The ACAA has a busy and exciting lineup of events coming up in the next few months! From networking to legislative updates and key advocacy initiatives, we’re looking forward to connecting our members with unique opportunities to shape the agenda in Columbus and D.C.! We encourage you to mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details on how you can get involved. These events are a great way to strengthen connections, share insights, and drive positive change in government policy arenas. | |
NSBA's Small Business Congress
February 6 – 7 is the National Small Business Association’s (NSBA) Small Business Congress in Washington, D.C., where the ACAA plans to bring a delegation of regional stakeholders to help shape the national agenda for America’s small business community.
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ACAA Day in Columbus
On Tuesday, February 11 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., the ACAA will be hosting its first-ever Day in Columbus at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. This unique event will feature multiple discussions and speakers from the DeWine Administration, Ohio Legislature, state agencies and our statewide economic development ecosystem. Please note the new date for this event.
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ACAA Launches Podcast Series | |
The ACAA is thrilled to announce the launch of our new Advocacy in Action podcast series! In the first episode, GAC President and CEO Steve Millard leads a conversation with Jeff Dafler, President and CEO of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, and John Rizzo, Vice President of the ACAA, on the partnership, recent milestones, and a preview of key issues for 2025 – including upcoming advocacy efforts and events scheduled for the first quarter of the year. | |
This inaugural episode sets the stage for future discussions with influential leaders and elected officials, tackling a wide range of policy issues and exploring ways to strengthen advocacy for the business community. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to amplifying the voices of our members and ensuring their concerns are addressed at all levels of government.
We invite those interested in learning more about the ACAA and membership opportunities to visit akroncantonadvocacy.org.
Stay tuned for more episodes of Advocacy in Action and subscribe!
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ACAA Meeting and Networking Reception | |
On January 10, the ACAA hosted a meeting and social networking event with regional legislators at the MAPS Air Museum. This gathering provided an excellent opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of 2024 and discuss strategic priorities for 2025.
Attendees had the opportunity to engage with key legislators in a relaxed, informal setting, creating meaningful connections and open dialogue. By combining a review of past successes with forward-looking planning, the gathering set the stage for a productive and impactful 2025. We appreciated attendees’ insights and candid discussion on challenges and opportunities, which we feel are critical to our ability to successfully advocate on members’ behalf.
The MAPS Air Museum provided the perfect backdrop for this important networking event, offering both a historic setting and a unique environment to facilitate conversation and collaboration. As we move into the new year, the ACAA remains committed to fostering relationships and advancing initiatives that support the region’s growth and success.
We appreciate the continued leadership of ACAA members and the time of our elected officials as we kick off 2025!
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Ohio Legislature Announces House and Senate Commitee Assignments | |
Last week, the Ohio Legislature announced the recent committee assignments for Ohio’s 136th General Assembly. As you may know, a number of committees deal with important issues that stand to impact the business community and our state’s economy. As we move into 2025, we look forward to engaging in the work of these committees and working alongside members to advocate for policies that support economic growth and improve quality of life across the Akron-Canton region. The ACAA will be closely monitoring bills and policies that impact the business community through our legislative radar.
View the Ohio Senate Committee listings*.
View the Ohio House Committee listings*
Find your local legislator and see what their committees are for the 136th General Assembly.
*The Ohio Legislature website will be updated soon to reflect full listings of committee leaders and members.
Below are several state legislators from the Akron-Canton region who are in leadership positions on these House and Senate committees:
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Mark Romanchuk (District 22) | | |
Kristina Roegner (District 27) | |
- Chair, Medicaid Committee
- Vice Chair, Small Business and Economic Opportunity Committee
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- Chair, General Government Committee
- Chair, Higher Education Committee
- Vice Chair, Ways and Means Committee
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Casey Weinstein (District 28) | | |
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- Ranking Member, Armed Services, Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee
- Ranking Member, Government Oversight and Reform Committee
- Ranking Member, Addiction and Community Revitalization Committee
- Ranking Member, Government Oversight and Reform Committee
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- Chair, Addiction and Community Revitalization Committee
- Vice Chair, Energy Committee
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- Chair, Small Business and Economic Opportunity Committee
- Vice Chair, Addiction and Community Revitalization Committee
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Bill Roemer (District 31) | | |
Jack Daniels (District 32) | |
- Chair, Ways and Means Committee
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- Vice Chair, Transporation Committee
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Veronica Sims (District 33) | | |
Derrick Hall (District 34) | |
- Ranking Member, Local Government Committee
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- Ranking Member, Veterans & Military Development Committee
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Scott Oelslager (District 48) | | |
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- Chair, Financial Institutions Committee
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- Chair, Judiciary Committee
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Matthew Kishman (District 50) | | |
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- Vice Chair, Local Government Committee
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- Vice Chair, Children and Human Services Committee
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Heidi Workman (District 72) | |
- Chair, General Government Committee
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- Vice Chair, Technology & Innovation Committee
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Meredith Craig (District 77) | | |
Monica Robb Blasdel (District 79) | |
- Vice Chair, Insurance Committee
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- Vice Chair, Natural Resources Committee
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