In this episode, Steve sits down with Elizabeth (Biz) Voudouris, President & CEO of Business VolunteersUnlimited (BVU), to discuss the positive impact of business volunteerism andboard service onorganizations. Biz shares how companies can engage employees in board service to develop leadershipskills, enhance company culture, and strengthen community impact. The conversation explores strategiesfor integrating board engagement, managing commitments, and balancing financial support. Listeners willalso learn how BVU connects businesses and individuals with nonprofit opportunities and how volunteerismcan be a game-changer for companies and employees alike.

This episode dives deep into how small and midsize businesses can navigate today’s fast-paced technology landscape with a focus on IT management, cybersecurity, and AI integration. Jay Mellon, Owner of AtNetPlus, explains the interconnected nature of network management and security, highlighting the rising cybersecurity risks facing businesses and how tailored solutions can mitigate them. The conversation expands to the transformative impact of AI, exploring real-world examples like workflow automation, custom AI tools, and insights derived from proprietary data.

In 2024, the Greater Akron Chamber and Canton Regional Chamber formally aligned their government affairs and advocacy activities through the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance (ACAA) to represent the needs of their collective 4,500 members and engage with elected officials and policymakers for the benefit of jobs, investment, and growth for the Akron-Canton region.

Steve Millard sits down with Jeff Dafler, President and CEO of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, and John Rizzo, Vice President of the ACAA, to dive into the partnership, share recent milestones, and preview key issues for 2025. Even if you’re not a policy expert, there’s a wealth of opportunity for business owners and leaders to get involved in key issues and legislation, including the State Operating Budget, to ensure your voice is heard by elected officials and policymakers.

Visit akroncantonadvocacy.org to learn more and get involved in the ACAA.