2007 Annual Report

 The Leadership Akron Alumni Association develops future leaders, creates a community network
and reinforces leadership skills for the benefit of the greater Akron area.

In This Issue

From the President Developing Leaders Connecting Leaders Building Community Thank You Upcoming Events

By William W. Lowery '01, President, LAAA

What a wonderful past twelve months! It has been a privilege to serve as your president and work so closely with such an outstanding group of community leaders. The talent, spirit and commitment of our board members, committee chairs, staff and volunteers are inspiring. Thank you all for this unique and rewarding opportunity!

A year ago, I inherited an organization that was financially strong, functioning smoothly and providing excellent programs, making my job pretty simple. All I had to do was just not mess it up! I am happy to report that this basic goal was accomplished and along the way we managed to even improve some things including increased membership, increased attendance at our high quality programs, and a very successful retreat. Our volunteer programming committees had skilled and committed leaders and great committee members that made these accomplishments seem easy. Our class presidents also helped by communicating with their class members stimulating additional spirit and participation. Finally, a big reason for our continued success is the skill and hard work of our wonderful staff. Thank you Heidi, Mark and Diane!

It is now time to pass the gavel that Steve Strayer '00 passed to me to Rita Kelly Madick ‘03. Rita is filled with ideas and enthusiasm and has already hit the ground running. I look forward to working with her and the new board and hope that I can keep up.

2006-2007 LAAA Board of Trustees

Over 135 alumni attended sessions that produced valuable insights on leading change.
Some highlights …..

Leadership Development

In November, four top Northeast Ohio leaders shared what regionalism meant to their organizations. The key was to prioritize what’s good for the region. Presenters were Dan Colantone ’01, President & CEO, Greater Akron Chamber; Shara Davis, Coordinator, Voices and Choices; Steve Millard, Executive Director, COSE and Tom Waltermire, President & CEO, Team NEO.

Tim Dimoff ‘98, Chair

This year’s theme for the April 13 Leadership Akron Alumni Association Retreat was "Paths to Leadership". Frank Pacetta, ComDoc, Inc. kicked off the day with incredible enthusiasm and excitement, discussing great things that can be achieved when we motivate ourselves and others. Stan Silverman ’05 enlightened us on effective tools that are essential to appraising ourselves and our teams. "Lunch with the CEOs" included Tony Alexander ’92, Sandra Pianalto, Mayor Don Plusquellic and Dr. Luis Proenza, who shared their thoughts and experiences on communicating the right vision; being accessible and visible to the organization; and asking "would you follow you?". Closing the day, Meg Matejkovic ’95 moderated a panel of Human Resource experts – Steve Becker, Sterling Jewelers; Lynn Cavalier, FirstEnergy Corp.; and Chris Maurer ’94, FirstMerit Corp. They talked about the aging workforce and turnover challenges, and the importance of seeking stretch assignments to develop our next leaders.

Stan Silverman ‘05, Chair

In June, former Cleveland Indians player and current Chairman and CEO of ASW Global, André Thornton, emphasized the need to work together to benefit the community. He said to do something great, we need the right leadership, vision, strategy, people, resources and rewards. Thornton concluded by asking, "Are we positioned to do something great for the benefit of the community?"

Tim Dimoff ‘98, Chair
 

Distinguished Leader Award Winner

Bruce Hunsicker ’93 was chosen for his work founding and funding the One-in-Six Foundation. The foundation’s name refers to the fact that one in six American men will get prostate cancer in their lifetimes. His struggle with cancer led him to mount an aggressive campaign to educate men about prostate cancer. Bruce’s goal is to raise one million dollars towards prostate cancer research. Selected by a committee of past LAAA Award winners, Bruce was recognized at the National Leadership Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan in May.

Marc Merklin ’98, Chair; Scott Read ’03 and
Jeff Satterfield ’01, Co-chairs

Junior Leadership Akron

Class XX marked another great and successful year. Thirty-four Summit County students met at the September 2006 retreat and continued to meet monthly through April. The year was packed with learning and leadership. Two dozen Leadership Akron alumni organized tours, discussions and activities and introduced our future leaders to our current leaders. Unforgettable highlights were touring the jail and visiting the scrap yard with Randy Katz ‘98. At graduation, Larry Vuillemin ’99 provided an inspirational challenge to the students to stay true to themselves as they continue to grow, lead, and serve.

Many thanks to Time Warner Cable, NE Ohio Division and the following sponsors for their continued support of JLA.

Lori Lautenschlager '05 and Bernie Rochford '00, Co-chairs
 

Akron Area Board of Realtors Akron Area YMCA Akron Art Museum Akron Bar Association Akron Beacon Journal Akron Children's Hospital Akron City Council Akron Health Department Akron Municipal Court Akron Police Department Akron Public Schools Akron Symphony Akron Zoological Park Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank American Red Cross, Summit County Chapter Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire LLC Cascade Locks Parks Association The City of Akron The City of Akron     Prosecutor's Office The City of Akron Public Utilities Bureau City Scrap & Salvage Company Cuyahoga Valley National Park Flexsys America LLP Floyd Browne Group The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Gorman, Malarcik & Pierce Haven of Rest

Info Line Inc. J. Ostell Curry Real Estate JumpStart, Inc. KB Compost Services, Inc. Kent State University Laidlaw Transportation Services Leadership Akron Alumni Association Lock 3 Main Street Gourmet Mental Health America of Summit County Metro Parks, Service Summit County Munka '94, Pat National Inventors Hall of Fame Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition Oriana House Inc. Paul E. Martin University Center Polymer Chain, Inc. Project: LEARN of Summit County R.J.T. & Associates Rubber City Radio Sky Bank Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens Stark State College of Technology Summit/Akron Solid Waste Authority

Summit County Jail Summit County Juvenile Court Summit County Legal Defender's Office Summit County Sheriff's Office Summit County Workforce Policy Board TC Architects, Inc. Time Warner Cable United Way of Summit County The University of Akron Architecture and Construction The University of Akron Archival Services The University of Akron Bliss Institute The University of Akron Goodyear Polymer Center The University of Akron Guzzetta Hall The University of Akron Law Office of Admissions The Unviersity of Akron Pan African Cultural Center The University of Akron School of Law The University of Akron Student Union The University of  Akron Special Projects Welty Building Company Ltd. WKYC Akron/Canton 23 YMCA Camp Y-Noah

One of the most valuable aspects of the alumni experience is the opportunity to link with other leaders who share common interests in our community’s well-being. Over 450 alumni attended these events. Some highlights ….
 

Ellen McIntyre Golf Outing

Over 79 alumni participated in 23rd Ellen McIntyre Golf Outing July 16 at Silver Lake Country Club. The CHAMPION TEAM of Tom Doll ’96, Dan Colantone ’01, Dave Minc ’86 and Bob Chordar ’04 were at the top of their game. The RUNNER-UP TEAM of Boyd Pethel ’05, Jeff Knoll ’05, Brad Bowers ’05 and Russ Holmes ’96 gave a great performance as well. We are very grateful to all of the sponsors who made this event possible

Riley Lochridge '86, Chair

Annual Meeting & Holiday Party/New Class Reception

More than 150 alumni gathered at The University of Akron’s Student Union in August to celebrate another successful year for the Leadership Akron Alumni Association at the Annual Meeting. The highlight was the unveiling of a new logo developed by TRIAD Communications that will serve Leadership Akron, its alumni and its junior program. Alumni enjoyed the networking and their new directory, featuring the new logo.

In December, approximately 130 alumni celebrated the season at The University of Akron’s Guzzetta Hall. Alumni mingled while enjoying the fine food provided by Robert J. Events and Catering and meeting the members of Class XXIII.

Linda Lyell & Margaret Tramontine, Co-chairs
 

Leadership Akron Class Presidents’ Luncheon

Once again the Class Presidents gathered for a special meeting in May. The Presidents enjoyed fellowship with one another while given a snapshot of what is happening within the Alumni Association. They each received a customized report of their class’ attendance at LAAA events. Thanks to Bill Lowery ’01 of Metalico Annaco for sponsoring and hosting the luncheon.
 

Lunch with Leaders

January 25, Dan Colantone ’01, Riley Lochridge ’86, Bill Lowery ’01 and Bernett Williams ’99 addressed the group discussing how leaders should take the time to care for others and that care and compassion can enhance the ability to manage and direct business as well as personal relationships. This can be used as a powerful tool in sharpening overall leadership abilities.

Sue Hobson '04, Chair

 

As Leadership Akron alumni, our individual graduates build community in countless ways through their volunteer and professional lives. Below are some examples of how the alumni as a whole cooperated to build community …
 

Community Issues Programs

More than 70 alumni and friends attended two very compelling events that focused on significant issues in our community:

In October, Dr. Sylvester Small ’87 and Dr. Sue Long ’00 gave a presentation on Akron Public Schools. They highlighted the progress that students in Akron Public Schools are making in academic achievement. Akron’s economy cannot work without good schools. Having a well-educated workforce is important to attracting and keeping businesses and jobs in Akron.

"Business Innovation in Akron … The Silent Transformation" gathered entrepreneurial leaders and a standing-room only audience. Ray Leach, CEO of JumpStart, Inc. moderated the panel. Guest speakers George Newkome, The University of Akron Research Foundation; Mike Wojno, Summa Enterprise Group and Joe Kanfer of GOJO Industries. All agreed that as businesses develop, we are just around the corner from having lots of success stories. Generating more success stories will depend on our community’s ability to re-create a community of risk-takers and innovators.

Nick Browning '01, Chair

 

A very special thank you to those alums that have faithfully assisted us with the planning and orchestration of alumni events throughout the year. It is only with the Over One Hundred alumni volunteers that serve on various committees that LAAA can fulfill its mission for our members and our community. Thanks to the staff and especially to Heidi Roane for the tireless dedication and hard work that makes every event special.


 

Lunch with Leaders
9/18/2007 • 11:15 - 1:00 p.m.
Portage Country Club

Details: How Well do you know your fellow Leadership Akron Alumni? Discover much more than you may ever want to know about Akron's Distinguished Leaders. Discover things you never would have guessed about your fellow alumni. This will be an audience participation event. Registration flyer was mailed out the week of August 27.
Who should participate: All LAAA Alumni
Fees: $20
Registration required? Yes
Website for more info: www.lakron.com/3-lunch with leaders.htm
Email for more info: hroane@lakron.com
Phone for more info: 330-237-1239