ACAA Event Recaps, New Advocacy In Action Episode, ADM Board Levy Endorsement | | Event Recap: Powering Ohio's Future | | |
On August 26, the ACAA hosted the Powering Ohio’s Future: Innovation, Infrastructure, and Talent event, a dynamic forum that brought together elected officials, key industry stakeholders, and higher education leaders to explore Ohio's growing leadership in energy and technology.
As industries evolve with breakthroughs in AI, machine learning, and advanced energy systems, Ohio is rapidly becoming a national hub for innovation – shaping the future of manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace, defense, and other key industries. Through targeted investments, forward-thinking policies, and new workforce development initiatives, Ohio is transforming and positioning itself at the forefront of economic development.
Panelists and speakers highlighted key drivers of this growth, including discussion on new advancements in Ohio's energy infrastructure, emerging university-led training programs, and policies that position Ohio to secure large scale economic development projects, such as data centers. The event emphasized the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to sustain this momentum, which is critical to Ohio’s long-term economic vitality and success.
We extend our sincere thanks to our elected officials, speakers, and all who participated and contributed to this important dialogue. Your leadership is helping shape Ohio’s innovation economy—and we’re excited for what’s ahead.
Panelists included:
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Ohio Senator Brian Chavez, Chair, Senate Energy Committee
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Mike Chadsey, Director of External Affairs, Ohio Oil and Gas Association
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Mike Cunnington, External Affairs Manager, Enbridge Gas Ohio
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Dr. Joe Fox, Director, Fitzgerald Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, Department of Management, University of Akron
| | Advocacy in Action: MTAP Bill Briefing | | | | |
Last week, State Representative Nick Santucci joined us for a special episode of Advocacy in Action to discuss House Bill 159, which he co-sponsored with Representative Steve Demetriou. The conversation centered on the proposed Manufacturing Technologies Assistance Grant Program (MTAP) – a forward-thinking piece of legislation designed to support Ohio’s manufacturers.
With nearly 690,000 manufacturing employees, Ohio ranks third in the nation – making legislation like House Bill 159 a critical step toward sustaining and growing our industrial base. MTAP is designed to support small- and mid-sized manufacturers by funding projects that improve efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness through the adoption of advanced technologies.
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During the conversation, Representative Santucci shared thoughtful insights on the bill’s goals, its progress in the legislature, and the bipartisan support it’s receiving. He emphasized how House Bill 159 could help close the innovation gap for manufacturers that often lack the resources to modernize, ultimately strengthening supply chains and creating high-quality jobs across the state.
We’re grateful to Representative Santucci for his leadership and for joining us to discuss this forward-looking initiative! This bill represents a meaningful step toward empowering businesses to innovate and thrive. As it moves forward in the legislature, we look forward to continued dialogue and collaboration around the future of manufacturing in Ohio!
Listen to the full episode to learn more about HB 159 and MTAP!
| | ADM Board Levy Endorsement | | |
The County of Summit Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health (ADM) Board levy plays a vital role in ensuring that Summit County residents have access to life-saving behavioral health services. As the demand for these services continues to grow, voters will see a proposed renewal and increase of the levy on the ballot this fall – raising the rate from 2.95 mills to 3.45 mills. If approved, the increased funding would allow the ADM Board to expand its reach, enhance the quality of care, and better respond to urgent community needs. This includes support for treatment programs, prevention efforts, and services for uninsured and underinsured individuals across Summit County.
The Greater Akron Chamber believes this funding is essential to sustain and expand programs that serve children, adults, and families in our communities. Without it, vital services such as suicide prevention, opioid response, and recovery support could face severe reductions, placing additional strain on emergency services, law enforcement, and local employers. Untreated mental health conditions cost the U.S. economy nearly $300 billion annually due to lost productivity, absenteeism, and reduced workforce participation. For every $1 invested in mental health treatment, there is an average return of $4 in improved health and productivity. By ensuring access to community-based ADM services (amid rising healthcare costs and growing concerns with state and federal uncertainty) the levy supports workers who might otherwise fall through the cracks—those employed by small firms that can’t afford robust benefit packages. This strengthens our local workforce and helps small businesses remain competitive.
The GAC is committed to fostering a thriving business environment, and our Government Affairs Committee feels that supporting the ADM levy would have positive impacts on our business community, workforce, and quality of life. It is for these reasons we recommend all members of the Greater Akron Chamber support the ADM Board levy during the Fall 2025 General Election.
View the ADM Levy Tip Card to learn more about how this levy impacts the community.
Your voice matters! Let's work together this Fall to ensure Summit County continues to invest in the health and well-being of its residents.
| | Regional Summit: Workforce Solutions in a Child Care Crisis | | |
Join the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce – in partnership with Groundwork Ohio and the Great Start for Great Futures Coalition – for the Workforce Solutions in a Child Care Crisis Regional Summit on September 9 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The summit will address the urgent child care challenges impacting Ohio’s workforce and economy, including a $5.48 billion annual loss due to lack of quality care for children under three. Attendees will hear from policymakers, employers, and families through sessions focused on legislative solutions, real-life stories, and innovative business practices like flexible schedules and on-site care.
This is a unique opportunity to collaborate across sectors and counties – including Stark, Carroll, Columbiana, Holmes, Portage, Summit, Tuscarawas, and Wayne – to develop actionable strategies that support working families and strengthen our regional workforce.
Register now to be part of the conversation and help build a path forward.
| | Thank You to Our Sponsors! | | | | |
