Commissioned and issued by Stark Community Foundation in August 2017 at the request of the Stark Civic Group, Strengthening Stark is a clear-eyed assessment of the current economic and social health of Stark County. The data-driven report examines key community issues and recommends specific actions to help reverse downward trends to transform Stark into a growing and more prosperous community.
The report has since spurred a county-wide community conversationwhich led Stark Economic Development Board to create and implement a county-wide economic development plan.
While the plan is underway, stay tuned for monthly updates on all things Strengthening Stark.
Economic Competitiveness Plan
The Strengthening Stark Economic Competitiveness Plan is aimed at transforming Stark County from a smaller, older and poorer community into a larger, younger and more prosperous community.
Community members recently had the opportunity to attend an open house at the newly-renovated Innovation District HQ.The Innovation District is a 12-block neighborhood in downtown Canton designed to attract and facilitate the growth of technology-oriented businesses.
Lake Township resident Ken Brott changed the carwash industry with technology for monthly carwash memberships. Today, Ken is strengthening the entrepreneurial spirit in area youth through a group called Stark Tank.
Stark Economic Development Board and Visit Canton teamed up to create a series of videos that highlight Stark County's vibrancy. This collaboration made perfect sense because what attracts tourists to visit our community are the same things that attract businesses and professionals to choose Stark County as home – its welcoming community, lively downtown, world-class museums, exciting arts, great food and more. Check out a new recruiting video specifically made to attract talent to Stark.
