atmosphere. Mayor John Pribonic explains, “We’re small enough to get to know people but large enough to run the city with our resources.” Linda Nahrstedt, the city’s Director of Parks and Recreation and Marketing Coordinator, emphasizes this point further. “We’re fortunate to have a lot of amenities and resources in the community,” she says. “That’s what draws people here, and it’s also what keeps them here.” ECONOMIC STABILITY Stow’s economic strength lies in its diversity. The city features a healthy mix of industries, which has helped it weather various economic changes over the years. The diversity was particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted industries and economies worldwide. However, Stow remained resilient, thanks to its broad economic base. Zack Cowan, Director of Planning and Development, highlights the importance: “About 16% of our labor force is in manufacturing, but we also have a significant presence in healthcare, retail, and education. Approximately 1,200 businesses employ around 16,000 people here in Stow”, he explains. Some of the largest employers in Stow include Summa Health, Akron General, and the Cleveland Clinic,which all have facilities in the area.Additionally, several manufacturing companies operate within the city limits. The diversity allows Stow to maintain economic stability even when individual industries face changes. “We don’t have all our eggs in one basket,” Mayor Pribonic says.“If a company leaves, we don’t have to worry about half of our payroll taxes disappearing. We’re fortunate in that regard.” Stow’s strategic location between Akron and Cleveland has also made it a prime spot for businesses looking for a central location in Northeast Ohio. Cowan highlights the city’s growing industrial sector in the northwest quadrant, which has attracted significant development. “Fogg Industries has built 1.2 million square feet of spec warehousing, with plans for an additional 600,000 to 800,000 square feet,” Cowan says.“They’ve been a tremendous asset to the city.” 117 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11 STOW, OH
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx