KSU TRUMBULL Akron gives economic recovery tips

Akron leaders describe their blueprint for success.
By ROGER G. SMITH
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
CHAMPION -- There are lots of reasons Akron recovered from the passing of the rubber industry, but leadership encompasses them all.
All community leaders -- not just elected politicians -- must cooperate to make the future happen, said Jeffrey Wilhite, deputy director of planning in Akron's economic development department.
"You've got to put turf issues in the closet," he said. "You've got to be willing to give up something to get something. That's part of our success."
Breakfast meeting
He was among a trio of Akron officials who spoke to about 30 people during a breakfast meeting this morning at Kent State University Trumbull Campus. Leadership Mahoning Valley organized the panel discussion, "The Akron Renaissance: A Blueprint for Success."
Akron leaders focused on that city's strong points and expanded on them to grow the industries that now are thriving, Wilhite said. As a "sole source" town focused on rubber, Akron focused on an offshoot -- polymers. The city is now a major player in polymer development.
Education leaders play a critical part, Wilhite said. Research and development at the University of Akron is attracting and holding young people who are the future, he said.
The payoff is tangible. City income tax from downtown businesses grew from $33 million in 1991 to $88 million in 2001, he said.
Changing image
Local leaders are central to changing a city's image, too, said Daniel Colantone, president of the Greater Akron Chamber. He urged Valley leaders to latch onto regional efforts and feed off the regional image. Urban centers that work as a region are the most successful, he added.
Leadership's biggest challenge in Akron was persuading the city it had a future, said Thomas Sawyer, a former Akron mayor and Congressman. He now teaches at Hiram College. Tenacity in creating a new vision will bring people around, Sawyer said.
Jay Williams, the director of the Community Development Agency in Youngstown, was struck by the parallels in Youngstown and Akron. He said he hopes the Youngstown 2010 planning initiative is the start of long-term cooperation in the Valley.
rgsmith@vindy.com