Episodit
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When Daisy Pops owner Amy Mucha’s business Facebook account was hacked, she faced an uphill battle to regain control. In this episode of Dreamers, Drivers, Doers, host Steve Millard walks through Amy’s story, with cybersecurity expert Jay Mellon of AtNetPlus offering insights on what she did right, what went wrong, and how small businesses can protect themselves. They discuss essential security measures like multi-factor authentication, password managers, and proactive steps to safeguard your business’s online presence.
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In this episode, Steve sits down with Elizabeth (Biz) Voudouris, President & CEO of Business VolunteersUnlimited (BVU), to discuss the positive impact of business volunteerism andboard service onorganizations. Biz shares how companies can engage employees in board service to develop leadershipskills, enhance company culture, and strengthen community impact. The conversation explores strategiesfor integrating board engagement, managing commitments, and balancing financial support. Listeners willalso learn how BVU connects businesses and individuals with nonprofit opportunities and how volunteerismcan be a game-changer for companies and employees alike.
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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 automation, custom AI tools, and insights derived from proprietary data.
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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 the ACAA, to dive into the partnership, share recent milestones, and preview key issues for 2025. Even if you’re not a policy expert, there’s a wealth of opportunity for business owners and leaders to get involved in key issues and legislation, including the State Operating Budget, to ensure your voice is heard by elected officials and policymakers.
Visit akroncantonadvocacy.org to learn more and get involved in the ACAA.
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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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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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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. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a lover of Akron’s rich history, or just curious about the secrets behind a century-old soda company, there’s something for everyone in this episode!
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Leadership comes in all shapes, sizes, and forms, and an effective leadership strategy starts with the individual–understanding one’s strengths (and weaknesses), what makes them “tick”, and how they can best contribute to their community. Earlier this year, United Way Summit/Medina and Heart to Heart Leadership merged to create the Center for Immersive Leadership at United Way with a focus on creating opportunities for learning at individual, peer, and organizational levels. Steve sits down with Jeremy Lile, Chief of Leadership and Learning, and Jim Mullen, President and CEO of United Way Summit/Medina, to learn more about the mission and vision behind this merger and how the Center aims to empower inclusive leadership to drive systemic change and address key community issues.
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This special episode of Dreamers, Drivers, Doers highlights the new partnership between the Greater Akron Chamber and the Cuyahoga Falls Chamber of Commerce. On November 20, 2024, the Chambers hosted a joint luncheon for members of both organizations to hear from Steve Millard, GAC President and CEO, and Ned Parks, Interim Executive Director of Cuyahoga Falls Chamber, discuss the partnership in a Q&A format.This collaboration provides unified membership benefits, enhanced regional connectivity, and local programming to foster economic growth and small business success throughout the Greater Akron area. Learn more at greaterakronchamber.org
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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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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 industry and how it fits into the greater business community.
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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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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 through as an entrepreneur
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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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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) is delivering “WorkAdvance” programming that combines short-term training for basic manufacturing skills alongside career readiness and coaching. In this episode, Steve sits down with leaders from each organization to learn how they are working together to support workforce development within the manufacturing industry
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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 felt by all. The Mayor has assembled a great set of resources that you are going to want to know more about. The event is on October 16th and is free to attend, though registration is required: https://www.cityofgreen.org/755/Engaging-Green
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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 Business is designed to provide. Laura also talks about their upcoming “company chat” being held in Akron at the JS Knight Center on October 30th were fifth generation owner and former CEO of iconic Tabasco Sauce maker, McIlhenny Company, Tony Simmons, will share his experiences and the “secret sauce” for owning, leading and maintaining the legacy of a 150+ year old family business. Beyond the experience and ideas Tony will share, the event is also a chance to meet other family business leaders and owners in Greater Akron.
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Business owners: are you stuck in the day-to-day grind of your business and struggling to focus on yourbusiness? Feeling the strain of growing pains or like you’ve hit a ceiling?This isn’t a sales pitch–in thisepisode, Andy Platt joins Steve Millard to explore the Entrepreneurial Operating System® (EOS), abusiness management framework designed to help small and mid-sized businesses streamline theiroperations and boost efficiency. Platt, a Professional EOS Implementor, shares insights from his tenure atThe J.M. Smucker Co., where he helped the company grow from a million-dollar “jelly and jam” business toa billion-dollar enterprise, and how the company used similar tools andprocesses to navigate that growth.Discover if EOS is the right fit for your business at www.eosworldwide.com/andy-platt.
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Each year, Greater Akron comes together to celebrate exemplary leadership, community impact, and a steadfast commitment to gender equity and diversity in the workplace through the Woman of Achievement Awards. This year, Judge Jennifer Towell was honored for her exceptional dedication to breaking down barriers, mentoring others, and supporting the progress of women in our community. Judge Towell discusses her time in the Navy, the importance of mentorship, and the various intervention programs carried out through the Summit County Court of Common Pleas.
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In June 2025, if you are an electricity user in Ohio or a number of adjacent states, your costs arelikely togo up–a lot. PJM is the regional transmission organization behind every kilowatt of electricity that runsthrough 13 states in the northeastern U.S., including Ohio. Recent market action for future pricing saw astaggering 933% increase for the 2025/2026 delivery year that starts next June. This spike is attributed topersistent supply tightness and the massive increase of energy needs in the region, with new powergeneration capacity unlikely to alleviate the shortfall in time. Sounds technical–and it is but XpenseSolutions President and energy industry veteran, John Verdile, stops by in this episode to explain why thisis headline news and why businesses should begin preparing for the increase. Stay tuned for a follow-upepisode where John talks about steps he is seeing many businesses take to better optimize their energyspend and ultimately save money.
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