Dreamers, Drivers, Doers

For growing companies, legal strategy should be part of the plan, not something considered only when problems arise. In this episode, John Hill, Partner at Lewis Brisbois, unpacks common legal missteps businesses make as they scale—from misalignment with partners and not fully understanding governance documents to sticking with outdated processes simply because “that’s how it’s always been done.” He also explores how leaders can misread the impact of AI and why failing to plan for litigation can create real long-term risk. John shares practical guidance to help business leaders build legal awareness into their everyday decision-making.

What happens when a growing business is ready to expand but can't find the right location? Inthis special episode, Elevate Greater Akron (EGA) partners explore site readiness and selection as a core strategy for supporting and coordinating local business growth. Facilitated by EGA partner Jason Dodson (Roetzel & Andress), panelists Camille Billups (Team NEO), Joan Chase (Cuyahoga Land Bank), and Brandy Brady (Summit County) draw on real-world examples, regional data, and available tools to help businesses grow locally with confidence. From site identification and assessment to infrastructure, utilities, and funding mechanisms, the conversation highlights how intentional collaboration through EGA is building a stronger pipeline of ready sites—supporting entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and growing employers across Northeast Ohio.

If students can see it, they can be it. A new partnership between Akron Public Schools and the Greater Akron Chamber at Garfield CLC is connecting students to local industries. In this episode, Marcie Ebright, Director of College & Career Academies, and Clay Cundiff, Academy Coach, discuss how the College & Career Academies model links learning to life after high school, providing expanded access to real-world learning and career pathways. Learn how your business can get involved—from mentoring and mock interviews to guest speaking and hands-on engagement—helping connect classrooms to careers and shape the next generation of talent.

Amidst changing workplace expectations and guidelines, employee resource groups (ERGs) continue to play a vital role in shaping company culture, boosting engagement, and fostering a sense belonging. In this episode, Kevin Clayton, EVP and Chief Impact & Equity Officer at Rock Entertainment Group and the Cleveland Cavaliers, shares how ERGs can be leveraged as a business strategy to drive real business results and community impact. A nationally recognized leader, Kevin draws on his experience advising Fortune 1000 companies to show how embedding inclusion into business strategy builds stronger teams, connects employees, and create lasting organizational and societal value. Kevin also highlights this year’s ERG Summit, "Where Do We Go From Here,” designed to challenge, inspire, and ignite new conversations about ERGs and inclusive leadership: https://ow.ly/I1HI50YzPeS.

In this special episode, we celebrate one of Greater Akron’s most impactful leaders, Dr. Cliff Deveny, Emeritus CEO and Strategic Advisor at Summa Health and the 2026 recipient of the H. Peter Burg Economic Development Leadership Award for his visionary leadership and lasting impact on the region. Under his leadership, Summa Health completed more than $400 million in regional development projects, strengthened strategic partnerships, and embraced innovation while remaining people-focused—positioning the health system for future growth through the HatCo transition and the creation of the Trailhead Community Health Foundation. Tune in as he shares his journey to leadership and his perspective on aligning healthcare with community prosperity.