Dreamers, Drivers, Doers

Fresh off the National Science Foundation’s announcement of up to $160 million to support the NEO-SMART Engine, Steve Millard sits down with NEO-SMART CEO Nick Barendt and Hans Dorfi, Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer of the Polymer Industry Cluster, to discuss what could be a transformational moment for Northeast Ohio. Building on Akron’s legacy as the Rubber Capital of the World, decades of materials expertise, and years of collaboration through the Polymer Industry Cluster, EDA Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub, and Ohio Innovation Hub designations, the region has laid the foundation for national leadership in advanced materials. The conversation explores how the CHIPS and Science Act created the opportunity for this investment, why NEO-SMART is focused on polymers, chemicals and coatings, and metals, and how these industries are critical to strengthening America’s manufacturing competitiveness, economic security, and domestic supply chains. They also discuss the momentum behind this landmark award and how NEO-SMART is poised to attract investment, create jobs, accelerate innovation, and position Northeast Ohio as a driving force in the next era of economic growth for both the region and the nation. Learn more at neosmartengine.org.

At some point, every founder has to ask: am I just running a business, or actually building something that lasts? Recorded live at the Greater Akron Chamber’s inaugural Business Growth Symposium on June 12, 2026, this special episode brings together leaders who’ve seen firsthand what makes companies strong, scalable, and ready for what’s next. Moderated by Dan Hampu, President & CEO of Burton D. Morgan Foundation, the panel features John Lubinski (Hanna Commercial Real Estate / Hanna Business Advisors), Anna Luczkow (Lewis Brisbois), and Brad Martyn (Focus CFO). Together, they unpack how stronger systems, clear structure, and scalable operations build value beyond revenue. Because whether you plan to sell your business or not, the same principles apply—companies built with intention create more value over time.

What does it actually look like to use AI inside a growing business? Recorded live at the Greater Akron Chamber’s inaugural Business Growth Symposium on June 12, 2026, this special episode features a candid conversation with leaders who aren’t just talking about AI—they’re actively using it to drive results. Moderated by Jay Mellon, President of ATNETPLUS, panelists Mike McGill (Medical Service Co.), Rob Buchwald (AI Institute Akron), and Britney Trafis (Soarion Digital) share how they’re applying AI across marketing, hiring, finance, and customer engagement. And just as important, they talk through what didn’t work and how they moved past early roadblocks to scale their efforts.

Get an inside look at how the next wave of polymer solutions is taking shape and the people drivingit forward. This special episode features a clip from an Elevate Greater Akron webinar centeredonthe region’s “Global Polymer Capital” priority.Hans Dorfi,Executive Director and Chief InnovationOfficer of the Polymer Industry Cluster (PIC), sets the conversation witha look at the region’sstrategy, followed by a panel led by Jessica Sublett,President and CEO of Bounce Innovation Hubof Bounce Innovation Hub, featuring Dr. James Eagan (University of Akron), Isaiah Kaiser(AuxiliumHealth), Katie Kelley (ARDL), and Erin Spring (The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company).Together, they share how ideas move from research to real-world impact through startup support,R&D investment, and strong regional partnerships. More info at polymerindustrycluster.org.

Supporting brain health at work starts with awareness, action, and the right resources. Steve Millard sits down with Lindsay Walker, State Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association in Ohio, to discuss the growing impact of Alzheimer’s on employees, families, and employers. Together, they explore how workplaces can become more brain-healthy, why early detection matters, and what business leaders should know about supporting team members navigating a diagnosis or caregiving responsibilities. Lindsay also shares resources available at alz.org/resources and explains the policy push behind the Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention Act (alzimpact.org).