We Are Strengthening Stark

Strengthening Stark is a community-wide movement of residents, businesses, government, nonprofits and philanthropy who share a vision for a vibrant, growing county for all.

Our goal is to make Stark a great place to:

Start and grow a business

Develop one’s talent and pursue a career

Live and raise a family

Together, partners in Strengthening Stark:

Nurture Business Growth

More Stark businesses are getting help from the state to invest and add employees.
Stark Business 911 is an online tool to connect businesses to the resources they need to grow.
Entrepreneurs have access to specific resources to launch and sustain new ventures.

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Develop Our Talent

Stark Jobs Platform provides job seekers, students, parents and others with information about current and future job market in Stark County.
Neighborhood groups, companies, educators and non-profits are working together to connect residents to the job market.
Educators, businesses and others are working together to make sure our youngest residents are prepared to succeed in school so that they are more likely to have prosperous careers.

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Create Quality Places

Government and nonprofit leaders are using a new on-line tool to identify areas of need and opportunities for investment in their community.
Partners are working together to attract investments within targeted locations in Stark.

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The Strengthening Stark partners have retained a small staff to bring the right people to the discussion, build support for existing efforts and catalyze new initiatives. Staff works with a Governance Committee that oversees all Strengthening Stark activity. Strengthening Stark is built on the belief that we are stronger when we come together to solve the complex challenges facing our community. Working together we reduce duplication of services, improve outcomes and increase accountability.

Our Funding

Several partners have contributed financial and in-kind resources to support the convening and coordinating work of Strengthening Stark. Contributors include:

Stark Community Foundation (financial and in-kind)

Stark Economic Development Board (financial and in-kind)

Our Roots

Partners formed the Strengthening Stark movement early in 2018 in response to a report issued by an informal group of leaders from across Stark County that spent more than a year developing a deeper understanding of the economic trends, opportunities and challenges in Stark County.

We are strengthening Stark—and you can too

Movements require people with a desire and passion for change and the resources to achieve that change.

We’re committed to making Stark County a better place to start and grow a business, develop one’s talent and pursue a career, and live and raise a family and you’re invite to join us!

Get invested in Stark County - learn what is happening and talk about issues that exist
Engage your friends and family, your professional circles, and your social circles in addressing issues in your backyard!
Be courageous and lead change
Support local businesses and source locally whenever possible
Take pride in your home and common areas
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Articles

My Stark Story: NaSheka Combs-Lemon

Name NaSheka Combs-Lemon Title and Employer/Organization Career Connect Engagement Manager / Strengthening Stark How would you describe your day job to a child? I am a part of a movement working with community leaders and employers to provide career opportunities for Stark resi...