Meet ystark! YP: Andrea Hartman

Name:

Andrea Hartman

Age:

28

Occupation/Title/Place of work:

Director of Marketing, Gervasi Vineyard

Why are you interested in Stark County’s Young Professionals initiative?

The Canton community is very unique because of the many leaders that take pride into making Canton even better. As young professionals we will one day be charged to make the Canton community better for others. We need to enhance and maintain the amazing talent that is already in Stark county!

What would you share to encourage other people to join?

ystark! is a great organization to join not only to get involved in the community but, to also meet some amazing professionals. There is so much talent in Stark county especially with the ystark! organization. It is a great way to meet others and earn some valuable advice when it comes to the community and the work force.

Did you grow up in Stark? If so, where? If not, where did you move from and why?

I grew up in Stark county. I graduated from Jackson High School and went to Pennsylvania State University where I received a bachelor's degree in Public Relations. I took a real interest to Penn State's athletic programs and knew I wanted to continue a career in athletics or professional sports. I realized to accomplish this goal of mine, moving back to Canton was going to be the right choice for me.

Why do you stay in Stark County, from both a personal and professional point of view?

I decided to come back to Stark county for a few reasons. First and foremost, my family was still in Stark county. I am very close to my family and knew that was an important factor for me. Also, my friends were all making their way back to Stark county after college. When I am not with my family I am enjoying time with my close friends. Last but not least, when I graduated and starting looking for a job I found out about the event manager position for the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce with its Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival. Joanne Murray and Chris Gumpp took a huge chance on me and I am so thankful. My career choice has been one that has been very rewarding to me. I have met amazing individuals and community partners that I value everyday when I come to work.

What do you like MOST about Stark County?

I like that there is always something to do. Whether it is going out to dinner at the great restaurants we have or coming downtown to catch a movie at the Palace Theater, there is truly something for everyone. Our community is different from others I have seen. We have something to offer for everyone. If you log onto Facebook and check the events happening on any given weekend you will come up with a wide variety of events and activities that appeal to any hobby. Our restaurants and bars are one of a kind and really make Stark county unique. I would be remiss if I did not mention the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival! What other city do you know that can host a wide variety of events within three weeks and attract thousands from across the United States to celebrate football's greats? That is a huge accomplishment for Stark county if you ask me!

What would you change about Stark County if you could?

I would like to change the sometimes negative opinions of Stark county. There are still some naysayers in the community and I feel that is because of the lack of communication or education to those individuals. With better communication we can demonstrate everything the community has to offer. I also feel there is a lack of volunteerism with young professionals. I would love to see that change with our community.

What do you see as valuable opportunities for YPs in Stark County when it comes to career opportunities, cultural access, leadership or community involvement opportunities?

I see a current shift in our companies and organizations as the current leaders are beginning to retire and incorporate their succession plans. This is an opportunity for our youth to begin to learn the values of leadership and training as they enter the next phases of their careers. There are also many non-profit and volunteer organizations in our community that offer the opportunity for young professionals to become engaged and leaders of these organizations. There is a current interest in young professionals and the opinions of young professionals has become very important because it is fresh and new ideas that will move the community forward.

What would attract more YPs to Stark County?

I think communication about what the county has to offer. I feel that there are young professionals who aren't aware of everything they county has to offer. Encouraging those who currently live in the county to get out and educate others would be very helpful!

What do you do in the evenings or on the weekends for fun in Stark County or NE Ohio?

I enjoy staying healthy and trying new activities to maintain a healthy lifestyle. There are many new gyms, yoga studios, and activities in the community to promote a healthy lifestyle. Yoga Strong, Barrefly, and the Paul and Carol David YMCA are are few of my favorite gyms. I recently joined the Friends of the Children's Network board. This non-profit organization that helps children and families who have been abused. Being apart of this organization has made me appreciate my childhood and challenged me to help those children who are hurting. On the weekends I enjoy going out to dinner with my friends. We enjoy going to Table Six, 91, Willow Bistro, or Gervasi.

Could you see yourself spending your lifetime in Stark County and if not, what would cause you to leave?

Yes, I do see myself staying in Stark county for my lifetime. I would like to one day get married and start a family and I think we have some of the best schools in the state of Ohio. Attending a large university I was well prepared and have to give credit to Jackson High School for preparing me for that next stage of my education. I feel our community especially the work force are very family friendly. Friends and family are the forefront of Stark county and that is very important to me. There is so much to do whether it is with your friends or family including children that there would be no need for me to leave the community.