Value of Membership
EDGE supports mid-size companies in Northeast Ohio as they are in the best position to collectively impact the quality of life in the Region. EDGE member companies represent a select-group of Northeast Ohio mid-size companies that are interested in fostering learning organizations, growing the value of their companies, and investing in the communities they serve. EDGE provides opportunities for CEOs and Presidents as well as key functional managers and emerging leaders to learn from top practitioners with their contemporaries at other successful companies, to share best practices, to solve problems and to inspire each other to pursue great opportunities.
Leadership Development and Relationship-Building for CEOs and their Management Teams
EDGE serves the CEOs and leadership teams of Northeast Ohio member organizations by providing peer group meetings for CEOs & Presidents and support for functional leaders, too. This exclusive network of mid-sized company leaders in Northeast Ohio are brought together to learn with each other through professional facilitated discussions. Exchanges are robust and are conducted in a safe, trusting and confidential environment to establish professional and personal relationships. Business leaders are challenged to leave with at least two takeaways that they can immediately apply to their business. You’ll be in the room with forward-thinking, growth-focused executives who embrace learning and sharing their successes and challenges with their peers.
Networking and Speaker Events (i.e. Executive Forum) provide an opportunity to connect and network with other company leaders while learning more about topics relevant to mid-sized companies. Events include nationally-recognized speaker and business all-star forums as well as golf outings.
InnoQuest is a collaborative year-long forum led by practitioners of innovation at leading Northeast Ohio companies. Provides leaders with new connections and best practices to better manage innovation to grow one’s business. Discount offered to EDGE member companies.
Leadership Workshops & Courses designed specifically for professionals from mid-sized companies seeking leadership education (tools and exercises, i.e. “learn how to learn”) and the real experience of professional development. These programs prepare high-potential employees for the management decisions and actions required of them as well as for future career growth. Registration discount offered for member companies.
Leadership Retreats allow CEOs and business leaders to take time away from their business, focus on their upcoming business challenges and goals, and connect with one another in a safe, trusting and confidential environment to establish professional and personal relationships.
Concierge-Type Assistance: EDGE provides a resource for addressing pressing issues which is always available — whether serving as a confidential partner, connecting leaders with industry professionals, or making connections with area universities and other organizations.
Access to Top Student Talent
Considering starting an intern program, engaging student talent or exploring new market opportunities? Where to start?
EDGE helps companies explore options that may be a good fit for them — from making connections with university leaders, sharing regional program alternatives, identifying quality student talent, or providing help through its proven EDGE Fellows Program.
EDGE has deep connections with eight “EDGE Member Universities” and engages top student talent from Northeast Ohio colleges and universities in a variety of programs throughout the year that may provide a distinct advantage to one’s company.
EDGE Member Universities include University of Akron, Baldwin Wallace University, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, John Carroll University, Kent State University, Lorain County Community College, and Walsh University. EDGE also partners with many other higher education institutions through the JumpStart-Burton D Morgan Higher Education Consortium, including Ashland University, College of Wooster, Hiram College, Ursuline College, Notre Dame College, University of Mount Union, Cuyahoga Community College and Stark State College.
The Commons Akron Innovation Accelerator Program focuses on attracting, engaging, training and retaining top students – working on innovation challenges provided by area companies and utilizing the guidance of experienced business mentors.
Finally, the EDGE Fellows Program engages top graduate talent and volunteer business mentors to help area companies identify and validate new business opportunities. Over the last 13 years, this program has consistently produced high quality results, actionable results.
Contact Chris Keller, Director, to learn more.
Civic Engagement
EDGE encourages mid-market firms to become actively involved in the community through participating in EDGE events that impact local charities and organizations, including the Day at the Ballpark in which civic and business leaders host students from Breakthrough Charter Schools at a Cleveland Indians game as well as volunteering with business leaders at the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.