One of a Kind Pets is looking to turn one man’s trash into another’s treasure to find homes for homeless animals through the organization's 2nd annual Rummage Sale, which takes place July 7. Every Wednesday until then the nonprofit will host a drop-off from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the shelter's drive-through location next to the spay and neuter clinic at 1710 West Exchange St. in Akron.

If you’ve done your spring cleaning and have gently used clothing and other items, One of a Kind Pets encourages you to donate.

One of a Kind Pets lives up to its name: creating a safe haven for abandoned, abused, and stray animals in imminent danger of euthanasia. The group rescues more than 1,200 animals a year, giving 1,154 a home last year.

Gallup CEO Jim Clifton recently spoke at the annual meeting of University Park Alliance (UPA). Here is a man who travels the world, gathering information about cities, countries and economies. Engage him in conversation, and he can quote economic statistics from a dozen different locales.
So when he spoke to nearly 600 people at our annual meeting, it was encouraging to hear him speak of many of the same elements for economic success that we are building upon in Akron.

Clifton, who has just written the book, “The Coming Jobs War,” argues that America’s future economic strength and standing as the world’s largest economy depends on whether we can nurture entrepreneurs on the local level. In his view, innovative, proactive and collaborative leadership within the nation’s cities will be essential to our prosperity and ability to create new jobs.

A first for Bridgestone Americas' new multi-million dollar technical center in Akron was recently hosting the Summit County Historical Society's (SCHS) 2012 annual meeting. The center's three-story atrium was the venue for the society's meeting, appointment of officers and a talk by University of Akron assistant professor of English, David Giffels, on Harvey S. Firestone's iconic statue outside of the building. Leianne Neff Heppner, the society's executive director, stated in her welcoming remarks that this was the first group to meet at the tech center. The elegant luncheon was served on Firestone china by AVI Catering Services and was attended by 65 people.

Hans Dorfi, manager – Advanced Tire Technology, talked of the building's green footprint and all of its environmentally friendly features, such as having a white roof. Using their own energy-saving Firestone industrial building products, it reflects the sunlight and makes the building more energy efficient. The use of many glass surfaces also lets in more natural light. He mentioned that the positioning of the Harvey Firestone statue and monument influenced how the building itself was situated. Dorfi further stated, "Bridgestone Americas has its roots in the Firestone family and the Bridgestone family, and we want to keep that heritage alive - the heritage of innovation, quality and social responsibility which is important to the community."