Stark Economic Development Board

Kirk Key Interlock expansion aims to meet booming product demands - from Canton Repository

Kirk Key Interlock in Lake Township is seeing skyrocketing demand for its product because of the AI boom. Its expanded facility aims to help meet it.

Check out this story at https://www.cantonrep.com/story/business/2026/06/20/kirk-key-interlock-expands-office-production-facility-in-stark-county/90556660007/

(Note: Subscription may be required to read full article.)

Kirk Key Interlock expansion aims to meet booming product demands Kirk Key Interlock in Lake Township is seeing skyrocketing demand for its product because of the AI boom. Its expanded facility aims to help meet it.

Running a business means wearing a lot of hats and that includes navigating taxes. The Ohio Department of Taxation is making that easier with the launch of the Ohio Virtual Tax Academy, a new series of free, self-paced online courses for small business owners.

These courses use interactive tools and real-world examples to help simplify tax responsibilities and build confidence in managing them. Available through the , these self-paced courses feature:
• Interactive content
• Real-world business scenarios
• Built-in knowledge checks to reinforce learning

If you’re working with or are a small business or entrepreneur in Stark County, this is a valuable (and accessible) resource worth exploring. We encourage businesses and partners across Stark County to take advantage of this offering:
🔗 https://tax.ohio.gov/researcher/ohio-virtual-tax-academy

Small business owners: ready to strengthen your leadership and take your company to the next level?
The JobsOhio Small Business Academy, Powered by Aileron, is a 12-month business growth program designed to help Ohio small business leaders build stronger, more resilient companies.
Program benefits include:
• Interactive leadership workshops
• One-on-one business coaching
• Peer group sessions with other business owners
• Practical tools to strengthen strategy, operations, and long-term growth
• Access to Aileron’s campus in Tipp City
• A $1,000 travel/lodging stipend for in-person sessions
Who should apply?
The program is designed for owners and presidents of growing Ohio B2B businesses, with ideal candidates having at least $750,000 in annual revenue and a desire to grow both their company and leadership capacity.
Cost: The program is fully sponsored for selected participants.
Interested in being a part of the next cohort? Contact our team at [email protected] or apply by July 15 at https://www.jobsohio.com/incentives-programs/support-for-small-businesses/jobsohio-small-business-academy-powered-by-aileron/apply-to-join-the-jobsohio-small-business-academy-powered-by-aileron

The middle-income housing crisis continues to take hold of Stark County. Many middle-income families of two are forced to spend more than 30% of their monthly income on housing. The Stark Economic Development Board and Strengthening Stark are working together to eliminate the housing imbalance by 2030. For more information, visit: https://www.starkcoohio.com/ or https://www.strengtheningstark.com/

Join our partner, the Ohio APEX Accelerator https://development.ohio.gov/business/manufacturing/apex-accelerators, for the kick-off of their annual Summer Innovation Series on July 8. This virtual "Introduction to Innovation" session will help entrepreneurs and small businesses understand the local innovation ecosystem, key pathways, and available resources.
Event Details:
Topic: Summer Innovation Series: Introduction to Innovation
Date: Wednesday, July 8
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Whether you are just starting out or looking for ways to scale your business into government and commercial markets, this session will show you where to start and how to move forward.
Secure your spot and register today via the Ohio APEX Accelerator Event Portal.
If you have any questions, you can contact their team directly at [email protected].

Small business owners: ready to strengthen your leadership and take your company to the next level?
The JobsOhio Small Business Academy, Powered by Aileron, is a 12-month business growth program designed to help Ohio small business leaders build stronger, more resilient companies.

Program benefits include:
Interactive leadership workshops
One-on-one business coaching
Peer group sessions with other business owners
Practical tools to strengthen strategy, operations, and long-term growth
Access to Aileron’s campus in Tipp City
A $1,000 travel/lodging stipend for in-person sessions

Who should apply?
The program is designed for owners and presidents of growing Ohio B2B businesses, with ideal candidates having at least $750,000 in annual revenue and a desire to grow both their company and leadership capacity.

Cost: The program is fully sponsored for selected participants.

Interested in being a part of the next cohort? Contact our team at [email protected] or apply by July 15 at https://www.jobsohio.com/incentives-programs/support-for-small-businesses/jobsohio-small-business-academy-powered-by-aileron/apply-to-join-the-jobsohio-small-business-academy-powered-by-aileron

Is an ESOP Right for Your Business?
If you’re thinking about succession planning or exploring long-term ownership options, this upcoming program in Columbus is worth your time.
The Ohio Employee Ownership Center (OEOC), in partnership with the National Center for Employee Ownership, is bringing back their highly regarded 1.5-day ESOP educational program:
June 15–16, 2026
Columbus, Ohio
This program is designed for business owners who are considering an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) as part of their transition strategy. Attendees will gain insight into:
✅ How ESOPs are structured
✅ Tax implications and financial considerations
✅ Operational realities of employee ownership
✅ Real-world perspectives from peers and advisors
Through presentations, Q&A sessions, and peer discussions, this is a valuable opportunity to learn directly from experts and connect with others navigating similar decisions.
If you’re exploring strategies to retain your legacy, strengthen your workforce, and plan for the future, this session could provide meaningful direction.
It’s not too late to register. https://www.nceo.org/events/is-an-esop-right-for-you-columbus?fbclid=IwY2xjawSWi9tleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE3NmI1WHV6T3JISDBVcEFZc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgKTEnR69I-bP_DSr7dcvrTNq8MXhx2QcAJXmph_GYew_WKE1HyyYExb5Uh5_aem_0-ug20MP8CT8GOjFBnEX7A

Stark County population estimates. See what areas are growing - from Canton Repository

Stark County grew from 2024 to 2025, and most townships and cities grew with it, according to U.S. census estimates. Most villages saw slight dips.

Check out this story at https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2026/06/05/stark-county-population-grew-in-2025-see-u-s-census-estimates/90139850007/

(Note: Subscription may be required to read full article.)

Stark County population estimates. See what areas are growing Stark County grew from 2024 to 2025, and most townships and cities grew with it, according to U.S. census estimates. Most villages saw slight dips.

Williams Toyota Lift celebrates 80 years | Business roundup - from Canton Repository

In the latest business roundup, we share news on Williams Toyota Lift, Liberty HealthShare, Timken, Advanced Industrial Roofing and other companies.

Check out this story at: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/business/2026/06/07/williams-toyota-lift-celebrating-80-years-in-business-business-roundup/90264865007/

(Note: Subscription may be required to read full article.)

Williams Toyota Lift celebrates 80 years | Business roundup In the latest business roundup, we share news on Williams Toyota Lift, Liberty HealthShare, Timken, Advanced Industrial Roofing and other companies.

Is an ESOP Right for Your Business?
If you’re thinking about succession planning or exploring long-term ownership options, this upcoming program in Columbus is worth your time.
The Ohio Employee Ownership Center (OEOC), in partnership with the National Center for Employee Ownership, is bringing back their highly regarded 1.5-day ESOP educational program:
June 15–16, 2026
Columbus, Ohio
This program is designed for business owners who are considering an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) as part of their transition strategy. Attendees will gain insight into:
✅ How ESOPs are structured
✅ Tax implications and financial considerations
✅ Operational realities of employee ownership
✅ Real-world perspectives from peers and advisors
Through presentations, Q&A sessions, and peer discussions, this is a valuable opportunity to learn directly from experts and connect with others navigating similar decisions.
If you’re exploring strategies to retain your legacy, strengthen your workforce, and plan for the future, this session could provide meaningful direction.
It’s not too late to register. https://www.nceo.org/events/is-an-esop-right-for-you-columbus