April 9. 2019 - Dinner

Elevate Greater Akron: The New Fundamentals of Economic Development by Steve Millard, CCE, President and CEO of The Greater Akron Chamber

• An understanding of the gaps in today’s economic development system
• Strategies to be implemented to address regional opportunities
• An update on the work and specific milestones
• Understanding how to get engaged in the work

Driven by a realization that Greater Akron can more effectively pursue economic opportunities and address challenges by first understanding the fundamental changes in our economic structure, the City of Akron, County of Summit, and the Greater Akron Chamber came together in late 2017 to develop a blueprint for a high-functioning economic development ecosystem. With support from GAR Foundation, these partners and many others have committed to working together on the new fundamentals of economic development that will Elevate Akron. 

 Steve will review the findings of their work and outline the five strategies the partners are collaboratively pursuing in support of the growth and success of Greater Akron.

Bio:

Steve Millard, CCE

President and CEO

Greater Akron Chamber

Steve Millard is President & CEO of the Greater Akron Chamber and in that role is responsible for leading the Greater Akron Area’s Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce serving Medina, Portage and Summit Counties.  Steve’s work is focused on the chamber’s work to drive jobs and investment in the Greater Akron region, improve the region’s competitiveness and to advocate for the needs of the business community in the region and with elected and appointed officials. 

Prior to joining the Greater Akron Chamber, Steve has served as Executive Vice President of the Greater Cleveland Partnership; President and Executive Director of COSE (the Council of Smaller Enterprises); as a supply chain management consultant with Accenture (at that time Andersen Consulting) and as a supply chain specialist with GE Healthcare (at that time GE Medical Systems). 

Steve is a certified chamber executive, serves on several not for profit and for profit boards and is a frequent adviser to businesses and a regular facilitator for strategic planning and leadership team retreats.

Steve has a BS in Transportation and Distribution Management and a BS in Finance from Syracuse University and his MBA from Case Western Reserve University.