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Manufacturing

The economic well being of Portage County depends on the well being of existing businesses, especially local industrial firms, which includes manufacturing, distribution, publishing and printing. This sector employs over 14,000 workers and continues to lead all sectors within the county in new investments, total employment and job creation.

Once noted for the high quality of its manufactured glass and for the output of its more than 50 cheese plants, Portage County’s growing business base now hosts a range of industry using today's technology to produce an array of products, from toys to lamp bulbs to aircraft components. Metalworking, Plastic & Rubber Products and Printing/Publishing lead the county’s manufacturing sector.

In addition to name brand products manufactured in Portage County, many well known consumer products are packaged in containers designed and manufactured by Portage County firms.

In 2004 the Portage County Department of Economic Development teamed up with area chambers and representatives from local manufacturing firm to create the Portage Manufacturing Alliance.

The Portage Manufacturing Alliance consists of representatives from area manufacturing and distribution companies. The Portage County Department of Economic Development and area chambers of commerce provide support for the Alliance, which includes Aurora, Kent, Ravenna and Streetsboro.  Contact information is listed at bottom of page.

Mission: Enhance the Competitiveness of Manufacturers in Portage County.

Objective 1 - Identify mutual concerns and cooperative activities that result in cost
savings and increased productivity for manufacturers in Portage County.

Objective 2 - Improve the image of manufacturing in general and more specifically,
manufacturing occupations as a career choice.

Objective 3 - Explore logistics related to doing business in Portage County.
Highways/public transportation; current/future plans and the impact business operations.

Objective 4 - Meet the training needs of employees by developing and sharing the costs
of technical forums, seminars, & workshops.

Objective 5 - Improve communications between manufacturers, public officials and support organizations by conducting manufacturing networking events.

Committees – The Alliance includes a steering committee and the following special committees:

1.   Networking Committee
Contact PCOED at 330-297-3470 E-mail: pcoed@neo.rr.com

2.   Manufacturing Summit & Roundtable
Smith, as the key contact; Mishler, Vacco, & Brown
Contact Dan Smith at (330) 673-9855
E-mail: dsmith@kentbiz.com 

3.   Manufacturing Week and Recognition Awards Committee
Wider, as the key contact; Giovangnoli
Contact SACC at (330) 626-4769
E-Mail: sacc@streetsborochamber.org

Ongoing: Continue to add resources and manufacturing facts to manufacturing web site including:

bulletManufacturing Speakers Bureau.
bulletCompanies willing to give plant tours, internships available, school projects.
bulletBest practices used by manufacturers in the county.
bulletManufacturing related educational information.
bulletBulletin Board for timely topics and special events.

Want to participate? Want more information? Contact one of the following chambers of commerce or the Portage County Office of Economic Development.
 
Aurora Chamber
549 S. Chillicothe Road
 (330) 562-3355
DIR1AURORACOC@aol.com 
Kent Chamber Office
138 E. Main St. Kent
(330) 673-9855
 dsmith@kentbiz.com
Ravenna Chamber
135 East Main St. Ravenna
330-296-
3886
director@ravennachamber.com
 

 
Streetsboro Chamber

9205 State Route 43, Suite 106
Area: (330) 626-4769
sacc@streetsborochamber.org
 

 
Portage County Department of Economic Development

128 North Prospect St. Ravenna
Phone: (330) 297-3470

pcoed@neo.rr.com

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Copyright 2006 Portage Workforce Connection. All rights reserved.
Last modified: April 30, 2008