniture
Anthony Milano Concrete
ArtsinStark, The County Arts Council
AspiredX
Astoria Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation
Atwood Glass, Inc.
AVO Behavioral Health
B.F. Plastics, Inc.
Barley Heating & Air Conditioning
Barrington Carpet
Bartell & Bartell Ltd.
Berlin Heating & Cooling LLC
Bethel Miller Memorials - The Conti Memorial Group
BHR-Ohio, Inc.
Bluegrass Irrigation and Lighting Incorporated
Brandywine Construction & Restoration
Bryan J. Terhune Jr. DMD Inc.
Bubba’s 33
C.F.I. Interiors
Carpenter Heating & Cooling Inc.
Carpenter Metal Solutions, Inc
Carroll Meadows, Inc.
Clark Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc.
Classico Landscapes, Inc.
Club Prive
Crystal Clinic Orthopedic Center
Culligan of Canton
Culver’s of North Canton
Custom Craft Controls Inc
Cut and Dry Restoration
Dan Buxton Roofing, LLC
Davidson Well Drilling LLC
Decor Built Construction Company LLC
Desidara
Doc’s Bar and Grille
Dutchcraft Truss & Component Inc.
E.K. Norch Inc.
East Central Ohio Building & Construction Trades Council
Eclectic Consulting + Bookkeeping
Employer Health Care Savings LLC
FOFM, LLC
GDK & Company
Giddy’s 24/7 Fitness
Glenmoor Country Club
Grasshopper Property Management, Inc.
Greater Stark County Urban League
Grey Ghost Enterprises LLC, DBA Sugarbush Kennels
Guess Motors Inc
Hammer & Nails, Inc.
Hannah’s House 119
Hartville Internal Medicine PA
I Group Technologies/Image Armor/RTP Apparel
ImpulseGUIDE.com, LLC
Indenco Inc
Invited dba Firestone Country Club
Jeffrey S Masin MD
JMW Trucking Services Inc
Kibbe Consulting, LLC
Kingsway Services, LLC
Kohler Coating
Legacy Roofing Services, LLC
Massillon Container Company/Vail Industries
Massillon Museum
Minerva Enterprises, LLC
MJ Excavating Ltd.
Mr. Mike’s Catering, LLC
MRE Services, Inc.
NAI Spring Commercial Realty
North Coast Air Care
Northside Auto Repair, Ltd.
NSAO
O.M.E.M., LLC
Pageantry Innovations LLC
Paragraphics, Inc.
PC Net Techs
Personal Touch Bartending Service (The) Pivot Staffing
Professional Service Industries, Inc. (PSI)
Pulmonary Physicians Inc.
Quickflow Plumbing
RBS General Contracting LLC
Red Robin
Refuge of Hope Ministries
Robertson’s Excavating Inc.
Run To You Racing
Sam’s Club
Schulman, Roth & Associates
Schumacher Homes, Inc.
SprayWorks Equipment Group
SpringHill Suites Canton - Shree Vithal Krupa
Stanley Miller Construction Co
Stark County Manufacturing Workforce
Development Partnership
Stark Storage & Logistics
Summit Academy Canton Secondary
Donate here:
We are deeply grateful for your past support and commitment to our mission. Past gifts have helped us celebrate remarkable success— and now, in our 40th, we need your support once again to continue this important work.
Meet two new faces on CRCC membership team
Welcome Sydney Campanaro as Membership Development Manager for the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce! In her new role, Sydney will work directly with businesses across the region, helping members build stronger connections, access valuable Chamber resources and make the most of their membership.
Sydney’s career includes roles with the American Cancer Society, The Aultman Foundation and the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Today, she is living her dream as part of the Canton Regional Chamber team, where she hopes to combine her passion for her hometown with a commitment to supporting Chamber members while strengthening the region.
Sydney believes community engagement and service are among the most meaningful ways to make an impact and enjoys volunteering with local organizations. She is the proud mom of Kate and Sam, and Nana to Isaac and Lucas.
Fun fact: In 2005, she recorded an acappella version of Ave Maria for a charity album benefiting 9/11 firefighters and their families.
Lauren Nieporte joined the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce in May in the role of Membership Specialist. As a 2025 graduate of Kent State University with her bachelor’s in communication studies, Lauren values human connection and collaboration both in and out of the workplace.
She most recently worked at Kenan Advantage Group and also recently wrapped up her third season as the Assistant Coach for the GlenOak High School Speech & Debate team, where her team finished top 20 in the Nation out of nearly 1,300 schools.
Lauren is eager to immerse herself in all the Chamber has to offer and connect with the people and places that make Canton the place it is.
Fun fact: Lauren doesn’t go anywhere without her digital camera!
NIEPORTE CAMPANARO
The Comfort Inn - Hall of Fame at 5345 Broadmoor Circle NW sold in June 2026 for $4.17 million. The buyer was Kuber Hospitality Inc., a New York-based group, who purchased the 124-room property from HOF Hospitality Group LLC.The hotel remains an active property and retains its brand. You can view current room availability and amenities on the Choice Hotels page, or check out guest updates on the Comfort Inn - Hall Of Fame Facebook page. n
The Canton Palace Theatre is hosting a Centennial Celebration Weekend Honoring 100 Years of Entertainment. The three-day celebration in November, features Kristin Chenoweth, In The Heartland – The Music of Michael Stanley Band, and a One-of-a-Kind Recreation of the Theatre’s Historic Opening Night. One of Ohio’s most treasured historic performing arts venues, will celebrate its 100th Anniversary with an unforgettable weekend of entertainment, history, and community celebration November 20–22, 2026. Since opening its doors on November 22, 1926, the theatre has welcomed generations of audiences to films, concerts, theatrical productions, community performances, and special
BIZ Bitz
events. The Centennial Celebration Weekend honors that remarkable legacy while looking ahead to the theatre’s next century.
Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) is proud to announce a new partnership with The Ohio State University’s Northeast Ohio Ag Innovation Center to bring locally sourced products to airport guests. The wellnessfocused initiative seeks to support local producers, enhance the traveler experience, strengthen employee well-being, and celebrate Northeast Ohio’s agricultural economy. In addition to locally sourced retail offerings, the partnership will feature seasonal pop-up farmers’ markets, employee wellness and education initiatives, and interactive guest experiences throughout the terminal that highlight the region’s vibrant agricultural community.
Urban Construction to build 12,000-squarefoot facility in Massillon The Ohio Department of Development has issued a loan to help Urban construct a nearly $1.4 million manufacturing facility at the Nova East Industrial Park. He recently
purchased three acres at the site off Richville Drive SE for the approximately $1.4 million project. “We’ve outgrown what we’re leasing now (at 1250 Nova Drive SE). We need a larger facility and our own place,” said Urban, 54, who grew up in Massillon and graduated from Washington High School in 1991.
Pizza Oven to open Jackson Township spot. After 70 years serving pizza in Stark County, Pizza Oven is preparing to reach a new milestone with the opening of its 10th location. The restaurant chain plans to open in mid-to-late August at 7220 Fulton Drive NW, taking over a former Pizza Hut near the Buehler’s Fresh Foods plaza. Joe and Georgia DiPietro weren’t trying to build a restaurant empire. They were trying to feed their community — and they were really good at it. Canton showed up. Word spread. And the carry-out on West Tuscarawas became the beginning of something that would define Stark County’s dinner table for seven decades. The original location is still open today.
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 Darla Brown at darla@cantonchamber.org
Global Financial Impact
4612 20th St NW Canton, OH 44708 (330) 754-2830
Global Financial Impact is a financial agency dedicated to securing your financial future and driving positive change in your life and the world. We provide financial services through life insurance and annuities, well as debt management, college funds and others services. We utilize premier technology in the pursuit of finding the best result for our clients. Whether you run a multi-million dollar company or are looking for a simple insurance policy to protect your family, we can help.”
K&K Plumbing LLC
7577 Hillvale St SE East Canton, OH 44730
330-875-8003
https://kandkplumbing.com/
Your Trusted Partner in Quality Plumbing Services Committed to Your Delight! Your local Family Owned & Operated Plumbing Company!
K & K Plumbing, LLC is a family-owned and operated company serving Louisville, OH and surrounding areas. We strive to establish long-lasting relationships with our customers and we establish these
relationships being timely, fair and honorable while maintaining a clean and organized job site and appearance.
Whether it’s that annoying dripping faucet or an emergency pipe repair job, our licensed plumbers have the training and the tools to handle the smallest or the largest plumbing job and trust us to get it right the first time.
Nordstrom Rack at The Venue at Belden
3939 Everhard Rd NW Canton, OH 44709 1 (888) 966-6283
A new Rack is coming to your neighborhood! Nordstrom Rack at The Venue at Belden opens August 20—join us for our Grand Opening Celebration. Nordstrom Rack delivers great brands at great prices. You’ll find incredible savings UP TO 70% OFF a selection of styles including Women’s, Shoes, Handbags, Designer, Men’s, Kids, Beauty & more. Plus, join The Nordy Club for exclusive discounts + first access to sales, new arrivals and more. No matter how you shop, expect the joy of discovery—plus the rush that comes from paying less and scoring more. Sound good? Check them out.
Pitinii Law Offices LLC
101 Central Plaza S #1000, Canton, OH 44702 (330) 458-2411 staff@pnd.com pnd-law.com/
Criminal Defense
Attorney Rick Pitinii
Rick Pitinii is a partner at Pitinii, Davies & Cazantzes, LLC. Rick concentrates his practice on criminal defense and crisis management. He has represented criminal defendants for over fifteen (15) years in both state and federal courts. Rick practices in multiple counties throughout the State of Ohio. He is a member of the Stark County Bar Association and serves on the Criminal Law Committee. Rick received his Juris Doctorate from Ohio Northern University and his undergraduate degree from Kent State University. Rick is married to Attorney Melissa Pitinii and has two children. He is an avid Cleveland sports fan.
Family Law
Melissa V. Pitinii is a partner at Pitinii, Davies and Cazantzes, LLC. Melissa graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Education. She received her law degree from the University of Akron, School of Law. Melissa’s practice is devoted primarily to Guardian Ad Litem work. Melissa practices primarily in Stark County and Carroll County. She also serves as a Guardian in the Stark County Probate Court. Melissa is a member of the Stark County Bar Association and a member of the Stark County Bar Association Family Law Committee. Melissa is a member of the YWCA Board. She also serves on the Stark County Bar Association Guardian Ad Litem Sub-Committee and Red Cross Fundraising Committee. Melissa was recently chosen by the Jackson Local School District to represent professional women in the community. Melissa is married to Attorney Rick Pitinii and she has two young children.
Family Law
Holly J. Davies is a partner at Pitinii, Davies, and Cazantzes, LLC. Holly graduated from Chatham University. She received her Juris Doctorate from the
NEW MEMBERS
University of Akron, School of Law. Holly’s practice is devoted primarily to Family Law and Guardian Ad Litem work. She practices in multiple counties throughout the State of Ohio. Holly is a member of the Stark County Bar Association and serves as a Co-Chairperson of the Stark County Bar Association Family Law Committee. She also serves on the Stark County Bar Association Guardian Ad Litem SubCommittee. Holly is a member of the Supreme Court’s Guardian Ad Litem Training Faculty. In addition, Holly is a member of the Supreme Court’s Lawyer Mentoring Program, Ohio Attorney General’s Foster Care Advisory Group, the Women’s Board of Aultman Hospital and the Red Cross Fundraising Committee. Holly has two children and enjoys spending all of her free time with them.
moments, and shared experiences.
As your personal caregivers, we relate to the opportunities and challenges of aging. Your days should be filled with ease and joy! That’s why our entire Canton-Akron team is committed to empowering seniors, helping them continue to live independent lives from the comfort of home. As your specific needs change, you can count on Seniors Helping Seniors® Canton-Akron to support you in ways you find most helpful. We’re honored to have forged many friendships in this community through our day-to-day assistance and companionship. We can’t wait to connect with you!
and provide personalized services from the initial consultation through installation and ongoing support. With scalable services and dedicated business support, Spectrum Business helps local companies improve productivity, enhance customer experiences, and grow with confidence.
The Retail Computer Group LLC
8194 Traphagen St NW Massillon, OH 44646 (800) 944-0917 www.trcgllc.com
Seniors Helping Seniors Canton-Akron 1440 Edison St NW Hartville, OH 44632 (330) 806-8044 CantonAkronSHS.com
Our in-home care services brighten the lives of seniors, who can benefit from a helping hand and a friendly smile. Our caregivers, who are seniors themselves, make your life easier through compassionate support, beautifully vibrant
Spectrum Business
4349 Everhard Rd NW Canton, OH 44718 (866) 874-2389 www.spectrum.com/locations/oh/canton
Spectrum business helps area businesses stay connected with reliable, fiber backed internet, business phone, mobile, Wifi, and TV solutions designed to support companies of all sizes. Local Spectrum Business sales representatives work directly with business owners to understand their needs, recommend the right technology solutions,
The Retail Computer Group helps businesses run smarter with modern point- of-sale systems, integrated payments, and technology built for real-world operations. We specialize in supporting inventory-heavy businesses — garden centers, hardware stores, multi-site retailers, sporting goods shops, and any organization managing complex stock — but our solutions fit companies of all sizes looking to streamline workflows and improve accuracy. By combining POS, cloud services, networking, and merchant processing, TRCG delivers practical, reliable technology that makes day-to - day operations easier and helps businesses grow with confidence.
Candidates and Elected Officials Reception
Join us for the ACAA’s annual Candidates and Elected Officials Reception on Wednesday, October 8th from 4:30-7pm at House 330. This event will bring together business leaders, elected officials, candidates, economic development partners, and community stakeholders for an evening of conversation, connection, and camaraderie.
This networking reception offers attendees a unique opportunity to meet and engage with area candidates and elected officials in an informal setting. With no formal program, attendees are encouraged to enjoy food and drinks while building relationships, exchanging ideas, and connecting with key decisionmakers and community stakeholders. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, discuss issues impacting the business community, or simply connect with local elected officials and candidates, this event provides a welcoming environment to foster meaningful conversations.
Date: Thursday, October 8
Time: 4:30 - 7 PM
Location: House Three Thirty 532 W. Market Street, Akron, 44303
Please note, this event is CLOSED to the media.
Registration includes appetizers and two drink tickets.
The show must go on
Canton Palace Theatre started phase two of its $19 million renovation and expansion project which includes expanding the stage area and adding a second lobby. All three phases of the project are expected to be finished in early 2028. During construction, the theater will remain closed until mid-September and then remain open through the end of 2026 for fall and holiday programming. Georgia Paxos, executive director of Palace Theatre said the new stage and other improvements will bring in bigger acts and more of them. And although the back wall will come down, the original architecture of the Palace and its bygone charm will remain untouched.
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
Businesses can receive a startup tax credit covering 100% plan setup
Often small businesses shy away from offering their employees a 401(k) plan under the fear of the costs the business is not willing to absorb. Employers who sponsor a 401(k) plan - particularly small and mid-sized businesses - may be eligible for valuable federal tax credits designed to significantly offset the cost of offering retirement benefits. Businesses with up to 100 employees can receive a startup tax credit covering 100% of eligible plan setup and administrative costs, up to $5,000 annually for the first three years. In addition, employers that include automatic enrollment may qualify for an extra $500 per year for three years. These incentives make launching a new retirement
plan more affordable than ever.
Even more impactful, recent legislation introduced a new employer contribution tax credit, allowing eligible businesses to claim a credit of up to $1,000 per employee per year for contributions such as matching or profit sharing. This credit is available for up to five years, starting at 100% in the first two years and gradually phasing down. When combined, these credits can substantially reduce, or even fully offset, the cost of establishing and funding a 401(k) plan, creating a powerful opportunity for employers to enhance employee benefits while lowering their tax burden.
Kayla DeVitto for
SCSC August Luncheon
Join us for the August Stark County Safety Council Luncheon featuring Deborah Easton, Communication Skills Consultant.
Deborah will present Multi-Generational Workforce Safety, sharing practical insight on how communication styles, workplace expectations and generational differences can impact safety, teamwork and training. Attendees will learn ways to strengthen communication across age groups and help create a safer, more connected workplace.
This luncheon is a great opportunity to network with fellow safety professionals, enjoy lunch and gain valuable takeaways to support your organization’s safety efforts.
PURCHASE YOUR FY27 SEASON PASS
This is also a great time to purchase your FY27 Season Pass, which includes this luncheon and all regular monthly luncheons for the year. The FY27 Season Pass includes admission to the remaining luncheons through June 2027 for just $250 — 11 luncheons for the price of 10 and a $25 savings.
SCSC August Luncheon: Date: Thursday, Aug. 13
Registration: 11:30 a.m.
Program: Noon–1 p.m.
Location: Alex D. Krassas Event Center
FY27 Season Pass: $250 (includes this luncheon).
Get 11 luncheons for the price of 10!
2026 Voter Guide is Online
The Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance is committed to providing pertinent information on candidates, ballot issues, and legislation that impacts your business. As such, the online Voter Election Guide serves as a one-stop resource for clear, nonpartisan information on key races and issues on the November 3 ballot.
This year’s ballot includes candidates for U.S. Senate, Ohio’s Congressional seats, Ohio Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer, and seats on the Ohio Supreme Court (as well as a number of Ohio House and Senate seats and local offices). The guide will feature candidate overviews, links to campaign websites, recorded conversations with candidates, and direct access to county board of elections for up-to-date local voting information.
With a full slate of candidates and issues on the ballot, make sure your voter registration is up to date. To the right are key deadlines and registration requirements to ensure you’re prepared for the November 3 election:
General Election: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Voter registration deadline: October 5
Early in-person voting: October 6 – November 2
Absentee voting by mail: October 6 – November 2
*Absentee ballots must be received by your board of elections on election day by 7:30 p.m.
What You’ll Need to Register Online
• Ohio driver license or Ohio identification card number
• Name
• Date of Birth
• Address
• Last four digits of your Social Security number
*For more information, or to check your voter registration status, click here.
BOOST YOUR BRAND VISIBILITY
Become a 2026 Sponsor:
Boost your brand visibility, support the community, and connect with thousands of local professionals and families.
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
7 SESSIONS • 7 EXPERTS • 7 TOPICS
THE PROGRAM:
Developing talent from within your workforce is the best way of supplying leadership to your people. Your people see opportunity instead of stagnation.
You identify better leaders from within than you do from an external interview. Your leaders are better respected when they have come up through the ranks.
THE COST:
$850 Chamber Members
$1200 Public
THE TIME: Mondays, 2-5pm
THE DATES: Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26 Nov. 2, 9, 16
THE LOCATIONS: Walsh University and the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce
TOPICS:
Motivating, training, planning, teamwork, effective communication, resolving conflicts, problem solving, process improvement, adjusting your methods to the personality of your employees, employment law and more.
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
Pete Opperman Vice President, Retail Market Manager Farmers National Bank
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
Michael Sirpilla CEO Society Brands
Leonard Stevens CEO Stark County Minority Business Assoc.
Jeff Talbert Superintendent Canton City School District
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
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Flashback!
First National Bank Building in Canton, opened in 1924. The 12-to14 story features a vestibule lined to the ceiling with pink-tinted Rose Travertine marble imported from Italy. The walls and floors are of Travertine marble, used in Canton for the first time. The ceiling is Italian Renaissance style designed by Gentuilomo Studios in New York. Constructed in the 1920’s at a cost of $1.6 million dollars, the building later became the Central Trust Building and a Chase Bank branch among other things. It recently opened as the Mills Historic Tower, housing professional offices, a law firm, and retail space. Located on the first floor of the Historic Mills Tower, the Canton Marketplace hosts 30+ artisan vendors, daily food options, McKinley’s Tavern and The Canton Club Vault, a unique speakeasy experience. Chamber file photo circa 1924.