December 17, 2025

Upcoming Advocacy Events

As the ACAA works to foster economic growth and collaboration across the region, we invite you to participate in a series of events designed to inform, connect, and empower our business community. These gatherings bring together industry experts, policy makers, and stakeholders to discuss key issues shaping Ohio’s future. We encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities where members will have the chance to engage with elected officials in meaningful dialogue and contribute to the advancement of our shared goals.

ACAA Meeting & Network Reception

ACAA members are invited to join us for our first meeting of 2026 which will be immediately followed by a networking reception on Friday, January 16th at the Greater Akron Chamber from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

This event will provide ACAA members with a year-end recap highlighting 2025 efforts: including legislative wins, membership engagement, and updates and discussion on our 2026 Policy Priorities.

If you'd like to learn more, feel free to reach out to Daisha Okolo at dokolo@akroncantonadvocacy.org.

ACAA Columbus

Drive-in

Following a very successful inaugural CBUS Drive-In this past February, we are again planning a Day in Columbus for ACAA members in February 2026.

While we're still finalizing the details, please keep an eye out for more information about this event in the coming weeks - this will be a great opportunity to connect with elected officials and decision makers in our state's capitol on key issues facing the business community!

Event Recap: Innovation Hub Press Conference

Last week, the Polymer Industry Cluster (PIC) hosted a press event at Bounce Innovation Hub to showcase 13 local innovation projects, including eight cohort members from Bounce's Synthe6 Materials Accelerator, that received funding from the Ohio Department of Development Innovation Hub Program. Several local and state representatives joined community members to learn about the funded projects and speak with R&D leaders. This marks another exciting step toward positioning the region as an international destination for polymer and advanced material companies.

The ACAA is proud to support the Polymer Industry Cluster through advocacy and networking opportunities to strengthen their impact in the Akron-Canton region.

D.C. Fly-In Recap

In early December, the ACAA continued its federal advocacy efforts on several key initiatives, including funding for the Polymer Industry Cluster’s Polymer R&D and Production Facility, the NEO-SMART NSF Innovation Engines proposal, and other pieces of legislation impacting the business community. We plan our fly-ins around various events happening in D.C. to capitalize on the critical mass of key stakeholders they create. As partners of the ACAA, we invite you to participate in these activities and hope to see you in D.C. during one of our upcoming trips!

If you’re interested in learning more about our D.C. activities, please don’t hesitate to reach out to John Rizzo at jrizzo@akroncantonadvocacy.org.

ACAA Online Resource Guide and Task Force Final Meetings

The ACAA has created an online resource guide for regional stakeholders interested in Community Project Funding within the State Capital Budget. This guide can be accessed on our website by clicking here. It offers an overview of the process, advice on working with elected officials, and practical tips for submitting a successful request.

The Greater Akron Chamber (GAC) and the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce (CRCC) convened their respective Capital Budget Task Forces for the final time on Friday, December 12th. Now, the Task Forces plan to submit formal reports to legislators detailing all relevant information on projects they gathered, highlight priority projects, and continue helping streamline information and creating connective tissue between project sponsors and elected officials.

As regional efforts to prepare for this legislative process continue, we will keep sharing updates and relevant information. Currently, the Ohio Office of Budget and Management has provided capital and reappropriation guidance for FY 27-28; however, formal Community Project applications from the Ohio House and Senate have not yet been released.

If and when they are, we will be sure to promote that information broadly among our network. For questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Daisha Okolo at dokolo@akroncantonadvocacy.org.

The Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance is a collaboration of the Greater Akron Chamber and the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce to represent the needs of our 4,500 members and engage with elected officials and policymakers for the benefit of the Akron-Canton region.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

For more information, contact John Rizzo, Vice President, at jrizzo@akroncantonadvocacy.org or Daisha Okolo, Coordinator, at dokolo@akroncantonadvocacy.org.

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