Issuu

July 2026

JULY 24

JULY 25

JULY 26

AUG. 1

AUG. 4

BALLOON CLASSIC NIGHT GLOW DRONE SHOW

BALLOON CLASSIC UP, UP & AWAY 5K BALLOON CLASSIC DRONE SHOW

BALLOON CLASSIC

COMMUNITY PARADE

FOOTBALL SKILLS CAMP

AUG. 5

AUG. 6

AUG. 7

AUG. 8

AUG. 9

FIRST PLAY SUGARDALE FAN FEST’26

AUTOGRAPH SESSION SUGARDALE FAN FEST’26 HALL OF FAME GAME

FASHION SHOW SHOPPING FASHION SHOW LUNCHEON SUGARDALE FAN FEST’26 GOLD JACKET DINNER

GRAND PARADE ENSHRINEMENT SUGARDALE FAN FEST’26

UNSCRIPTED & TAILGATE SUGARDALE FAN FEST’26 RAISING CANE’S CONCERT FOR LEGENDS

DETAILS & TICKETS: PAGE 10 • VOLUNTEER: PAGE 9

IN THIS ISSUE

Medicare Made Easy

PrimeTime is easy to choose and easy to use. > Highest customer service rating for more than 10 straight years!* > Our local experts get you all the access to care you need. > One insurance card for all your healthcare.** Benefits include:**

DENTAL

SILVER SNEAKERS

OVER-THECOUNTER

TELEHEALTH

PRESCRIPTIONS VISION HEARING **All benefits not in all plans.

CALL

330-363-7407 (TTY: 711) scan me

’S

Visit pthp.com Scan to schedule a meeting

*Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. PrimeTime Customer Service is rated 5 out of 5 stars for the 2026 contract year. PrimeTime is rated 4.5 stars overall. PrimeTime Health Plan is available by phone seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Oct. 1 - March 31. (April 1 - Sept. 30, we are available Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.). PrimeTime Health Plan is an HMO-POS plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in PrimeTime Health Plan depends on contract renewal. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call 1-800-577-5084 (TTY: 711). H3664_2StarAd26_M

ACTION July 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

Networking Series

Quick Connect will take a Summer hiatus through HOFEF and return September 16 at La Pizzaria

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. Presenting Sponsor:

Engagement Sponsor:

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.

National expertise. Local talent. Certified public accountants (CPAs) and business advisors personally invested in the success of your business.

Canton 330.966.9400

maloneynovotny.com

Marketing Matters

Data-Driven Marketing Solutions

The Credibility Advantage: How to Turn Your Chamber Membership into a Trust Signal The psychology of local marketing, and why that “Member Since” badge belongs on your website. Footer: Keeping a logo in your website footer is a great start, but it shouldn’t be the only place it lives. Because it sits at the very bottom of the page, it is easy to overlook it on its own.

Imagine a potential customer lands on your website for the very first time. They found you through a search engine or a social media post. They like your services, and your pricing seems fair. But right before they click “Contact Us” or input their credit card information, a silent question pops into their mind:

Contact page and inquiry forms: Visitors here are already considering reaching out, but they might hesitate to hit submit. A trust signal placed right next to your contact form reduces that friction at the exact moment it matters most.

“Can I trust this business to deliver? “ In digital marketing, this hesitation is called friction. To eliminate it, you need “trust signals”, which are visual cues that prove you are a legitimate, reputable, and established part of the community. And one of the most powerful local trust signals you already have access to is your Chamber membership.

Services or pricing pages: This is where buying doubt tends to surface. A credibility marker placed near your pricing table or service breakdown can be the difference between a form submission and a closed browser tab.

WHY TRUST SIGNALS MATTER ON A WEBSITE

The “Member Since” Detail: Pair the logo with a short line of copy like “Proud member of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce since [year].” The year you joined is not just trivia. For a local buyer, longevity signals stability. A business that has been a member for eight or twelve years reads differently from one that joined last month.

Most website visitors make a decision about a business within seconds of landing on a page. They are not reading your about page yet. They are scanning for those trust signals. Third-party credibility markers do that work faster than any headline or tagline. A professional association logo, a recognizable local organization, a badge that says someone else has vouched for you. These signals reduce hesitation before a single word of your copy is absorbed. In digital marketing, this is known as “trust transfer.” You are borrowing an established organization’s reputation and transferring it directly to your brand. It is easy to think of your Canton Regional Chamber membership solely through the lens of events and networking. But from a consumer perspective, the Chamber is a symbol of stability. Why? Because consumers assume that Chamber members are vetted, stable, and deeply invested in the local community. When you display the Chamber logo on your marketing materials, you aren’t bragging about joining a club; you are borrowing the Chamber’s century-plus reputation and transferring it directly to your brand. WHAT THE CANTON REGIONAL CHAMBER LOGO SIGNALS The Canton Regional Chamber has been serving the Stark County region since 1914 and represents nearly 1,900 member businesses. That history carries real weight with local buyers. The data backs this up. According to a landmark national study by the Association of Chamber of

BEYOND THE CHAMBER BADGE Commerce Executives (ACCE) and The Harris Poll, 81% of adults view their local chamber as a trusted resource and partner for businesses. Furthermore, 61% of consumers believe that being active in a local chamber is an effective way for a company to prove it is reputable and uses good business practices.

While the Chamber logo is a cornerstone for local trust, it works best when paired with other credentials. If your business has Google Reviews, Better Business Bureau accreditation, industryspecific certifications, or local awards, group them together. This creates a “wall of credibility” that immediately lowers the risk for a hesitant buyer.

When consumers know a business is a chamber member, they are significantly more likely to buy from them and recommend them to others. A Chamber logo on your website tells a visitor you are invested in this community, connected to a recognized regional organization, and accountable to a broader network. For service businesses, especially, where trust is essentially the entire sale, that signal matters.

Marketing is ultimately a game of reducing risk for your customer. You have already done the hard work of investing in your Chamber membership and earning your professional credentials. Now it is time to let those trust assets work for you around the clock on your digital storefront.

WHERE TO PUT IT AND WHAT TO SAY The ACCE study also revealed a fascinating gap: while consumers overwhelmingly trust chamber members, fewer than half actually know which local businesses belong to the chamber. This means you have to make your affiliation visible. To increase website conversions, place your trust signals where customers are actually making decisions.

PRO-TIP FROM UB ADVERTISING Do a quick check of your own website right now. Search your business name and “Chamber” together. If nothing comes up on your site, you have a quick win waiting. Make sure you use official, high-resolution graphics from the Chamber rather than a blurry screenshot so your trust signals actually look trustworthy. 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.

WA L S H U N I V E R S I T Y

Shine with a Canton Icon Named One of the Best Small Colleges in America More Than 60 Majors

– Niche

NCAA Division II Athletics Faith-ﬁlled Programs and Initiatives Financial Aid Packages Register here for Discover Walsh Day on September 20! 4.92x4.88_Discover ad_25_v2.indd 1

Contact Kayla DeVitto for sponsorship opportunities. kayla@cantonpalacetheatre.org 7/14/25 1:38 PM

INTERN DEVELOPMENT SERIES • Help interns identify what makes a community worth living, working, and growing in • Create space for interns to connect with peers and meet other young professionals • Hear from local leaders and organizations through stories, advice, and career-ready takeaways DISCOVER DOWNTOWN INTERACTIVE WALKING TOUR Explore downtown Canton & connect with local organizations in the community! Cost: $25 Time: Doors open 1:00 PM | Program 1:20–4:00 PM Location: Canton Museum of Art Address: 1001 Market Ave N, Canton, OH 44702 Contact: Julia Kasper Program Manager Leadership Stark County julia@leadershipstarkcounty.org

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Chamber Members: Free to attend! Bring a $15 door prize to earn 30-seconds at the microphone to spotlight your business. Non-Members: $15 to attend. Register at cantonchamber.org.

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.

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.

Volunteer for: BALLOON CLASSIC FIRST PLAY FASHION SHOW GOLD JACKET DINNER GRAND PARADE CLASS OF 2026 ENSHRINEMENT CONCERTS FOR LEGENDS Plus many support committees: HOSTESS SECURITY TRANSPORTATION

GET YOUR EVENT TICKETS NOW!

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 AUG. 7 AUG. 8 AUG. 9

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

FOR MORE INFO AND TICKETS, VISIT HOFEF.COM

AUGUST 28, 2026 Click here to register

Alliance Country Club 725 E. Milton St., Alliance, 44601 Secure your spot and join fellow business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals for the Third Annual Chamber Cup. Expect a day of spirited competition and valuable connections as collaboration meets competition.

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

Click here for the assessment

Contact: brandon@leadershipstarkcounty.org

MEMBER RENEWALS 3 Brothers Corner Tavern 401k Prosperity - Planned Financial Services 91 Wood Fired Oven - Jackson ABF (Always Be Fair) Roofing Abrasive Supply Company, Inc. Accurate Nursing Services, Inc Adult Career & Technical Education-Canton City Schools ADVENT Akron RubberDucks Akron Zoological Park Alex D. Krassas Event Center Alpha Personal Care Altercare Integrated Health Services Altercare of Louisville Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing AMC Roofing, LLC AssuredPartners of OH Atlantic Food Distributors AZZ Galvanizing Basil Asian Bistro Baum Plumbing, LLC Beese Fulmer Private Wealth Management Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Ohio Blue Technologies Brew Kettle Hall of Fame Brittain’s Auto Brookshire Wealth Management Brookwood Management Services C.R. Kurtz, Inc. Heating & Cooling Canton Christian Home Canton Museum of Art Canton Professional Educator’s Association Canton South Car Wash, Inc. Career Concept Int’l ltd Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties Cee-B Glass Inc Charlie Courier Service Cigar 30 Cintas Corp. CM Pennington Enterprises LLC dba Major League Tire CNC Custom Machining Inc Combi Packaging Systems LLC Covelli Enterprises dba Panera Bread Cramers’ Inc. D.A. Bagnola & Company, Inc. D1 Training - Canton, OH Davies Law Office LLC Dennison Railroad Depot Museum Diano Supply Co. DiPietro Excavating Inc. Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging & Disability Document Concepts Inc Doug’s Auto Service Inc.

Doug’s Trucking Inc. Eco Seal Home Solutions Edward Jones Emily Berg Weddings & Events EOS Worldwide ESMET Inc. Everlast Landscape Group Extreme Trailers, LLC Family Wholesale Faye Heston Fin Feather Fur Outfitters Finney Refrigeration Inc. Four Pines Farm Ltd. Foxtrot Aviation Services Fryan Consulting LLC GBS Corp. Gemstone Gas & Welding Supply Genesis Co. GKG and Associates Global Financial Impact GMT Resources Go Shred Secure Document Destruction, LLC Golden Key Center For Exceptional Children, Inc. (The) Groovfold Inc Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa Hartville Hardware Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery & Shops Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market Helping Hands Behavioral Herrington Arms Hot Shots PBC Hudec Dental Huth Ready Mix & Supply Co. I2r Power iCRYO Canton Industrial Parts & Service Co. Innetex Innis Maggiore Group, Inc. Jeff’s Motorcars, Inc K & M Coffee Service, Inc. Lake Center Christian School Lucky Shoes Matrix Cleaning LLC Miller’s Party Rental Center Morgan Engineering North Canton Collision, Inc. Nothing bundt Cakes Oaky’s Playgrove Ohio Sports Chiropractic and Rehab OneTable Strategy Overlook AI, Inc. Party Savvy

Patriot Software Company Patterson Specialty Services Pavlick Dental Prime Engineered Plastics Corp Putman Properties, Inc. Q4 Impact Group R & R Truck Sales R.G. Drage Career Technical Center Rainbow Printing Co. Randles Cheese LLC Randolph Tool Company Reliable Ready Mix Co. Russo Concrete, LLC Rylie Fuline Photography Sand Rock Mineral Water Company (The) Shapiro Restaurant Group dba TD’s Tailgate Grill Sheetz, Inc. #342 Shoup’s Cleaning, LLC Simplistic Capital Sliman’s Printery Smith’s Waco Market Specialty Hose Corporation Standards of Excellence Pre-K Academy Stark A11y Stark County Commissioners Stocks Draperies Sugarcreek Cartage Co., Inc. Superfine Mfg. Inc. Table Six Kitchen & Bar Texas Roadhouse Steakhouse The ABCD, Inc. The Canary Project The Commercial & Savings Bank The Hair Shoppe & Spa TI Automotive Total = Media LLC / Gattuso’s Music Toth Buick-GMC Truck UB Advertising LLC Unified Bank Uniwall Manufacturing Company UpFinancial Advisors Urban Air Adventure Park USA Quickprint VANTAGE Aging Visual Edge IT Ward & Emler Surveying Inc. Westfield Bank, FSB WKYC TV Channel 3 Wolf Creek Veterinary Services Zeiger Industries ZenBusiness Ziegler Tire & Supply Company

Tax Roundtable with State Reps. Bill Roemer, Jack Daniels, and Dave Thomas Purpose: As Ohio’s legislature winds down the 136th General Assembly and prepares itself for a new gubernatorial administration and legislative session, many tax issues are at the forefront of discussion. Hear from several leading voices down in Columbus on a variety of tax policies that stand to impact your business, our economy, and local communities. Attendees will receive firsthand information on recently implemented policies, latest legislative developments, and tax issues that will help define the 2026 General Election and 2027 legislative agenda.

Date: August 3rd Time: 11:30 am – 1 pm Location: Business Commons of Cuyahoga Falls 111 Stow Ave, Suite 200 Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221

Click here for more info and to register

Signs of the times

The Massillon Museum has installed a new neon sign to improve its visibility. The white and MassMu-blue neon sign on the Lincoln Way side of the building is 30 feet tall and 54 inches wide. The sign’s design is a modern reference to a sign that hung on the building in the 1930s. Funding for the project included a $24,000 grant from ArtsinStark and Visit Canton. Canton Sign Co., which manufactured the original sign, also created the new one.

BIZ Bitz Tomier T. Davenport serves as the new President and CEO of ABCD, Inc., where he is guiding the organization into its next chapter of growth and community impact. Mr. Davenport has a professional background in banking, he brings strategic insight, fiscal discipline, and operational leadership to his role. He served as the Board Chair of ABCD, an Assistant Principal in the Canton City School system and he is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., where the values of service, leadership, and excellence continue to shape his approach to community work. He also serves as Pastor of True Light Ministries in Canton, Ohio; leading with faith, humility, and a deep commitment to people.

n Kroger is buying Giant Eagle, adding nearly 200 more supermarkets to its portfolio in a billiondollar deal. The Cincinnati-based grocery giant announced the purchase agreement in a news release July 1. Kroger will buy Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion, acquiring its 197 supermarkets and 11 standalone pharmacies across northern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana. The deal is comprised of $1.25 billion in cash from Kroger and about $400 million in debt from Giant Eagle that Kroger will assume, according to the news release.

n Akron-Canton Airport Opens New Economy Parking Lot to Meet Passenger Demand In response to continued passenger growth, AkronCanton Airport (CAK) is opening an Economy Parking Lot to accommodate increased parking demand. The lot opened June 17. The Economy Lot, located at the corner of Lauby and Mt. Pleasant roads, is welcoming guests at just $11 per day, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers who have come to rely on CAK’s low fares and exceptional service. Reopening for the first time since 2017, the Economy Lot adds 775 spaces to the airport’s parking inventory. “As we continue to welcome more travelers to CAK, we are pleased to offer another affordable and convenient parking option,” said Ren Camacho, President and CEO of Akron-Canton Airport. “We are always looking for ways to enhance the guest experience while meeting growing demand. This new lot will be especially appealing to those who value our low fares and exceptional service.” To maximize convenience, the airport will provide complimentary door-to-door shuttle service between the Economy Lot and the terminal, just a quick fiveminute ride away. CAK has also implemented a two-hour (120-minute) complimentary grace period in all ticketed parking lots. Vehicles parked for 120 minutes or less may exit at no charge, benefiting those dropping off or picking up travelers.

7,500 S.F. &4,500 18,750S.F. S.F. SPRINKLERED INDUSTRIALWAREHOUSE/DISTRIBUTION BAY WITH OFFICE SPACE 4268 & 4276 Strausser St NW, Jackson Twp., OH 44720

Full Parking Rate Schedule (Effective June 17, 2026) Short-Term Parking: $19/day Short-Term Covered Parking: $22/day Long-Term A: $15/day Long-Term B: $13/day Economy Lot: $11/day Parking Lot Capacities Covered Parking: 246 spaces Short-Term Parking: 402 spaces Long-Term A: 1,155 spaces Long-Term B: 1,398 spaces Economy Lot (Lower): 775 spaces

4,500 Sq.ft. bay features private office, restroom, reception area, (2) 12’X14’ on grade automatic doors, 3phase 220 volt 200amp electrical service and fenced in lot space w/automatic gate. NN fee is $450.00 per month includes property & casualty insurance and real estate taxes. Tenant is responsible for its own lawn care, snow plowing and salting, and parking lot maintenance.

1900 CLEVELAND AVE SW CANTON, OHIO 44707

FOR LEASE: $2,700/MO NN + UTILITIES For more information, please contact: Spencer Hartung 330.936.0276 Wick Hartung 330.495.0601 4065 Fulton Dr NW, Canton

330.498.4400

Putmanproperties.com

ADVERTISE HERE!

Contact Lauren at 330.458.2073 lauren@cantonchamber.org

Benefits of a multiple employer plan

WB AL

EFI

ELI

GIB

LER

Canton Regional Chamber 401(k) Retirement Program

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

MEP sponsor

Adopting employers

Member benefits 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

History and art on display

New Canton mural by artist Scot Phillips celebrates America’s 250th anniversary. The mural located at E. Tuscarawas St. and Market Ave., brings together figures from Canton’s history like steelworkers, Jim Thorp, Ida and William McKinley, and a Wyandot Native American. From a distance, the painting appears blended completely but up close curious passers by will notice the image was created using hand-painted dots. The unveiling took place in June.

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.

Congratulations Twenty under 40! honorees! Andrea Amendola Andrew Burton Lydia Carmany Evahanna (Eva) Cruz Kayla DeVitto Joanna Hallisy Schanel Harvey Aaron Lehman Anna Moeglin Colin Riley Madison Chapanar Robinson Chais Ross Allison Ryan Rachel Schaefer Alison Matas Smith Abigail Spraggins Sean Strong Megan Vance Miracle Walker Elissa Prazer Welker

What is a Clay Shooting Event? The Chamber Clay Classic is your chance to enjoy a unique networking experience while trying your hand at a new and exciting hobby. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a complete beginner, this event offers a relaxed, fun atmosphere to build connections and break a few clays!

Stance 1

Lean slightly forward

Press cheek to the stock of the gun

Keep gun firmly to the shoulder

Hold opposite hand under forearm

Keep elbows tucked in

Flex knees

Spread feet shoulder length apart

Shooting tips

Train your gun on the clay pigeon as soon as it’s thrown, then pull away and aim slightly ahead of the pigeon’s flight path before firing. Keep the gun moving through your shot.

Equipment

Clay pigeon

Flight path Ear protection Site line

Eye protection

Clay pigeon

The pigeon’s flight path will remain consistent, so practice several shots with varying lead times until you hit it.

Gun

Shells

Join fellow business leaders

entrepreneurs, and professionals for the one-of-a-kind event!

Friday, September 11, 2026 12:30-5:30PM Cost: $500 a team, or $125 a person (Includes dinner, prizes, eye and ear protection) Hill ‘N Dale Club, 3605 Poe Road, Medina, 44256

Presenting Sponsors

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With five da Vinci systems in Alliance, Canton and Orrville, you have minimal travel for maximum healing:

• Smaller incisions • Faster recovery time • Shorter hospital stays • Less scarring • Reduced pain

HERE FOR YOU.

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

401k Prosperity - Planned Financial Services 7000 Fitzwater Rd, Brecksville, OH 44141 (330) 309-9072 401kprosperity.com 877-514-9991 • ReturnOnLifeWealth.com FRANK FANTOZZI CPA, MST, PFS, CDFA, AIF®, CEPA President and Founder Return on Life® Wealth Partners is the wealth and investment management division of Planned Financial Services. The firm is committed to helping clients pursue their individually defined Return on Life® through an approach that focuses first on each client’s definition of a life well lived before focusing on their financial assets. This helps to ensure that family values, career and business goals, and the family’s personal goals remain at the core of the planning process. 401(k) Prosperity® is the firm’s corporate retirement plan division, which focuses on elevating financial outcomes for employees who depend on their 401(k)/403(b) plan to retire on their terms with dignity, while helping companies ease the burden of managing these complex plans. For many retirement plan participants, these holdings represent their second largest financial asset behind their pension or Social Security benefits. Frank began his career in 1987 with the international accounting firm Arthur Andersen, where he became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 1988. He honed his tax and financial planning skills during his years in the organization’s tax and wealth management division. He earned the AICPA’s Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) designation and a Master of Science in Taxation (MST) from The University of Illinois. Frank is also an Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®). In 2015, he was named a top U.S. Retirement Plan Adviser by the Financial Times. He is involved professionally with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), where he is active on its tax and financial planning subcommittees, as well as the International Association for Financial Planning (IAFP), the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts (IDFA), Fi360, Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), and the Entrepreneurs Master’s Program. In 2022, his passion to help business owners view exit planning as a business strategy led him to obtain his Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) designation. He is a sought-after speaker on a variety of financial topics and his insights and opinions have been fea-

tured in the media by outlets, including Fox Business News, CNBC, USA Today, Reuters, Wall Street Journal Radio, The New York Times, Dow Jones Newswires, and The Wall Street Journal, among others. For more than 15 years, he has hosted the firm’s Annual Cleveland Economic Summit, an educational event attracting regional community and business leaders.

Career Concept Int’l ltd 2833 Cleveland Ave NW Canton, OH 44709 (330) 452-4883 www.careerconceptintlltd.com Staffing and permanent placement

The Canary Project 2738 Glenmont Dr NW, Canton, OH 44708-1346 (330) 879-8505 www.thecanaryproject.org The Canary Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals, families, schools, and organizations build a healthier relationship with technology. Through education, speaking engagements, community partnerships, and the 60-Day habit-forming Canary Challenge, we help people reclaim focus, strengthen relationships, and restore what technology has quietly taken

Charlie Courier Service 5590 Lauby Rd, Suite 13 North Canton, OH 44720 (330) 494-3338 For 30+ years, Charlie Courier has moved what Northeast Ohio businesses can’t afford to wait on

— legal filings, production parts, title documents and daily route deliveries. Same-day, tracked, and handled by a live dispatch team that picks up the phone.

D1 Training - Canton, OH 7063 Emerson Cir Nw Massillon, OH 44646 (330) 904-7204 D1 Training Canton is a coach-led athletic training and fitness facility dedicated to helping athletes and adults of all ages achieve their goals. We offer science-based training programs focused on strength, speed, agility, and overall fitness in a motivating team environment. Whether preparing young athletes for the next level, helping adults improve their health, or partnering with local schools and organizations, D1 Training is committed to building a stronger, healthier Canton community. Davies Law Office LLC 6881 Glengarry Ave NW Canton, OH 44718 (330) 323-8084 Attorney at Law

Edward Jones - Misty Rogers 5502 Market Avenue N, Suite A Canton, OH 44721 (234) 387-8115 As a financial advisor with Edward Jones, Misty Rogers helps individuals, families and small business owners build stronger financial futures through personalized guidance and long-term planning. She specializes in helping clients navigate key transitions, such as changing jobs

NEW MEMBERS or preparing for retirement, so they can make confident, informed decisions. She also works with business owners on tax-efficient strategies to help grow and preserve long-term wealth, while supporting employee financial wellness through educational resources and one-on-one guidance.

EOS Worldwide 1620 N Crater Ave Dover, OH 44622-6933 (330) 663-6708 We work with business owners and leaders of growth-oriented companies typically between 10 and 250 employees that have hit a ceiling and are typically frustrated with issues such as: people not performing, not on the same page or both; low profitability; lack of control – a feeling that the business is now running them. We help leadership teams implement a complete operating system comprised of simple tools so the owner can lead the business instead of being trapped inside it. Specifically, we help them clarify and communicate their vision to get everyone in the organization aligned on a common objective, implement simple tools designed to increase traction and get things done with discipline and accountability, and ultimately,build a healthy, functional and cohesive leadership team.

Everlast Landscape Group 4039 Hiram Road NW Canton, OH 44718 (330) 224-1176 https://www.everlastlandscapegroup.com Everlast Landscape Group has been dedicated to redefining outdoor spaces and exceeding client expectations for over a decade. We specialize in comprehensive landscape design, construction, installation, and full-scale excavation services for residential and commercial properties. Everlast is also a leader in the commercial snow and ice removal arena. Landscape services include: o Landscape design and development o Yard installation and seeding o Natural stone boulder walls, walkways, and

patios o Water features, including ponds and fountains o Landscape lighting o Large-scale commercial seedings. Excavation services include: o Site pad and building pad preparation and restoration o Site clearing o Earthwork, GPS grading, and laser leveling o Utility installation, replacement, and repairs o Foundation excavation o Erosion control and drainage work o Gravel and construction driveways. Commercial snow and ice management Municipal park, playground, and splash pad projects Screened topsoil for delivery. Fryan Consulting LLC 8172 Greyson Green Massillon, OH 44646 (330) 575-9369 Fryan Consulting LLC provides manufacturing, quality and metallurgical consulting services.

Genesis Co. Tyler King Owner/CEO tylerking.genesisco@gmail.com Genesis Co. is a community-based media group specializing in high-quality media content. Their goal is to help clients tell their story, whether through a product video for a startup or a full-scale commercial production for a larger company. With a wide and diverse group of more than 300 clients, Genesis Co. is confident in their ability to meet each client’s unique needs. Global Financial Impact 4612 20th St NW Canton, OH 44708 (330) 754-2830 Life insurance, annuities, and financial services Innetex 4808 Leona Ave SW Navarre, OH 44662 (330) 575-7478 SignalNorth.agency Innetex is a software company that helps

businesses measure and understand real-world customer engagement. While most organizations can track what happens online, Innetex helps bridge the gap by transforming in-person interactions into actionable digital insights. Through tools such as QR codes, NFC technology, smart links, digital profiles, landing pages and analytics dashboards, Innetex helps businesses track, measure and optimize customer engagement across events, marketing campaigns, retail environments, products and community initiatives. Services include: Real-world engagement analytics QR code and NFC-powered customer interactions Digital business and brand profiles Smart landing pages and storytelling tools Marketing campaign and event engagement tracking Customer behavior insights and reporting Innetex believes what happens offline should be just as measurable as what happens online.

Matrix Cleaning LLC 303 Rohr Ave NW Massillon, OH 44646 (234) 258-0260 Matrix Cleaning LLC provides residential and commercial property cleaning services.

Milestone Grove 1001 Southwood Dr Akron, OH 44312 (330) 312-8842 Milestone-Grove.com Marcas@Milestone-Grove.com Services Provided Interior Decorating • Design Consultation • Holiday Styling • Event & Celebration Décor • Custom Floral Design • Home Styling About Milestone Grove Milestone Grove is a boutique design and styling business that helps clients create spaces and

NEW MEMBERS experiences that feel personal, welcoming and thoughtfully curated. We work with homeowners and businesses on interior decorating projects, seasonal and holiday installations, event and celebration décor, custom floral arrangements and design consultation. Our approach combines creativity with practical guidance, helping clients make confident decisions about their homes, gatherings and special moments. Whether refreshing a single room, styling a holiday season, or creating a custom piece for a meaningful occasion, our goal is simple: to help people live beautifully in spaces that reflect who they are. Life, artfully curated.

Oaky’s Playgrove 7801 Freedom Ave NW North Canton, OH 44720 (234) 231-6259 Oaky’s Playgrove is a premium, developmentfocused indoor play venue that blends family entertainment with evidence-based childhood development. The venue offers a technologyfree, nature-inspired environment designed to encourage purposeful play, creativity, movement and peer interaction. Core offerings include: Purposeful play through structured programming and therapeutic-grade play installations Skill development focused on social-emotional growth, motor coordination, sensory integration

and problem-solving Inclusive, multi-level play structures for children ages 0–8 of all abilities Oaky’s Playgrove also encourages multigenerational caregiver engagement while helping children build skills for kindergarten readiness and beyond.

Ohio Sports Chiropractic and Rehab 4573 Everhard Rd. Canton, OH 44718 (234) 209-9282 Ohio Sports Chiropractic and Rehab provides highquality assessment and treatment for athletes and active individuals. Their clinicians use progressive, evidence-based treatments similar to those used at Olympic training centers and professional athletic training rooms, helping patients receive personalized care focused on movement, recovery and long-term performance.

Overlook AI, Inc. 111 S Buckeye St Ste LL1 Wooster, OH 44691 (310) 584-7826 overlookai.com Social https://www.linkedin.com/company/overlook-ai/ Email: sales@overlookai.com

Overlook AI, Inc. is pioneering the category of Business-led AI Management. As organizations adopt AI across departments, workflows, vendors, and operating areas, leaders need a clearer way to understand where AI is operating, who owns it, whether it is ready for impact, and what needs attention next. Overlook helps business leaders move from scattered AI activity to a more disciplined AI management system. The platform gives organizations a business-led view of their operating AIs, connecting each AI to its purpose, owners, operating context, readiness, proof, reuse opportunities, and next actions. The Overlook product is the first solution developed to guide business teams as they align business strategy and context with their use of AI. Through Overlook business teams define AI profiles, guide AIs to achieve the target impact for why it exists, and establish practical operating discipline around AI. The result is a transformed organization that manages AI with greater visibility, accountability, confidence, and measurable impact. Overlook is built for leaders who believe AI should not remain isolated in technical projects or disconnected pilots. It should become part of how the organization operates, learns, improves, and delivers results.

Randles Cheese LLC 4821 County Road 207 Millersburg, OH 44654 (330) 893-3971 randlescheese.com Randles Cheese LLC provides wholesale distributing services.

ASCEND appoints of Emily Meinhart as its new Executive Director ASCEND is pleased to announce the appointment of Emily Meinhart as its new Executive Director. Emily Meinhart brings more than thirteen years of professional experience spanning the insurance and MEINHART nonprofit sectors, with a strong background in operational leadership, organizational development, and program management. Throughout her career,

she has demonstrated a commitment to building sustainable programs, strengthening community partnerships, and expanding access to services for individuals and families. As Executive Director, Emily Meinhart will lead ASCEND in advancing its mission of promoting mental wellness and providing meaningful support to the Stark County community. Her leadership will focus on enhancing organizational growth, increasing community engagement, and developing innovative programs that improve the lives of those served by the agency.

ASCEND is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the mental health needs of Stark County through education, support services, and recovery-focused programming. Mental health classes and services are offered daily at the agency’s Canton location 116 Cleveland Ave NW, Suite 200, Canton, OH 44702. For more information about ASCEND, please find them on Facebook or contact the agency at 330-454-2888.

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.

Putting you and your goals ﬁrst Banking made simpler and friendlier PERSONAL | SMALL BUSINESS | COMMERCIAL

Proudly serving Canton

Jeff Snyder 330-493-5133 Jeff.Snyder@bankatﬁrst.com

bankatﬁrst.com All loans subject to credit review and approval

MENTAL HEALTH

MATTERS Mental health & suicide are the top two emerging issues that need addressed in Stark County.

Together we can impact lives, 0 families, and communities. Building Hope is more than a capital campaign. It is one answer to the mental health crisis in Stark and surrounding counties. The Building Hope Campaign is a 2.5-million-dollar initiative to construct a new Encompass Christian Counseling and Encourage Foster Care facility. The new facility will more than double the current size of Encompass Christian Counseling and provide vital mental health resources to the area.

For more information, visit buildinghopecampaign.org BUILDING

PE H

C A P I TA L C A M PA I G N

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!

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way businesses operate, especially in sales. From prospecting and lead generation to customer engagement and follow-up, AI tools are helping sales teams save time, improve productivity and close more business. Join the Canton Regional Chamber and Dave Payne, former professor at the University of Akron and owner of System 3 Performance Consulting, for an interactive training workshop designed for sales professionals, business owners and sales leaders. This expanded workshop builds on concepts introduced at the Canton AI Summit and will provide a deeper dive into practical AI tools and strategies you an use right away.

LEGAL NOTICE The City of Canton will receive bids for the Canton Memorial Civic Center Restrooms. Bid documents are on file and available from the City of Canton’s website, https://cantonohio.gov/448/Purchasing-Procurement. Sealed and clearly marked bids shall be received at the City of Canton, 218 Cleveland Ave. SW, Purchasing Dept/ Fourth Floor, Canton, Ohio 44702. Bids will be received until 2:00 p.m., local time, July 16, 2026 and opened shortly thereafter. Questions regarding specifications should be addressed in writing to Purchasing Department, at purchasing@cantonohio.gov.

400 South Main St. North Canton, Ohio 44720

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

Phone: 330.499.6000 Fax: 499.6423 www.bakerfirm.com

AI for Sales Leaders: Strategies to Increase Productivity and Revenue Date: Monday, July 13 Time: 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Location: Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce

Call our team of professionals for all your real estate needs! RETAIL OFFICE MEDICAL INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENTS MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT 1031 EXCHANGES SITE ACQUISITION

Timothy J. Putman Wick Hartung Spencer Hartung Saylor Putman Jim Bednar President Broker, Co-Owner Vice President Vice President Sr. Sales Associate 330-495-0600 330-495-0601 330-936-0276 330-495-8292 330-417-9034

4065 Fulton Dr NW, Canton 330.498.4400 putmanproperties.com Est. 1985

BOOST YOUR BRAND VISIBILITY Become a 2026 Sponsor: Boost your brand visibility, support the community, and connect with thousands of local professionals and families. PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME ENSHRINEMENT FESTIVAL MEMBERSHIP EVENTS BUSINESS EVENTS SPORTS EVENTS

Click here for more info Interested in sponsoring? Contact: Melinda Kapalko Vice President of Development melinda@cantonchamber.org (440) 855-9097

COMMUNITY EVENTS YOUNG PROFESSIONAL EVENTS LEADERSHIP STARK COUNTY EVENTS AKRON - CANTON ADVOCACY ALLIANCE EVENTS

Need Healthcare Coverage for Your Small Business?

REGIONAL

330-363-1137

www.aultcare.com/mewa

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

For Chamber membership information, call 330-456-7253. For health fund information, contact your independent broker or your AultCare representative.

• 75% minimum participation requirement • 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

All AultCare health plan quote proposals include commission, unless otherwise specified. 8383/25

• Traditional copay plans • Health plans/health savings account (HSA) compatible • Dental coverage available upon request

Cost containment in Ohio Workers’ Compensation Workplace injuries can carry both financial and emotional weight for employers and employees alike. While ensuring injured workers receive proper care remains the top priority, managing the associated costs is also essential to maintaining a healthy workers’ compensation program. In Ohio, employers have three key strategies available to help contain costs: Settlements, Disability Relief, and Subrogation/No-Fault Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA). Sedgwick continues to lead the industry in leveraging these tools effectively. Our approach combines advanced analytics and proactive cost containment strategies to help Ohio employers reduce claim expenses and lower premiums. From the moment a claim is filed, our team is equipped to implement solutions that drive meaningful savings. Sedgwick’s dedicated cost containment team focuses exclusively on delivering impactful results through these three avenues. Our efforts have led to significant savings not only for individual employers but also for those participating in group retrospective rating programs. Settlement Agreements A settlement involves a mutual agreement between the employer, the injured worker, and the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) to resolve a claim with a lump sum payment. This can result in full or partial closure of the claim, helping employers manage long-term exposure. Disability Relief This program supports employers who hire or retain individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. If a disability contributes to an injury or delays recovery, employers may be eligible for reimbursement on related claims, reducing their financial burden. Subrogation / No-Fault MVA When a workplace injury stems from a motor vehicle accident involving a third party, the Ohio BWC may assign the claim’s cost to the surplus fund—relieving the employer of direct financial responsibility. Sedgwick is proud to collaborate with our clients in optimizing their workers’ compensation programs. Our early, proactive approach to cost containment remains a cornerstone of our commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for both employers and injured workers. For questions or support, please contact Dominic Potina at Sedgwick via dominic.potina@sedgwick.com.

CANTON REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

August 12 • 5-7 PM

Red Robin

6522 Strip Ave NW, Canton, OH 44720

Make your reservation at

CantonChamber.org

Wrap up your workday with new connections and a relaxed atmosphere at Red Robin! FREE for Chamber members; $15 for guests. Bring a door prize to give away to earn 30 seconds at the microphone to spotlight your business. Please contact Lauren Nieporte to secure your spot: lauren@cantonchamber.org.

2026 Canton Regional Chamber

Executive Board

Board of Directors

CHAIR Mark Wright President AultCare

Dr. Tim Collins President Walsh University

Ralph J. Lober II, CPA, CEPA President & CEO Consumers National Bank

Michael Sirpilla CEO Society Brands

Dr. Timothy Crone President Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital

Joseph Luckring Regional President The PNC Financial Services Group

Leonard Stevens CEO Stark County Minority Business Assoc.

Joseph Daleiden Senior VP – Commercial Banking KeyBank

C. Stephen Mackenzie President & CEO Stark Economic Development Board

Jeff Talbert Superintendent Canton City School District

Jeff Floyd CFO Hilscher-Clarke Electric Company

Pete Opperman Vice President, Retail Market Manager Farmers National Bank

Teresa Golden President Environmental Flooring Group

Ronald Paydo Market President Akron/ Canton Huntington National Bank

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

Justin Hardesty Financial Advisor Hardesty Partners & Jackson Twp. Trustee

Jim Porter President Pro Football Hall of Fame

Mary Ellen Icaza CEO / Executive Director Stark Library

Elaine Russell Reolfi President/CEO CommQuest Services Inc.

Gregory L. King President University of Mount Union

Joseph D. Schauer President & CEO Schauer Group

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

James Lambo Vice President – Auditing The Timken Company

NEW EVENT HEADING TO PLAIN TOWNSHIP FREE FAMILY FUN!

Join the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and Plain Township as we host the 2026 Oktoberfest at the Plain Township Amphitheater. This traditional Oktoberfest is a FREE, family-friendly event which will feature live music, food, traditional German style and American beer selections, Kid’s Area and games. The schedule of games include: Pretzel Eating Contest; Weiner Dog Race; Costume Contest and Stein Holding Contest.

SEPT. 19

ACTION Flashback!

The George D. Harter Bank opened in 1866, founded by Harter and his sibling, Michael D. Harter. They borrowed $20,000 from their father Isaac Harter to get it running. The bank advertised its services in The Ohio Repository and offered 5 and 6% interest on deposits, while also offering to buy various valuables, such as gold and silver. The Harter name still remains at the top of the building that once housed downtown’s Key Bank on Market Avenue North. It is is undergoing a $7.5 million renovation by D and D Realty Group to create 30 market-rate apartments. And now city Planning Director Donn Angus is working with the developer on the project, to bring a full-time year-round farmer’s market to the ground floor. Chamber file photos circa 1925.