Dreamers, Drivers, Doers

Think “fun at work” means a foosball table and a snack bar? Think again. Employee satisfaction, customer satisfaction, and turnover don’t operate in silos—and the impact shows up in real outcomes. In this episode, University of Akron Professor Dr. Steven Ash breaks down what truly drives employee engagement—from the fundamentals of self-determination theory to the outsized role of managers—and why it’s more than a “culture issue.” The result? A clearer path to improving performance, retention, and customer experience. 

District energy is a strategic economic and infrastructure advantage, and Akron Energy Systems (AES) has helped Akron punch above its weight. AES executives Mark Divis, President & CEO and Kevin Felder, VP of Sales, talk about how AES uses carbon‑free aggregation, water reuse, and major investments in efficiency to remove upfront capital barriers and support downtown and regional growth across Summit County. The conversation also explores workforce challenges, energy policy gaps, and AES’s philanthropic impact through the YouMatter Foundation—investing more than $9 million back into the community through STEM engagement. 

A recent Supreme Court ruling has opened the door for U.S. businesses to recover money paid on certain tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), creating a significant refund opportunity for importers. In this episode, Damon Piatek, President and CEO of Piatek Customs & Logistics, breaks down what this means for business owners, who may be eligible, how the refund process is rolling out in phases, and why timing is critical. For companies seeking guidance, Damon will host a webinar on Monday, May 4 at 11:00 AM, offering a step-by-step walkthrough of the IEEPA refund process so importers understand exactly what’s required—and what isn’t. Webinar registration is available at members.greaterakronchamber.org/events.