Each year, thousands of Summit County individuals are victims of crisis, violence, and tragedy, and manyare unprepared and unequipped to deal with the fallout. Luckily, Summit County has the Victim AssistanceProgram (VAP), a 501(c)(3) non-profit unattached to law enforcement and the court system that offersnonjudgemental crisis intervention and emotional support to victims. In this episode, Steve Millard sits downwith VAP President and CEO Leanne Graham to talk about the organizations 24-hour assistance hotlineand how business and organizations can utilize VAP when dealing with tragedy in the workplace.

Nothing is certain in life and in business. In this episode of the Dreamers, Drivers, Doers podcast, SteveMillard sits down with Schauer Group President and CEO Joe Schauer to talk about theintricacies ofcommercial insurance and risk management, and the impact Schauer Group has made in Akron, Cantonand Cleveland. The pair also discuss culture in the workplace, internship programs, and how to attract newtalent

Northeast Ohio is on the verge of a historic event-the first total solar eclipse since 1806 is happening onApril 8, and Greater Akron sits in the 115-milewide "path of totality" where the eclipse is viewable. Anothertotal solar eclipse won't happen until 2099, making it a must-see event for people across the country.Hundreds of thousands of guests are expected in Greater Akron for the eclipse, and with that comes botheconomic opportunities and safety concerns for our region. On this episode, Steve Millard sits down withGregg Mervis, President and CEO of the Akron/Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau, and ThomasSmoot, Director of the Summit County Emergency Management Agency to discuss both.

Since the pandemic, businesses have been struggling to figure out the hybrid work environment and how it relates to their commercial spaces. As may be obvious, many businesses have decided to scale down their properties and invest more in other quality of life improvements for their employees, essentially doing more with less. Meanwhile, unused office spaces are being converted to residential, and mixed-used developments are becoming more and more popular in suburban communities.   Commercial real estate is constantly changing due to issues with lending and construction prices, but that doesn't mean there aren't opportunities to develop in downtown Akron that could greatly affect the economy. In this episode, Steve Millard explores real estate trends and downtown revitalization with Warren Blazy III, Senior Vice President of CBRE, the Northeast Ohio market leader in commercial real estate.

Offering a unique historic experience does numbers in attaching citizens to their community andencouraging outsiders to visit. Greater Akron is chock full of attractionslike this, and the Cuyahoga ValleyScenic Railroad (CVSR) is one that continues to preserve the past while constantly changing andimproving. From the North Pole Adventure to Dinner on the Train, Steve Millard explores how Presidentand CEO Joe Mazur and the team at CVSR have turned the nonprofit into a bastion of shared history, andopened up the experience to history buffs, couples, families, children, and businesses through their variedevents and rides. Joe also dives into the prospect of expanding therail line further north, attracting moreresidents from the Cleveland area

There's often more to an organization than initially meets the eye. Many of them offer services and products that the public may not even be aware of, making it of utmost importance to market these services to their communities. Steve Millard sits down with Erica Wilson-Domer, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, to discuss how the organization provides and markets a wide array of healthcare services to communities, making it much more than what is often characterizes as an "abortion clinic." Erica alsoshares her favorite Stark County gem for listeners to check out!

Interested in buying a business but unsure where to start? Or, are you a business owner without a clear exit strategy in place? While it seems counterintuitive to open a business and think about how you leave the business at the same time, it's important for business owners to be prepared when the unexpected happens. Steve Millard explores the world of business mergers and acquisitions, selling, and franchises, and learns how Brian Adolph, Investment Banker at Transworld, and Jessica Fialkovich, Founder andPresident of Exit Factor, work together to help businesses prepare for the unexpected. Jessica also sharesinsights from her book, “Getting the Most for Selling your Business”, and the need for business owners toproactively ready themselves for exit.

Investing in new business processes, especially those using technology, is intimidating to many business owners and leaders, especially in the world of AI.  Rest assured, the team of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP has you covered.  What started as a primarily accounting-focused business has evolved into a team of trusted advisors helping their clients in all aspects of their business, from accounting to operations to digital technology.  On this weeks episode, Steve Millard sits down with Dave Supelak, Principal and Noel Hopkins, Digital Growth Director, to talk about the evolution of digital technology and how they're helping business increase their efficiency, and empower and elevate their employees, through automation and other digital solutions, and workforce trends in their business.

Malleability is an important quality for any business to display-it's not often that you'll find a successfulbusiness that says no to change. Oftentimes, that need for changecomes from adversity or strife, something we've recently seen on a large scale as businesses exited the Covid pandemic with vastly different operations, goals, and functions, as well as a better understanding of their markets. On this week’sepisode, Steve Millard sits down with MGM Northfield Park executives Yanina De Vargas, VP of Finance, and Sam Alonso, Director of National Sales, to talk about how they grew their facility from a racino into an entertainment complex boasting restaurants, merchandise stores, concerts and more to attract a younger demographic. The pair also discusses community engagement, employee volunteering programs, and MGM Northfield's Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program.

There’s never a wrong time to shop small, as said by Justin Lepley, Director of Northside Marketplace,Founder of Lepley & Co. and Solidago Business Advisors. And he’s not wrong. As we head into the holidayshopping season, Steve Millard sits down with Justin and Heather Meeker, Executive Director at SummitArtspace, to talk about Small Business Saturday, Artists Sunday, and the new Akron Bazaar, and how thecommunity supports local entrepreneurs and artists beyond the holidays. Plus, learn how you can earnpoints–or “blimps”–back on purchases at local participating businesses through the Akronite app(available on the App Store and Google Play!)

The 2024 economic forecast is “cautiously optimistic” as told by panelists Brian Pietrangelo, ManagingDirector of Investment Strategy at Key Private Bank, and Jacob Duritsky,Vice President, Strategy,Research and Talent at Team NEO, during the Greater Akron Chamber’s annual Economic Outlook eventon November 3, 2023. Following the event, Steve Millard sat down with these experts to recap theconversation on economic trends andfactors for the year ahead, including inflation, workforce, financialmarkets, and consumer spending. Tune in to hear what Brian and Jacob recommend business owners tokeep in mind as they look ahead to 2024 and beyond, plus their favorite spots in Northeast Ohio! 2024 Economic Outlook presentation: https://ow.ly/BmlL50Q59hk Jacob Duritsky bio: https://ow.ly/RFXV50Q59k6 Brian Pietrangelo bio: https://ow.ly/LF6w50Q59kX

Did you know that every $1 invested in public transportation generates $5 in economic returns? On thisweek’s episode, Steve Millard chats with METRO RTA CEO Dawn Distler and ValerieShea, Director ofPlanning and Strategic Development, about the role public transit plays to drive and support economicdevelopment, how the transit agency’s redesigned bus network that launched in June 2023 increasedaccess to jobs in Summit County by 53%through various mobility options, and the future of transit inSummit County (and beyond!). Both guests share their “Akron Jams” and how you can access them from a bus route!

Celeste Brown is a go-getter–when she sees a problem, she comes up with a solution from the lenseofan entrepreneur. On this episode, Celeste shares the “aha moment” behind the launch of her businessDefining Enterprises, LLC., how one email led to the placement of two automated retail machines in theAkron-Canton Airport, and the future of retail with convenient and contactless shopping methods.

Becoming a leader was always in the cards for Chrissy Myers, but after a run of undesirable jobs as ayoung adult while working for her dad, she was adamant about not returning to work for the familybusiness. You can probably guess where this story goes, but what you don’t know is the how: HOW shedoubled her business in size and opened a fractional HR entity; and HOWher work serves smallbusinesses; and HOW she is making an impact on the Greater Akron business community and beyond. Inthis episode, the CEO of AUI/Clarity HR also dives into workplace trends, culture, and well-being, and herrole outside the office asco-captain of “Team Awesomesauce.” Stick around to hear Chrissy’s “AkronJams” and details on the upcoming launch of her first book.

Thinking through a problem and coming up with a solution is second nature to Amanda Leffler, ManagingPartner of Shumaker's recently-established Akron office. Amanda sits down with Steve Millard to talk abouther role as a connector within the legal realm, how Shumaker offers a variety of services for businesses of all sizes, and their unwavering commitment to ensure the best outcome for their clients. Tune in to learn more about Amanda’s professional journey and her noteworthy contributions outside of law in the GreaterAkron community.

While venture capital is historically concentrated in the West Coast, experts have witnessed a gradual shift in investments in the Midwest and Ohio specifically. Plus, with startup support from Bounce Innovation Huband Akron's position as Rubber Capital of the World, Greater Akron and Northeast Ohio has potential to be a premier startup hub in the Midwest. Join Steve Millard and Bill Manby, Founding and Managing Partner ofInterstate Fusion Ventures, on a journey through the dynamic world of venture capital and what needs tohappen in the next 5-7 years for venture capital to grow and thrive in the region.

United Way's evolution from a traditional fundraising organization to a community impact-driven entity reflects the changing landscape in the nonprofit sector, yet there is still a lack of awareness around the dynamic work that United Way of Summit & Medina leads and supports. President and CEO Jim Mullendives into how United Way collaborates with corporate, philanthropic, and civic leaders to drive change while staying true to its primary focus of supporting the foundational needs that enable individuals to not just survive, but thrive. Jim also has three "Akron Jams" you don't want to miss!

Exposing students to experiences beyond the classroom in their early years is crucial–not only for personal development but also to ensure continuous growth of the local talent pool. On this episode, Marcie Ebright, Director of the College & Career Academies of Akron Public Schools, and Jobs for Ohio Graduates Executive Director, Chris Canova, talks about this transformative education model that impacts students ofall ages, from PreK to 12th grade, and how their partnership with helps position students for success with career exploration and job exposure opportunities.

On August 8, 2023, Summit County Public Health issued a public health alert following seven suspected overdose deaths in one weekend and a steady increase in overdose-related Emergency Department visits over the last month. Leaders from CHC Addiction Services sit down with Steve Millard to talk about the dangers facing the community, how employers are responding and the resources available to companies to support their employees, and the behind-the-scenes work CHC does to support individuals struggling with addiction.

Did you know that Kenmore is the largest business neighborhood district and the second-largest neighborhood in Akron? For the past five years, Tina Boyes, a fifth-generation Kenmore resident who formerly led the Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance, has poured her heart and soul into the revitalization of Kenmore Boulevard. In this episode, Tina shares how she helped reignite Kenmore as the place for community members to convene and a destination spot for visitors and why she believes in the power of community development work.