Akron is one of the Best 25 Mid-Sized Cities in America for Jobs and Business development.

Akron was founded in 1825 in Summit County, Ohio on the Cuyahoga River. Ohio had been a US State for only 22 years at that time. Shipping and coal-based heavy manufacturing enjoyed success for many years, but declined markedly in the shadow of increasing research & development, high technology businesses, and the advance of financial products as a lucrative industry sector.

Akron grew at its site of the beginning of the Erie Canal between 1803 - 1827 and grew again from 1860 - 1870 as a result of its healthy coal business and the energy it created to manufacture steel. Becuase of this a major railroad line was buiilt thorugh Akron and AmTrac runs there still in the 21st century. Between the canal and the rairoad, industry and manufacturing grew tremendously. In the 21st century, green industries are takintg the lead with sustainable energy initiatives.

B.F. Goodrich established the first rubber company in Akron in 1869. General Tire and Goodyear Tire and Rubber also built manufacturing plants but later moved away. Before that decline, people wre moving all the way form Europe to come to Akron and work in the rubber industry.

Akron became famous for its nickname "The Rubber Capital of the World" - commercial rubber was invented in the Akron area.

European radial tires and their popularity caused a decline in business, but in the 1990s, Goodyear was able to hold its ground and thrive when its competitors left town.

The Goodyear Blimp is famous and seen nationwide at many events and holiday celebrations.

1. Medical Assistants & Registered Nurses - At least 300 additional registered nurses are needed in the Akron area every year, at rates of pay around $25+/hr.
2. Environmental Engineers - Sustainable Energy
3. Personal Financial Advisors
4. Physician Assistants
5. Medical Records & Health Information Technicians
6. Home Health Aides
7. Dental Assistants
8. Computer Software Engineers, Applications
9. Emergency Medical Technicians & Paramedics
10. Social and Human Service Assistants

The Top 10 Jobs are needed in Healthcare, Evironmental Engineering, Finance, Information Techology (IT), and Social Services.

The next 10 fast-growing jobs are in the following occuational titles:

• Paralegals and Legal Assistants
• Chiropractors
• Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
• Pharmacy Technicians
• Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• Respiratory Therapists
• Pharmacists
• Medical and Health Services Managers
• Physical Therapist Assistants & Physical Therapists
• Surgical Technologists

• Akron Institute - Business, Technology, Healthcare.

• Akron Adult Vocational Services via Akron Public School System

• Acadamy of Court Reporting

• Akron Children's Hospital - A teaching hospital.

• Akron School of Practical Nursing: call (330) 761-0000

• Brown Mackie College

• National Institute of Massotherapy

• Ohio College of Massotherapy

• University of Akron

• Akron General Medical Center
• Akron Children's Hospital Heart Center
• Akron Psychiatry Associates
• ARHA Web Site - Regional Hospitals, NE Ohio
• Summa Health System
• Summit County Geriatricians - Summa Health
• Select Specialty Hospital - (330) 344-1320