The Outdoor Economy: How Trails and Parks Power Akron's Future
Apr
9
11:30 AM11:30

The Outdoor Economy: How Trails and Parks Power Akron's Future

  • 2077 Newton Street Akron, OH, 44305 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This panel will explore how green infrastructure contributes to property values, tourism, workforce attraction and regional competitiveness.

One of Akron’s greatest strengths is its outdoor resources that are uniquely integrated into the city. Few mid-sized metro areas can claim a national park, a nationally recognized metro park system, a historic lock system in the heart of downtown, and a trail that connects downtown to suburban and rural communities and its neighboring larger cities to the north and south. These parks and trails are more than recreational spaces, they are catalysts for economic growth and community vitality. This panel will explore how investments in green infrastructure contribute to property values, workforce attraction, and overall regional competitiveness.

The panel will feature:

  • Moderator: Rachel Bridenstine, President, Development Finance Authority of Summit County

  • Lisa King, CPRP, RLA, Executive Director, Summit Metroparks

  • Emily Gyulai, Development Manager, Ohio & Erie Canalway

  • Lisa Petit, PhD, Superintendent, Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Lunch will be provided

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Annual (Bus) Tour
May
5
12:45 PM12:45

Annual (Bus) Tour

Out of the (bus) seats, into the Medina streets

This year, CREW Greater Akron’s Annual Bus Tour heads to Medina, Ohio, a community known for “Preserving the Past. Forging the Future.” From its historic square to exciting new development, Medina offers a perfect example of how thoughtful growth can honor history while creating opportunity. This year, we’ll be walking to four featured locations on or near the square. The tour will include a mix of iconic Medina destinations, thoughtfully renovated spaces, and a project currently under construction, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how the community continues to evolve.

The timing of this year’s event is especially meaningful as it coincides with Economic Development Week’s 100th anniversary. This national celebration highlights the crucial role professionals play in creating jobs, attracting investment, and strengthening local infrastructure, all made possible through the partnerships that drive prosperity in communities like Medina.

Join fellow CREW members and industry professionals for an engaging afternoon exploring the places and projects that are preserving the past, while forging the future!

PARKING INFORMATION will be finalized a week before the event.

AGENDA

Registration: 12:45-1:00pm

(1:00-1:45pm) Castle Noel: America’s largest indoor year-round Christmas entertainment attraction

(2:00-3:00pm) Historic Farmer’s Exchange Building: A historic former agriculture-based building renovated into a multi-tenant commercial and residential location.

(3:15-4:00pm) Black Cat Books & Oddities: Located in two, 100-year old homes, this is an immersive shop that has become a community space and tourist attraction

(4:15-5:00pm) The Legacy Hotel: Actively under construction, this boutique hotel is a major economic development project on the square that will stand as a landmark tribute to the city’s history, culture, and community.

(5:00pm) Happy Hour at H2 Wine Bar

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Celestia Theater: Behind the Scenes Tour
Mar
12
4:00 PM16:00

Celestia Theater: Behind the Scenes Tour

Part of the Insider's Tour collection.

An exclusive tour of the recently restored Celestia Theater in the heart of Wadsworth

Discover the remarkable journey of one of Wadsworth’s most iconic cultural spaces during this immersive behind‑the‑scenes tour of the Celestia Theater—formerly the historic O.J. Work Auditorium. Nestled inside the century‑old red‑brick school building on Main Street, the theater has been a cornerstone of community life for generations.

Guests will explore the theater’s transformation from its origins as Union School (built in 1870) to the 1907 schoolhouse that later became Wadsworth’s high school, junior high, and ultimately Central School. At the heart of the building sits the 900‑seat O.J. Work Auditorium, a performance hall that has hosted everything from class plays and band concerts to civic gatherings for more than 100 years.

Now revitalized and renamed to honor Laura Celestia Spelman Rockefeller, a Wadsworth native whose legacy in education and philanthropy shaped American history, the Celestia Theater is entering a new era as a regional arts destination.

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Networking at Noon: Akron Member Lunch Meet Ups
Mar
3
12:00 PM12:00

Networking at Noon: Akron Member Lunch Meet Ups

Networking at Noon provides CREW members an opportunity to network with fellow CRE professionals in a casual setting.

Grab some lunch with fellow CREW Members and get the opportunity to meet our board and committee chairs. This is a great opportunity for our members to learn more about how to get more involved in CREW and network in an intimate setting.

Each attendee is responsible for paying for their individual meals.

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CREW: Suffs at Playhouse Square & Happy Hour
Feb
12
5:30 PM17:30

CREW: Suffs at Playhouse Square & Happy Hour

  • Connor Palace at Playhouse Square (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join CREW Cleveland & CREW Greater Akron for a joint event in playhouse square.

🕕 Evening Itinerary

5:30–7:00 PM: Happy Hour at Cohen & Company — a great way to kick off the night with drinks and good company.

1350 Euclid Ave, Suite #800

Cleveland, OH 44115

7:30 PM: Walk across the street to Connor Palace at Playhouse Square for a performance of Suffs, the powerful musical about the women's suffrage movement

1615 Euclid Ave

Cleveland, OH 44115

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Parking

There is a parking garage attached to the Cohen & Company Building. On the 3rd floor of the parking garage, take the bridge directly into the Cohen & Company Building. Elevators will be down the hall to the left where you can proceed to the 8th floor.

Cohen & Co Parking Garage

2060 E 14th St

Cleveland, OH 44115

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Lunch and Learn Event: Closing the Gaps: Insights from the 2025 CREW Salary Study
Jan
20
11:30 AM11:30

Lunch and Learn Event: Closing the Gaps: Insights from the 2025 CREW Salary Study

A presentation of CREW Network's Benchmark Study

Join us for an informative Lunch & Learn as we welcome our CREW Network Liaison, Jill Sharif, Vice President of National Business Development for Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company - National Commercial Services.

Jill will present the newly released 2025 CREW Network Benchmark Salary Study, offering an in-depth look at current trends in compensation, gender equity, and evolving workplace practices across the commercial real estate industry. This important research helps organizations better understand the priorities of today’s CRE professionals and provides valuable data to support efforts that advance women and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

What You’ll Learn

  • Progress and challenges for women in commercial real estate

  • Current compensation and equity gaps

  • Work–life balance trends

  • Barriers to advancement

  • Actionable steps for organizations and individuals

Following the presentation, we’ll host a collaborative roundtable discussion to explore practical action items and strategies for bringing these topics into everyday conversation within your teams and organizations.

Please note: This is an in‑person event. Our presenter will join us virtually from Boston. Lunch will be provided.

CREW Greater Akron Member Registration Fee $33.85

CRE Professional Non-Member Registration Fee $49.87

Register

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2025 Holiday Charity Event: Shop Small. Give Big.
Dec
2
4:00 PM16:00

2025 Holiday Charity Event: Shop Small. Give Big.

  • The Trailhead at Cascade Lofts (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Once again, CREW Greater Akron is hosting our Annual Holiday Charity Event to support a local non-profit agency. This year's event will benefit local college scholarships!

Join us for a chance to give back and to celebrate this holiday season!

Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be provided. Free venue parking on-site.

Location: The Trailhead at Cascade Lofts (21 West North St., Akron OH 44304)

Time: 4:00pm - 6-30pm

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CREW Greater Akron Annual Commercial Real Estate Forum
Oct
28
8:00 AM08:00

CREW Greater Akron Annual Commercial Real Estate Forum

Risk, Resilience and Real Estate: Join CREW Greater Akron for our Annual CRE Forum, one of the biggest events of the year!

Welcome to the CREW Greater Akron Annual Commercial Real Estate Forum! Join us at Bounce Innovation Hub on October 28, 2025 at 8:00 AM for a day filled with insightful discussions and networking opportunities. This event is a must-attend for anyone interested in the commercial real estate industry. Don't miss out on the chance to connect with industry professionals and gain valuable knowledge. Mark your calendars and get ready for a day of learning and growth. See you there!

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Navigating Environmental Regulations with Confidence, Lunch and Learn Event
Jun
26
11:30 AM11:30

Navigating Environmental Regulations with Confidence, Lunch and Learn Event

Join us for a Lunch & Learn session featuring Ann M. Winegar, PG, CP, founder of EnviroLearn. With decades of experience in environmental assessment, remediation, and regulatory compliance, Ann will share practical insights to help professionals navigate complex environmental challenges. Whether you're new to the field or looking to sharpen your skills, this session offers valuable knowledge grounded in real-world experience.

Panel Speaker:

Ann M. Winegar, PG, CP, Founder, EnviroLearn.

Cost:

$20 for Members / $35 for Non-Members (Includes lunch)

Parking:

Free parking is available on site.

Register

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CREW Greater Akron Annual Bus Tour
Jun
4
12:45 PM12:45

CREW Greater Akron Annual Bus Tour

Join CREW Greater Akron for this year's Annual Bus Tour as we explore impactful projects in our community! This event not only highlights projects in various stages of development but also provides you with an opportunity for in-person tours and connections with fellow Commercial Real Estate professionals.

SPECIAL NOTE: WE EXPECT THIS EVENT TO SELL OUT FAST! The tour is limited to 40 people due to bus capacity.

Tentative Locations include:

  • Kent City Hall

  • Davey Tree Campus

  • City of Kent Driving Tour

  • New Kent State University Crawford Hall - College of Buisness Building

  • Beltower Brewing

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ULI Cleveland and Akron CREW Tour of Girl Scouts STEM Center of Excellence
May
15
4:00 PM16:00

ULI Cleveland and Akron CREW Tour of Girl Scouts STEM Center of Excellence

  • Camp Ledgewood STEM Center of Excellence Brick (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Empowering the Next Generation of Women in STEM

The U.S. faces a critical shortage of STEM professionals, with a projected need for 1 million new workers in the next decade. How do we bridge this gap? One answer is clear: Girl Scouts!

Join ULI Cleveland's Women's Leadership Initiative and CREW Akron for an exclusive tour of the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio (GSNEO) STEM Center of Excellence at Camp Ledgewood. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to inspire young girls to explore STEM fields through hands-on programming in robotics, coding, chemistry, and more. All are welcome to attend.

Attendees will be able to hear from M. Jane Christyson, Chief Executive Officer and Julie Weagraff, MNO, CFRE, Chief Development Officer at Gril scouts of North East Ohio along with Janelle Hinkle, VP of Construction Operations and Project Executive/Manager,  Brittany Festa, Project Engineer with Regency Construction Services, Inc. and Melinda Scalfaro, Partner - Sustainability Leader, at SoL Harris/Day Architecture. Their insights will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the design and construction of this cutting-edge center and how it supports the next generation of female leaders in STEM.

This event is not only a chance to see how innovative spaces like this are shaping the future but also an excellent networking opportunity for professionals dedicated to advancing women in real estate and STEM industries. Following the tour, attendees will enjoy snacks and mocktails while connecting with fellow professionals.

Important Registration Information

Members of CREW can receive the membership rate by selecting “member” when registering. 

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