Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance
With the responsibility to represent the needs of our members, the ACAA works to grow the business community’s participation in the advocacy process and create a united front from members in the Akron-Canton region on key policy issues.
Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance
With the responsibility to represent the needs of our members, the ACAA works to grow the business community’s participation in the advocacy process and create a united front from members in the Akron-Canton region on key policy issues.
Public Policy Agenda
Our Public Policy Agenda is developed by business leaders who participate in the ACAA and is formally approved and adopted by the Boards of Directors from the Greater Akron Chamber and Canton Regional Chamber. This document guides our advocacy efforts and represents timely legislative issues that are directly related to our region’s economic growth and success. For more information about our priorities, visit our Public Policy Agenda.
The ACAA strives to:
- Engage member employers, community stakeholders, elected officials, and government representatives on issues of shared interest for the business community.
- Advocate for legislative and regulatory policy priorities at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Develop plans of action to create awareness, educate others, and support or oppose government legislation and regulations.
Public Policy Agenda
Our Public Policy Agenda is developed by business leaders who participate in the ACAA and is formally approved and adopted by the Boards of Directors from the Greater Akron Chamber and Canton Regional Chamber. This document guides our advocacy efforts and represents timely legislative issues that are directly related to our region’s economic growth and success. For more information about our priorities, visit Public Policy Agenda.
The ACAA strives to:
- Engage member employers, community stakeholders, elected officials, and government representatives on issues of shared interest for the business community.
- Advocate for legislative and regulatory policy priorities at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Develop plans of action to create awareness, educate others, and support or oppose government legislation and regulations.
Legislative Radar
Find more information and track the status of our current legislative priorities
Policy Action & Insights
John Rizzo Op Ed on Protecting Public Health and Our Economy Through Smart PFAS Regulation - which details the need for balanced PFAS regulations to ensure our domestic manufacturing industry is positioned for growth and success
ACAA Public Comment for Ohio Rail Development Commission Meeting - which details the importance of including the Akron-Canton region in current and future discussions around expanding passenger rail service as the Ohio Rail Development Commission advances the State of Ohio Rail Plan
Tim Maloney Op Ed on the Sunsetting of the Small Business Income Deduction - in support of extending or making permanent the 20% small business income deduction and avoiding new tax burdens
Letter of Support to Provide Minority Businesses with Direct Loans to be Used for Working Capital – which would allow these businesses to hire more employees, enhance their operations, and contribute to Ohio’s economic success
Letter of Support for Expanding Passenger Rail Service in Akron-Canton Region – which would connect the workers and families of our region to the economic, educational, and healthcare opportunities across the state
Dwayne Groll Op Ed on the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 – in support of repealing R&D amortization, which would enable businesses to deduct a portion of R&D expenses in the year they were incurred, instead of over five years, which disincentivizes investment and growth
Greater Akron Chamber & University of Akron Letter of Support for Redesignating Rubber as a Strategic Material – which would recognize natural rubber as a strategic material and enable further investment in R&D for increasing domestic sourcing and supply
Greater Akron Chamber Letter of Support for Modernizing IDR Regulations & Growing Ohio’s Natural Gas Pipeline Infrastructure – which would assist natural gas companies in extending lines and make Ohio more competitive in business retention, expansion, and attraction
Ohio Metro Chambers Coalition Letter of Support for Licensing Certified Mental Health Assistants – which would establish licensure for a new type of mental health professional, retain qualified workers who complete this program, and contribute to the workforce shortage in the behavioral healthcare industry
Ohio Metro Chambers Coalition Letter of Support for Funding of New Innovation Hubs and Their Contribution to Ohio’s Economy – which would invest in Innovation Hubs, fill the existing gaps within Ohio’s innovation ecosystem and spur economic growth
ACAA in the News
ACAA Pursues Amtrak Stop Expansion in Akron-Canton Region - which would better connect workers and families of the Akron-Canton region to various economic, educational, and healthcare opportunities across Ohio.
- Office of Congresswoman Emilia Sykes: Rep. Sykes Meets With Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance To Discuss Need for Amtrak Expansion in Akron-Canton
- Akron Beacon Journal: Ohio Federal Lawmakers Urge ODOT to Expand Passenger Rail to Akron-Canton Region
- NEOtrans: Cleveland-Akron-Canton train route a puzzle
- Cleveland.com: Should Akron and Canton have an Amtrak stop? Congress members push inclusion in potential Ohio expansion
ACAA and Sherrod Brown Discuss New Legislation to Support Tire Producers and Workers in Ohio - which would provide new incentives for purchasing domestically retreaded tires and create good paying jobs, promote economic development, and strengthen the domestic supply chain
- Office of U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown: Brown Unveils New Legislation to Support Ohio Tire Producers and Workers, Lower Tire Costs
- Crain's Cleveland Business: Sherrod Brown wants to boost tire business with a tax credit
- Cleveland.com: Ohio Congress members roll out bill to boost tire retreading
- Akron Beacon Journal: Bill providing tax credit to retreaded tire purchasers would create jobs
- WAKR: Senator Sherrod Brown on Retreaded Truck Tire Jobs, Supply Chain Security and Sustainability Act & More
Stark Economic Development Board & ACAA Work Together to Garner Support and Awareness for "Reconnecting Canton" Recompete Pilot Program - which would lay the foundations for community well-being and self-sufficiency by connecting workers to good jobs, providing infrastructure support and wraparound services, and creating entrepreneurial, transportation and technology connections
Sherrod Brown & Steve Millard Discuss New Legislation to Remove Degree Requirements for Federal Jobs - which would expand career opportunities for skilled, experienced Ohioans without four-year degrees to obtain federal jobs
Information and Updates
Advocacy Updates
To stay up to date on the most relevant activities related to government, policy and regulation, enroll in our advocacy updates. They provide key information in a timely and consistent manner and often include invitations or recaps to unique engagement opportunities reserved for GAC members.
Voting Information
Voting is a right and the ultimate expression of our freedom. As the voice of the business community, the Greater Akron Chamber encourages our members to promote the importance of voting to their employees and to educate them on the ballot issues. Visit your county Board of Elections website for information on how to register to vote, vote early, or find your polling location.
Advocacy Updates
To stay up to date on the most relevant activities related to government, policy and regulation, enroll in our advocacy updates. They provide key information in a timely and consistent manner and often include invitations or recaps to unique engagement opportunities reserved for GAC members.
Voting Information
Voting is a right and the ultimate expression of our freedom. As the voice of the business community, the Greater Akron Chamber encourages our members to promote the importance of voting to their employees and to educate them on the ballot issues. Visit your county Board of Elections website for information on how to register to vote, vote early, or find your polling location.
For more or questions about our advocacy efforts, please contact:
John Rizzo
Vice President
jrizzo@akroncantonadvocacy.org
Alexis Raineri
Coordinator
araineri@akroncantonadvocacy.org
