Welcome to The Rotary Club of Akron, Ohio

We meet on Tuesday's at NOON

Doors open at 11:45am
 

Meeting location: 

Bounce Innovation Hub

526 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44311
$13 per person
 

NOTE: ON AUGUST 23rd and 30th
we will meet at an
alternative location:
The Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs
4460 Rex Lake Drive
Akron, OH
 

We ask that you please RSVP for our lunch meetings
CLICK HERE 

 
Virtual Option:
 Join via Zoom
Meeting ID: 989 441 809
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Meet Our 2022-23
Club President
Lynda Farkas

 

View Calendar of
Weekly Speakers
& Our Events

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Our Speaker August 16, 2022

MALCOLM COSTA
President and CEO 

Malcolm J. Costa has devoted his life to community service: Organizing communities, developing programs and people to address poverty in Akron and Northeast Ohio.
 
Since 1977, Costa has served as President & CEO, Community Action Akron Summit where he administers community programs most notably prime Summit County contractor for the Community Services Block Grant, Head Start & Early Head Start; Emergency Home Energy Assistance; Foster Grandparent Program; and Pathways Community HUB. Costa also serves as Trustee for the Greater Ohio Health and Welfare Benefits Plan which insures the 250 Community Action employees and families.
 
Costa is also certified as a Community Action Professional since 1996. A graduate of Leadership Akron, he also holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Akron. He has received honors such as the University of Akron Alumni Honor Award and Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award.
 

 Get Involved

Change Your Community


Change your community with us by volunteering on a local project or attending a community event.
Email our Service Committee Chair.

Partner With Us


We work with groups and organizations of all sizes to accomplish even more.
Email our Service Committee Chair.

Discover and celebrate diverse perspectives with a global organization.  
Email our International Exchange Chair.
 
News and Activities
Annual Cornhole Tournament August 27th
 
13th Annual Cornhole Tournament benefiting
Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs
 
Join us for Rotary Camp’s 13th Annual Cornhole Tournament, presented by Buckeye Corrugated, Inc. The tourney will be held on August 27, 2022 at 9:30am on the grounds of Akron Rotary Camp, in the beautiful Portage Lakes! 
 
Sign-up your team today for either the Skilled Ringers Division ($90) or the Recreational Division ($60). Winners walk away with cash prizes! Also participate in an Air-Mail toss or Long-Toss for some bragging rights and awesome giveaways! Bring your friends, neighbors and family for a fun day! All registered players will receive a food voucher from the Menches Bros. Food Truck, and an ice-cream station. Beverages from our friends at the House of LaRose will be available for purchase to help keep you cool.
 
There are multiple ways to support this great event to benefit Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs by registering to play, participate with a sponsorship or recruit teams. Your participation will continue to strengthen the Camp's mission of Creating a world where there are only abilities!
 
 
Any questions? Please call Rotary Camp at (330) 644-4512.
Thank you in advance for helping us to make this a successful tournament
to support Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs!
 
We are looking forward to seeing you at the event!
 
Scott Kolligian
Co-founder and Chair
Annual Cornhole Tournament

Dan Reynolds
Director of Endless Possibilities
Akron Rotary Camp

                                           
 
 
Speaker Recap: Daniel M. Rice,
Posted by Terrence Dalton
Speaker Recap: Daniel M. Rice,
Daniel M. Rice, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, headquartered in Akron was the guest speaker at our August 9, 2022 Club meeting.  View the meeting by clicking here.
 
Mr. Rice presented information on the history of the Ohio and Erie Canalway and provided updates as to current and longer-term plans for the Canalway.
 
What is the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition?
The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition (OECC), established in 1989, is the regional non-profit organization working for the conservation, development, and interpretation of the natural, historical, and recreational resources along the Ohio & Erie National Heritage Canalway from Cleveland to New Philadelphia, Ohio.  The OECC is dedicated to developing the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area in Summit, Stark and Tuscarawas Counties.
 
Their focus is on development of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, connector trails, and adjacent public spaces, all of which support a healthy and active ecosystem rich in culture and recreation.
 
What else does the Canalway Coalition do?
The Canalway Coalition also provides a variety of programs, from bicycling and canoeing events to fishing derbies along the banks of the Ohio & Erie Canal. These programs serve to connect our communities to the Canalway, educating on the impact of the Ohio & Erie Canal as a development asset in the mid-1800s, and how the impact can still be felt as a recreational asset today.
 
Does the Canalway Coalition partner with anyone else?
According to Mr. Rice, as a non-profit, they work with community, government, and corporate business leaders on development projects throughout the National Heritage Area. They have created collaborative relationships with elected officials, community leaders, park districts, local businesses, and volunteers. Mr. Rice said that they work closely with these partners to develop trail plans, encourage community engagement, and maintain the Towpath Trail.
 
What are some of the Programs and Events that the Canalway Coalition Offer?
From canoeing and bicycling to large-group cleanups, the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition offers a wide variety of events for individuals, friends, and families to enjoy while supporting the OECC efforts. Programs offer participants the chance to learn more about the Ohio & Erie Canal and what it means to become a steward of the environment. To learn more about the upcoming events, check out their website at www.ohioeriecanal.org/events.
To get a better feel about what is available in our own backyard, explore more about the Towpath Trail, the Akron Civic Commons, Summit County Trails and Tuscarawas County Trails, I encourage you to check out their website at www.ohioeriecanal.org as well as view the online presentation from today.
 
Club Welcomes New Member
Michael Kahoe was inducted on August 2, 2022.  He was sponsored by Tom Knauer.  Tom shared that Mike understands the importance of public and community service and enjoys
working on behalf of the residents of the state. He is passionate about serving and desires to focus more of his time working locally to improve the lives of residents in Akron and surrounding communities.
 
Mike is the Northeast Ohio Regional Liaison for Lt. Governor Jon Husted.
 
He was born and grew up in Bath and Richfield Ohio.
He was involved in helping a number of nonprofit organizations throughout high school. In 2019 he was elected to the Revere Board of Education and in 2021 was appointed to the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center Board of Education.
 
He also serves on the governing board for the Revere Class of 2020 scholarship, where they reserve funds to send a special needs student to a summer camp each year. 
 
He enjoys cooking, traveling, and running.   He is training for his first half marathon in August.  He said "I am joining Rotary to meet other people invested in the community and find new ways to give back."
Past President Buie Celebrates!
Posted by Mella Castner
The party held for our outgoing President Steve Buie on Friday, July 29, 2022 was great fun!!
 
It was a beautiful setting at the camp overlooking the lake and the weather was absolutely perfect.
 
There were 35 Rotarians and guests in attendance. 
 
Past President (2020-2021) Dr. Rob McGregor organized the event and treated Steve to a bagpiper to celebrate his Scottish heritage.
 
 
 
Charles Guthrie, UA Athletic Director 
Posted by Terrence Dalton
Charles Guthrie, UA Athletic Director
The Rotary Club of Akron had the pleasure of listening to Charles Guthrie at our Tuesday, August 2nd meeting.  Mr. Guthrie is the Athletic Director for the University of Akron.  He has held this position since July 1, 2021.  
 
 
Guthrie comes to Akron from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, where he served as director of athletics since late 2017. At Green Bay, Guthrie led a department of coaches, staff and more that 240 student-athletes competing in 14 NCAA Division I athletic programs as a member of the Horizon League Conference.  At Green Bay, his responsibilities included strategic, operational and financial planning; extensive external relations and fundraising programs in coordination with University Advancement; compliance and academic achievement; staff and coach development; and relationship building with campus and community constituents.
 
Mr. Guthrie began his presentation identifying many of the great things that are occurring at the University.  During his brief tenure at the University, he has been charged with recruiting six new coaches. 
 
One of his first hires was Joe Moorhead, who is returning to the University after several years coaching at other universities.   Mr. Guthrie stated that Coach Moorhead was rated as the #1 hire by ESPN for football coaches in 2021.
 
Mr. Guthrie is also looking forward to great things with the University’s basketball team.  Six of seven players will be returning for this year after experiencing a MAC championship this past year. Three of the returning players are pursuing their MBA.
 
Soccer has several returning players and have recruited some very talented new players.
 
He is looking for a new Track coach. The past coach retired after many years at the University of Akron.  The University has been refurbishing the track field and is encouraging Akron residents to take advantage of running on the track as a community attraction.
 
With the return of Baseball at the University, Mr. Guthrie has recruited a new baseball coach from OSU who has 12 years coaching experience.
 
Mr. Guthrie has also recruited a softball coach from Arizona State.
 
The University is replacing the artificial turf at InfoCision stadium after thirteen years of use.  He encouraged Rotarians to come to the stadium and root on the Zips this Fall.
 
In addition to Mr. Guthrie’s commitment to athletics, he is also adamant about his athletes excelling academically.  While he was pleased to see the overall average GPA is 3.0 for the athletes, he intends to work on raising that overall GPA.
 
Mr. Guthrie also discussed the challenges coaches are experiencing with the NCAA decision that athletes can ask to be paid as athletes.  He is hoping changes can be made that allow athletes to be able to “sell themselves” as an athlete for activities outside of their actual playing time.  His concern is the ability of small schools to retain athletes who wish to pursue the money route and “go where the money is.”
 
Mr. Guthrie answered many questions during the Q & A portion of his presentation.  I encourage readers to listen to his presentation.  My written comments can’t match the enthusiasm exhibited in Mr. Guthrie’s presentation.  The University and the Akron community are fortunate to have an individual like Mr. Guthrie as the Athletic Director at the University of Akron.
 
Rotary Youth Exchange Gathering for Host Family
Posted by Susan Colville-Hall
The Rotary Youth Exchange Committee and President Lynda Farkas welcomed Yara Martin and her host family, Keith, Tonya, Samantha and Carston Kramer, July 31, to a typical American potluck picnic.  All took advantage of the beautiful late afternoon for fun and relaxation.   It was a Great opportunity to get to know Yara and her host family. Samantha leaves for Brazil August 9. 
 
Akron Rotarians Are People of Action: Please Volunteer at Akron-Canton Foodbank August 17th
Posted by David Hall
Akron Rotarians Are People of Action: Please Volunteer at Akron-Canton Foodbank August 17th
At the Akron-Canton Foodbank on July 20th, our members were assigned to work in the 'clean room'. 
 
We transferred Rice Krispies from an 800 pound big bale into two pound plastic bags, carefully weighed out as not to go over 2 pounds and then sealed the plastic bags using a hot iron clamp and boxed them 4 two pound bags to a box for redistribution to food pantries in the area. We also labeled the bags and boxes. All done in a “clean room” with all the workers wearing hair nets, beard nets and plastic gloves. Wish we had pictures of the crew working!
 
NEXT AKRON-CANTON FOODBANK SERVICE DATE:
 
Please come volunteer with your fellow Rotarians where “We are the difference between hunger and hope.”
 
We are looking for volunteers for the Akron Canton Food Bank service project.  The Date is Wednesday, August 17 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the Akron location which is located at 350 Opportunity Parkway, Akron, OH 44307. 
 
ALL volunteers need to apply/register in order to volunteer. I am the volunteer coordinator for the Akron Rotary Club and you will need the Akron Rotary Club’s address for signing up.
            Akron Rotary Club
            4460 Rex Lake Drive
            Akron, OH 44319
 
I need a head count by Friday, August 12th, so please let me know if you plan on attending by sending me an email or text:  dhall@preferredlegacy.com or 330-714-1044 Thank you! If you have any questions please call or text me.
 
David Hall, CISP, AFIM​
Vice President, Banking Officer
The Preferred Legacy Trust Company
4840 Higbee Ave NW
Suite 4840
Canton, OH 44718
PreferredLegacy.com
 
 
Speaker Recap: Jim Mahon, VP Marketing & Brand Management
Posted by Terrence Dalton
Speaker Recap: Jim Mahon, VP Marketing & Brand Management
The Rotary Club of Akron had the privilege of listening to Jim Mahon, Vice President of Marketing and Brand Management at the Akron/Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau, John S. Knight Center, Greystone Hall and the Sports Alliance of Greater Akron, during our Tuesday, July 26 Club meeting.   View the recording by clicking here.
 
So what does the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau actually do?
 
As the community’s destination marketing organization, the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitor’s Bureau proudly advocates the positive impact the hospitality industry has on the local economy and our quality of life.
 
Established in 1973 to promote Akron/Summit County as an ideal destination for business and leisure travel, the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau is the clearinghouse for area travel and tourism information.  Funded solely by a percentage of the bed tax collected from visitors staying in Summit County accommodations, the Bureau is self-sustaining economic development organization.  Visitor expenditures on lodging, dining, entertainment, and retail represent “new dollars” for the local economy – money that would otherwise not be included in revenue and tax totals.  Mr. Mahon stated “Putting heads in beds” is an unofficial slogan that underscores the importance of marketing opportunities and experiences that require visitors to spend a night (or few) in Summit County.
 
Areas of responsibility within the organization include the Akron/Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau, the John S. Knight Center and Greystone Hall. Within the Akron/Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau are the Sports Alliance of Greater Akron and the Greater Akron Amenities, Inc.
 
What Impact Does the Hospitality Sector Have Financially on Our Community?
 
Hospitality expenditures include the following:
 
  • Overnight Accommodations
  • Dining
  • Retail
  • Entertainment & Recreation
  • Transportation
 
 The economic impact in Summit County in 2021 were as follows:
 
  • Direct Spending = $1.4 billion
  • $321.7 million in tax revenue
  • $163.7 million/Federal - $91.6 million/State - $66.4 million/Local
  • 13,986 direct jobs + 2,735 indirect jobs supported
  • $352.3 million in direct tourism employee wages
 
Who are the Stakeholders of the Akron/Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau?
 
  • Visitors – Leisure & Business Travel
  • Hotels & Hospitality Partners
  • Meeting, Event, Tour & Sports Planners
  • Board of Directors & Elected/Public Officials
  • Local Residents, Organizations, and Businesses
 
The Akron/Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau has many goals.  These goals address the following areas:
  • Vibrancy
  • Authenticity
  • Diversity
  • Accessibility
  • Affordability
  • Hospitality
  • Advocacy
 
Mr. Mahon shared with the Club how the Akron/Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau [Re]bounded and [Re]activated programs coming out of the COVID pandemic.  This included both In-Market and Out-of-Market initiatives.
 
What are some of the past and current initiatives?
 
  • Partnerships In Motion
    • Partner Networking
    • Destination Development Grant Program
    • Speakers Bureau
  • Hotel, Marketing & Sports Alliance Meetings
  • Print/Digital/Social Media Advertising & Messaging
  • Tourism Ohio Co-op Program
  • Summit Brew Path, New Again Akron, and The Drip Drive
  • Sales Missions & Industry Trade Shows
  • Fly2AkronCanton
  • GG9 Legacy & LGBTQ Marketing Strategy
 
The Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau benefits all the citizens of Summit County and visitors coming to our community for business or leisure. 
 
I encourage fellow Rotarians to access the following websites to gain additional knowledge on how we can utilize the services provided/coordinated by the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau, the John S. Knight Center and Greystone Hall and various other stakeholders who make this all possible.
 
  • www.visitakron-summit.org
  • www.akron.travel
  • www.johnsknightcenter.org
  • www.greystonehall.org
  • www.playakron.com
  • www.grabliferighthere.com
  • www.summitbrewpath.com
  • www.newagainakron.com
  • www.thedripdrive.com
  • www.playeatshop.org
  • www.meetplaystay.com
  • www.fly2akroncanton.com
  • www.hospitalityeconomy.com
  • www.idefyconvention.com
 
Thank You Rowers!
Posted by Susan Colville-Hall
Thank You Rowers!
Wavemakers from the Rotary Club of Akron responded to the call of Dragons on the Lake July 23 and kept their rendez-vous to race on the water against challengers from local corporate and civic organizations. 
 
The winners: The Dragon Dream Team, Akron's local breast cancer survivor team and its outreach program AND all who participated in the FUN-FILLED event. 
 
Kimmie and Kaitlyn Hoch served as a strong stroke pair at the front of the boat while Brian Kosarko captained the team to a fourth place finish overall.   Not a bad showing for first-time or once-a-year paddlers who reach out in this annual event to support Breast Cancer Survivors!  Also on board pulling with strong strokes were Sharon Buie (BCS), Cyndi Kane, Olivia Pilon, Angela Kosarko, David and Anna Marie Hall and other Rotary supporters. 
 
Wavemakers wore the best in t-shirt logo designed in 2018 by Tom Knauer.  And they raised significant funds over and above the required participation sum. 
 
Kudos and a HUGE Thanks to Captain Kosarko and Rotary’s Wavemakers!!!!!
 
  
Short Term Youth Exchange Students Visit Club
Apolline Snyers from Belgium, Serena Guo and Manuel Nuñez from Akron.  Apolline and Serena are doing the STEP or Short Term Exchange Program this summer: 4 weeks together in Akron, 4 weeks together in Belgium.  Manny is doing the long-Term program and will leave for S. Korea at the end of August.  He will spend 11 months attending classes and hosted by Rotarian families.
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Our Sponsors
What Our Members are Saying
Our members support numerous causes.  We are People of Action.

Upcoming Speakers

Malcolm J. Costa, President/CEO
Aug 16, 2022 11:45 AM
Community Action Akron Summit, Inc.: Intersection of Akron Innerbelt and War on Poverty
Paul Jarrett, Executive Director
Aug 23, 2022 11:45 AM
Akron Symphony
Jim Mullen, President and CEO
Aug 30, 2022 11:45 AM
United Way of Summit & Medina: New Bold Goals
Nilantha Samaresekara
Sep 06, 2022 11:45 AM
Cleveland Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center
Leianne Neff Heppner, President & CEO
Sep 13, 2022 11:45 AM
Summit County Historical Society
Doug Piekarz, CEO
Sep 20, 2022 11:45 AM
Akron Zoo
View entire list...
Club Events
Club Information
Rotary Links
 

Celebrating Over a Century of Service in the Akron Community!

 
The History of The Rotary Club of Akron
 
Honoring the Past.  Driving the Future.
 
April 5, 2014 Centennial Celebration