Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Summit County / July 17, 2025

🏀 Youth game changer

Summit County • July 17, 2025

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Good morning, Summit County. In the wake of a July tragedy that injured 15 young people, Akron is channeling $100,000 into a powerful antidote: youth sports programs. Mayor Shammas Malik's initiative will distribute grants to about 50 organizations providing not just athletics, but crucial mentorship and safe spaces for local youth. The investment recognizes what community leaders have long understood – that supervised activities can be transformative in neighborhoods struggling with violence.

Downtown Akron is getting its own champion with Christopher Hardesty stepping into the inaugural executive director role for the Downtown Akron Development Corporation. His successful track record in Canton brings hope to the city center's revitalization efforts. Meanwhile, in the manufacturing sector, a significant merger between Infinity Engineered Products and Meklas Otomotiv promises to establish Summit County as home to a global air spring powerhouse that will accelerate innovation across multiple industries.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🏀 Akron fights youth violence with $100K for sports programs. Mayor Shammas Malik announced grants ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 for about 50 youth sports and wellness organizations throughout the city. The initiative comes in the wake of a mass shooting that injured 15 young people outside Mason Community Learning Center on July 7. Recipients like Akron East Youth Football will use funds for equipment, fee subsidies, and expanding programs that provide mentorship and safe spaces. Community leaders believe giving youth more supervised activities and opportunities is crucial to reducing violence in the neighborhood.

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🏙️ Akron taps Christopher Hardesty to revitalize its struggling downtown. As the inaugural executive director of the Downtown Akron Development Corporation, Hardesty brings valuable experience from his previous success in Canton. He faces the challenging task of stabilizing and building up Akron's city center, a mission that requires both vision and practical know-how. The appointment comes as many urban centers across Ohio face economic challenges, with Cuyahoga County addressing housing affordability issues and Cleveland's Federal Reserve maintaining a cautious approach to interest rates.

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🏭 Two air spring giants merge to create global powerhouse. Infinity Engineered Products and Meklas Otomotiv have officially joined forces under the Infinity name, creating a leading global air spring innovator. The merger, announced at Automechanika Istanbul in June 2025, combines Infinity's North American expertise with Meklas' European manufacturing capabilities. This strategic union will expand their product portfolio across heavy-duty, agriculture, and industrial markets while accelerating innovation under their vision of "United for Growth, Driven by Innovation." Customers will benefit from enhanced engineering power, increased capacity, and broader global distribution of their air spring products.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Updated brick Cape prime location: Priced at $224,900, this beautifully updated brick Cape Cod on a quiet cul-de-sac features refinished hardwood floors, two remodeled bathrooms, a modernized kitchen with new appliances, and three bedrooms spread across two floors.
Real estate listing image Auction Opportunity Awaits Buyers: A foreclosure property on Auction.com is available for an unlisted price. The property may sell below market value, and interested buyers can save it on the platform to receive updates about auction dates and status changes.
Real estate listing image Affordable three-bedroom needs finishing: This quaint $139,000 home on Iona Ave features luxury vinyl flooring, fresh paint throughout, three bedrooms including one conveniently located on the first floor, and an unfinished basement with shower.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🏙️ Jul. 17 - Highland Square Development Summit: Get personalized assistance with your development projects as Summit County experts visit Highland Square Branch Library on July 17. Stop by 807 W Market St to discuss opportunities in this vibrant Akron neighborhood.
📅 Jul. 17 - Afternoon Session Thursday: Bounce into summer fun at Super Ninja World's One Full Day Thursday! Kids can leap, climb, and play from 12:30-4:00 PM on July 17 at 69 Graham Rd A, Cuyahoga Falls.
❤️ Jul. 18 - Speed Dating @ Barmacy: Find your perfect match at Akron's speed dating event for singles 29-43! Mingle at Barmacy Bar & Grill on July 18 with the world's most experienced dating company since 2001.
🌍 Jul. 18 - African American Festival: Celebrate culture and community at Lock 3 Park for the vibrant African American Festival! Head to downtown Akron July 18-20 for music, food, and festivities at 200 S Main St.
🍲 Jul. 18 - Mountain of Food Distribution: Fill your pantry at OPEN M's Mountain of Food drive-thru distribution on July 18 at 941 Princeton St, Akron. This monthly community event offers bulk foods to those in need—no registration required!
🥁 Jul. 19 - TIMI FUNK African Festival: Groove to the vibrant beats at TIMI FUNK: African American Festival in Lock 3 Park on July 19. Celebrate African American culture through music and community at this summer highlight in downtown Akron.
🎷 Jul. 19 - All White Jazz Party: Groove into summer at LaPlace Events' "All White" Day Party on July 19! Enjoy clean comedy, live bands, and DJs spinning the hottest tracks at this stylish #TentParty25 celebration in Akron.
🌞 Jul. 19 - Mogadore Summer Festival: Soak up summer fun at Mogadore's vibrant festival in Lions Community Park! Bring the whole family to enjoy community festivities on July 19 at this beloved annual celebration. (194 Hale St.)
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