Invitation to the ACAA's Candidates Conference & Leadership Reception |  | |
We invite you to join the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance for the annual Candidates Conference & Leadership Reception on Wednesday, October 30 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Portage Country Club. This annual event brings together business executives, elected officials, candidates, economic development partners, and community stakeholders for an evening of camaraderie and conversation. This is a unique opportunity to network with decision-makers and connect with key stakeholders in an intimate setting.
This year's event will feature a fireside chat and Q&A session with Ohio's 13th Congressional District Democratic Candidate Emilia Sykes and Republican Candidate Kevin Coughlin. Attendees will have the chance to meet the candidates, understand their policy priorities, and ask questions to make an informed vote on election day.
Looking ahead to the General Election on Tuesday, November 5, the ACAA will continue to prepare its members with a variety of resources including multiple recorded discussions and additional information on how/where/when to vote, which will be packaged into a Voter Election Guide.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about this event, please reach out to Alexis Raineri at araineri@akroncantonadvocacy.org.
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NSBA Washington Presentation & ACAA Visit to Capitol Hill | |
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As a key partner of the ACAA, the National Small Business Association (NSBA) is a great resource for our federal advocacy work. Their proximity to, and understanding of, small business issues is second to none, and their nonpartisan research and advocacy work is critically important to Ohio's small business community. During their Washington Presentation last week, we participated in briefings from the U.S. Small Business Administration's Ombudsman and Office of Advocacy, the National Economic Council, the White House's chief economic advisor, and multiple Members of Congress who serve on relevant small business-oriented committees.
While there were many issues discussed throughout the Washington Presentation and in private meetings we scheduled on Capitol Hill, attached is a summary of some of the main issues the NSBA is focusing on (which are actionable and timely).
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In February of 2025, the NSBA will host their biannual Small Business Congress. This is their main event where they bring in experts, Members of Congress, White House officials, and others to discuss issues and subsequently set the NSBA's policy priorities for the new congressional session. We're planning to get a solid contingent of Akron-Canton small business leaders to participate and will soon be sharing more information on how you can become a part of the effort. | |
Greater Akron Receives Support from Ohio Innovation Hubs Program | |
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On September 5, Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced the Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub as the third applicant to receive federal funding from Ohio's Innovation Hubs Program. This $31.25 million award will create nearly 2,400 jobs, produce 500 STEM credentials, and catalyze $68 million in additional investments in the polymer industry over the next seven years.
Following the EDA Tech Hubs Phase 2 Award announced in July, the Greater Akron area has received nearly $100 million in polymer industry investment this year. These achievements – as well as additional funding from local partners – will continue to drive innovation and economic growth in the area.
To read the press release, click here.
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Greater Akron Chamber Levy Endorsements | |
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Earlier this month, the GAC Government Affairs Committee gathered information and made a formal recommendation to the GAC Board of Directors on two local issues that will be on the ballot this November: the Akron Public Schools Levy (Local Issue #27) and the Summit County Children Services Levy (Local Issue #40).
On September 19, the Board approved the recommendation to support both levies and will be working with each of the respective campaign committees to promote and advocate on behalf of each levy.
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Letter to the Editor: Protecting Public
Health and Our Economy Through
Smart PFAS Regulation
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Last week, John Rizzo, Vice President of the ACAA, published a column in the Canton Repository regarding federal regulations around PFAS. PFAS are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (aka "forever chemicals") that are used in a wide variety of industrial, commercial, and consumer products/operations. While PFAS last for a very long time both in the environment and the human body, they also play a crucial role in the assembly and manufacturing of moto vehicles, semiconductors, and renewable energy technologies and support thousands of jobs.
If an outright ban is placed on PFAS, it could threaten Ohio's economy and detrimentally impact billions of dollars that have been invested to create jobs, build facilities, and boost production in the state. To continue supporting economic growth in our manufacturing sector and protect public health, the government should implement balanced, targeted PFAS effluent limitation guidelines that protect the public while also allowing industries to responsibly use these chemicals for critical applications (until viable alternatives to PFAS can be found).
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