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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

28:07

Ep 142 – Damon Piatek, President & CEO, Piatek...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/11/11

What does it take to keep global business moving... and why does it matter locally? Damon Piatek,President and CEO of Piatek Customs & Logistics, joins us to share how he built a company thathelps businesses of all sizes navigate the complexities of customs, compliance, and internationaltrade. From entrepreneurial lessons to practical insights, Damon sheds light on how logistics andleadership intersect to power growth in the region.

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31:08

Tax Policy and Political Shifts with Senator Jerry C....

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/11/05

Unpack the fiscal and political changes shaping our state in this conversation with State SenatorJerry Cirino, who serves as Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. Host Steve Millard,alongsideACAA Vice President John Rizzo, dive into the introduction of a 2.75% flat tax—the lowest amongneighboring states—and what it means for economic growth and talent retention; and property taxreform, which impacts the $22 billion revenue stream that funds schools, safety services, andmore. The trio also discuss

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35:49

Understanding Summit County’s Property Tax Proposal

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/10/28

Property taxes are confusing—and they’re about to take center stage in Summit County. Greater Akron Chamber President and CEO Steve Millard talks with Brian Nelson, Chief of Staff for County Executive Ilene Shapiro, to break down what residents need to know about the upcoming charter amendment (Issue2). With more than 30 years in public finance, Nelson explains how Ohio’s property tax system works and why Summit County is proposing a first-of-its-kind 3% annual cap to protect homeowners while

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40:50

Building a Circular Economy: John Warner’s Vision for...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/10/21

During the 2025 Polymer Cluster Connectivity Conference, a signature event of thePolymer IndustryCluster (PIC), John Warner, CEO & CTO of Technology Greenhouse, LLC, delivered a keynoteemphasizing the critical role of green chemistry in improving the ways materials are produced, utilized, andrecycled to support a circular economy.This special episode brings Warner’s keynote to the podcastplatform and his call to polymer industry leaders to foster innovations that create safer products and

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22:53

How Public Health Funding Intersects with Civic Well...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/10/14

Aimee Wade, Executive Director of the County of Summit ADM Board, joins us to discuss the Chamber’s endorsement of the ADM levy and what’s at stake for Summit County. She breaks down how the proposed renewal and increase—from 2.95 to 3.45 mills—would generate $46 million annually to sustain mental health and recovery services, fund 30+ provider agencies, and support projects like the new Dr. Fred Frese Residential Center. We also explore how investing in ADM services strengthens our workforce, fuels

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31:47

The Power of Play: Andrew Novak’s Vision for Community

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/10/07

Andrew Novak, co-founder of Summit Sport and Social, shares how a simple idea with a friend became oneof Akron’s most dynamic community builders. From blending competition with social connection topartnering with local organizations and launching a creative 2026 downtown project through the KnightEmerging City Champions fellowship, Andrew talks about keeping people downtown, fostering inclusivity,and why Akron is the perfect place for new ideas

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31:17

Why Businesses Should Bet on Northeast Ohio

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/09/30

Matt Dolan, President of Team NEO, joins Steve to share why Northeast Ohio is positioned for long-term growth. From the unique JobsOhio model and Ohio’s strength in manufacturing workforce development to the importance of supporting the industries already thriving here, Matt highlights how regional wins create ripple effects for all communities. He also breaks down grant opportunities and relocation incentives through Team NEO and explains why connecting with Team NEO early can give businesses a

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34:39

SPARKing Growth: Emmanuel Hilton on Supporting Small...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/09/23

Emmanuel Hilton, Vice President of Ecosystem Growth at Bounce Innovation Hub, is helping shape Akron’s entrepreneurial future. From leading SPARK Akron, a strategy under ElevateGreater Akron that connects small businesses with the right resources, to highlighting programs like MORTAR for Black entrepreneurs, Emmanuel shares how Bounce is breaking down barriers and building a stronger support system for founders. He also previews the upcoming Startup Circle conference, a first-of-its-kind event

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31:21

When Success Becomes a Prison: Josh Muller on Taking...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/09/16

What happens when your business success starts running you instead of the other way around?JoshMuller, founder of Maple Creek Coaching, shares how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) helped him break free from burnout, delegate effectively, and transform his company. Josh and Steve dive into the dangers of overworking, the power of curiosity, and the importance of authentic networking and maintaining relationships

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51:09

Ep. 133 - A Conversation on House Bill 159: The...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/09/09

House Bill 159 proposes the ManufacturingTechnologies Assistance Grant Program (MTAP) to help Ohiomanufacturers boost productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness while ensuring small and mid-sizedbusinesses have access to vital resources. In this recording from the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliancebriefing session, State Representative Nick Santucci and key stakeholders discuss the bill’s impact on thestate’s manufacturing industry and answer audience questions about what it could mean for the future

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34:56

Ep. 132 - Mental Health as a Driver of Business Success

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/08/26

What does it take to be a leader who not only drives results but also builds resilience and wellbeing into the workplace? Christine Williams, Associate Vice President of Immersive Leadership at United Way of Summit& Medina, and John Ropar, longtime counselor and therapist, sit down with us to share their perspectives on leadership, growth, and mental health. Together, they explore how immersive leadership programs can equip professionals to lead with empathy, and why caring for mental wellbeing

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32:57

Ep. 131 - Where Sneakers meet STEM: Akron Sneaker...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/08/19

To Dominique Waters, sneakers are more than fashion—they’re a bridge to science, self-discovery, and community change. The Akron Sneaker Academy founder shares how his path from luxury fashion to youth mentorship is using sneaker culture to spark interest in STEM, connect students to Akron’s history and polymer industry ties, and inspire the next generation to dream bigger.

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31:56

Ep. 130 - Downtown on the Rise: Economic Development...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/08/12

What does it take to spark real change in a city’s core? In this episode of Dreamers, Drivers, Doers, newly appointed Downtown Akron Development Corporation Executive Director Christopher Hardesty shares his vision for revitalizing downtown Akron. From transforming historic buildings into housing to reshaping public perceptions of safety and walkability, Chris discusses the power of partnerships, capital investment, and inclusive planning. He also highlights key collaborations with groups like

en

29:35

Ep. 129 – Internships That Matter: Fueling Akron’s...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/08/05

What if the key to Akron’s future workforce is sitting in your office right now... as an intern? In this episode of Dreamers, Drivers, Doers, Elizabeth Bartz, President and CEO of State and Federal Communications, shares how a well-designed internship program can do more than just support young professionals—it can fuel long-term economic growth and keep top talent rooted in the region. From hosting future lawyers to welcoming visits from presidents, her stories show the real impact internships can

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34:20

Ep. 128 - Inside the State & Federal Budgets: What...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/07/29

What actually gets decided in Columbus and D.C.—and how does it affect your business? In this episode of Dreamers, Drivers, Doers, Steve Millard talks with John Rizzo, VP of the Akron Canton Advocacy Alliance, for a deep dive into Ohio’s newly passed state operating budget and the federal reconciliation bill. From expanded tax credits and workforce programs to economic development tools and line-item vetoes and next steps, John breaks down what’s in the budgets, what they mean for your bottom line,

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23:30

Ep. 127 - Inside Synthe6: Building the Future of...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/07/22

Turning polymers into startups isn’t easy—but Akron is making it faster, smarter, and more collaborative. In this episode, Steve Millard talks with Nick Glavan of Bounce Innovation Hub aboutSynthe6,a new accelerator built to help materials science founders move from breakthrough ideas to real-world impact. With funding, expert mentorship, and connections to the Polymer Industry Cluster, Synthe6 is redefining what’s possible in Northeast Ohio. Applications are open through July 31 at

en

33:19

Ep. 126 - Workforce Upskilling Made Easy: Ohio...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/07/08

As workforce needs continue to evolve across Ohio, the Ohio TechCred program remains a critical tool for helping employers close skill gaps and invest in their teams. In this episode, Jean Barbato, Senior Manager of the Manufacturing Sector Partnership at ConxusNEO, explains how businesses can take advantage of TechCred to receive up to $2,000 per employee for tech-focused credentials—up to $180,000 annually. With the July application window now open, this conversation is a timely look at how

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32:16

Ep. 125 - Popping with Potential: Downtown Cuyahoga...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/07/01

Downtown Cuyahoga Falls is full of flavor... and not just from the popcorn. Kaylee Piper of the Downtown Cuyahoga Falls Partnership and Brent Vanfossen, owner of Metropolis Popcorn, join Dreamers, Drivers, Doers to talk about the city’s downtown revival. From DORA and the Riverloop Project, to small business growth and 50+ popcorn flavors, hear how local energy, investment, and creativity are transforming the Falls into a must-visit destination.

en

30:09

Ep. 124 - Selling Akron to the World: Gregg Cramer’s...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/06/24

What do the White House, global trade shows, and Akron’s economic revival have in common? Gregg Cramer. In this episode of Dreamers, Drivers, Doers, Gregg reflects on his 18-year legacy at the Greater Akron Chamber, where he helped launch the “Akron USA” movement and brought global attention and investment to the region. From retaining giants like Goodyear to pitching Akron’s potential overseas, Gregg shares how strategic partnerships, persistence, and long-term vision have shaped the region’s

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38:12

Ep. 123 - Economic Development through Community...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/06/17

When Zac Kohl bought his East Akron home for $4,500, he wasn’t just investing in property—he was planting roots in a neighborhood he believed in. Years later, that belief has grown into a movement, with community development, housing restoration, and now adynamic new food hall at the heart of it all in this episode of Dreamers, Drivers, Doers, Zac, Executive Director of The Well CDC, joins Barry Dunaway to talk with Steve Millard about transforming Middlebury through local ownership, economic

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55 results

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