Akron-Canton Regional Impact Ohio Conference | | On February 28, the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance and Ohio Chamber of Commerce hosted the Akron-Canton Regional Impact Ohio Conference at MAPS Air Museum. This significant event brought together key government officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders to discuss Ohio’s fiscal future and opportunities facing the Akron-Canton region. | | | At the Impact Ohio Conference, attendees heard from state and federal legislators, statewide elected officials, and other key stakeholders to gain deeper insights into the region’s economic and political landscape. The conference highlighted the importance of collaboration and dialogue in achieving regional development goals and those in attendance had the opportunity to make their voice heard. | | | We’re grateful to our elected officials and guests for attending, time and attention to these important issues, and for contributing to the growth and success of our region! | | February ACAA Meeting Recap | | |
During our February ACAA meeting, members met with Senator Jane Timken to discuss her approach to office, key priorities for the 136th General Assembly, upcoming budgetary processes, and the areas of alignment between her and the business community that may lead to long-term collaboration.
Senator Timken was appointed to fill the late Kirk Schuring’s seat for Ohio’s 29th Senate District on January 29. She has been heavily involved in various political and community activities and has a background in business. Senator Timken is currently serving as Vice Chair on the Housing Committee and is a member of the Energy, General Government, Higher Education, and Transportation Committees. Her full bio can be found here.
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Our conversation with Senator Timken touched on a variety of issues, including taxation, energy, economic and workforce development, transportation/infrastructure, and specific budget activities. As we continue advocating for ACAA priorities, we will continue meeting with our elected officials to share our perspectives and enable members’ to weigh in directly with key decision makers.
We greatly appreciate the Senator’s time and the ACAA members who participated in this month’s meeting.
| | ACAA Visit to Capitol Hill | | |
On March 5 and 6, the ACAA attended the Ohio Birthday Party and met with U.S. Senators Jon Husted and Bernie Moreno, several Members of Congress, and government officials to discuss key issues impacting our community. During these meetings, we engaged in meaningful conversations about the impact of recent federal actions on the region's federal grants, small business priority issues, and transportation/infrastructure opportunities.
There are several large federal grants that stand to impact the Akron-Canton region, such as the Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub, Good Jobs Challenge Round 2 “APEX” Initiative, Build 2 Scale Synthe6 Materials Accelerator, and the Reconnecting Communities Pilot that are designed to be innovation, R&D, commercialization, and workforce development programs in support our businesses and economy. Reiterating the importance and status of these efforts, as well as the potential impact of continued federal action/fluidity on them, was a key focus in our meetings.
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Additionally, we discussed multiple policy issues facing small businesses and development efforts around our transportation and infrastructure assets – all of which play into our economy’s long-term success. For small business issues, we discussed the extension of the Qualified Business Income Deduction, the repeal of R&D amortization provisions and the Corporate Transparency Act. On the transportation front, we shared how the Akron-Canton Airport was chosen to be Breeze Airways’ 11th base, discussed development efforts for Route 30, and the continuance of the Federal Railroad Association’s Corridor ID Program for rail development. More information on these issues listed above are available upon request by contacting John Rizzo, VP, Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance.
We deeply appreciate the time and attention of our legislative leaders and everyone who joined us on Capitol Hill. Your support is crucial as we work together to advance the interests of the Akron-Canton region!
| | Ohio House Introduces MTAP Bill | | |
House Bill 159, led by Representatives Nick Santucci and Steve Demetriou, would create the Manufacturing Technologies Assistance Grant Program, the bill aims to support small- to mid-sized manufacturers in Ohio modernize and innovate their production processes with the help of up to $150,000 for the investment of “smart technologies” such as machinery, equipment, and training.
This piece of legislation is critically important to Ohio manufacturers’ ability to invest in advanced technologies and training. This not only boosts their productivity and efficiency, but it also ensures they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market and contributes to economic growth throughout the state.
House Bill 159 – as well as other key pieces of legislation we’re monitoring – can be found on within the ACAA’s legislative radar here.
For more information on industry-specific bills, contact Alexis Escobar-Paz, Coordinator, ACAA.
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