Cultivating Growth embodies the Chamber’s enduring commitment to economic and community development. This initiative emphasizes collaboration and innovation to strengthen our regional economic ecosystem. Over the years, our strategies have evolved to meet the dynamic needs of our business community. Just as economic development looked different in 1914 than it did in 2024, it will continue to evolve through 2025 and beyond.

With the support of community leaders, the Chamber has identified three strategic priorities to guide our efforts from 2025 to 2030:

Regionalism: Break down barriers to regional collaboration across Stark and adjacent counties by building stronger connections to other chambers, business associations, community organizations, and government entities.

Workforce Development: Help attract, retain, and develop the workforce our employers need by partnering with regional educational institutions, economic development organizations, government entities, and community groups to design and implement innovative programs and initiatives.

Economic Development: Facilitate direct economic development support to Chamber members, especially for businesses in the non-traded-goods sector, by connecting them to grants, incentives, financing, and other resources to fuel their growth.

Our five-year plan outlines a roadmap to drive success in these key areas. By diligently implementing these goals, we will deliver measurable progress year over year. As we transition into the next era of Cultivating Growth, we are committed to transparency and collaboration.

Cultivating Growth investors meet quarterly to discuss these topics. These exclusive sessions offer insights into our progress, highlight quarterly accomplishments, and provide a forum for investors to provide their questions and input. The meeting dates for 2025 are as follows:

January 23 at 11 a.m.
April 24 at 11 a.m.
July 17 at 11 a.m.
October 23 at 11 a.m.

All Cultivating Growth investors are recognized on our website, in our newsletter, and featured in marketing materials, announcements, events, and programs related to advancing regionalism, workforce development, and economic development. Their investment directly provides the resources we need to achieve our ambitious goals.

If you are interested in becoming a Cultivating Growth investor, please contact Melinda McNutt 440-855-9097.

Together, we can cultivate a stronger, more prosperous future for our community.

CLICK HERE to learn more about our five-year plan.