What are Community Development Corporations and what are they doing in Akron? Those questions and more will be answered during an Akron Press Club panel discussion on CDCs at a noon luncheon on Friday, March 7, at our new location - the East End on the second floor of the Akron Goodyear Building, 1201 East Market Street, Akron. There will be the opportunity for questions from the audience.
About the Event
CDCs play a crucial role in strengthening communities by fostering economic growth, improving housing, and supporting local businesses. Our panel of experts will share their experiences leading CDCs in North Hill, Middlebury, and Kenmore—three of Akron’s most dynamic neighborhoods.
Meet the Panelists
🔹 Justin Chenault – Executive Director, North Hill Community Development Corporation
Since 2017, North Hill CDC has focused on fostering a creative and robust economy in Akron’s intercultural community, including the development of arts and culture spaces like Exchange House.
🔹 Zachary Kohl – Founding Director, The Well CDC
Since 2016, The Well CDC has worked to create a healthy housing pipeline in the Middlebury neighborhood and repurpose existing infrastructure. It also operates 647 Coffee (formerly Compass Coffee).
🔹 Eleni Manousogiannakis – newly appointed Executive Director, Better Kenmore CDC
Better Kenmore CDC was founded in 2016 with a mission that includes improving the neighborhood through cultural, recreational, and business revitalization.
🎤 Moderated by Anna Huntsman, reporter/producer at Ideastream Public Media
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Event Details
📅 Date: Friday, March 7, 2024
🕛 Time: Noon luncheon
📍 NEW LOCATION: The East End, Second Floor of the Goodyear Building
🏛 Address: 1201 East Market Street, Akron
🚗 Parking: Available in the lot at the corner of Goodyear Boulevard and East Market Street. Cross the street to 1201 East Market and enter at the Goodyear Hall doors. Take the elevator to the second floor, where the event will be held.
Cost: $35 per individual. $210 for table of 6.
Fast and easy online registration here
Or contact Emily Henthorn, Press Club administrator, at akronpressclub@gmail.com.
- Check only accepted day of event.
- Reservation deadline: Noon, Monday, March 3, 2025.
- Cancellations: Cancellation requests must be received no later than 48 hours before the event. After that time, there will be no refunds and an invoice will be issued for payment.
Supporting Future Journalists
Proceeds from Akron Press Club events help fund scholarships for journalism and public relations students. In 2024, the Press Club and the John S. Knight Memorial Journalism Fund awarded $5,000 in scholarships to 10 students. Special thanks to Summit County, Dr. Aileen Thong, and Elizabeth Bartz for their generous contributions to the scholarship fund.
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Reserve Your Spot Today!
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the transformative work of Akron’s CDCs and engage with local leaders.
The Akron Press Club was founded in 1971 to promote a free press and serve local journalists and public relations professionals. The group has a rich heritage of offering newsmakers a forum to discuss issues of the day at Press Club luncheons and speaking events that are open to the public. The club also funds scholarships for journalists and public relations students. Visit www.akronpressclub.org for information.