Business News & Notes
By Stephanie Kist
Highland Square development
breaks ground
HIGHLAND SQUARE — Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic led groundbreaking ceremonies Sept. 6 for the new $6.5 million development at Highland Square.
The development will include a new West Hill Branch Library, as well as a grocery store and retail center being developed by Albrecht Inc.
The former Star Market and original West Hill Branch Library recently were demolished, and North Highland Avenue has been permanently closed at West Market Street to make way for the new development.
The new 12,000-square-foot library branch will be built on the site of the old building at 807 W. Market St. It is scheduled to open late next spring, according to Akron-Summit County Public Library officials. Completion of the entire project, which has been in the planning stages for about six years, is expected in 2007.
Also participating in the ceremony by wielding a huge shovel were: children from West Hill Library’s story time; library trustees Lolita Adair, Sandy Auburn, Frank Comunale and Jim Switzer; Highland Square resident Stephen Brooks, a proponent of the development; city of Akron Councilman Bob Keith (D-Ward 8); Albrecht Inc. Manager of Retail Properties Joe Albrecht; FirstMerit President Nick Browning; and library Director David Jennings.
Five honored at Employee of
Distinction Luncheon
AKRON — In celebration of Labor Day, five area employees were honored at Goodwill Industries of Akron’s Employee of Distinction Luncheon Sept. 6 at Guy’s Party Centre.
The event was planned as a way for area employers to recognize employees who make a significant impact on their organization.
Of the 42 employees nominated, five were chosen as special “Employees of Distinction” by a community volunteer panel based on their impact on the business, their dedication, quality of work, reliability and their commitment to the business. Those recognized include:
• George Cameron, rate setter/dock worker, Roadway Express;
• Vicki Eritano, patient care assistant, Visiting Nurse Service & Affiliates;
• Susan Kaminski, registered nurse, Cambridge Home Health Care;
• Stefanie Marusiak, administrative supervisor, Bober, Markey, Fedorovich & Co.; and
• Jeff Sabella, senior network engineer, Roetzel & Andress.
“We truly feel that this luncheon fits in with our vision of being the leader in work force development,” said Nan McClenaghan, president of Goodwill Industries. “Every business has an ‘employee of distinction’ who deserves special recognition for his or her contributions to the work force. Goodwill knows the value of obtaining and retaining employees that make businesses a success.”
For details about Goodwill Industries of Akron, visit www.goodwillakron.org or call (800) 989-8428.
Record number prepping
for marathon
DOWNTOWN AKRON — The Road Runner Akron Marathon and Chase Team Relays will hit the streets Sept. 30 with a record number of Business Challenge and relay team participants.
The five-person marathon relay and Business Challenge numbers are up to 1,270 participants, an 89 percent increase from the same time last year, according to event organizers.
The Business Challenge provides companies in Northeast Ohio the opportunity to form their own teams to compete in the five-person marathon relay or to help as volunteers.
The 2006 race has drawn many repeat companies, as well as many new teams to the list of participating organizations.
“Local organizations ... are using the Road Runner Akron Marathon as a way to increase team-building efforts and boost morale amongst employees and members,” said Chris Roman, operations director for the Road Runner Akron Marathon.
All businesses registering five-person teams for the Business Challenge receive a listing of participation on the Road Runner Akron Marathon & Chase Team Relays Web site, www.akronmarathon.org, and a special sign at both The University of Akron Health and Fitness Expo and at the finish line inside Canal Park Stadium.
All top relay finishers in the all male, all female and co-ed divisions will receive recognition awards along with local media recognition and a listing on the Web site and in the 2006 Road Runner Akron Marathon Results Book.
Businesses also can put together teams of at least 15 people to work as volunteers during race weekend at either the Health and Fitness Expo, Kids Fun Run, starting line, finish line or along the course.
The business with the largest
team of volunteers will receive a recognition award,
recognition in the local media, a listing on the Web
site and in the 2006 Results Book, as well as an invitation
to the volunteer appreciation party at the Akron Zoo
and free volunteer T-shirts. For
more information, e-mail info@akronmarathon.org,
call (330) 375-2786 or visit www.akronmarathon.org.
A group of children from West Hill Library’s story time group, along with a group of local officials, participated in the groundbreaking for the Highland Square development project.
Photo courtesy of city of Akron
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