City Centric

Akron-centric individuals are Tony Troppe, economic developer; Jenn Kidd, executive director of The Nightlight movie theater; Tiffany Roper, CEO of Eat Speak Love and OH SNAP Photo Lab; Margo Sommerville, Akron City Council president; Curtis Minter Jr., director of operations at The Well CDC; and Bronlynn Thurman, philanthropic developer and artist.

Alliance-centric guests are Chas Mitchell, Stuckey Family Interfaith Child Development Center board member; Joe Mazzola, Alliance director of Planning and Development; Ed Albert, co-owner of Pocket Change Thrift & Antiques and historical downtown Alliance revivalist; Raymont and Brenda Johnson, social entrepreneurs; John Hampu, musician and retired teacher; and Chad Mercer, shoe customizer.

Canton-centric interviewees are Elec Simon, musician, emcee and performer; Ryan Miller, owner of multiple small businesses; Kevonne Wright, poet and author of “The Majestic Tales: A Memoir of My Thoughts”; Kyle Stone, Stark County prosecuting attorney; Steve Coon, developer; and Faith Barbato, senior manager of institutional giving at the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank.

Kent-centric characters are Heather Malarcik, Main Street Kent executive director; Mike Beder, owner of four downtown Kent businesses; James Vaughan, aerospace illustrator; Gwen Rosenberg, Kent council-at-large member and owner of Popped!; Savanna Wills, fashion designer and owner of SWiLLS; and Candace Curtis, a founder of Ben Curtis Family Foundation.

Youngstown-centric individuals are Jackie Popovec, lead singer of the Vindys; Samantha Turner, 3rd Ward city councilperson; Patricia Stokes, neighborhood steward for Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation; Sharon Letson, Youngstown Cityscape executive director; Aspasia Lyras-Bernacki, co-owner of Penguin City Brewing Company; and Derrick McDowell, founder of Youngstown Flea.

Sharon-centric guests are Molly Bundrant, president of Sharon City Council; Michael Kotyk, a member of Sharon’s Recreation Commission and the Mercer County Trails Association; Taylor Galaska, president of Sharon Historical Society; Jim Landino and Jen Krezeczowski, owners of JCL Development; Alane Jewel, artist and owner of A2B; and Tom Roberts, founding president and executive director at HopeCAT.