Community leader George W. Lemon has been electedchairman of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerceboard of directors for 2011. Newly elected members of theboard are: Brian Belden, manager of marketing & thin bricksales, The Belden Brick Company; Mark Fleiner, CEO, Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems; Jan Hein, president, Morris OfficeEnvironments; Alan Rodriguez, owner and operator, Jülz byAlan Rodriguez (Canton) and Rodriguez’s House of Stones(New Philadelphia); Walter F. Wagor, Ph.D., dean, Kent State

University at Stark; Mike Williams,executive director, StarkMetropolitan Housing Authority.

George Lemon is a well-known community leaderand Stark County advocate.His passion for serving othersand his strong leadershipskills led to a 23-year career inthe U.S. Army and National

i n s i d e :

STIR After Hours 5

Hot Business on the Burner! 7

Downtown Calendar 7

Business Excellence Awards 9

2011 HOFEF Schedule 10

HOFEF Vice Chairmen 11

Leadership Stark County Spotlight 12

AultCare Fast Break Breakfast 13

Safety Council Luncheon 14

Safety Council’s LEPC Session 15

Budgeting for Outcomes 17

Young Entrepreneur Spotlight 18

ystark! Twenty Under 40! Noms 19

ystark! CEO Meet&Eat 20

AC-3 Form 23

New Members 24

BizBitz 25

January Calendar 27

George Lemon elected CantonChamber board president; sixnew board directors named

Tom Cecconi concludes term as Chamberboard chairman, thanks membership

J a n u a r y 2 0 1 1 i s s u e • v o l . X L I I I n o . 1

As mytenure aschairmanof theboard forthe CantonRegionalChambercomes to

a close, I’ve taken some time toreflect on our successes in 2010,and the programs, developmentsand events that we produced orbegan laying the groundwork forthis year.

Economic Development is the cornerstone of the Canton RegionalChamber, and in 2010 the “shiningstar” was Mills Business Park.Together with the DeHoff FamilyFoundation, the City of Canton and other strategic developmentpartners, the Chamber secured two

tenants to the park, MedlineIndustries and Old DominionFreight Line. Medline opened their 300,000 sq. ft. facility this fall,adding 30 new jobs. The attractionof these billion-dollar operations toStark County is proof positive thatour region is attractive for new andexisting business alike.

In government advocacy, theCanton Regional Chamber ofCommerce helped to create a planfor prioritizing state spending andencouraging innovation within gov-ernment. Its partners in this effortwere the Chambers in Ohio’s sevenother largest cities and the OhioChamber. The Canton RegionalChamber also encouraged collabo-ration among local governments,specifically by helping to lead thelocal campaign that resulted in theStark County 911 emergency

system winning a $100,000 govern-ment collaboration grant from aCleveland foundation. It has voicedmember concerns on legislationsuch as the federal energy bill andregulatory rules such as OSHA’smore costly but no more effectiveway to shield workers from excessive noise in the workplace.

Once again, the Pro Football Hallof Fame Enshrinement Festivalproduced a hallmark festival for our area, reaching local residentsand out of town visitors alike. Witharguably one of the largest andmost popular classes of Enshrineesin 2010, the 18 diverse events overalmost two weeks presented a fantastic face to Stark Countyregionally and nationally. Onceagain, they’ve delivered on theirpromise to produce a “One of aKind Celebration”!

(continued on page two)

Tom Cecconi

George Lemon

SAVE THE DATE!Chamber

Annual DinnerFebruary 22

More details coming next issue!

(continued on page three)

Jan. 2011 • Vol. XLIII • No. 1

George W. LemonChairman

Dennis P. SaunierPresident & CEO

Jessica BennettEditor & Director of Marketing

Denise BurtonDirector of Membership & Sales

Advertising Sales/Action(330) 458-2067

Sarah BhatiaGraphic Designer

Action is published monthly for the

members of Canton Regional Chamber

of Commerce. The subscription cost is

$25 per year and is included in the price

of membership.

Reader questions and comments are

welcome and encouraged. Contents

may be reprinted with credit. Address

all inquiries to: Editor, Action, Canton

Regional Chamber of Commerce, 222

Market Ave. N., Canton, OH 44702, or call

(330) 456-7253, or fax (330) 489-6005.

Adve rtising rates are available fo r

Ch a m ber membe r s. Adve rt i s e m e nt doe s

not co n s t i t u te endorsement by Ca nto n

Regional Ch a m ber of Co m m e rce.

2 C a n t o n R e g i o n a l C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e

Thanks... (continued from cover)

The substantial efforts made in 2010 to keepthe OHSAA State Football Championshipsin our county resulted in a renewal of thegames through 2013, when they are sched-uled to rotate to Columbus for two years.The collaboration and determination exhibit-ed by the Canton/Stark County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Canton and Massillonchambers and the greater Stark Countybusiness community have demonstrated that Stark County measures up as the premiervenue for High School Football’s GreatestWeekend!

Also in 2010, the Chamber partnered with fellow business institution, The Repository,and sponsors Akron-Canton Airport, MercyMedical Center, and The Corporate Universityat Kent State at Stark to present the firstannual Stark B2B Expo. The inaugural daylong event opened to a sellout exhibitorcapacity, and hundreds of businesses of allsizes networked and attended educationalbusiness programs from leading experts. Ourkeynote speaker, Robert Fornaro, president &CEO of Airtran Airways, demonstrated thededication and regional advocacy of AirtranAirways (now Southwest Airlines).

With our annual awards programs, mostrecently the Community Salute Awards heldin November, we are able to recognize localheroes. Our most recent Award of Merit honoree, Robert Belden, president & CEO ofThe Belden Brick Company, is an unsung hero,tireless community supporter and proponentof businesses large and small in Stark County.I am proud of our organization’s ability torecognize a variety of diverse leaders in ourcommunity each year through our businessaward programs.

With the Chamber’s Leadership Stark Countyand ystark! departments, we have been ableto help generate community trusteeship inStark County. Through these programs, wecan continue to enhance the strength of our

local leadership, both young and seasoned,which drives directly the workforcedevelopment of our community.

Finally, as we turn the page on 2010, I’mhappy to report that the organization is in astrong financial position. While we are still ina time of economic turmoil, the Chamber andits seven departments are poised to enter2011 and take on any challenges the newyear may present.

It has been an honor and privilege to serveas the 2010 chairman of the board for theCanton Regional Chamber of Commerce,and to be involved with the very strong andtalented executive management team, led bypresident and CEO Dennis P. Saunier. I’d alsolike to offer my sincerest gratitude to all ofthe thousands of volunteers and communityleaders who share their time and resources tomake the Chamber’s efforts viable. Thank youto our generous sponsors, without whom wecouldn’t produce the events and implementthe programs that allow us to strengthen thecommunity.

To our members, my deepest thanks. It is only through your continued support of ourorganization that we can be successful in our mission of advancing business and developing community. Your support, yourinput, and your membership are vital, and it is our privilege to represent you.

Thank you again for allowing me to serve asthe 2010 chairman and best wishes for a fruitful business environment for all in 2011.

Sincerely,

Thomas E. Cecconi,2010 Chairman of the Board

3C a n t o n R e g i o n a l C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e

E X E C U T I V E C O M M I T T E EChairman of the Board - George W. LemonRetired President, Technical Products Group

Sr. Vice Chairman - Rick L. HainesAultCare

Vice Chairman - Karen BrennemanHall, Kistler & Company LLP

Vice Chairman - Philip D. FracassaThe Timken Company

Vice Chairman - Kevin KampmanThe Repository

Treasurer - D. William AllenPro Football Hall of Fame

Immediate Past ChairmanThomas E. Cecconi

Mercy Medical Center

President & CEO - Dennis P. SaunierCanton Regional Chamber of Commerce

Corporate Secretary - Steven J. KatzCanton Regional Chamber of Commerce

B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S

Michael S. ArmbresterMarathon Petroleum Co. LLC

Brian BeldenThe Belden Brick Company

Timothy M. Burke, Jr.FirstMerit

William R. CookChase N.A.

Darryl J. DillenbackDNS Insurance, Inc.

Mark FleinerRolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems

Jerry GilinDiebold Inc.

Greg HarbertCharterOne Bank

Jason F. HauptKrugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths &

Dougherty Co., L.P.A.

Jan HeinMorris Office Environments

Terrance L. JonesMulti-Development

Services of Stark County

Geoff KarcherThe Karcher Group

Tim MaloneyCanton Chair Rental

Rick McQueenAkron-Canton Airport

John A. Murphy, Jr.Day Ketterer Ltd.

Alan RodriguezJülz by Alan Rodriguez and

Rodriguez’s House of Stones

Mark J. SamolczykStark Community Foundation

William C. ShiversHuntington Bank

Paul E. SiegfriedSiegfried Enterprises Inc.

Randolph L. SnowBlack, McCuskey,

Souers & Arbaugh LPA

Alice C. StephensThe Employment Source

Walter F. Wagor, Ph.D.Kent State University at Stark

David M. WheelerAEP Ohio

Mike WilliamsStark Metropolitan Housing Authority

Thank you to our ADVANTAGE CANTON funding partners: AEP Ohio,

AultCare, Aultman Health Foundation, Charter One Bank, Chase

Bank, The City of Canton, Dominion East Ohio, Fifth Third Bank,

FirstMerit Bank, Hilscher-Clarke Electric Company, Huntington Bank,

KeyBank, Mercy Medical Center, PNC and The Timken Company.

Guard. As a commissioned armor officer and helicopter pilot, he com-manded numerous army units and anEngineer Group Helicopter unit duringhis military career. He retired with therank of Major. In 1997, Lemon foundedand served as president of TechnicalProducts Group, Inc., a company thatprovides sales and marketing supportto manufacturing companies that pro-duce motors, blowers and related tech-nical products. Prior to that, he spent25 years with AMETEK, a Fortune 500company where he held a variety ofpositions, including vice president ofmarketing and sales for the TechnicalMotor Division. He was one of StarkState College’s earliest graduates,receiving his degree in electrical engineering technology in 1965. Hewent on to be named an outstandinggraduate of the Malone CollegeManagement Program (MCMP) in 1999.His active leadership and involvementwith major community institutions andorganizations includes Stark StateCollege, Canton Museum of Art, UnitedWay, Goodwill Industries of GreaterCleveland and East Central Ohio, theCanton Regional Chamber ofCommerce, Aultman HealthFoundation and the Greater StarkCounty Urban League.

Brian Belden received a bachelor’sdegree in business & organizationalcommunications from The University ofAkron. After pursuing a career as a golfprofessional, playing several mini toursthroughout the Southeast, he returnedto Canton in 1997 to join The BeldenBrick Company as marketing coordina-tor. He was promoted to marketing

manager in 2001 and is nowserving in theposition of man-ager of market-ing & thin bricksales. Belden isthe fifth genera-tion of the familyto manage TheBelden BrickCompany, which

just celebrated its 125th anniversary.His service affiliations include member-ships on the boards of directors forCanton Tomorrow, Inc., The AultmanFoundation, Brookside Country Cluband the Brick Institute of America MidEast Region. He is on the board of advisors for Kirk Key Interlock Co., Inc.,past trustee of Community Services ofStark County and a committee memberfor The Community Classic. Brian andhis wife Joanna are the parents of four children.

Mark Fleiner ischief executiveofficer of Rolls-Royce Fuel CellSystems, whichincludes busi-ness operationsin the US, UnitedKingdom andSingapore. Priorto his currentrole, he was the

president of Rolls-Royce Fuel CellSystems (US) Inc. where he was respon-sible for leading the wholly owned sub-sidiary of Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems

New Board ... (continued from cover)

Brian Belden

Mark Fleiner

(continued on page 8)

5C a n t o n R e g i o n a l C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e

Kick off the New Year with a Heart Healthy FitnessFair at Glenmoor on Jan. 20. As always, you’llenjoy sensational networking at this month’s Stir After Hours – but you’ll have the uniqueopportunity to start your time at Glenmoor earlyin the day! The fitness center will be opening for Chamber members beginning at 1 p.m.!

You’ll have the exclusive opportunity to takeclasses, use the cardio equipment, lift weights orplay racquetball! In addition, Chamber memberswill receive 25% off any spa services bookedbetween 1 and 5 p.m. the day of the event.

During Stir After Hours you can nosh on healthysnacks and enjoy a guest appearance byGlenmoor’s executive chef, Brendan Meeker.Chef Meeker embarked on his own life challengein February and has lost 216 pounds to date.Hear his story and learn some of his health andfitness tips!

Don’t miss fabulous fitness-themed door prizes,including a Glenmoor Life Challenge Pass, offering a one month membership to the FitnessCenter, three half-hour personal training sessions,complimentary fitness classes, racquetball, basketball, squash and a VIP dining pass.

Glenmoor Country Club offers a unique blend of services, all available at the same property. At Glenmoor, you can enjoy elegant and professional meeting rooms, relax at the Spa,spend the night at the Bertram Inn at Glenmoor,and take in a round of golf on the Jack NicklausSignature Golf Course. Glenmoor Members alsohave the benefit of private dining rooms, anextensive fitness center, an outdoor pool, tennis,racquetball, squash, basketball, and an on-sitepreschool and day care through Kids’ Club.

Not only is Glenmoor Country Club the area’spremier private country club, but our EuropeanSpa and The Bertram Inn at Glenmoor are opento the public, offering the Glenmoor experienceto everyone. Additionally, the internationally recognized Glenmoor Gathering brings visitorsfrom all over the world to see the best StarkCounty has to offer.

RSVP online at CantonChamber.org.

Thursday, Jan. 201 p.m. – 5 p.m. Fitness Center Open and Spa Discounts5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Stir After Hours NetworkingGlenmoor Country Club & The Spa at Glenmoor4191 Glenmoor Rd. NW in CantonCost: $5RSVP by Jan. 18

STIR your heart rate with fitnessfun at Glenmoor Country Club

At the Inn at University Village, the 70-person staff is dedicated to providing thekind of place your loved ones will want tocall home!

The facility is independently owned andlocally operated and strives to provide thebest in senior assisted living. Taking pridein offering a caring, professional andfriendly team, their goal is to ensure thateach and every resident receives theutmost in personalized care and services.

“We treat your loved ones as our mothersand fathers, grandmothers and grandfa-thers,” said Denise Beck, executive direc-tor.“Come be a part of our family!”

The Inn at University Village has 76 spa-cious apartments, 17 of which are special-ly equipped Alzheimer’s Dementia SpecialCare units. The facility offers activities, finedining, a home theater, chapel, outdoor

courtyards, café and beauty shop for residents. The Inn can provide customizedcare, including medication administration,bathing, dressing and toileting, along withmobility to those that need it. In theSpecial Care area, a Vigil Dementia System is designed to call for help whenthe resident is unable to do so.

In May of this year, the Inn at UniversityVillage will be undertaking an expansion,adding an English Pub, Rehabilitation/Exercise Gym and an additional 20-roomwing for the Alzheimer’s DementiaSpecial Care unit.

The Inn at University Village is located at2650 Ohio State Drive in Massillon. Youcan reach them at (330) 837-3000, or visitthem online at InnatUniversityVillage.comfor more information about their facilityservices.

7C a n t o n R e g i o n a l C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e

The Inn at University VillageJANUARY HOT BUSINESS ON THE BURNER

Want to see your business featured here?

Come to our monthlyStir After Hours SmallBusiness Networking

series for your chance!

8 C a n t o n R e g i o n a l C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e

Limited. Fleiner brings to Rolls-Roycemore than 20 years of sales, marketingand business development experiencein and around the energy industry. Priorto joining Rolls-Royce, his most recentassignment was as vice president atIdaTech in Bend, Oregon, where he over-saw sales, business development andmarketing. He has also held positionswith Enermetrix, a start-up companydeveloping software and services forderegulating gas and electricity, andMicron Communications, a subsidiary ofMicron Technology, where he led suc-cessful efforts in global marketing andsales of retail fueling systems. He alsospent nine years at General Electric withGE Power Systems, GE Lighting and GECapital. Fleiner earned his bachelor’s ofscience in business administration fromthe University of Tennessee in Knoxville.He has been happily married for 20 yearsand has two daughters.

Jan Hein is cur-rently presidentof Morris OfficeEnvironmentsand has held thatposition since2007. MorrisOffice is aprovider of effec-tive office interiorsolutions, special-izing in Steelcase,

Inc. furniture, architecture and technolo-gy products. Hein leads a staff of knowl-edgeable sales consultants, professionalinterior designers, certified installers anda customer friendly support team. Theexperience Hein brings to the role ofcompany leader includes 15 years infront line sales and design at MorrisOffice, obtaining the recognition as thecompany’s top salesperson while over-seeing the hiring of new sales anddesign associates. A seven-year absencefrom Morris Office allowed Hein to gainconsulting and training skills by way ofher own practice and as a Learning &Development Consultant for Steelcase,Inc. Today, as the head of a 20-personcompany, Hein remains hands-on. A typi-cal day includes customer contact,coaching of personnel, working on tech-nology issues, reviewing company finan-cials and planning events and presenta-tions. In addition, Hein stays involved inthe community by actively participating

in the Rotary Club of Jackson Townshipand serves on the board for CommunityServices.

Alan Rodriguezis the owner andoperator of Jülzby Alan Rodriguezin downtownCanton andRodriguez’s HouseOf Stones in NewPhiladelphia.Rodriguez is a 34-year veteran ofthe jewelry indus-

try, having started in downtown Cantonin 1976 with Gasser Jewelers. Hereceived his graduate gemologist diploma in 1981 and was active in theCanton Chamber in the early 1980s,chairing the Stark County SecurityCouncil. Rodriguez’s current and pastprofessional affiliations include the New Philadelphia Rotary Club, NewPhiladelphia Business and ProfessionalAssociation, Ohio Jewelers AssociationBoard of Directors and Jewelers ofAmerica Board of Directors. He and his wife Kathy married in 2009 andbetween them are the proud parents of six children.

Walter F. Wagor,Ph.D., began hisappointment asthe dean of KentState Universityat Stark in NorthCanton, Ohio, inAugust of lastyear. He receivedhis master’sdegree in psy-chology from

Houghton College in New York and hisdoctoral degree in developmental psychology and mental retardationresearch from Nashville’s GeorgePeabody College. Most recently, Wagorwas dean of Behavioral and AppliedSciences and professor of psychology atthe State University of New York Collegeat Oneonta, a position he held from2006. His career also includes serviceas the acting chair for the Division ofBehavioral and Social Sciences, assistantvice chancellor for Academic Affairs, co-chair for the Division of Behavioral andSocial Sciences and assistant vice chan-

cellor for Assessment at IndianaUniversity East. In addition, Wagor servedas president of Faculty Senate at bothIndiana University East and Wright StateUniversity – Lake Campus, where he heldthe positions of instructor of psychologyand later assistant professor of psycholo-gy. An aficionado of classic cars, Wagorenjoys attending auto shows. He and hiswife, Mary, have an avid appreciation forthe arts and often visit concerts, galleriesand the theatre. They have two grownchildren.

Mike Williamshas 20 years ofextensive man-agement experi-ence in the pri-vate business sector, precedinghis entry to thepublic housingarena. He beganhis employmentat Stark

Metropolitan Housing Authority in 1991as development inspector, was promot-ed to construction coordinator in 1992,director of maintenance & developmentin 1993, deputy director in 2001 andexecutive director in 2009. Williamsserves on the boards of the Stark CountyRed Cross, Canton Downtown SpecialImprovement District (SID), NortheastOhio Four County Regional Planning andDevelopment Organization (NEFCO),Canton Community Initiative to ReduceViolence (CIRV), Community Services ofStark County and the Stark CountyPublic Health Assessment SteeringCommittee. He received a businessdegree from the University of Pittsburgh.Williams has completed numerous professional programs including theNational Center for HousingManagement, where he is a certifiedmanager of maintenance and certifiedpublic housing manager. He has receivedthe National Award for Energy Efficiencyfrom the Department of Energy and theGovernor’s Award for Energy Efficiency.

Jan Hein

Alan Rodriguez

Walter F. Wagor, PH.D.

Michael Williams

New Board ... (continued from page three)

9C a n t o n R e g i o n a l C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e

The Canton Regional Chamber ofCommerce is seeking nominations for itsannual Business Excellence Awards ofGreater Canton – awards that recognizeexceptional Stark County businesses forexcellence and outstanding achieve-ment in 2010. Nomination deadline isJan. 26 and nominations can be made atBusinessExcellenceAward.com.

“Stark County is home to incrediblyinnovative, growing and forward-think-ing businesses,” said Dennis P. Saunier,president & CEO of Canton RegionalChamber of Commerce.“These busi-nesses go above and beyond providingjobs and funding our economy – theyare on the cutting-edge of emergingtechnology, they are making capitalinvestments to our area, they dedicateresources to the community and theyare helping to make our region moreappealing to business growth and relo-cation.”

To be considered, the business must befor-profit, non-publicly-traded (and not awholly-owned subsidiary of a publiclytraded company), and have a significantpresence in and/or provide substantialbenefit to the citizens and economy ofStark County. Specific nomination criteriaincludes: business and employmentgrowth, expansion of operations/effi-ciencies, outstanding customer service,investments in capital improvements,innovation or expansion of productline(s), responsiveness to business andindustry challenges and adversity andcommunity involvement.

Honorees of this year’s BusinessExcellence Awards will be recognizedduring the gala awards dinner held onTues., May 3, at The University Center atKent State University Stark.

To nominate a company, please visitBusinessExcellenceAward.com. If youhave questions regarding eligibility or

the nomination process, or wish toreceive a paper copy of the nominationform, please contact Nancy Leffler, eventmanager, at (330) 458-2073 ornancyl@cantonchamber.org.

Chamber seeks Business Excellence Award nominations this month!

The Canton Regional Chamber ofCommerce and Pro Football Hall of Famehave named two long-time communityvolunteers to leadership positions forthe 2011 Pro Football Hall of FameEnshrinement Festival.

Candy Wallace,communityvolunteer extraor-dinaire, will serveas general vicechairman of theEnshrinementFestival activitiesplanned by theEnshrinementFestival depart-ment of the

Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce.Guy Ruda, sales associate for R. Z.Marketing Group, will serve as generalvice chairman of the EnshrinementFestival activities planned by the ProFootball Hall of Fame.

Wallace has been deeply involved inEnshrinement Festival activities for manyyears, including prior service on theFashion Show Luncheon committee, aswell as previously serving as chairman of the Food Committee and EnshrineesDinner Committee. Elsewhere in thecommunity, she is a member of theAultman Hospital Women’s Board and

provides volunteer service to StarkCommunity Foundation, Stark EducationPartnership, Sisters of Charity, SPARK,Plain Local Schools and Leadership StarkCounty. She and her husband Williamreside in Canton and have four childrenand two grandchildren.

During the 2010EnshrinementFestival, Rudacompleted histenth year aschairman of theEnshrinementCommittee. Hepreviously servedfor 18 years as amember of thecommittee, as well

as three years as chairman of the formerNFL Experience Committee. Ruda and hiswife Gail are the proud parents of Davidand Danielle.

Enshrinement Festival leadership willwork together with the professionalstaffs at the Canton Regional Chamberof Commerce and Pro Football Hall ofFame, as well as a team of more than4,200 dedicated community volunteers,as they plan and stage the 2011Enshrinement Festival, slated for July 28through Aug. 9, 2011. The Pro FootballHall of Fame Enshrinement Festival fea-

tures a total of 18 unique and diverseevents over a nearly two-week period,expected to be enjoyed by nearly700,000 people.

The central focus and highlight of thefestivities will be the Aug. 6 inductionceremony for the 2011 Class ofEnshrinees, who will be announced on Feb. 5 during Super Bowl weekendactivities.

Check the Web sites periodically for thelatest information: www.profootball-hofef.com or www.profootballhof.com.

Candy WallaceGuy Ru d a

Wallace and Ruda named general vice chairs of 2011Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival

11C a n t o n R e g i o n a l C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e

Baker, Dublikar, Beck,Wiley & Mathews

attorneys at law

Telephone: (330) 499-6000Telecopier: (330) 499-6423

400 SOUTH MAIN STREETNORTH CANTON, OHIO 44720

www.bakerfirm.com

“

Leadership 2010 SPOTLIGHT youngprofessionals applauded

The 2010 Leadership Stark County Spotlightprogram for young professionals concludedwith a congratulatory event on Dec. 7 at theCanton Museum of Art. The six weeks spentlearning leadership skills, team building,networking and being introduced to StarkCounty non-profits and boardsmanship werecapped with the presentation of certificatesand a reception for guests and sponsors.Crystal McCartney of Child & AdolescentBehavioral Health, Ethan Steigert, a ystark!Fellow at Aultman Health Foundation, andAngela Young of CharterOne shared theirexperiences and some benefits of the program.

In addition, the class had the opportunityto take part in the new “board matching”process, which pairs a young professionalwith one of the 20 participating non-profitboards. The class had the opportunity to takepart in the new “board matching” process,pairing a young professional with one of the20 participating nonprofit boards where heor she will “shadow” to learn board servicefrom the inside. Nineteen young profession-als and 22 nonprofit leaders attended thesession for meaningful dialog about theneeds of area agencies and the interests andexperience of the Spotlight class members.All participants and agencies were success-fully matched and both parties look forwardto the relationship as expressed by MattBailey of the Canton Department of YouthDevelopment:

The speed boarding process was veryinteresting and I think it could easily workwith past and future Leadership classes toprovide a youthful insight many of theboards presently lack. I am thankful for thechance to participate and look forward tothe prospect of working with one of theorganizations. Specifically, I learned thatQuest provides a greatly needed serviceto the community. The thought of assisting with the decisions of such a highly respected and needed organizationis intriguing, said Bailey.

Agency president Dawn Campanelli ofJunior Achievement of East Central Ohiowas grateful for the opportunity,“I met verytalented and inspiring people! It is clearthat Stark County will continue to be incompassionate and giving hands in thefuture.”

For more information about LeadershipStark County’s Spotlight Program, pleasevisit LeadershipStarkCounty.org.

C a n t o n R e g i o n a l C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e12

Representatives from Community Harvest interview Katie Arnoldduring the “Speed Boarding” session for young professionals.

We’re kicking offthe year with aFast BreakFavorite! At theAultCare FastBreak Breakfaston Jan. 14,motivationalspeaker and sales guru MarvinMontgomery

will lead you in an energetic sessionabout the power of attitude. You'lllearn seven things that will help youmaintain a positive attitude in workand in life. Remember - "It's not what happens to you , it's what happens in you."

As an experienced motivationalspeaker and professional sales training specialist for over 30 years,Montgomery has assisted hundreds of

organizations improve their produc-tivity. He has earned widespreadnational recognition and praise. Itstems from his informative, practicaland stimulating programs that reflecthis basic philosophy: preparation andpractice are the keys to sales success.Montgomery’s captivating presenta-tion emphasizes the same tried andtrue techniques that have assistedhundreds of organizations meet orexceed their sales goals. It is not thesame old sales training message.Montgomery’s message will preventthose who experience it from everusing outdated training methods oftrial and error or learning by doing.

Beyond this important segment of theprogram, Fast Break attendees havethe opportunity to obtain businessleads through enjoyable networkingactivities at an event that has built areputation as one of the most ener-

getic lead-producing sessions around.Bring a door prize valued at $15 or more and receive 30 seconds atthe microphone to promote yourbusiness.

Friday, Jan. 147 a.m. registration7:30 a.m. programCourtyard by Marriott4375 Metro Cir.North Canton, OHCost: $18 members;$21 members less than 48 hours in advance; $25 non-membersRSVP by Jan. 12

SEASON PASSES STILL ON SALE!VISIT CANTONCHAMBER.ORGTO PURCHASE ATAN EXCELLENT VALUE!

13C a n t o n R e g i o n a l C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e

The Power of Attitude JANUARY AULTCARE FAST BREAK BREAKFAST

Save your seat;register in advance at

www.cantonchamber.orgor call (330) 458-2085.

In order to better accommodateguests at Canton Regional Chamber

of Commerce events, we ask that yoube sure to register in advance for each event. This will ensure that

we have accurate counts for food service and seating.

Please register online atwww.cantonchamber.org.

Please call (330) 458-2085 to registerwith Rosie Kurtz. Cancellations madeless than 48 hours before the begin-ning of an event are not eligible for

refund. No-shows will be billed.

In order to reduce operation costs,registration for all major Canton

Regional Chamber of Commerce events– such as Annual Dinner or awards

dinners – must be paid in advance ofthe event. Guests may pay for monthly

programs in advance or at the door by check, credit card or cash.

Marvin Montgomery

C a n t o n R e g i o n a l C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e14

The first SafetyCouncil luncheonof the year willfeature CurtWerren, CEO of the American RedCross Stark CountyRegional Chapter.Werren will sharenew develop-ments that will

help you protect your business from disaster.

Disasters don’t only destroy homes andproperty – they can disrupt, damage andput an end to business. Reports indicateas many as 40 percent of small business-es do not reopen after a major disastersuch as a flood, tornado or earthquake.

Beyond natural disasters, many othertypes of localized disasters can strike

without warning, such as hazardous orchemical transportation accidents andmajor power outages. Are you planningfor these disruptive events? Can youhandle a workforce unable to report orunable to leave?

Attendees will leave with information ondisaster planning including the privatesector voluntary preparedness certifica-tion currently being developed by FEMA.

Werren joined the American Red CrossStark County Regional Chapter as CEO inMarch of last year. Werren oversees dailyoperations, strategic development andvolunteer coordination of five communi-ty chapters serving Stark, Columbiana,Holmes, Jefferson, Harrison, Tuscarawasand Carroll Counties. Werren is a lifelongresident of Canton and spent the last 18years as a lawyer with the prestigiouslaw firm of Day Ketterer Ltd. Werren

graduated from McKinley High School,Grove City College and The Ohio StateUniversity College of Law. He believes hisconnection to Canton is the foundationto his service to the Stark community.He and his wife Stephanie have threechildren Grace, Hannah and Jack.

Thursday, Jan. 1311:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.Meyer’s Lake Ballroom3218 Parkway St., N.W.Canton, OH 44708Cost: $16RSVP by Jan. 10

Spotlight Company:

Curt Werren

Preparing for the worst in the workplaceJANUARY Stark County Safety Council Luncheon

15C a n t o n R e g i o n a l C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e

The Stark County Safety Council andStark County Local Emergency PlanningCommittee will present an informationalsession on the importance of OSHA compliance on Thursday, Jan. 20.

This seminar will provide the opportuni-ty to gain pertinent information as itrelates to OSHA standards and compli-ance in the workplace. Your CEO, CFO,and safety or environmental specialistwill be able to ask questions particular to your company’s requirements and vulnerabilities.

Safety topics to be presented:

OSHA Insights & Compliance Issues,presented by Julie Weis, Cleveland OSHAOffice

Communicating & UnderstandingChemical Hazards-An IndustrialHygienists’ Perspective, presented byVicki Fulimeni, CHI, CSP, The TimkenCompany

This no-cost seminar will be held at theMeyer’s Lake Ballroom with registrationbeginning at 7:30 a.m. The main programwill run from 8:15 - 10:30 a.m. Both presenters will be available at the con-

clusion of the program for additional questions. Register online atCantonChamber.org. Reservations are required and the registration deadline is Monday, Jan. 17.

The Stark County Safety Council isadministered locally by the CantonRegional Chamber of Commerceand the Ohio Bureau of Workers’Compensation Division of Safetyand Hygiene.

Thursday, Jan. 207:30 a.m. registration,8:15 – 10:30 a.m. programMeyer’s Lake Ballroom3218 Parkway St. NWCanton 44708Cost: FREE!RSVP by Jan. 17

Stark County Safety Council teams up with Local Emergency PlanningCommittee for important safety session

17C a n t o n R e g i o n a l C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e

How does Ohio’s government deal withan $8 billion budget deficit and avoidsevere budget problems in the future?For about 18 months, the CantonRegional Chamber of Commerce andeight other large Chambers have workedon this question. They have developed aplan to reform government in Ohio andhave presented it to the staff of Gov.-elect John Kasich and the leaders of the 2011-12 Ohio Legislature.

The ideas in the Chambers’reform plan willnot eliminatethe $8 billiondeficit but canbegin reformsthat will makegovernmentmore efficient,less costly andmore tuned tothe needs ofOhio citizens inyears to come.“It is the start of

a process that can make Ohio a betterplace to live and do business,” saidDennis P. Saunier, president and CEO ofthe Canton Regional Chamber.“In thecrisis that Ohio government faces, this isthe right time to rethink the way Ohiodoes its public business.”

Other organizations that helped createthe state government reform plan are

the Chambers in Cleveland, Columbus,Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, Youngstownand Dayton, as well as the OhioChamber. Nationally known governmentreform expert David Osborne of PublicStrategies Group in Minneapolis, and for-mer state budget director GregBrowning worked for the Chambers onthis project.

The core recommendation is the adoption of “Budgeting for Outcomes.”It causes government to focus on funding the outcomes that matter most to citizens and discontinuing thefunding of programs of less value.High-priority outcomes could be a better business climate in Ohio, moreOhioans holding college degrees, asafer and more affordable prison systemor health care that encouraged healthrather than disease treatment. ByBudgeting for Outcomes, stategovernment would challenge its agencies to find ways to they could contribute to the most desired outcomes.

Canton Regional Chamber collaborates on “Budgeting for Outcomes”in response to Ohio’s statewide budget crisis

(continued on page 21)

C a n t o n R e g i o n a l C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e18

Editor’s note: In keeping with ystark!’smission – to attract, retain and ENGAGEtalented young people in Stark County –ACTION will feature monthly snapshots of outstanding young entrepreneursthroughout 2011.

Name: Michael Nasvadi

Age: 35

Company Name: Buzzbin Magazine

How did you come up with the ideafor your business/product/service?Buzzbin Magazine was originally a mar-keting campaign for a local music web-site that I owned. The website featuredNortheast Ohio bands and I figured acool way to get the word out about thebands would be to write about them.After our first few issues, we quicklyrealized that the surrounding area notonly has a great music scene but anexcellent art scene as well. With thosetwo topics on the forefront of eachissue, we have grown to be the authori-ty on everything cool in the area.

Today Buzzbin Magazine has a Cantonhome office in the middle of the ArtsDistrict and still publishes on a monthlybasis with distribution saturating Stark,Summit, Portage and Cuyahoga coun-ties.

Which attributes best define you asan entrepreneur?I have the uncanny ability to solve aproblem strategically, critically and hap-pily. If you are not having fun at it thenit really isn’t worth doing. Anotherattribute that is key to the way I run mybusiness is the ability to delegate whennecessary. I see a lot of startups failbecause the owner tries to take on toomuch, or spends too much time micro-managing the staff. Sometimes you

have to let the employees do their jobs.I’m lucky because I have found a reallygreat crew to work with. Everybodyworks hard and knows their stuff.

Why have you chosen Canton as yourhome base? These are inspired times in Canton. Tosee all the artists working together indowntown Canton is a great thing.There is a grass roots effort to bring outthe cool in Canton and I am glad to bea part of it. Putting the office here was ano brainer.

How have the amenities of StarkCounty contributed to your success?Having the office downtown has beenso much fun. The First Friday celebra-tion is something I can’t imagine notbeing a part of now. Downtown busi-nesses have welcomed us warmly.ArtsinStark and the Canton RegionalChamber of Commerce help keep us inthe public eye with the events they do.Plus, in Northeast Ohio the strongest artscene is really coming out of StarkCounty. Canton artists are working nonstop and the Massillon artists are onfire with innovation and new concepts.This is great content for a magazine like ours!

Why is having a strong YP communi-ty important for your business?These are the young movers and shak-ers of the future that will shape ourcommunity. A lot of creativity andexcitement comes out of Stark’syounger business leaders.

What are your thoughts on ystark!?It is a wonderful organization made upof people who share the common goalof creating business in Canton and net-working under one roof. I love the web-site and can’t say enough about it. Eachmember is given opportunity to share

ideas and network with similar mindedindividuals. This is a place where thefresh ideas come from. These peopleunderstand business and new technology.

What advice would you give to YPswho share your entrepreneurialstreak but are just getting started?Go for it and don’t let anything get inyour way. Be prepared for long hoursand unforeseeable difficulties. Do whatyou love and the money will follow!

What’s next for you?We are gearing up to go bi-weekly inthe spring. With the amount of contentand opportunities that are sent to useveryday it has become obvious thatthe surrounding community is lookingfor us to increase frequency, and we arehappy to oblige. Every month we findourselves cutting good stories due totime restraints or space limitations. Webelieve that two monthly issues ofBuzzbin Magazine will take care of thisproblem.

Now that we are on our way to con-quering print, we are also hoping todevelop our mobile product more fully.Droid and iPhone apps are in develop-ment and will be ready in late 2011.With these new products you’ll be ableto get hourly updates from BuzzbinMagazine if you so choose. Stay tuned!

Young Entrepreneur Snapshot

19C a n t o n R e g i o n a l C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e

ystark! is seeking nominations for the fourth annual TWENTYUNDER 40! Awards. The awards recognize 20 incredible youngleaders who are actively making a positive impact in the county.

“Who are we looking for? We’re looking for Stark County’s bestyoung professionals, those who are working to make Stark Countythe destination for young professionals to live, work and play,” saidAimee Belden, director of ystark!.

Eligible “young professionals” are between 20 and 40 years old, andspan all career industries. Membership in ystark! is not required fornomination, but we'd love to have you join our organization! Fulleligibility information and details on the nomination process areavailable at ystark.org. Winners of the 2011 award will be toasted ata gala awards celebration this June.

The recognition of these deserving area young professionals ismade possible through ystark! and The Repository, in conjunctionwith Aultman Health Foundation, Black McCuskey, Souers &Arbaugh, Huntington National Bank and The Timken Company.

Nominations are being accepted now through Feb. 13.Nominate online at ystark.org.

NOMINATE STARK COUNTY’S TALENTED YOUNG LEADERSystark! Twenty under 40! awards celebrate incredible young professionals living and working in Stark County

2010 YP honorees celebrate at Gervasi Vineyards.

C a n t o n R e g i o n a l C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e20

The first ystark! CEO Meet & Eat of 2011will warm you up from this blusteryweather! On Feb. 2, tour RobertsonHeating Supply, a family-owned andoperated plumbing and heating whole-saler, and hear from president ScottRobertson.

Founded in 1934 by Robertson’s grand-parents, John and Virginia Robertson,the business started with a single supplyhouse and has grown to 28 locationsthroughout Ohio, Pennsylvania andMichigan, with a new distribution centerand corporate office headquarters inAlliance, Ohio.

Hear about the third generation ofownership in this 76-year old compa-ny, the value they place on customers,excellent service and Scott’s innova-tive hands-on approach to running hisbusiness!

At the Meet & Eat, you’ll tour their beautiful showroom and expansivedistribution center and hear from third-generation president Scott Robertson.Robertson started with the family busi-ness during his high school years. Heholds a bachelor’s degree in businessadministration from The University ofAkron. He is the 2003 recipient of theDistinguished Sales and MarketingAward and has received the LargeBusiness of the Year award from theAlliance Chamber of Commerce. Thecompany was named 2009 Wholesaler of the Year by Supply House Times.Robertson is active in many local organi-zations, including Rotary Club of Alliance,board member for the Alliance YMCA,and Alliance Community HospitalFoundation.

For more information about the compa-ny and Robertson, visit www.rhs1.com.To register for this excellent networkingluncheon, visit ystark.org.

Wednesday, Feb. 211:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.Robertson Heating Supply2155 West Main StreetAlliance, Ohio 44601Cost: $15 includes lunchRSVP online at ystark.org

Scott Robertson

ROBERTSON HEATING SUPPLYystark! CEO Meet & Eat Luncheon featuring Scott Robertson

21C a n t o n R e g i o n a l C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e

“Budgeting for Outcomes”...(continued from page 17)

This would be the path towardcontinued funding.

To help foster creative thinking, theChambers recommend a number ofsteps that would relieve governmentmanagers from the bureaucraticrules that bind them, while at thesame time challenging them tobecome as efficient as private busi-ness.

The Chambers also recommend aperiodic review of the 122 taxexpenditures in Ohio law. Tax expen-ditures are tax breaks designed toencourage some good outcome,usually in economic activity. But theyneed to be reviewed to determinewhether they still do the job theywere intended to do.

Reforming the costly and dangeroussystem of locking up so manyOhioans in overcrowded prisons, andreforming the way Ohio purchaseshealth insurance are other aspectsof the Chambers’ reform proposal.

“We urge Chamber members to readthe reform proposal on our websiteand talk to state legislators aboutthese goals,” Saunier said.

23C a n t o n R e g i o n a l C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e

It’s time for you to begin planning for your workers’ compensation future. You are likely receiving information from manycompanies about their group rating programs and how much money they can save your business. While they may beable to save you money in the short term, these companies often lack the quality, comprehensive customer service andprogram stability that helps to ensure continued long-term group rating discounts.

If your company is interested in group rating you should be considering the program that supports your local economy.As a member of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, it’s important to note that the Chamber has a partnershipwith CareWorks Consultants Incorporated (CCI) and the Buckeye Workers’ Compensation Alliance. Our Chamber pro-gram is one of the most competitive available. In addition to offering significant premium discounts up to the BWC maxi-mum discount, CCI provides comprehensive cost control services designed to help maintain your group rating status.

Your Chamber membership may already qualify you for this group rating program. Long term discounts, high savings,program stability and comprehensive quality services could save you significantly by switching your program to CCI.Any company interested in applying, whether a Chamber member or not, should complete the AC-3 group rating application form below or online here: www.careworksconsultants.com/groupratingapplication. CCI will provide a free, no-obligation analysis of eligibility.

For more information about the Group Rating Program from CCI, please contact Robert Nicoll at (330) 452-1050, ext. 14.You may also contact Denise Burton at deniseb@cantonchamber.org or Terri Fullmer at terrif@cantonchamber.org in ourmembership department with questions.

Those interested in applying for the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce Group Rating program should fill outthe AC-3 group application form below and fax it back to Denise Burton at (330) 489-6005.

Temporary Authorization to Review Information

Policy Number ______________________________________ Company _______________________________________

DBA ______________________________________________ Address _________________________________________

This is to certify that CAREWORKS CONSULTANTS INC. (ID NO. 150-80) and Buckeye WC Alliance / Canton RegionalChamber of Commerce (41000, 2010/2011, code 11/20) including its agents or representatives identified to you by themhas been retained to review and perform studies on certain workers’ compensation matters on our behalf.

This limited letter of authority provides access to the following types of information relating to our account: 1) risk files,2) claim files, 3) merit-rated or non-merit rated experiences and 4) other associated data.

This authorization does NOT include the authority to: 1) review protest letters, 2) file protest letters, 3) file form CHP-4,4) file motions, I-12s or IC-88s, 5) file self-insurance applications, 6) represent the employer at hearings or 7) pursue other similar actions on behalf of the employer.

I understand that this authorization is limited and temporary in nature and will expire on Feb. 28, 2011 or automaticallynine months from the date received by Employer Services or Self-Insured Department, whichever is appropriate. In eithercase, length of authorization will not exceed nine months.

Telephone Number ____________________________________ Fax Number ____________________________________

E-mail Address _______________________________________________________________

Print Name _________________________________________________________ Title ____________________________

Signature ____________________________________________________________ Date __________________________

Chamber’s Workers’ Compensation Group Rating savessignificant premium dollars – submit your AC-3 today

WELCOME to our newest members, who joined Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce in November. We encourage you to patronize their businesses.If you know of other businesses that would benefit from Chamber member-ship, please contact the Membership Department at (330) 458-2067.

AultComp MCO(MANAGED CARE ORGANIZATION -WORKERS' COMPENSATION)Denette Edwards100 Lincoln Way East, Ste. 360Massillon, OH 44648(330) 830-4919www.aultcomp.com

Consumers National Bank (BANKS)Rick Baxter614 E. Lincoln Way St.Minerva, OH 44657(330) 868-4621www.consumersbank.com

Destiny Music - Madonna Tassie (ENTERTAINMENT)Antonio Pulsone3200 Whipple Ave. NE, Ste. ACanton, OH 44718(330) 526-6124www.madonnatassi.ca

Elemental Arts (FURNITURE DEALERS - RETAIL)John Strauss236 Walnut NECanton, OH 44702(330) 456-0300www.straussfurniture.com

The Fudge Lady(CANDY - MANUFACTURERS)Nancy Niarchos4292 Belden Village St. NWCanton, OH 44718(330) 704-4733

Jerzee's Sports Grille (RESTAURANTS)Robert McLain2531 Fulton Drive NWCanton, OH 44718(330) 456-9977www.jerzeesgrille.com

Nu Skin\Pharmanex - Ageless Beauty Solutions(RECRUITERS - BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY)Sharon Hone9586 Pondera St. NWMassillon, OH 44646(330) 904-1271www.nuskinusa.com

Precision Leveling LLC(CONCRETE LEVELING)Mark A. Petit6160 Margate Circle NWCanton, OH 44718(330) 499-6147www.precisionleveling.com

Romeo's Pizza (PIZZA)Tim Snethen5139 W. Tuscarawas St.Canton, OH 44708(330) 478-1110

Romeo's Pizza (RESTAURANTS)Tim Snethen5139 W. Tuscarawas St.Canton, OH 44708(330) 478-1110

SJ Lighting (LIGHTING - ENERGY EFFICIENT - COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL)Heath Ledger3313 Lee StreetNorth Canton, OH 44720(330) 353-0057www.sjltg.com

Sleepy Hollow Country Club (GOLF COURSES - PUBLIC)Doug Brown374 Homeworth Rd.Alliance, OH 44601(330) 821-8865

C a n t o n R e g i o n a l C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e24

Aultman Hospital has been grantedMagnet® recognition again by theAmerican Nurses CredentialingCenter (ANCC) for nursing excellence,an achievement shared by 6.47 per-cent of hospitals in the nation.Aultman first achieved recognition in2006 from the high-level MagnetRecognition Program® and is still theonly organization in Stark County tobe named. Research shows that facili-ties with Magnet® recognition havepositive outcomes for patients, nursesand workplaces. Specifically, patientsexperience lower mortality rates,shorter lengths of stay and increasedsatisfaction.

Cutler Real Estate has announcedthat Marilyn Schopp and CherylDoolan of the Cutler Alliance officeand Scott Scheffer, Theresa Allen, PattyColer, Tom & Kathy Dolan, MichelleSanders, Greg Pepper, Carla Rakich-Euken and Tracy Cunningham of theCutler Green office have been recog-nized as 2010 Members of the OhioAssociation of Realtors PresidentsSales Club. This award places them inthe top 6% of the more than 30,000Realtors statewide. In addition, MarilynSchopp, Scott Scheffer and TheresaAllen received the Award ofDistinction, which places them in thetop 1.2% of all Realtors. For more infor-mation visit CutlerHomes.com.

Shearer’s Foods, home of Shearer’sAward Winning Snacks, has been hon-ored with the 2010 Crain’s EmeraldAward, which honors Northeast Ohiocompanies, organizations and leadersthat have implemented and benefitedfrom sustainable practices that signifi-cantly trim costs, increase cash flowwith innovations, and design productsto reduce environmental footprints.Forty nominations were judged andevaluated by an independent panel toassess initiatives based on the resultand impact on people, profits andplanet. The company was also recentlynamed Capital Business GrowthAward winner for the fifth consecutiveyear.

Mercy Breast Care Center has beendesignated a Breast Imaging Centerof Excellence by the AmericanCollege of Radiology (ACR). By award-ing facilities the status of a BreastImaging Center of Excellence, the ACRrecognizes breast-imaging centersthat have earned accreditation inmammography, stereotactic breastbiopsy, and breast ultrasound (includ-ing ultrasound-guided breast biopsy).Peer-review evaluations conducted byboard-certified physicians and medicalphysicists determined that MercyBreast Care Center has achieved highpractice standards in image quality,personnel qualifications, facility equip-ment, quality control procedures andquality assurance programs. For moreinformation, see CantonMercy.org.

Alexandra Ross of WhitemyerAdvertising, Inc. has been promotedto media strategist. Ross’ responsibili-ties include creating marketing com-munications efforts, and providingample analysis and budget-based rec-ommendations using media such asprint, billboards and the Internet. Sheis involved in direct marketing efforts,managing data and lists used for emailblasting as well as direct mail. Rossalso assists in public relations tasksand the management of several localaccounts by working with clients todesign and implement marketingcommunications programs.After graduating from Perry HighSchool, Ross earned a bachelor’sdegree in communication studies witha focus in interpersonal communica-tion from Kent State University.

Peoples Services, Inc. has announcedthe hiring of Jim Wickiser, PHR, as thehuman resource manager for theCanton corporate office. Jim receivedhis PHR from Kent State University in2002. He also became a 10 & 30 hourOSHA instructor trainer in 2006 andachieved LEAN Mastery in 2008. Hehas a background in safety, workers’compensation, DOT and accidentinvestigation. The company wasrecently awarded Steps Toward theBest Fleet Performance, MostImproved Risk Control Award from theInternational Warehouse LogisticsAssociation Insurance Captive. Formore information about the company,visit PeoplesServices.com.

Stark State College is the nation’sfastest growing large, public two-year college. Stark State’s 33 percentincrease in enrollment between thefall 2008 and 2009 semesters toppedthe growth ranking of institutions of10,000 or more students, according tothe U.S. Department of Education.Rankings were recently announced inCommunity College Week. Overall,enrollment in America’s communityand technical colleges increased byabout 8 percent during the same peri-od, compared to just below 5 percentamong the four-year sector. Currentlycelebrating their 50th year, Stark Statecontinued a streak of double-digitenrollment growth this fall, too, withan increase of 19%. The surge bringsthe College’s official 14-day enrollmentto an all-time record of 14,834 creditstudents.

Michelle Henry and Amanda Barna,founding partners of the Center forMarketing and Opinion Research(CMOR), are the proud recipients ofthe 2010 Rising Star Award from theOhio Department of Developmentas part of the Keys to SuccessProgram. The Rising Star is awarded tosuccessful women entrepreneurs whohave been in business for less than fiveyears. Each nominee is graded by theselection committee based on market,financial success, owner involvement,dedication to service, employee recog-nition and community involvement.CMOR is a full-service public opinionresearch and polling firm providinginnovative research solutions toorganizations and businesses, collabo-rating with clients to provide informa-tion necessary to make key decisions.

Submit Biz Bitz articles tojessb@cantonchamber.org.Deadline is five weeks prior to publication.

25C a n t o n R e g i o n a l C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e

27C a n t o n R e g i o n a l C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e

First Friday – Imagine IceHear the glorious sounds of chainsaws and see the stunning sprays of ice as world champi-

on ice carver Aaron Costic and his team, along with local ice-masters and artists, come tothe downtown Canton Arts District for the Imagine Ice First Friday on Jan. 7. See live ice

sculpting demonstrations, rock out to The Brighter Side Band and bite into a gooey s’moresas you take in the many glistening and impressive sculptures that will ice downtown.

Preparing for the worst in the workplaceJanuary Stark County Safety Council Luncheon

The first Safety Council luncheon of the year will feature Curt Werren, CEO of the AmericanRed Cross Stark County Regional Chapter. Werren will share new developments that will

help you protect your business from disaster.

The Power of Attitude at January AultCare Fast Break BreakfastWe’re kicking off the year with a Fast Break Favorite! At the AultCare Fast Break Breakfast on

Jan. 14, motivational speaker and sales guru Marvin Montgomery will lead you in anenergetic session about the power of attitude. You'll learn seven things that will help you

maintain a positive attitude in work and in life.

OSHA Safety SessionThe Stark County Safety Council and Stark County Local Emergency Planning Committee

will present an informational session on the importance of OSHA compliance on Thursday,Jan. 20. This seminar will provide the opportunity to gain pertinent information as it relatesto OSHA standards and compliance in the workplace.Your CEO, CFO, and safety or environ-

mental specialist will be able to ask questions particular to your company’s requirementsand vulnerabilities.

Stir your heart rate with fitness fun at Glenmoor Country ClubKick off the New Year with a Heart Healthy Fitness Fair at Glenmoor on Jan. 20. As always,

you’ll enjoy sensational networking at this month’s Stir After Hours – but you’ll have theunique opportunity to start your time at Glenmoor early in the day! The fitness center will

be opening for Chamber members beginning at 1 p.m.!

Robertson Heating Supplyystark! CEO Meet & Eat Luncheon Featuring Scott Robertson?

The first ystark! CEO Meet & Eat of 2011 will warm you up from this blustery weather! OnFeb. 2, tour Robertson Heating Supply, a family-owned and operated plumbing and heating

wholesaler, and hear from president Scott Robertson.

Friday, Jan. 147 a.m. registration7:30 a.m. programCourtyard by Marriott4375 Metro Cir. • North CantonCost: $18 members; $21 mem-bers less than 48 hours inadvance; $25 non-membersRSVP by Jan. 12

20

PLEASE REGISTER ONLINE ATWWW.CANTONCHAMBER.ORG

OR CALL (330) 458-2085Please Register in Advance!

January

13

14Thursday, Jan. 207:30 a.m. registration, 8:15 – 10:30 a.m.programMeyer’s Lake Ballroom3218 Parkway St. NWCanton 44708Cost: FREE!RSVP by Jan. 17

7First Friday, Jan. 76 – 10 p.m.Downtown CantonFREE!

Thursday, Jan. 201 p.m. – 5 p.m. Fitness CenterOpen and Spa Discounts5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Stir After Hours NetworkingGlenmoor Country Club & The Spa at Glenmoor4191 Glenmoor Rd. NW in CantonCost: $5RSVP by Jan. 18

20

2/2

Thursday, Jan. 1311:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.Meyer’s Lake Ballroom3218 Parkway St., N.W.Canton, OH 44708Cost: $16RSVP by Jan. 10

Wednesday, Feb. 211:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.Robertson Heating Supply2155 West Main StreetAlliance, Ohio 44601Cost: $15 includes lunchRSVP online at ystark.org