N E W S L E T T E R

OUR MISSION: To serve our Members through partnership, programs, services and events to advance the economic growth of Canton and the Stark County region.

W W W . C A N T O N C H A M B E R . O R G

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The 98th Annual Chamber Dinner will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at the Canton Memorial Civic Center. The annual dinner will feature Ward J. Timken, Jr., chairman of the board of directors for The Timken Company, and James W. Griffith, president and CEO for Timken.

With more than 21,000 employees operating from 30 countries, The Timken Company is a leader in mechanical motion technologies, offering a full range of highly engineered bearings, alloy steels, chain, gears and related industrial services. Timken and Griffith will share their insights on the company’s profitable growth and its future.

At the Annual Dinner, the gavel will be passed from outgoing Board Chairman George W. Lemon, retired president, Technical Products

Group, to the 2012 Board Chairman, Rick Haines, president of AultCare. The Chamber will recognize and thank the outgoing board members and usher in new members for an exceptional 98th year. The annual dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception, and dinner will be served at 7 p.m.

Look for more details in the January issue of Action Newsletter. For more information about the event, visit CantonChamber.org. Contact sponsorship manager Chris Gumpp at (330) 458-2055 or chrisg@cantonchamber.org to discuss opportunities to support this event.

The whole family will be enchanted as you take a magical journey with Christopher Pop-In-Kins, Santa’s Official Children’s Elf, as he pops in again this year during Light Up Downtown. This

year, Christopher and company will help to assure a young girl

that there are still people who believe in the true spirit of the season. All of your favorite holiday characters will visit from wonderful winter wonderlands, and through smiles, laughs and song, encourage everyone to enjoy the heart of the holiday – and it is all brought to life on the main stage at Central Plaza.

You’ll see merry musical helpers like Sugar Plum Fairies, Reindeer, Frosty and all of the toys from the North Pole. When the man in red arrives, he offers a spectacular gift to Christopher, topping off the evening with fireworks and fun. With Christopher poppin’ up at Light Up Downtown – there’s sure to be fun croppin’ up around every corner.

INSIDE:

Business Excellence Awards .................... 4Community Salute Wrap Up .................... 4Stir After Hours ...................................... 5Women’s Impact Initiative ...................... 6AultCare Fast Break Breakfast ................. 7Chamber Tip Clubs .................................. 8CVB Wins Ruby Award ............................. 9B2B Expo Wrap Up .................................. 9HOF Enshrinement Festival ................... 11AC-3 Form ............................................ 12Leadership Stark County ....................... 13ystark! Monthly Meet-Up ...................... 14ystark! Yuletide Breakfast Fest .............. 14ystark! Young Entrepreneur Profile ....... 15Membership Directory .......................... 17Safety Council Luncheon ....................... 17Hot Business on the Burner .................. 19New Members ...................................... 21BizBitz ................................................. 22December Calendar .............................. 23

DECEMBER 2011 XLIII 12 vol. no.

Christopher Pop-In-Kins pops-in again to spread the joy of the holidays at Light Up Downtown Santa’s very first Children’s Elf is popping back in to downtown Canton for a magical, musical, holiday jamboree and ELFstravaganza on Dec. 1!

SAVE THE DATE: Canton Regional Chamber 98th Annual Dinner to feature Timken Leadership

George W. LemonChairman

Dennis P. SaunierPresident & CEO

Jess BennettEditor & Director of Marketing

Denise BurtonDirector of Membership

and Sales Advertising Sales / Action

330.458.2067

Sarah Lutz BhatiaGraphics Manager

N E W S L E T T E R

ispublishedmonthlyfor themembersoftheCantonRegionalChamberofCommerce.Thesubscriptioncostis$25peryearandisincludedinthepriceofmembership.

Readerquestionsandcommentsarewelcomeandencouraged.Contentsmaybereprintedwithcredit.Addressallinquiriesto:

Editor, ActionCanton Regional Chamber of Commerce 222 Market Ave. N Canton, Ohio 44702

orcall(330) 456.7253,ore-mailnews@cantonchamber.org

AdvertisingratesareavailableforChambermembers.AdvertisementdoesnotconstituteendorsementbytheCantonRegionalChamberofCommerce.

Our Fan PageFacebook.com/CantonOhioChamber

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Latest NewsChamberNews.org

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ystark.org

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Dec. 2011 - Volume XLIII - No. 12

Tons of Family Fun and Holiday Hoopla! Light Up Downtown, presented by the Canton Development Partnership, a department of the Canton Regional Chamber, returns for another year of downtown family fun. Light Up is your chance to watch 16 city blocks come alive with attractions, entertainment, refreshments and fun for children of all ages. The excitement is happening from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in downtown Canton.

This year’s Light Up will feature Christopher Pop-In-Kins, every child’s favorite elf, in a very special musical main stage show that will light up the skies and light up your spirits with community musical acts, fantastic fireworks and a ho, ho, ho-liday visit from the man in red. You’re in for a night of surprises and fun for all ages! Best of all? This festive festival is FREE!

More than 100 local performers will take to the stage, performing holiday favorites such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Marshmallow World, Here Comes Santa Claus, Ain’t getting’ nuttin’ for Christmas and many more. The event pre-show, sponsored by Mix 94.1, will run from 5:30 to 6 p.m., followed by the main stage show.

You can look forward to carriage rides, singing and local dance troupe performances, children’s crafts and activities and much, much more! The downtown center city is transformed into a winter wonderland for the occasion, and our local businesses will provide activities and refreshments as you take in all the holiday delights our community has to offer.

Light Up Downtown will be held rain, snow or shine. There will be plenty of free parking, both on-street and in the Timken High School and Stark County District Library parking lots, as well as parking in various decks and lots throughout downtown for a nominal fee.

Our event sponsors to date include: Key Bank, AEP Ohio, along with the Aultman Health Foundation, Motorola, Kenan Advantage Group, H-P Products, Downtown Canton Special Improvement District, Shearer’s Foods, The Repository Mix 94.1 and News-Talk 1480 WHBC AM, PPI Graphics, The Karcher Group and The City of Canton.Visit LightUpDowntown.com for a full schedule of events and more about Christopher Pop-In-Kins.

For those looking to double the dose of downtown holiday hoopla, the Cookies and Carols First Friday on Dec. 2 will continue the holiday festivities downtown. Visit CantonFirstFriday.com for First Friday details.

About Christopher Pop-In-KinsTM

and Imaginatives® Christopher Pop-In-Kins, written and published in 1985 by Flora Johnson of Atwater, Ohio, is the award winning story of Santa’s “very first Children’s Elf.” Imaginatives is the creative team behind Christopher Pop-In-Kins. Located in Alliance, Ohio, Imaginatives specializes in the development, marketing and distribution of children’s books and toys. For more information, visit Christopher Pop-In-Kins online at www.ChristopherPopInKins.com.

(continued from cover)

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 3

Our Tweets@CantonChmbr

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chairman 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 - Kevin KampmanThe Repository

Treasurer - D. William AllenPro Football Hall of Fame

Immediate Past Chairman - Thomas E. CecconiMercy Medical Center

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

Corporate Secretary - Steven J. KatzCanton Regional Chamber of Commerce

BOARD OFDIRECTORS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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 HeinOhio Desk

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: AultCare, Aultman Health Foundation, Charter One Bank, Chesapeake Energy,

The City of Canton, Diebold, Inc.,Dominion East Ohio, Fifth Third Bank, FirstMerit Bank,

Hilscher-Clarke Electric Company, Huntington Bank, KeyBank, Kenan Advantage Group,

Mercy Medical Center, Northeast Ohio Medical University, PNC and The Timken Company.

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

U P C O M I N G E V E N T S

On Wednesday, Nov. 2, the Canton Regional Chamber awarded its annual Community Salute Awards of Appreciation and Merit to outstanding area community stewards.

Thank you to our sponsors, The Timken Company, Biery Cheese, Aultman Health Foundation, Stark Industrial, LLC., Stark Community Foundation and The Repository.

4

Nominate elite area businesses for the BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDSStark County’S moSt preStigiouS buSineSS awardS Seeking nominationS through jan. 19

Canton/Stark County is home to some of the most innovative, growing and dynamic businesses in the country. These businesses go above and beyond providing jobs and funding our economy – they are on the cutting-edge of emerging technology, they are making capital investments to our area, they dedicate resources to the community and they are helping to make our region more appealing to business growth and relocation.

The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for Stark County businesses. Help us recognize these leading companies by nominating them for the preeminent business award in our area.

NOMINATE!Any for-profit companies that are non-publicly-traded and have been outstanding during the past year are eligible for nomination. For full eligibility information or to nominate a company, please visit BusinessExcellenceAward.com.

If you have questions regarding eligibility or the nomination process, please contact Jess Bennett, director of marketing, at (330) 458-2071 or jessb@cantonchamber.org. Nomination deadline is Jan. 19, 2012.

SAVE THE DATE!Honorees of this year’s awards will be recognized during the gala awards dinner held on Tuesday, April 24 at The University Center at Kent State Stark. Look for more details coming soon!

Honorees celebrated at 2011 Community Salute Awards

From Left to Right: Bob Fonte, Stark County Park District, Maria Byington, Lynne and Dennis Biery, Don Hart and Raymond Wilkof.

New “gastro pub” vibe will STIR your appetite at Pete’s Grill & PizzaDECEMBER STIR AFTER HOURS

This month we’re stirring up your appetite with the launch of Pete’s Grill & Pizza’s new gastro pub vibe! A little over two years after proprietor Pete Papacostas opened Pete’s Grill in downtown Canton, he’s tweaking its identity by bringing in a surprising blend of tastes that will challenge what you’ve come to expect in downtown dining. So, what’s a “gastro pub”? We think it’s a great place for our December Stir After Hours, but it’s also a term the Brits came up with to describe an establishment that serves high quality, palette-challenging food in a pub setting. Long live the refined sports bar!

U P C O M I N G E V E N T S

Join us for Stir After Hours at Pete’s Grill and Pizza on Tuesday, Dec. 13. Try some of the restaurant’s 19 microbrew craft beers, seasonal beers and specialty drinks, nosh on their new menu, and of course, their famous pizza pies! Great entertainment and a chance to win some fabulous door prizes awaits you!

About Pete’s Grill & Pizza Surrounded by a unique ambiance, the interior is flanked by eight large flat screen TVs and an all-granite bar. Tall table tops, darts, internet juke box, and live entertainment all combine for a perfect setting for your next gathering. During favorable weather months, there is a large covered patio with a stage for live entertainment. Enjoy a Wi-Fi lunch, book your next office or family gathering, or simply arrange for on and off site catering.

Tuesday, Dec. 13 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Pete’s Grill & Pizza 401 Cherry Ave. NE in Downtown Canton Cost: $5 RSVP by Dec. 11

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

U P C O M I N G E V E N T S

The Women’s Impact Series began in 2009 to bring educational, enrichment and networking opportunities to the professionally minded women in Stark County. Now named the Women’s Impact Initiative,

their focus is to create a vibrant vehicle to connect professional women with business opportunities in the community.

The Women’s Impact Initiative will kick-off its 2012 season on Wednesday, Jan. 18, with a keynote luncheon from Carol Frohlinger, co-founder, Negotiating Women, Inc.

Frohlinger talks to organizations who understand that promoting and retaining talented women is a “win-win-win” – good for women, good for men and good for the bottom line. She shares her stories and “lessons learned” from the thousands of women she has helped to become successful at work by negotiating more effectively with clients, colleagues, bosses and boards. A lawyer and consultant, Frohlinger is passionate about helping women negotiate authentically and in a way that is consistent with the culture they work in.

The Women’s Impact Initiative January Luncheon is sponsored by The Timken Company, Western Reserve PBS, Kent State University at Stark, SarahCare, Raymond James Financial Services (Belden Village), Mercy Medical Center, Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty Co., LPA, and Grabowski & Co. and operates in collaboration with the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Introducing the Women’s Impact Initiative

6

Wednesday, Jan. 1811:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.The University Center at Kent State University at Stark6000 Frank Ave. NWin North CantonCost: $35RSVP online at CantonChamber.orgby Jan. 9 or call (330) 458-2070

Save the date for these exciting upcoming programs:Women’s Leadership Workshop February 158:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., The University Center at Kent State University at Stark | Tickets: $125Keynote Speaker: Jan Phillips, visionary author of The Art of Original Thinking-The Making of a Thought Leader. Plan on attending two dynamic workshop breakout sessions and stay to network with other woman thought leaders.

ATHENA Award Dinner March 21, 20125:30 to 9 p.m., The University Center at Kent State University at Stark | Tickets: $65The ATHENA Award is presented to a woman -or man- who is honored for professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.

Purchase tickets for all three events before Dec. 15, for a special price of $200, or tickets can be purchased separately.

SPO

NSO

RS

U P C O M I N G E V E N T S

John R. Aller, executive director of the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Stark County (MHRSB) is a behavioral health professional with numerous years in the field of mental health and drug and alcohol addiction. Aller has a wide-breadth of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of those struggling with chemical dependency and mental health-related disease with an emphasis on those having a dual-diagnosis. He is an active

member of a variety of state and local related boards and committees, including sitting on the executive committee of the Ohio Association of Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA) and was recently appointed to the Governor’s Advisory Panel for Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services.

Patrice Fetzer, LISW-S, is the manager of service delivery for the MHRSB of Stark County. She has over 17 years experience in developing and implementing quality and innovative programming, collaborations, and system change efforts at the local and state levels that engage and empower individuals and families with mental, emotional, behavioral, and societal challenges. She has founded and led collaborative initiatives such as the Stark Intra-System Transition Team, the

Emancipation Subcommittee of the Stark County Interagency Council on Homelessness, and the Mentoring Network of Stark County. She provides local, state and national presentations and consultations on best practices for serving the youth and young adult population as well as for mental health case management.

Behavioral Health and the Workplace: What Every Employer Should KnowDecember AultCare Fast Break Breakfast

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 7

Join us for the Aultcare Fast Break Breakfast on Friday, Dec. 9, where Patrice Fetzer and John Aller from Mental Health Recovery Services Board of Stark County will help you demystify behavioral and mental health problems in the workplace. This session will help you engage, encourage and empower your employees and colleagues.

Beyond this important segment of the program, Fast Break attendees have the opportunity to obtain business leads through enjoyable networking activities at an event that has built a reputation as one of the most energetic lead-producing sessions around. Bring a door prize valued at $15 or more and receive 30 seconds at the microphone to promote your business.

Friday, Dec. 97 a.m. registration7:30 a.m. programCourtyard by Marriott4375 Metro Cir. in North CantonCost: $18 members$21 members (less than 48 hours in advance)$25 non-membersRSVP by Dec. 7

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 E8

U P C O M I N G E V E N T S

Network with members aNd make weekly coNNectioNs over breakfast or luNch

Exchanging “tips” with business counterparts and fellow Chamber members is one of the best ways to gain new business for your company. In addition to the popular monthly networking events at the Chamber, such as AultCare Fast Break Breakfasts and Stir Small Business Networking After Hours, the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce is offering ALL active Chamber members the opportunity to build upon their liaisons and share leads during casual weekly breakfasts or luncheons.

These events, or “tip clubs,” are part of the Chamber’s More Business Thru Awareness Club (MBTAC) program. Each club maintains 40 to 50 members with a diverse mix of industries. To keep the clubs interesting and the leads fresh, only one representative per company is eligible and there cannot be more than one company offering the same product or service.

No dues are involved, but those participating must be Chamber members and each participant is responsible for purchasing their meal.

The 2012 Tip Club Series has five clubs that meet according to the following schedule:

Tuesdays, 8 a.m., Denny’s,4646 W. Tuscarawas St., Canton

Tuesdays, Noon, Panini’s at the Pub,5260 Dressler Rd. NW, Canton

Wednesdays, 7:45 a.m., John’s Bar & Grill, 2749 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton

Wednesdays, Noon, Sylvester’s North-End Grill4305 Portage Rd. NW, North Canton

Thursdays, Noon, That Little Italian Kitchen, 5730 Fulton Dr. NW, Canton

iNterested iN joiNiNg a chamber tip club? Contact Denise Burton, director of membership and sales, (330) 458-2067, deniseb@cantonchamber.org or Terri Fullmer, membership sales manager, (330) 458-2077, terrif@cantonchamber.org. Be sure to indicate your preferred tip club time and location!

“I have had the opportunity to be involved in the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Tip Clubs for over 13 years. Through the Chamber and these events, I have found a cost effective way to increase the exposure and sales of my services; made long-term friendships; gained personal benefits from other member’s products and services; as well as gained further knowledge about Canton and the Stark County as a whole. Life is about networking. The Chamber has provided me with productive networking opportunities for well over a decade now!”

Brian Bowers, presidentBowers Financial Solutions LLC

“By attending the tip club, we have been given the opportunity to meet some extraordinary people who have been beneficial in getting the Haidet’s Painting name out there. I feel that one of the best forms of advertisement is word of mouth, so the more people you know, the more you grow!”

Amy HaidetAdministratorHaidet’s Painting and Decorating

Chamber “TIP CLUBS” are the key to casual, fun and abundant networking

2nd annual B2B Expo brings local businesses together

The second annual Stark County B2B Expo, hosted jointly by the Canton Regional Chamber and The Repository on Oct. 26, featured 60 business to business vendors and hundreds of guests in an all-day tradeshow at the Canton Cultural Center in downtown Canton. The full day lineup also offered rich networking opportunities and educational programs for regional business professionals. In addition to the exhibit floor, attendees attended excellent business programs – with topics including marketing, technology sales and more – along with networking events like the B2B breakfast with Lt. Governor Mary Taylor and a luncheon event, with business “futurist” Dr. William Draves.

Another big hit was the Social Media Café, presented by Sitelogic Online Marketing, Ohio Desk, and ystark!

One lucky attendee, Charlene Dombrowski, from Buttonwood Advisors LLC, won a door prize mega package, featuring a quarter-page color ad in The Repository, along with tickets to five of the 2012 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival events, an OHSAA State Football Championship game package and passes to next year’s Vintage Canton event.

Thank you to all of our sponsors, including our presenting sponsor, The Corporate University at Kent State University at Stark, Huntington Bank, Mercy Medical Center, breakfast sponsor Chesapeake Energy, luncheon sponsor The Corporate University at Kent State at Stark, and after hours sponsors the newest team in the NBA D-League, the Canton Charge, and Pole Position Marketing.

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 9

A W A R D S & R E C A P S

Canton • Stark County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau wins Ruby Award at Ohio Travel Association Conference

At the recent Ohio Travel Association (OTA) Annual Conference, held at Kalahari in Erie County, the Canton/Stark County Convention & Visitors’ Bureau won a first place RUBY Award for its 2010 Annual Report, a retro, comic book themed report, The Adventures of Captain Victor Bound: The Stark Chronicles.

The RUBY Awards are the industry recognition of marketing and promotional tools that excel at meeting their goals. RUBY stands for “Recognizing Uncommon Brilliance.”

John Kiste, the CVB’s executive director, noted how proud he was of the report. “We worked closely with the Chamber’s marketing department, including director Jess Bennett and then-graphics manager Rebekah Olsen, to develop a comic book format that led the reader through all of the Bureau’s 2010 achievements. I am thrilled to publish annual reports that actually get read by the industry.” The comic book was printed by PPI Graphics, Inc., based in Canton.

The Canton/Stark County CVB is a department of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce. Their mission is to attract, orient and serve visitors, to educate local residents and initiate projects and programs that promote and grow tourism.

For more information about the CVB, or to request a copy of the annual report, go online to www.VisitCantonStark.com.

Photography courtesy of The Repository. Photographs by Michael Balash.

E N S H R I N E M E N T F E S T I V A L

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 11

The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and Pro Football Hall of Fame have named two long-time community volunteers to leadership positions for the 2012 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival.

Joe Halter, founding partner, chairman and CEO of Canton-based Solmet Technologies, Inc., will serve as general vice chairman of the Enshrinement Festival activities planned by the Enshrinement Festival department of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce. For the second consecutive year, Guy Ruda, sales associate for R. Z. Marketing Group, will serve as general vice chairman of the Enshrinement Festival activities planned by the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Halter brings first-hand experience to the position as a result of his years of service on the board of directors of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, serving as chairman in 2006. His passion for the Enshrinement Festival runs deep, and his current service as a member of the board of directors of the Pro Football Hall of Fame allows him to bring a unique and

energizing perspective to the joint planning efforts between the Chamber and the Hall. He has a strong dedication to the arts, service organizations and business community, and is currently active in Rotary Club of Canton, Stark Development Board and Aultman Health Foundation board of directors. He and his wife Nancy reside in Canton and have two grown sons.

During the 2011 Enshrinement Festival while serving in the leadership role as general vice chairman, Ruda also completed his 11th year as chairman of the Enshrinement Committee. He previously served 18 years as a member of the committee, as well as three years as chairman of the former NFL Experience Committee. Ruda and his wife Gail are the proud parents of David and Danielle. Enshrinement Festival leadership will work together with the professional staffs at the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and Pro Football Hall of Fame, as well as a team of more than 4,200 dedicated community volunteers, as they plan and stage the 2012 Enshrinement

Halter and Ruda named general vice chairs of 2012 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival

Festival, tentatively slated for July 20 through Aug. 6. The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival features a total of 18 unique and diverse events, expected to be enjoyed by nearly 700,000 people. The central focus and highlight of the festivities will be the Aug. 4 induction ceremony for the 2012 Class of Enshrinees, who will be announced on Feb. 4 during Super Bowl weekend activities.

The 2012 Enshrinement Festival will feature a slightly adjusted schedule, with the Balloon Classic occurring one week earlier than in past years, and the downtown Concert & Fireworks moving from Thursday to Saturday night. Check the Web sites for the full Schedule of Events and for the latest information: www.profootballhofef.com or www.profootballhof.com.

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 Compensation Consultants Incorporated (CCI) and the Buckeye Workers’ Compensation Alliance. Our Chamberprogram is one of the most competitive available. In addition to offering significant premium discounts up to the BWCmaximum 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 ratingapplication form below or online here: www.careworksconsultants.com/groupratingapplication.CCI will providea free, no-obligation analysis of eligibility.

For more information about the Group Rating Program from CCI, please contact Bob 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 COMPENSATION CONSULTANTS INC. (ID NO. 150-80) and Buckeye WC Alliance / Canton RegionalChamber of Commerce (41000, 2009/2010, 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 or7) 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. 29, 2012 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

L E A D E R S H I P S TA R K C O U N T Y

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 13

Endorsed by leadership of both political parties, Leadership Stark County’s Government Leadership Academy is perfect for newly elected or appointed government officials, candidates, prospective candidates, or anyone who wants to know more about the political process.

Meeting twice a week for six weeks, the course will cover:

• Leadership skills, styles, and effective decision making

• Economic development opportunities and techniques

• Approved certification on Ohio Ethics Training

• Understanding the media and how to make it work for you

• Communicating and working with citizens

• Regionalization

Classes will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 4 to 6 p.m., beginning Feb. 9 and concluding Mar. 22.

Tuition is $395. Early Bird Special: $350 for applications received by January 10. Partial tuition assistance is available for representatives of government, education or non-profit sectors. Apply online at LeadershipStarkCounty.org by Jan. 21.

Mike Lynch, Nimishillen Township

Trustee made a recommendation,

passed by the trustees, that “because

this is such an outstanding program”

the township pay for any trustees

who wish to attend the Government

Leadership Academy.

Government Leadership Academy applications available now!

Leadership Stark County’s Civility in Politics ForumJoin us on Thursday, Dec. 1, for breakfast and a “civilized” discussion of Civility in Politics. John Green, director of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at The University of Akron, will present “Partisanship: Have We Gone Too Far?”at Leadership Stark County’s Civility in Politics Forum, held at North Canton Medical Foundation from 8:15 a.m. to noon.

In addition to Green’s presentation, breakout sessions include: Working Across the Aisle, with Tom Bernabei, Stark County Commissioner, and Bill Currin, Mayor of Hudson

Social Media in Politics, presented by Trina Cutter, CEO, Western Reserve Public Media, and Jeff Gauger, executive editor, The Repository.

Sponsored by The Ralph and Mary Regula Center for Public Service and Civic Engagement at the University of Mount Union.

Thursday, Dec. 18:15 a.m. to noonNorth Canton Medical Foundation6046 Whipple Ave. NWin North CantonCost: $15, includes breakfastRegister online at 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 E

We’re extremely excited to be planning and implementing the first annual Yuletide Breakfast Fest, to be held on Dec. 17 at the Canton Civic Center. The goal of this ystark! special holiday event is to provide 80 new bikes and helmets for foster children in our community. We’re happy to be partnering with a wonderful agency, Pathway Caring for Children, to provide bikes to the kids that they support every day.

The newly purchased bikes and helmets will be distributed at a surprise holiday breakfast where the children and families will gather to play games and learn about how physical activity can lead to a healthy lifestyle.

To help us reach this goal, we are asking ystark! members for their support of this awesome program. You can go online to make a donation to count towards a bike, or, if you’d like to purchase the bike yourself, please email ystark@cantonchamber.org and we can give you the gender and age of a child that you will be purchasing this holiday surprise for. The average cost of a bike is about $50.

We guarantee you will be helping put a big smile on the faces of these kids. So, play Santa along with us and donate a little green to this good cause!

Interested in volunteering to help with this event? Email ystark@cantonchamber.org!

The ystark! Yuletide Breakfast Fest is supported by Chesapeake Energy, along with Aultman Health Foundation and The City of Canton.

Saturday, Dec. 179 to 11 a.m.Canton Memorial Civic Center1101 Market Ave. Nin downtown CantonGo online to ystark.orgto volunteer or donate!

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Y S TA R K !

Enjoy mixing and mingling with friends at one of the county’s finest establishments, Brookside Country Club, at the December ystark! Monthly Meet-Up. We’ll be hanging in the charming, yet oh-so-masculine Men’s Grill for the evening. If you’re feeling a little lucky, you can sit at the lounge tables, which will be outfitted with poker, euchre and other card games. Or, if cards aren’t your thing, watch a game on TV

and enjoy complimentary appetizers and munchies and a drink from the cash bar.

This will be a fun, festive and relaxing evening – the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season! Please join us for our final ystark! event of the year as we lift our glasses to toast to a great 2011!

Register at www.ystark.org.

Thursday, Dec. 155:30 to 7:30 p.m. Brookside Country Club1800 Canton Ave. NW in CantonFREE eventRSVP by Dec. 13

Mix, mingle and toast to a great year with ystark!

We’re playing Santa this holiday and you can help! YSTARK! YULETIME BREAKFAST FEST

Y S TA R K !Young Entrepreneur Snapshot

Editor’s note: In keeping with ystark!’s mission – to attract, retain and ENGAGE talented young people in Stark County – ACTION will feature monthly snapshots of outstanding young entrepreneurs throughout 2011.

Name: Elizabeth Jacob

Age: 32

Company Name: Yellow Finch Designs and The Vintage Letter

How did you come up with the idea for your business/product/service? I’ve always had an interest in the arts. From a very young age, I can remember taking art classes at the Canton Art Museum and working with several of different mediums. In high school, I started making simple beaded necklaces and bracelets. It really wasn’t until after college that I branched out and took an interest in making jewelry. I continued to bead away and visit the local bead shop on a weekly basis. After my first child, my husband Jon looked at me one night and said if you’re going to continue to spend as much money as you do on beads perhaps you should take it to the next level….and that was it! My husband has been very supportive on this jewelry journey. As for my “vintage finds” I have always enjoyed things from the past. As an English major, I love to think about the history and story behind each unique piece. I also like to think I’m rescuing these great finds and finding a new home for them where they will be admired and loved.

Which attributes best define you as an entrepreneur?Having a background in sales has given me an understanding and appreciation of small and large businesses. I am a very driven individual with a creative touch, which makes me think outside of the box. When you open your own business, you are putting yourself out there and everything on the line, which drives you to become a better professional.

Why have you chosen Canton as your home base? I was born and raised here in Canton so I like to think that my roots have always been here with my family and friends. After graduating from college, I was like any young, eager professional. I wanted to travel and experience the big city. I never made it to the big city but I found my husband, a great job and a home here in Canton.

How have the amenities of Stark County contributed to your success?Stark County is full of resources that help

emerging business leaders in our community. Stark County is also very supportive of the arts, which has helped my business grow. From events such as First Friday, Art is Alive, Taste of Canton and Vintage Canton, I have been able to set up and display my work. By displaying my work at such events, I am able to promote my website and direct more traffic towards my site.

Why is having a strong YP community important for your business?The YP community is my target audience so it’s very important to me that this community is strong and united. The best marketing for my business is word of mouth, which can easily be passed along in this close YP community.

What are your thoughts on ystark!?ystark! is a great organization! It reaches out to YPs and invites them to become a part of Stark County and our community. It creates leaders and relationships. It expands businesses and encourages growth. I am looking forward to my personal growth with this fantastic organization.

What advice would you give to YPs who share your entrepreneurial streak but are just getting started?Stay focused and organized. When you are first starting out you have a blank canvas to create your own concepts and business ideals. It’s important to have a strong business plan and to keep it on hand. You will constantly refer to it, update and change it as necessary. Also, make sure you are reaching out to all resources available. Social media is a great tool but so it becoming active in your community. Talk to those around you and get to know your future customers.

What’s next for you?I am currently in the process of creating a new jewelry line, which I hope to roll out after the new year. I always like to create something different and unique and I feel it was time to give Yellow Finch Designs a makeover. I am extremely excited about this work and look forward to transforming my drawings into actual jewelry pieces.

My other business, The Vintage Letter, is also getting a makeover. While I love shopping and searching for great vintage finds, I’ve decided to focus on vintage baby clothing. I have some great pieces that will be in my shop soon. Not only is vintage baby clothing fashionable and unique, but it’s also a great way to be eco-friendly, which is very important to me and my lifestyle.

In the meantime, you can always find me over on my blog where I write about my daily adventures in life (www.yellowfinch.blogspot.com).

For more information about Yellow Finch Designs and The Vintage Letter, visit her online shops at YellowFinchDesigns.Etsy.com and TheVintageLetter.etsy.com.

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 17

M E M B E R S H I P D I R E C T O R Y

The annual Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory will be mailed to all members next month. This convenient resource provides our valued members with descriptions of key Chamber divisions and cross-referenced listings of your fellow Chamber members. Your 2012 go-to

guide will provide valuable contact information right at your fingertips.

Be sure to check your mailbox for your Membership Directory in January, and as always, visit CantonChamber.org and click on “Business Directory” to access the online directory anytime.

2012 Chamber Membership Directory to arrive next month!

S TA R K C O U N T Y S A F E T Y C O U N C I LFinal SCSC Luncheon to focus on past year and look to the future

The last Stark County Safety Council Luncheon of the year will be held on Thursday, Dec. 8. The luncheon will provide a review of 2011 issues and focus on plans and issues for 2012. The luncheon presentation will be made by the SCSC steering committee and committee chairman Susan Walters, who will head up the Stark County Safety Council for the second year of her two-year term in 2012.

Also at the final luncheon, the SCSC will host a Toys For Tots Holiday Toy Drive. Many children in our community will not get the items on their wish lists this holiday season. Bring some holiday happiness to these children by donating NEW, UNWRAPPED toys at the December luncheon. You’ll help make a difference for these needy children and their families, plus you’ll be entered for a chance to win exciting door prizes! Be sure to get your company involved with the Holiday Toy Drive – the company who donates the most new, unwrapped toys will receive a FREE SEASON PASS for the 2012 SCSC Luncheon Series and will receive a certificate of appreciation from the SCSC.

SCSC has eighth-greatest Bureau of Workers’ Compensation SavingsAs we close out this year, it is important

to note that the Stark County Safety Council’s efforts in the fiscal year 2011 yielded a total of $219,309.78 in discounts on workers’ compensation premium costs for member employers. According to the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, close to 3,000 employers statewide received a total of $6,274,456.17 in savings for participating in the program. Stark County Safety Council provided the eighth-greatest savings of any Ohio’s 81 safety councils.

The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Division of Safety and Hygiene sponsors the safety councils, which chambers of commerce, trade and manufacturing associations, American Red Cross chapters or other local safety-minded groups organize. Safety councils inform participants of new safety techniques, products and services, and provide a thorough knowledge of topics, including occupational safety and health, workers’ compensation and risk management education.

Visit www.CantonChamber.org to register for December’s Luncheon. Representatives from the U.S. Marine Corp. Toys for Tots Foundation will be on hand at the luncheon to accept your generous toy donations!

Thursday, Dec. 811:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.Meyer’s Lake Ballroom3218 Parkway St. Canton 44708Cost: $16Reservations are requiredRSVP by Dec. 5

H O T B U S I N E S S O N T H E B U R N E R

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 19

Investors want to know that their financial advisor is focused on helping them meet their long-term goals without any conflicts of interest. That’s the promise that Buttonwood Advisors makes. As a fiduciary advisor, they have the legal duty to place your interests before their own. At Buttonwood, there are no commissions, the advisors are 100 percent fee based and there are no proprietary funds. When you’re with Buttonwood, they will buy or sell whatever is in your best interest.

Buttonwood Advisors was founded in 2009, and their three staff investment advisors have over 25 years of experience in the financial industry. Their mission is to build investor confidence in the Stock Exchange by putting a high emphasis on trust, knowledge, confidence and continuing education of the financial industry. They provide awareness and knowledge to investors through client communication.

“We want our clients to know that you don’t have to be fully invested 100 percent of the time to do well in the market,” said Charlene Dombrowski, investment advisor for Buttonwood.

“Ours is a highly disciplined, rules-based process that takes the emotion out of making investment decisions.”

For more information about Buttonwood, visit them online at www.ButtonwoodAdvisors.net, or contact Charlene Dombrowski at (330) 494-2899 or charlene@buttonwoodadvisors.net.

Buttonwood Advisors is a Registered Investment Adviser.

Buttonwood Advisors, LLCDECEMBER HOT BUSINESS ON THE BURNER

Want to see your business featured here? Come to our

monthly Stir After Hours Small Business Networking

series for your chance!

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

N E W M E M B E R SWELCOME to our newest members, who joined Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce in October. We encourage you to patronize their businesses. If you know of other businesses that would benefit from Chamber membership, please contact the Membership Department at (330) 458-2067.

Adams Signs & Graphics Company (SIGNS)RickCain1100IndustrialAve.SWMassillon,OH44648(330)832-9844www.adamsigns.comArcis Technology Group, Inc. (TECHNOLOGYSERVICES&SOLUTIONS)ChaddSommers12856LincolnWayNWMassillon,OH44647(877)357-6084www.arcistg.comCandle Coach (BUSES-CHARTER)HowardParks4119GrandDriveNWCanton,OH44708(330)455-4444www.candlecoachllc.comCleveland Cavaliers-Canton NBA D-League (BASKETBALL-PROFESSIONAL)ScottWoodruff1101MarketAve.NCanton,OH44702(330)489-5992www.CantonNBA.comH & R Block (TAXRETURNPREPARATION)LoriHenderson3816WTuscarawasSt.Canton,OH44708(330)478-1040www.hrblock.comHonaker & Company, LLC (CONSTRUCTION-INTERIOR&EXTERIOR-COMMERCIAL&RESIDENTIAL)Wm.DaleHonaker4600GriffithsCircleNorthLawrence,OH44666(330)806-6642

JCPENNEY (DEPARTMENTSTORES)StoreManager4300WTuscarawasSt.Canton,OH44708(330)477-8111www.jcpenney.comJohnny’s Sleep Logic Mattress Company (MATTRESSES)JohnMMatthes5159DresslerRd.Canton,OH44718(330)526-8460www.johnnysmattress.comJW Color (PRINTERS-LARGEFORMAT)AmandaAnderson663ErieStreetSouthMassillon,OH44646(330)834-3570www.jwcolor.comKonica Minolta Business Solutions (OFFICEEQUIPMENT-SALES&SERVICE)PeteGori9150SouthHillsBlvd.,Ste.100BroadviewHeights,OH44147(440)627-6605www.kmbs.konicaminolta.us

Lisa’s Busy Bee Errand Service (ERRANDSERVICE)LisaMillerPOBox423CanalFulton,OH44614(330)224-2539www.lisasbusybees.comM Squared Specialties, LLC (GREETINGCARDS&GIFTS,ADVERTISINGSPE-CIALTIES,PROMOTIONALPRODUCTS,APPAREL)MarkMennell5090RootRd.Spencer,OH44275(330)416-3186www.msquaredspecialties.com

Nationwide - Davis Agency (INSURANCE)KimDavis110W.LisbonSt.Waynesburg,OH44688(330)866-3344Ohio Paper Tube (MANUFACTURERS)EdithDickinson3422NavarreRd.SWCanton,OH44706(330)478-5171www.ohiopapertube.com

Old Dominion Freight Line Inc. (TRUCKINGSERVICES)DonBenner3970CommerceSt.SWCanton,OH44706(330)484-4198www.odfl.comPowell Chiropractic Clinic (CHIROPRACTICPHYSICIANSD.C)AmyMarceric4867MunsonSt.NWCanton,OH44718(330)494-5533www.powellchiropractic.comPowell Health and Wellness Clinic (NATUROPATHIC-HEALTH&WELLNESS-WEIGHTLOSS)AmyMarceric4867MunsonSt.NWCanton,OH44718(330)494-5533www.powellchiropractic.comSassy Delight Gourmet Adult Lollipops (CONFECTIONS-RETAILSALES)RebeccaWeifordPOBox36024Canton,OH44735(330)492-3356Sisters Shopping on a Shoestring (COUPONING)Sara&LisaSteigerwaldCanton,OH44708www.sistersshoppingonashoestring.com

Thompson Entertainment (DISCJOCKEY)LarryThompson,Jr.3606ClevelandAve.S.Canton,OH44707(888)482-4594www.thompsonentertainment.com

Vows To Remember (WEDDINGS-CEREMONIES)LarryThompson3606ClevelandAveS.Canton,OH44707(888)482-4594www.vowstoremember.com

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

B I Z B I T ZPaul White, owner of the Medicine Center & Medicine Shoppe Pharmacies in Stark and Tuscarawas Counties, has gained national recognition from the National Community Pharmacists Association with a feature in their monthly magazine, America’s Pharmacist. The pharmacies came to the attention of America’s Pharmacist after developing the radio show “Health Matters with the Medicine Center Pharmacy” featured on News-Talk 1480. The Medicine Center & Medicine Shoppe Pharmacies have been offering prescriptions, flu, pneumonia & shingles vaccinations, vitamins, diabetic supplies, mastectomy supplies, ostomy supplies and home medical equipment since 1976. The Medicine Center & Medicine Shoppe Pharmacies are located in Canton, Louisville, Minerva and New Philadelphia. Visit medshoprx.com to read more.

Hammontree & Associates, Limited professional engineers, planners and surveyors have expanded the Bridge and Transportation Department and have hired Renee Whittenberger, P.E.. Heather Hammontree, E.I., and Jen Kelley, E.I. Whittenberger is a University of Akron graduate and has over 10 years of experience in bridge and transportation design, including trails, railroads and major interstates. Hammontree is a University of Florida graduate with a bachelor’s in civil engineering and a master’s in engineering. She is the granddaughter of founder R. James Hammontree, and daughter of CEO Charles Hammontree. She specializes in traffic studies and highway plan design. Kelley is a University of Akron graduate with a bachelor’s and a master’s in civil engineering. She specializes in traffic and highway plan design. Visit hammontree-engineers.com for more information.

Premier Bank & Trust, headquartered in North Canton, was advised that the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”) has removed a regulatory consent order placed on the bank in 2009, when it was known as Ohio Legacy Bank. This action comes 18 months after the appointment of a new management team and the recapitalization of the bank. During 2010, the board of directors and management

implemented changes addressing each of the regulatory issues while establishing the foundation to permit the bank to move forward. In April 2010, the bank was granted fiduciary powers, changed its name to Premier Bank & Trust, and subsequently formed a Wealth Division, not commonly heard of for a bank its size, offering trust services, active asset management, investment and private banking services. The bank grew the Wealth Division to more than $100 million in assets under management in eight months. For more information, visit mypbandtbank.com.

Best Lawyers, a national peer-review publisher, named 32 Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLP attorneys as the best in their respective practice areas in their 2012 edition of Best Lawyers in America. The listing of Buckingham attorneys includes 35 areas of practice, with 20 attorneys receiving recognition in two or more areas. Of the attorneys listed, nine of the 32 have been recognized consecutively for 10 years or more, with three – Robert W. Malone, Patricia A. Pacenta and Orville L. Reed, III – earning 20 or more years of recognition. Best Lawyers compiles lists of outstanding attorneys by conducting exhaustive peer-review surveys in which thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. In the U.S., Best Lawyers publishes an annual referral guide, The Best Lawyers in America, which includes 41,149 attorneys in 126 practice areas, covering all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Canton Preservation Society has announced the sale of personalized bricks for their Memory Courtyard at the Hartung House, located at 131 Wertz Avenue NW in Canton. The bricks are scheduled to be installed in Spring 2012. Each brick will bear a personalized message. This gift will live on in the community and are available for $50 each. The engraved bricks measure 4 inches by 8 inches and include two lines of engraving of 13 characters per line. The Canton Preservation Society is a non-profit group dedicated to the preservation and restoration of structures and neighborhoods. Call (330) 452-9341 for additional information.

Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Stark County (MHRSB) was awarded a $1.5 million grant, one of only 14 awarded in the nation, to provide intensive mental health and alcohol and drug treatment and support services to chronically homeless people. The funds are coming from a CABHI grant (Community Agreement to Benefit Homeless Individuals) from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) of the

Federal government. Coupled with that, the MHRSB will spend another $420,000, and the City of Canton in partnership with Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority will provide $500,000, in housing vouchers bringing the project total to approximately $2.45 million. Project REACH (Recovery and Empowerment Achieved with Community and Housing) is a three year commitment of $740K per year, community-wide effort to help this most vulnerable population. The purpose of the grant is to build upon the success of the Services in Supportive Housing Grants of which the MHRSB is a recipient. This grant supports the development and/or expansion of local implementation and infrastructures that integrate treatment and services for mental and substance use disorders, permanent housing and other critical services for individuals who are chronically homeless through Medicaid and other mainstream programs. To learn more about the work of the MHRSB go to www.starkmhrsb.org.

Stark County District Library was again named a 5 Star Library in 2011 – the top rating – by Library Journal. The LJ Star Index analyzed 7,513 public libraries in the United States, separated libraries by budget, and assigned three, four, or five stars to 262 of them. For the third year in a row, SCDL is among the best libraries in the nation with a 5 Star Library rating. The industry leading magazine analyzes public libraries based upon circulation, program attendance, public computer use, and library visits per capita, and assigns a statistical value. For more information, visit www.starklibrary.org.

The Karcher Group (TKG), a full service Web agency based in North Canton, Ohio, has announced the acquisition of SitesNow, a web design, development and data services company located just outside Cleveland. The acquisition expands TKG’s geographic reach and market share in Northeast Ohio while providing greater depth of Data Services for its clients. The move also benefits SitesNow’s clients, who now gain access to TKG’s full range of services, including web design, web development, data services, and perhaps most notably, web marketing, which consists of search engine optimization, social media, pay per click, content writing and more. SitesNow was founded in 1996 by Bryan Sears. During the company’s 15-year history, Sears and his team built and cultivated one of the area’s most cutting edge and reliable data centers and also developed hundreds of website applications. For more news from The Karcher Group, visit www.tkg.com.

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D E C E M B E R C A L E N D A R

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

Thursday, Dec. 18:15 a.m. to 12p.m.North Canton Medical Foundation6046 Whipple Ave. NWin North CantonCost: $15, includes breakfastRegister online at LeadershipStarkCounty.org

Thursday, Dec. 1 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. 16 Blocks of Downtown Canton fun, mainstage show at Central Plaza FREE! Event

First Friday, Dec. 2 6 to 10 p.m. Downtown Canton Arts District Free!

Thursday, Dec. 811:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.Meyer’s Lake Ballroom3218 Parkway St., Canton 44708Cost: $16Reservations are requiredRSVP by Dec. 5

Friday, Dec. 97 a.m. registration7:30 a.m. programCourtyard by Marriott4375 Metro Cir. in North CantonCost: $18 members$21 members (less than 48 hours in advance)$25 non-membersRSVP by Dec. 7

Tuesday, Dec. 13 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Pete’s Grill & Pizza 401 Cherry Ave. NE in Downtown Canton Cost: $5 RSVP by Dec. 11

Thursday, Dec. 155:30 to 7:30 p.m. Brookside Country Club1800 Canton Ave. NWin CantonFREE eventRSVP by Dec. 13

Saturday, Dec. 179 to 11 a.m.Canton Memorial Civic Center1101 Market Ave. Nin downtown Canton

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Leadership Stark County’s Civility in Politics ForumJoin us on Thursday, Dec. 1, for breakfast and a “civilized” discussion of Civility in Politics. John Green, director of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at The University of Akron, will be the keynote speaker at Leadership Stark County’s Civility in Politics Forum, held at North Canton Medical Foundation from 8:15 a.m. to noon.

Light Up Downtown Tons of Family Fun and Holiday Hoopla! Light Up Downtown, presented by the Canton Development Partnership, a department of the Canton Regional Chamber, returns for another year of downtown family fun. Light Up is your chance to watch 16 city blocks come alive with attractions, entertainment, refreshments and fun for children of all ages. The excitement is happening from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in downtown Canton.

Cookies & Carols First Friday Deck the halls with lots of cookies, fa la la la la! Cookies and Carols First Friday on Dec. 2 will deliver as much joy as you can imagine. Hop from gallery to gallery tasting each one’s specialty cookie to make your taste buds tingle while listening to inviting live holiday music that will make your ears hop with happiness. You can even pickup creative cookie recipes along the way that will help you fill your friends and family with delicious desserts throughout the season. Be sure to plan on shopping as you go, the downtown Canton Arts District offers unique gifts that you can’t find anywhere else, for a price that will make your night.

Final SCSC Luncheon to focus on past year and look to the futureThe last Stark County Safety Council Luncheon of the year will be held on Thursday, Dec. 8. The luncheon will provide a review of 2011 issues and focus on plans and issues for 2012. The luncheon presentation will be made by the SCSC steering committee and committee chairman Susan Walters, who will head up the Stark County Safety Council for the second year of her two-year term in 2012.

Behavioral Health and the WorkplaceDecember AultCare Fast Break BreakfastJoin us for the Aultcare Fast Break Breakfast on Friday, Dec. 9, where Patrice Fetzer and John Aller from Mental Health Recovery Services Board of Stark County will help you demystify behavioral and mental health problems in the workplace. This session will help you engage, encourage and empower your employees and colleagues.

New Gastro Vibe will STIR your appetite at Pete’s Grill & Pizza December Stir After Hours Join us for Stir After Hours at Pete’s Grill and Pizza on Tuesday, Dec. 13. Try some of the restaurant’s 19 microbrew craft beers, seasonal beers and specialty drinks, nosh on their new “gastro pub” menu, and of course, their famous pizza pies! Great entertainment and a chance to win some fabulous door prizes awaits you!

Mix, mingle and toast to a great year with ystark! Enjoy mixing and mingling with friends at one of the county’s finest establishments, Brookside Country Club, at the December ystark! Monthly Meet-Up. We’ll be hanging in the charming, yet oh-so-masculine Men’s Grill for the evening. If you’re feeling a little lucky, you can sit at the lounge tables, which will be outfitted with poker, euchre and other card games.

We’re playing Santa this holiday and you can help!ystark! Yuletide Breakfast FestWe’re extremely excited to be planning and implementing the first annual Yuletide Breakfast Fest, to be held on Dec. 17 at the Canton Civic Center. The goal of this ystark! special holiday event is to provide 80 new bikes and helmets for foster children in our community. We’re happy to be partnering with a wonderful agency, Pathway Caring for Children, to provide bikes to the kids that they support every day. Go online to ystark.org to volunteer or donate!

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Please make reservations for all of our Chamber events online at CantonChamber.org (unless otherwise directed above), or call (330) 458-2070. Thank you for registering in advance!