LOCAL BUSINESS
Ohio farm bureau to meet
More than 800 members and guests are expected to attend the 95th meeting of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation from Wednesday to Friday at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus.
Delegates will establish the organization’s policy for the coming year and discuss a new model for membership. President Steve Hirsch, Executive Vice President John C. “Jack” Fisher and Nationwide Chief Executive Officer Steve Rasmussen will address the attendees. Trustee and officer elections will be held.
A new participant in this year’s meeting will be the Ohio Farm and Food Leadership Forum, which includes members of farm and food organizations, civic groups, business, government and other sectors. They will discuss leadership, developing boards of directors/trustees, technology and current policy issues.
Other topics covered during the meeting will be: nutrient management to protect water resources; funding for Ohio State University’s Agricultural Technical Institute; maintenance of drainage ditches; energy and food production; issues related to drones in agriculture, joint economic development districts and state tax policy.
LEGAL
Ohio sues over spam texts
Ohio announced a lawsuit against Darren C. Sizemore for allegedly sending unsolicited text messages to hundreds of thousands of consumers without their permission.
Sizemore of Wellington allegedly used an automatic telephone dialing system to send unsolicited text messages to consumers nationwide. The messages instructed recipients to visit certain websites to claim free prizes or gifts, such as iPads or iPhones, and Sizemore received compensation from third parties for driving traffic to their websites.
Consumers were asked to provide personal information or to sign up for trial offers that required upfront payments or enrollment in ongoing membership programs. The state said these requirements to claim the gifts were not disclosed as required by state law.
The state said consumers who believe they have been treated unfairly should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at 800-282-0515 go online to www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.
The state noted that Darren C. Sizemore is not affiliated with the business entity Sizemore Investments LLC that is registered with the Ohio Secretary of State.
TOURISM
Apply for new program
The Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau announced it is seeking applications for a program called “Partnerships in Motion — Destination Development Grant.” The bureau said the program aims to increase tourism in Summit County through overnight stays, improved image and visibility of area attractions; higher spending by guests, and offering programs and activities.
Application deadline is Dec. 19.
Details and an application are available online at www.akron.travel (click on the “About” tab). For information, call Crystal Sabol, director of business development, at 330-374-8934 or send an email to csabol@visitakron-summit.org.
DEVELOPMENT
Akron Chamber wins honor
The Greater Akron Chamber said it received Excellence in Economic Development Innovation recognition from the Ohio Economic Development Association for its Greater Akron Partnership business retention and expansion program.
Officials noted that the chamber has worked with the Medina County Economic Development Corp. and the Portage Development Board.
In 2003, the Greater Akron Partnership program was originally developed in just Summit County.
In 2012, the Greater Akron Partnership said it reached a milestone by conducting 500 visitations. It said more than 3,000 visitations have been conducted since the program was launched.
COUNSELING
SCORE workshops planned
The Akron chapter of the SCORE business counseling group said it is offering a free workshop on writing a business plan.
It will be from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Taylor Institute in downtown Akron.
The group said its 2014 schedule will be posted on its website at www.akron.score.org.
For information, call 330-379-3163.
Compiled from staff and wire reports