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Dreamers, Drivers, Doers

Greater Akron Chamber

Want to discover the personalities, leaders, and voices who are making things happen and making a difference in our region? Welcome to Dreamers, Drivers, and Doers, where Greater Akron Chamber CEO and President Steve Millard engages in conversations with business owners, influencers, and government officials to discover what makes a group of people come together, the possibilities on a local and regional level, and the potential of an area that pulls together. Fascinating journeys, strong opinions,

government entrepreneurship

All Episodes

31:43

Ep. 108 – Rachel Bridenstine, Development Finance...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/02/25

In this episode, Steve sits down with Rachel Bridenstine, President of the Development Finance Authority (DFA), to discuss how the organization supports large-scale development and job creation. They explore how DFA helps finance community projects, infrastructure, and business growth. Rachel highlights the Western Reserve Community Fund, a nonprofit initiative providing access to capital, technical assistance, and development services for small businesses and nonprofits, and shares how DFA connects

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26:56

Ep. 107 - Connecting Communities: The Impact of...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/02/18

In this episode, Steve talks with Bridget Ambrisco, Executive Director of the Akron Parks Collaborative, about how Akron’s parks enhance community engagement, safety, and the city’s appeal to families and businesses alike. Bridget shares how the organization connects residents with the city to improve and maintain parks, the impact of initiatives like the Akron Parks Challenge, and the importance of activating these spaces beyond their initial development. She also discusses funding, business

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27:02

Ep. 104 - AI, Cybersecurity, and the Future of...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/01/28

This episode dives deep into how small and midsize businesses can navigate today’s fast-paced technology landscape with a focus on IT management, cybersecurity, and AI integration. Jay Mellon, Owner of AtNetPlus, explains the interconnected nature of network management and security, highlighting the rising cybersecurity risks facing businesses and how tailored solutions can mitigate them. The conversation expands to the transformative impact of AI, exploring real-world examples like workflow

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33:42

Ep. 103 - ADVOCACY IN ACTION: The ACAA is Your...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/01/21

In 2024, the Greater Akron Chamber and Canton Regional Chamber formally aligned their government affairs and advocacy activities through the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance (ACAA) to represent the needs of their collective 4,500 members and engage with elected officials and policymakers for the benefit of jobs, investment, and growth for the Akron-Canton region. Steve Millard sits down with Jeff Dafler, President and CEO of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, and John Rizzo, Vice President of

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36:25

Ep. 102 - Connecting the Dots for Businesses in...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/01/07

In this episode, GAC Executive Vice President Brynn Allio Popa turns the tables on host Steve Millard for a fun, fast moving discussion about GAC’s work in 2024 and key priorities for 2025 created by the recent refresh of the organization’s blueprint. The pair cover key aspects of the strategy refresh, helping businesses navigate resources in the community, fighting the workforce problem, DEI, and more.

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35:06

Ep. 101 - Mark Greer on the 2025 Akron Bicentennial

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2024/12/31

Akronites know that our city has a deep and colorful history that's shaped the fabric of our region. Back in June, we welcomed Mark Greer, Executive Director of the Akron Bicentennial, into the studio to talk about the upcoming Bicentennial celebration in 2025. A number of events and historic celebrations will take place aimed at bringing the city together that we want to put on your radar before the new year starts.

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23:55

Ep. 100 - Celebrating Legacy with Michael Considine...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2024/12/17

In this milestone 100th episode of Dreamers, Drivers, Doers, Greater Akron Chamber President Steve Millard sits down with Michael Considine, founder of Norka Beverage Company. As Norka marks its 100th anniversary, Michael shares insights into preserving a legacy brand while navigating the challenges of running a small family business. Steve and Michael discuss the incredible transformations happening in Akron, the power of community roots, and the resilience it takes to thrive in today’s market

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26:31

Ep. 97 - Rising Energy Costs and How to Manage Them

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2024/11/26

Energy costs are on the rise, but businesses and organizations will see a significant increase in 2025. Xpense Solutions President and energy expert John Verdile stopped in earlier this year to explain the increase on episode 87; in this second part, John describes how businesses can adapt to these changes, including energy saving techniques and resources to utilize.

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26:28

Ep. 96 - Empowering Connections: Embracing the Local...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2024/11/19

In September, Akron Municipal Court Navigator and community advocate Tara Mosley hosted “Women Supporting Women,” which brought women leaders and business vendors from across the region for a day of celebration, networking and purchasing products at Hardes ty Park. In this episode Steve chats with Tara and Joelle Diane Zellman, a vendor at the event and owner of Monochrome Canvas. The trio discuss the event, support and resources for small business owners, and Zellman’s perspective on the local art

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29:46

Ep. 95 - The University of Akron: New President, New...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2024/11/12

In this episode, Steve sits down with RJ Nemer, who was appointed to President of the University of Akron in May 2024. RJ shares his vision for the university, reflecting on his journey and experiences that have led him to this role. From strategic goals to strengthen the university's academic programs to deepening its connections with the Akron community, RJ reveals how he plans to drive impactful changes across the university.

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28:07

Ep. 94 - Empowering Connections: Women Supporting...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2024/11/05

In September, Akron Municipal Court Navigator and community advocate Tara Mosley hosted “Women Supporting Women,” which brought women leaders and business vendors from across the region for a day of celebration, networking and purchasing products at Hardesty Park. In this episode Steve chats with Tara and Marketa Fry, a vendor at the event and owner of Security is Kee. The trio discuss the event, support and resources for small business owners, and the challenges and successes Marketa has gone

en

28:57

Ep. 93 - Driving Innovation through Talent and...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2024/10/29

BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) boasts a rich history steeped in innovation and performance. From the Naval Nuclear Propulsion program to research test reactors for national labs to complex operations management, BWX excels through a talented workforce, state-of-the-art technologies, and innovative solutions. In this episode, BWXT General Manager Mark Huber details how the company’s success stems from internal training, partnerships with universities, and a general focus on employee growth.

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30:27

Ep. 92 - Manufacturing Momentum: Collaborative...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2024/10/22

As we celebrate Manufacturing Month throughout October, a number of organizations are collaborating in response to employment needs in this vital industry sector within our region. The Greater Akron Chamber’s workforce team, ConxusNEO, is partnering with the Ohio Manufacturer’s Association (OMA) to support the USEDA's Good Jobs Challenge to boost the talent pipeline for manufacturing in Summit and Portage counties. To prepare individuals for career in manufacturing, Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates (JOG)

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22:50

Ep. 91 - Green Mayor Rocco Yeargin Embraces Ohio’s...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2024/10/14

The number one challenge for employers right now is workforce. In Green, OH, it’s no different. As Mayor Rocco Yeargin talked with employers, residents and community leaders in his city, he realized that there are a host of resources and opportunities that exist to support the City’s businesses that he could help better connect. Steve talks with Mayor Yeargin about Green, some of the challenges for its employers and an event coming up to connect the dots to support the workforce challenges being

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15:57

Ep. 90 - Get Family Owned Business Assistance through...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2024/10/08

The Center for Family Business is a new resource for the region. Created by the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, the Center is focused on the unique issues, needs and experiences of family-owned businesses in Northeast Ohio. Steve sits down with Laura Bonnet, Director for the Center for Family Business, to talk about the environment for family-owned businesses, some of the unique issues faced in family businesses and the help and support the Center for Family

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37:49

Ep. 81 - Akron RubberDucks: More than America’s...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2024/07/23

Akron RubberDucks President and General Manager Jim Pfander has been with the AA baseball team for 12 years.Canal Park has changed a lot in that time, mainly in its marketing and operations-Jim positions the RubberDucks asnot just a baseball team, andmore of a “collective spirit” for downtown. In this episode, Jim and Steve discuss howthe RubberDucks use out-of-the-box marketing tactics and special entertainment opportunities to bring people to theballpark and get engaged with downtown Akron.

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33:24

Ep. 79 - ConxusNEO, Ohio TechCred, and Building up...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2024/07/09

The United States’ labor market is continuing to reshape and heal itself following 2022’s “Great Resignation,” butconnecting workers to good in-demand jobs has always been difficult. ConxusNEO seeks to solve this issue inNortheast Ohio by working with partners to generate awareness of in-demand jobs, develop a competitive talent pool,and upskill employed workers. In this episode, Senior Manager of ConxusNEO’s Manufacturing Sector PartnershipJean Barbato sits down with Steve to explain Ohio TechCred,

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18:42

Ep. 78 - PGA Golf in Akron – The Kaulig Companies...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2024/07/02

PGA Golf at Firestone in July has been a mainstay in the Akron community for over 70 years. In this episode, Steve sits down with Don Padgett, Executive Director of the Kaulig Companies Championship to discuss how the championship and Firestone Country Club delivers visibility, community engagement, and charitable support to the Greater Akron community. Hear more about what to expect at this year’s event as it continues to evolve and grow as an entertainment and community celebration for

en

35:03

Ep. 77 - Everything AI: From the Classroom to the...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2024/06/25

Each day we get closer to an AI driven world–and that’s no more apparent than in education and the businessworld. Stark State College has taken a forward-thinking approach in developing programs specifically oriented to AIlearning career readiness. Inthis episode, President of Stark State College Para Jones and ConxusNEO Tech SectorPartnership Senior Manager Amy Neumann sit down with Steve to talk all things AI and how the next generation ispreparing for an AI centered workforce.

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35:12

Ep. 76 - Mark Greer on the 2025 Akron Bicentennial

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2024/06/18

Akronites know that our city has a deep and colorful history that's shaped the fabric of our region. In July 2025, the City of Akron will celebrate its 200th birthday with a much-anticipated Bicentennial Celebration! A number of events and historic celebrations will take place aimed at bringing the city together. In this episode, Mark Greer, Executive Director of the Akron Bicentennial talks with Steve about plans for the celebration and how everything will come together.

en

63 results

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