A Long Legacy of Innovation Generates New Investment, Opportunities In Greater Akron

A region built on the tire plays on its strengths and reinvents itself as a research juggernaut.

Museum Paints Community Pride

A $35 million addition to the Akron Art Museum not only brought new life to a cultural mainstay, it also helped turn around a city neighborhood.

Cuyahoga Valley Is a Scenic Wonderland

For city slickers with a love for nature, the Akron region offers the perfect solution - Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Green Energy Firms Take Root in Greater Akron

Green energy businesses are sprouting up all across Greater Akron, and the region’s entrepreneurial culture is serving the fledgling industry well.

A Long Legacy of Innovation Generates New Investment, Opportunities In Greater Akron
Museum Paints Community Pride
Cuyahoga Valley Is a Scenic Wonderland
Green Energy Firms Take Root in Greater Akron
1 2 3 4

Video

Akron in Pictures

Enjoy the best of Akron in this photo montage.

View this Video Larger More Videos

Partner

Welcome to the online edition of Greater Akron Economic Development Guide, which takes an informed look at residential and business life in the Greater Akron area. The Greater Akron Economic Development Guide is sponsored by the Greater Akron Chamber.

Living and Working in Greater Akron

Greater Akron, comprised of Summit, Portage and Medina counties, is the economic and cultural hub of the 4 million-population Northeastern Ohio region. Greater Akron is home to more than 21,000 companies, including more than 150 Fortune 500 companies. Building on its heritage of rubber and tire production, it has transformed itself into a world-class center for research and development in a variety of leading-edge industries, including polymers, liquid-crystal development and biomedicine and health. Its superior quality of life includes higher education and research powerhouses the University of Akron and Kent State University, as well as a vibrant downtown and distinct neighborhoods, rich cultural offerings, proximity to outdoor recreation destinations such as Cuyahoga Valley National Park and access to major league sports in baseball, football, basketball and pro golf have made Greater Akron a magnet for jobs and investment.
Transportation
Cost, Convenience Make Traffic Soar at Akron-Canton Airport
Akron-Canton Airport is D.C.-bound. US Airways added daily nonstop service between Akron and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in 2009, another significant achievement in what was another FULL ARTICLE
Industry Spotlight
Akron Region Creates Bio Powerhouse
From manufacturing to financial services to technology, Greater Akron has proven itself adept at marshaling its assets to place itself on the edge of emerging trends. Through a unique collaboration FULL ARTICLE
Innovation
Akron Gets New Bounce from Polymer Research
If anything you own contains poly­ester, if you enjoy affordable faux leather furniture or sport carpet anywhere in your home, it’s likely you’re holding a little piece of Akron in your day-to-day FULL ARTICLE

Success Stories

Greater Akron Offers the Sporting Life
Sporting events are part of the social and recreational fabric of Greater Akron. Here are just a few examples: King James The Cleveland Browns of the FULL ARTICLE
Akron Region Boasts Strong Network of Care
A commitment to high-quality health care doesn’t end at the Akron city limits. In addition to its facilities in Akron, Summa Health System operates FULL ARTICLE
Akron Draws Entrepreneurs, Young Professionals
It would seem as if Heather Barnes is already too busy. She is a married mother of three, a patent attorney with law firm Brouse McDowell and on the FULL ARTICLE
Greater Akron Health Systems Give Booster Shot to Economy
Whether it’s for nationally recognized expertise and treatments or the sheer volume of employees and their related economic impact, Greater Akron’s FULL ARTICLE

Digital Magazine

Read the 2010 edition of Greater Akron Economic Development Guide. Using ActiveMagazine technology, you can flip through the actual pages of the Greater Akron Economic Development Guide on your computer screen.
On a Roll
Bioneers in Biotech
The Next Big Idea
A Bounce in Its Step
New Clarity in Crystal
Second Act

Demographics

Visit our Demographics page for a comprehensive resource of statistics, numbers and data that are key to the region's business and economy.