Ep. 126 - Workforce Upskilling Made Easy: Ohio TechCred and the Future of Manufacturing Talent
As workforce needs continue to evolve across Ohio, the Ohio TechCred program remains a critical tool for helping employers close skill gaps and invest in their teams. In this episode, Jean Barbato, Senior Manager of the Manufacturing Sector Partnership at ConxusNEO, explains how businesses can take advantage of TechCred to receive up to $2,000 per employee for tech-focused credentials—up to $180,000 annually. With the July application window now open, this conversation is a timely look at how Northeast Ohio organizations can use TechCred to grow their workforce, retain talent, and remain competitive in today’s economy.
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Ep. 125 - Popping with Potential: Downtown Cuyahoga Falls on the Rise
Downtown Cuyahoga Falls is full of flavor... and not just from the popcorn. Kaylee Piper of the Downtown Cuyahoga Falls Partnership and Brent Vanfossen, owner of Metropolis Popcorn, join Dreamers, Drivers, Doers to talk about the city’s downtown revival. From DORA and the Riverloop Project, to small business growth and 50+ popcorn flavors, hear how local energy, investment, and creativity are transforming the Falls into a must-visit destination.
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Ep. 124 - Selling Akron to the World: Gregg Cramer’s Economic Mission
What do the White House, global trade shows, and Akron’s economic revival have in common? Gregg Cramer. In this episode of Dreamers, Drivers, Doers, Gregg reflects on his 18-year legacy at the Greater Akron Chamber, where he helped launch the “Akron USA” movement and brought global attention and investment to the region. From retaining giants like Goodyear to pitching Akron’s potential overseas, Gregg shares how strategic partnerships, persistence, and long-term vision have shaped the region’s future, and how he’s continuing that work in his new role at Green Harvest Capital.
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Ep. 123 - Economic Development through Community Investment
When Zac Kohl bought his East Akron home for $4,500, he wasn’t just investing in property—he was planting roots in a neighborhood he believed in. Years later, that belief has grown into a movement, with community development, housing restoration, and now adynamic new food hall at the heart of it all in this episode of Dreamers, Drivers, Doers, Zac, Executive Director of The Well CDC, joins Barry Dunaway to talk with Steve Millard about transforming Middlebury through local ownership, economic reinvestment, and restoring pride in place. From teaching neighbors how to care for their homes to creating a rooftop gathering space with purpose, this is a story of what’s possible when people build with a community—not just in one.
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Ep. 122 - Navigating Growth and Change with Chuck Mullen of Eide Bailly
What’s holding business leaders back from expanding, innovating, or taking that next big leap? For Chuck Mullen, it often comes down to fear—and he’s here to challenge it. Chuck, Partner and Great Lakes Market Leader at Eide Bailly, joins Steve Millard for a candid conversation on how to lead through uncertainty, navigate mergers, and build trust in a changing world. Drawing from 20+ years in public accounting, Chuck shares what’s stayed the same—and what absolutely hasn’t—when it comes to scaling a business.
Want to discover the personalities, leaders, and voices who are making things happen and making a difference in our region? Welcome to Dreamers, Drivers, and Doers, where Greater Akron Chamber CEO and President Steve Millard engages in conversations with business owners, influencers, and government officials to discover what makes a group of people come together, the possibilities on a local and regional level, and the potential of an area that pulls together. Fascinating journeys, strong opinions, unique perspectives, and a behind-the-scenes look at some of the business and legislative initiatives that are the heartbeat of our community.
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