The Greater Akron Chamber (GAC) was recently awarded $3 million through the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Good Jobs Challenge program, with a $3.4 million local match, to support the Advanced Polymer and Manufacturing Excellence (APEX) initiative.

Leveraging the work of the Polymer Sector Partnership through ConxusNEO, the workforce initiatives team at the GAC, and the Polymer Industry Cluster, this initiative aims to develop high-demand skills training and career pathways to address workforce shortages. The program will focus on underrepresented populations in Portage, Stark, Summit, and Wayne counties, as well as young adults (ages 18-24) disconnected from work or school.

Over the next three years, this initiative aims to complete:

- 500 enrollments in training programs (entry-level, upskilling, and advanced)

- 400 successful training completions

- 20 placements into stable, well-paying jobs

This initiative builds on Greater Akron’s designation as the Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub of the U.S., reinforcing the region’s leadership in polymer innovation and workforce development. Industry partners—including Akron Rubber Development Laboratory, MAGNET, Manufacturing Works, and Stark State College—are providing the $3.4 million match to drive long-term impact.

For polymer professionals, this investment strengthens the talent pipeline, ensuring a skilled workforce to support growth, innovation, and sustainability in the industry.

Greater Akron Strengthens Ties with West Africa's Growing Rubber Industry

Akron continues to strengthen its global leadership in rubber, plastics, and polymers, recently welcoming an inbound delegation from West Africa. The visit brought together regional leaders and APROMAC, an industry association representing 7 million acres of farmland and 10% of the world’s natural rubber production.

As West Africa rises as the third-largest producer of natural rubber, this collaboration highlights Akron’s polymer expertise and creates new opportunities for investment, innovation, and supply chain growth. A diverse group of regional partners—including Akron Rubber Development Laboratory, Inc., ACS Rubber Division, Alpha Technologies, the Cities of Akron and Barberton, Barberton Community Foundation, Bridgestone, County of Summit, Greater Akron Chamber, Polymer Industry Cluster, Stark State College, University of Akron, and VMI Americas—joined in welcoming the delegation and exploring future partnerships.

The Akron Beacon Journal covered the visit in detail—read the article here.

Upskill Your Employees with Ohio Tech Cred

Ohio's TechCred Program gives employers the chance to upskill current and future employees in technology-focused fields. Employers who submit successful applications can be reimbursed up to $2,000 per credential per employee, and up to $30,000 per employer for each round of funding. There are 6 rounds of funding per year.   

Start taking advantage of this opportunity now and develop the talent you need for your business to operate, compete, and thrive! Step-by-step instructions for accessing these resources can be found here. 

The next Tech Cred application period will open from March 1 through March 31, 2025. Join ConxusNEO for a webinar on Thursday, March 6 2025 at 12:00 pm to learn more about the program and application process.

The University of Akron's Akron Polymer Training Services (APTS)

The University of Akron’s Akron Polymer Training Services (APTS) delivers specialized workforce training tailored to the evolving needs of the polymer industry. Leveraging the expertise of the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, APTS offers hands-on, on-site training as well as flexible online courses. Programs can also be customized to address specific business challenges, ensuring companies remain competitive in an ever-changing market.

With a commitment to industry-leading education, APTS provides practical, application-driven courses covering polymer compounding, elastomer molding, thermoplastic materials, and more. Explore upcoming training opportunities to enhance your team’s expertise and drive innovation:

• Introduction to Color Science | Feb 18 – Feb 19
• Advanced Elastomer Molding Technology | Feb 19 – Feb 21
• Thermoplastic Materials Engineering: Synthesis, Structure, Properties, and End Use Performance | Mar 3 – Mar 5

For course details and registration, visit Akron Polymer Training Services.

Rubber Division ACS Training Opportunities

Rubber Division, ACS offers industry-leading training to support professionals at all levels. With free webinars for members and complimentary courses for undergraduate student members, their programs provide valuable insights into the latest advancements in rubber and elastomer technology. Most courses are held virtually, with select in-person options available. Additionally, many courses offer CEUs through the University of Akron, helping attendees earn continuing education credits.

For organizations looking to invest in workforce development, the ACS Training Pass provides unlimited access to courses for individuals or companies, making it easier than ever to upskill employees and stay ahead of industry trends. From regulatory compliance to material performance, upcoming trainings cover a range of essential topics for professionals in the polymer sector.

Upcoming Training Opportunities:

• Webinar: The Fatigue Limit of Rubber | Feb 18
• Course: Global Regulatory Compliance in the Rubber Industry | Feb 19
• Course: Dynamic Viscoelastic Properties | Feb 20
• Webinar: Elastomers for Selective Gas Separation, incl. Carbon Capture | Feb 25

For course details and registration, visit Rubber Division, ACS Education and Training.

Barberton Community Foundation (BCF) is a driving force behind workforce development and education in Northeast Ohio, making a lasting impact on the future of the polymer industry. As the first organization outside of the founding members to join the Polymer Industry Cluster at the prestigious Cornerstone Partner level, BCF is demonstrating its deep commitment to shaping the industry’s future.

Beyond financial support, BCF actively engages in K-12 education, workforce initiatives, and community outreach—helping to raise awareness of polymers’ essential role in our daily lives. Their leadership strengthens the connection between industry and education, ensuring the next generation is prepared to meet evolving workforce demands.

We are honored to welcome BCF as a key partner in the Polymer Industry Cluster and look forward to the lasting impact their involvement will bring to the region.

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is at the forefront of materials science and engineering, driving innovation that shapes the future of the polymer industry. As a leading research institution, CWRU is dedicated to pioneering advancements that enhance performance, sustainability, and manufacturing efficiency in polymers.

With state-of-the-art research facilities and a strong commitment to collaboration, CWRU plays a key role in strengthening Northeast Ohio’s polymer ecosystem. By partnering with industry leaders, they bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world applications, accelerating progress in polymer science.

We’re proud to welcome CWRU as an Investor Member of the Polymer Industry Cluster and look forward to the impact their expertise and innovation will bring to the region.

Continental develops a synthetic rubber to reduce hydrogen ion leakage

"Continental has developed a line for cooling in the hydrogen powertrain of commercial vehicles, which considerably reduces the penetration of ions into the media circuit. The synthetic rubber line has a mixture of materials whose special properties make them less susceptible to the leaching of ions from the line material. This reduces the transfer of ions into the cooling circuit of hydrogen drive systems.”



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Impacts on Polymer Tech Hub unclear as Trump rescinds funding freeze

"Any attempt by the Trump administration to freeze the dispersion of federal grant funding could have implications for Akron's Polymer Tech Hub, which has as much as $3 million in federal funding on the line.”

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