• Portage Development Board Updates & Events

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    Our Mission
    The Portage Development Board will create and retain jobs by coordinating economic development activities that encourage retention, expansion and attraction of businesses; assisting business and educational institutions in cultivating a qualified workforce; and sustaining mutually beneficial relationships with private and public sector collaborators that influence the quality of life and business.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
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    November 2, 2022
     
    Greetings!
     
    In this issue, you will learn about the Portage County's latest developments, upcoming Portage Development Board events, and opportunities to get involved. We are thankful for the partnerships and support that help shape these additional opportunities for economic development in Portage County!
     
     
     

    Portage County Updates

     
     
     

    Upcoming Kent State Center for Corporate and Professional Development Webinars 

     
     
     
     
    CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
    Fall 2022
     
    Kent State's Certificate of Training and Development provides you with the skills and knowledge necessary to design and deliver effective employee training programs. The comprehensive, skills-based certificate consists of 21 contact hours of high-impact training. Learn More.
     
    Each One Teach One:
    Engaging Employees in Experiential Learning 
     
    October 12, 13 and November 9, 10, 2022
    (WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYS)
    8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. each day
    LOCATION: Live, Virtual through Zoom
    FACILITATOR: Christine Zust
     
    High-impact Learning:
    Fundamentals for Designing the Adult Learning Experience
     
    October 27 and 28, 2022 (THURSDAY AND FRIDAY)
    8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. each day
    LOCATION: Live, Virtual through Zoom
    FACILITATOR: Ned Parks
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Upcoming Kent State Center for Corporate and Professional Development Webinars for November

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Program Offerings
    November 2022
    
    Project Leadership
    This program is part of Kent State's Certificate in Project Management
     
    November 1 and 2, 2022 (TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY)
    1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day
    LOCATION: Live, Virtual through Zoom
    FACILITATOR: Bob Jewell
     
    OR
     
    November 8, 2022 (TUESDAY)
    8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
    LOCATION: In-person in Independence Ohio
    FACILITATOR: Bob Jewell
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    Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Training and Certification
    "Kent State's Lean Six Sigma Green Belt is a prerequisite"
     
    Begins Monday, November 7, 2022
    1 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day
    LOCATION: Live, Virtual through Zoom
    FACILITATOR: Steve Skillman
     
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    Effective Performance Management for Managers and Supervisors
    This program is part of Kent State's Supervision and Management Advanced Certificate
     
    November 15 and 16, 2022 (TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY)
    1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day
    LOCATION: Live, Virtual through Zoom
    FACILITATOR: Kristy Frieden
     
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    Making Great Decisions
    This program is part of Kent State's Supervision and Management Fundamentals Certificate 
     
    November 29 and 30, 2022 (TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY)
    1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day
    LOCATION: Live, Virtual through Zoom
    FACILITATOR: Bob Jewell
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Join the V2 Technology Cyber Advisory Council Roundtable on Nov. 9th

     
     
     
     
     
     
    Join us for this exclusive event!
     
    V2 Technology's Cyber Advisory Council will host its inaugural event around cyber security.... how to manage a breach with a comprehensive incident response plan.
     
    1. Understand a holistic approach to Cyber Security Incident Response Planning
    2. Identify the key stakeholders in responding to a Cyber Security Incident
    3. Recognize the importance of Incident Plan continuous improvement 
     
    Space is Limited!
     
    Date: Wednesday, November 9, 2022
    Time: 3 -5 p.m.
    Location: Pinstripes, 111 Park Ave., Beachwood, OH 44122
     
     
    Details:
     
    Panel discussion and networking, including appetizers and drinks
     
     
    Council Members:
     
    V2 Technology
    Brennan Manna Diamond
    Oswald Companies
    Westfield Bank
     
     
    Register Now
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Improve Your Performance Management Process With This Upcoming Program

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Effective Performance Management for Managers and Supervisors
    
    November 15 and 16, 2022 (TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY)
    1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day
    LOCATION: Live, Virtual through Zoom PRICE: $345
     
    Research shows that most managers, employees and heads of HR feel that their performance management results are ineffective and/or accurate. Additionally, performance reviews are dreaded by most managers and seem to demotivate and disengage rather than inspire employees to work more efficiently and productively. 
     
    In today's new work reality, employees are in the driver's seat. The Great Resignation has employers striving to keep their employees engaged and loyal to their organization. A poor performance management process does just the opposite.
     
    Whether you are looking to completely revamp your performance management process or just looking to get the most out of what you are doing currently, this program is for you.
     
    In this program you will:
    • Understand the Performance Management Process
    • Define SMART Goals and How to Write Them
    • Determine Your Approach to Coaching and Feedback
    • Understand the Stages of Delegation and How to Apply Them
    • Identify Strengths and Opportunities in Your Current Approach
        LEARN MORE
     
     
    Register Now
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Maplewood Adult Education Scholarships Available Now

     
     
     
     
    SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ADULTS!
     
    Maplewood Career Center's Adult Education Department has scholarships available for: Administrative Professional, Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Medical Coding & Billing, & more!
     
    NEW PROGRAM FOR ADULTS - COSMETOLOGY
    Experience hands-on instruction in hair coloring, make-up, facial services, manicures, and more in this 15-month, evening program. This course prepares you to take your license through the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board. Tuition NOW: $9,000.00 and we have payment plans!
     
    WELDING TECHNOLOGIES - SCHOLARSHIP!
    In this 36-week, evening program you will have the opportunity to learn three welding techniques, which include MIG, TIG, and Stick. This class builds your skills from the bottom up as you learn various types of welds, a cutting operation, as well as fabrication, quality control, weld tests, and blueprint reading. Tuition: $2,625.00 (with scholarship)
     
    Adult Education Department
    (330) 296-2892, Ext. 551010
    www.mwood.cc
    Click on Workforce Development/Programs
     
     
     
     
     
     

    SBA Basics: Overview of Programs Webinar on Nov. 16th

     
     
     
     
    Please join us for this webinar if you are an entrepreneur or business owner and would like a survey of the SBA programs and resources available to help your business Start, Expand, Grow, and Recover! We'll be talking about loan programs, technical assistance opportunities and more. This program is free and open to the public.
     
    Tuesday, November 16, 2022
    10 a.m. 
     
     
    Register Now
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    2023 Ohio Export Internship Applications Open

     
     
     
     
    Ohio Export Internship Program
    Interns Help Expand Sales to International Markets
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    The Ohio Export Internship Program matches businesses interested in growing exports with high motivated college students who have taken export-focused coursework. The Ohio Department of Development offers participating small to medium-sized businesses a 50 percent reimbursement for the wages of the intern.
     
    The internships have a track record of helping businesses achieve export success: 411 students have interned at Ohio companies, resulting in 136 internships extensions, 69 new job positions, and 400 new international markets, distributors, or customers. 
     
     
     
    Watch a video featuring some of the 2022 interns and the companies they worked for.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Companies Can Apply Now
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Maplewood Fall 2022 Upcoming Adult Education Classes

     
     
     
     
     
     
    FALL 2022 Upcoming Adult Education Classes
     
    Adult Education Department
    (330) 296-2892, Ext. 551010
    www.mwood.cc
    Click on Workforce Development/Programs
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Tri-State PTAC Mega-Matchmaker 2022 on December 6-7

     
     
     
     

    Registration Now Open!

     

    The Tri-State PTAC Mega-Matchmaker is an opportunity for small businesses to meet with federal, state and local government buyers. 
     
    PTACs from New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio have joined together again to provide the opportunity for government buyers and sellers to meet in one of the largest online procurement events in this tri-state region. This event is open to all businesses. There is no cost to attend.
     
    The 2022 Tri-State PTAC Mega-Matchmaker allows businesses to pre-schedule appointments.
     
    For more information, contact john@stonerivereventmanagement.com
     
    ​Sponsored by the following Procurement Technical Assistance Centers:
     
     
     
     
     
    Register Now
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    2023 National Small Business Week Awards: Now Accepting Nominations

     
     
     
     
    The SBA Cleveland District Office is accepting nominations for the 2023 National Small Business Week Awards for business and organizations across northern Ohio, including the annual Small Business Person of the Year Award. Visit the SBA's dedicated website at www.sba.gov/nsbw to download forms, criteria, and guidelines for submitting a national nomination. The SBA Awards given in celebration of National and District Small Business Week include the following awards:
     
    Cleveland District Small Business Week Categories:
    • Small Business Person of the Year (National and District)
    • Small Business Exporter (National and District)
     
    "I am pleased to announce that SBA Cleveland is accepting awards nominations for National Small Business Week 2023," said SBA Cleveland District Director, Gil Goldberg. "Northern Ohio has a wealth of outstanding small businesses and champions of entrepreneurship. In the past, we have had both regional and national award winners hailing from our area. I look forward to this year's nominations, and to our office's celebrating the vitality and economic contributions of northern Ohio's small business community during National Small Business Week 2023."
     
    The SBA Cleveland District Office must receive all nominations by electronic submission ONLY to the District's BOX account found at www.sba.gov/nsbw no later than 3 p.m. Eastern Time on December 8, 2022. To obtain additional information, please contact Patricia Welsh at patricia.welsh@sba.gov or 216-522-4172. 
     
    For over 50 years, National Small Business Week has recognized the outstanding achievements of America's small businesses for their contributions to their local communities, and to our nation's economy. This year's winners will be announced during during National Small Business Week in May 2023. 
     
     
    Submit Nominations
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Upcoming PDB Events 

     
     
     

    Portage County Business Roundtable on November 9th

    Join us on November 9th from 8 am – 9 am for “Nutrition on the Go: Guidance for Busy Professionals" – an interactive business roundtable forum, in partnership and facilitated by the Portage Development Board and UH Portage Medical Center. 
    
    This introductory session will introduce concepts on nutrition for busy professionals and the role in which UH Portage Medical Center provides through outpatient nutrition counseling. 
     
    Our keynote speaker is Jenny Menning, Registered Dietitian at UH Portage Medical Center where she works closely with patients to create individualized plans to meet their medical and nutritional needs. During this program, you will learn how UH Portage Medical Center can help you:
    • learn how to meal plan to save time, money and reducing the frequency of takeout
    • learn how stress affects our eating habits
    • how to manage dietary restrictions as a busy professional
     
    Register at Eventbrite
     
     
     
     

    A Look Ahead for November 2022

     
     
     
     
     

    Upcoming Portage County Events

     
     
     
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    Kent Flea Holiday Show on Nov. 5
     
    Over 50 artisans.
     
    Locations: Kent Masonic Center and First Christian Church (across the street)
     
    Addresses: 409 W. Main St., Kent and 335 W. Main St. Kent
     
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    Brimfield Township Pumpkin Roll on Nov. 6
     
    Bring your friends and family out to the Brimfield Township Pumpkin Roll and witness an exciting celebration of all things pumpkin! On Sunday, November 6th from 1 -3 p.m., all are invited to join us at Cranberry Creek Park to enjoy pumpkin themed games, compete against friends in pumpkin rolling contests, and eat plenty of delicious treats from Honey Girl Donuts! This family-friendly event is FREE and there is no registration required.
     
    Not sure what to do with your old pumpkins at home? Bring them to the event to benefit the local wildlife in Cranberry Creek Park! Pumpkins donated by Dussel Farm will also be available to roll while supplies last.
     
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    Aurora Turkey Trot & Mashed Potato Mile on Nov. 24
    RUN NOW, GOBBLE LATER!
    Register here: https://runsignup.com/…/TurkeyTrot5KMashedPotatoMile
     
    Join us Thanksgiving morning for Aurora’s 16th Annual Turkey Trot 5K and Mashed Potato Mile!
    Register before November 4th to guarantee a t-shirt and before November 11th to get the lowest price.
     
     
     
     
     
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    Ravenna Balloon A-Fair Christmas Parade on Nov. 25
     
    Come join the fun at this year’s Ravenna Balloon A-Fair Christmas Parade November 25th at 6 p.m. in downtown Ravenna. See some awesome lighted floats and see Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on a firetruck. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus after the parade and enjoy all that Ravenna has to offer.
     
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    Brimfield Township and Brimfield Historical Society present Hometown Christmas on Nov. 27
     
    Brimfield Township and the Brimfield Historical Society are partnering to bring you a community holiday lighting extravaganza! Walk or drive through a beautiful lighting display on the grounds of the Brimfield Historical Society while enjoying handouts from local community groups and businesses.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Stay Connected to the Portage Development Board

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Give us a follow on our social media platforms for information on how employers can locate, stay, and grow in Portage County. You can connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn for more helpful content!
     
     
     
    Facebook Linkedin  
     
     
    Contact:
    Bradford Ehrhart
    behrhart@portagedevbd.org, (330) 297-3410
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