Vision/Goals

The Canton Development Partnership (Partnership) is the symbol of a brand new day for downtown Canton. The Partnership combines the resources and the initiative of the Chamber, Canton Tomorrow, Inc. (CTI), the City of Canton, Downtown Canton Special Improvement District, Inc. (SID), and the Downtown Canton Land Bank (DCLB) into one outlet to focus on the revitalization of downtown Canton. The organization’s mission is to support and coordinate the activities and programs of its partner organizations listed above in order to encourage and sustain community and economic development in Canton.

With the support of its partners, the Partnership is developing an Urban Design Action Plan strategy focused on enhancing the downtown. The plan is designed to encourage new development, identify potential areas for redevelopment of offices, retail and residential markets and continue the community’s involvement in the planning process. The Partnership hired the Winter & Company consultant team to lead the Master Plan efforts. In addition, the Partnership will develop and sponsor, in cooperation with the Chamber’s Economic Development Department, an interactive website to improve its communications and marketing with not only the local community, but with external interested investors from outside the area as well. The Partnership helps businesses flourish in Canton’s unique environment. We maintain a current downtown master plan and implementation strategy.

The mission of the Canton/Stark County Convention & Visitors’ Bureau is to attract, orient, and serve visitors and to educate local residents and initiate projects and programs which promote and grow tourism.

We must continue an aggressive sales and marketing program to secure convention-holding organizations, sporting events, and motorcoach tours to the Stark County area, and to offer the highest possible level of service to these organizations, thus insuring their desire to return to our community.

We must also insure that the Bureau represents the entire county on an equal basis with courtesy and professionalism to each of these organizations and events.

The Chamber’s Economic Development Department aggressively promotes new business growth throughout our market area. By aiding in the expansion of existing companies, relocating new companies to the area and fostering new business start ups, new investment and accompanying jobs will result, positively impacting the community’s economy. The Chamber will continue it’s active assistance to Canton’s successful annexation effort. Finally, the Economic Development Committee that was organized in 2001 has embarked on a comprehensive program of work including developing the Mills Business Park, launching SYNCHRONIST a business retention and expansion tool, and initiating a "Brain Gain" program to help retain and attract young, well educated professionals to the community. The committee is also actively engaged in workforce development efforts and is planning a new program aimed at small and medium sized companies involved in manufacturing.

As part of the Chamber’s legislative affairs initiative, we will continue to enhance relationships with our elected officials. In addition, the Chamber will actively track legislation and afford our members the opportunity to communicate their views.

Close attention will be paid to the chamber’s internal operating systems including the computer and finance areas. Efforts continue to effectively manage all aspects of the new human resource program.

Leadership Stark County’s objective is to develop a core of motivated leaders with a lifelong commitment to community trusteeship through training in leadership skills and education about the community.

Each year, a diverse group of 30 – 36 individuals are selected to participate in the Leadership Stark County program, which runs for thirteen months. It begins with a two and one half day orientation retreat in September with workshops that focus on Stark County history, strengths and challenges; team building; leadership styles; listening; values and personal mission. Following the retreat, the class participates in ten program days, scheduled on the second Thursday of each month, with opportunities to tour sites pertinent to the topic all across Stark County. In January, class members get in small groups to develop community service projects that involve asset building. Total time per month is generally less than two days.

Volunteer committees comprised of community leaders plan the retreat and each individual program day. They organize interactive sessions that educate participants about issues in the community and encourage leadership skill development.

Upon completion of the community service projects, the class gathers one last time to review what they have experienced, and discuss boardsmanship, fundraising, and community involvement. The session culminates with a graduation celebration that includes family and friends.

Tuition for the program is $2000 and covers approximately half of the costs. The balance of the funding comes from sponsorships and the annual operating fund drive that is generously supported by the Leadership Stark County Board of Trustees, alumni association and area businesses. Scholarship support is provided through a Scholarship Endowment Fund established at the Stark Community Foundation and by a grant from the Deuble Foundation.

Membership in the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce drives the core organization, which in turn, provides benefits member businesses cannot get elsewhere, as well as alternative revenue streams for the Chamber. As Chamber members, businesses can participate in members-only programs and realize savings on workers’ compensation, health care insurance and shipping. Understanding that technology is our future, the Chamber is developing a new, state-of-the-art website designed to provide its members with even more promotional opportunities and exposure.

The Marketing team serves all internal departments of the Chamber, providing graphic, communications, marketing and media support as needed and works closely with each department to develop the most effective marketing for ultimate project and/or event success.

With the aid of hundreds of volunteers, the core Chamber produces over 100 successful events each year, in addition to those produced by its internal departments. From downtown street festivals to safety-related seminars, these events are designed to educate, recognize and entertain members and non-members alike, and provide members with a variety of ways to both network and promote their businesses through sponsorship.

It is a privilege for our team of more than 4,200 volunteers and seven staff members to work in a cooperative spirit to meet the Festival's mission statement: To work in a spirit of cooperation with the Pro Football Hall of Fame to annually organize and present the Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival in order to celebrate the induction of new Enshrinees, to encourage continuing support for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Museum, provide a positive economic impact, and promote the spirit of our community and its people.

The Festival celebrates its 44th anniversary in 2007, a milestone made possible only through the high level of commitment and sjupport received from volunteers, sponsors, community leaders, governmental entities, other Chamber departments, local citizens, and our partners at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A year-long planning process will culminate July 27 through August 5 when nearly 700,000 people will enjoy 15 events in 10 action-packed days.