Serving talent development professionals in Greater Akron-Canton and surrounding areas.

MEMBER NEWS: AUTUMN 2023

VIEW FROM THE TOP

Embrace the Back-to-School Spirit for Lifelong Learning!

As the autumn breeze ushers in a new season, it's the perfect time to tap into the familiar back-to-school energy and channel it towards your professional growth and development. Your membership with CVATD offers a world of opportunities for continuous learning, networking, and skill enhancement. Let's check out a few of them:

Calendar of Events: You don't have to wait for the invitation email to hit your inbox to sign up for our programs. Log into the website to view the Calendar of Events and create your plan for the rest of the year. I don't know about you, but my calendar fills up quickly, so advanced planning is key to ensuring I dedicate time to my professional development and networking.

Mentoring Program: Tap into this invaluable resource to gain insights, advice, and personalized support from mentors who have walked the path you aspire to tread. Just contact me at cvatdpresident@gmail.com to request a mentor.

Member Directory: Imagine the schoolyard as a place to meet new friends—our Member Directory serves as your digital playground for networking. Connect with like-minded professionals, exchange experiences, and forge lasting relationships that can propel your career to new heights.

LinkedIn Group: Sharing ideas is akin to passing notes in class—our LinkedIn group is the virtual space where you can do just that! Spark discussions, share thought-provoking articles, and connect with fellow members who share your passion for talent development.

Volunteer Opportunities: Like joining a club or an extracurricular activity, volunteering with CVATD enables you to cultivate and refine your skills. Whether serving on the board of directors, facilitating a program, or serving on a committee, volunteering is the hands-on experience that can enhance your talents, deepen your professional relationships, and contribute to the development of others.

Let this back-to-school season remind you that education is a lifelong endeavor, and your involvement in CVATD is your passport to a world of growth, connection, and success.

Wishing you a season filled with inspiration and growth!

Amy Salapski, President

UPCOMMING EVENTS

Consultant's SIG: Using Technology is Your Business

Friday, September 29
Noon – 1 p.m.

A Crash Course for TechSmith Camtasia

Friday, November 3
7:45 – 9 a.m.

Holiday Party & Member Appreciation Event

Thursday, November 16
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

 
 
 
 
 

CVATD members and guests shared stories, successes, and laughs at our Summer Meet and Greet last August at the Wine Mill in Peninsula. Thanks to our wonderful Programming Co-Directors Janet Kendall White and Stephanie Markovic for planning such a lovely event!

 

October 4th, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. in Westchester, OH

The 2023 GCATD Annual Fall Conference — an exciting day chock full of engaging talent development and training presentations. Jeremy Goebel & Zac Ryland of TiER1 Performance will give the Keynote presentation "Excellence in Employee Engagement: Maximizing the Moments that Matter."

CVATD members qualify for the regional chapter discount. Contact cvatdpresident@gmail.com for the code.

 

Join Us for a Spectacular Holiday Party and Member Appreciation Event!

Are you ready for an unforgettable evening of celebration, connection, and appreciation? Join us as we usher in the holiday season and celebrate with our members!

Thursday, November 16, 2023
5:30-7:30 pm
Papa Joe Iacomini's in Akron

Event Highlights

Swag Bags for All Attendees: Get ready to be pampered with fantastic goodies exclusively curated for our amazing members. It's our way of saying "thank you" for being a part of our incredible community.

Fun Networking Activities: Break the ice and expand your professional network with engaging activities designed to bring people together. Connect with like-minded individuals and forge valuable connections that will last long after the party ends.

Exciting Prize Drawings: By participating in our networking activities, you'll earn tickets to enter exciting prize drawings for fabulous gift baskets that are sure to spread holiday cheer.

Free Registration for Members: That's right! Your attendance is absolutely FREE. We're all about showing appreciation, and what better way than offering you an unforgettable evening at no cost!

Optional Dinner and Drinks: We are gathering at a fantastic Italian restaurant around dinner time, so we'll have dinner options and refreshing drinks, all available for purchase from the restaurant. Treat yourself to a night of culinary delights!

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to celebrate the season, connect with fellow professionals, and enjoy the festive spirit.

Space is limited, and we cannot accept walk-ins, so register today to secure your spot at the most anticipated event of the year!

Visit cvatd.org for more information and to register.

Let's make this holiday season one to remember. We can't wait to celebrate with you!

REGISTER NOW >>
 

New Members:

Margaret Ewing
Carmen Gobble*
April Hamey
Sharon Logue
Maria Molvin*
Sasha Roberts*
Jen Yaros

* Denotes ATD Power Members

NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Akilah Thomas

Akilah Thomas is the Training and Occupational Development Specialist for Kyocera SGS Precision Tools in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. There, she focuses on performance improvement, new hire training, education assistance, upskilling, and their high school and college internship programs. Before her current role in manufacturing, she worked in human resources and recruitment for the transportation and education industries throughout the Cleveland and Akron, OH area. Her experience in development includes programming for full-cycle talent acquisition, DEI, and skills training. Her main aspiration in all the work she does is to continue to learn and develop herself in ways that will help others. In addition, she is a proud resident and native of Cleveland, OH, a graduate of Bowling Green State University, and an avid traveler who spends as much of her time as possible experiencing as many parts of the world as possible.

How long have you been a chapter member?

I became a chapter member in January 2023.

Now that it’s back to school time, what is your favorite fall past-time or tradition?

My favorite activities associated with the fall are marching band and apple-picking. (I am also very pro-pumpkin spice.)

Why did you join CVATD?

I joined CVATD because, as someone new to Training and Development, I was looking for not only resources to assist me in my job, but a group of like-minded individuals that I could connect with. I firmly believe that whatever aspirations and interests you have, partaking in something is always enhanced by doing so within a group of people who are also interested in that thing. Networking and fellowship are very important to me!

 

Interested in a volunteering for a CVATD Leadership position?

Nominations for next year's leadership positions are underway. If you are interested in any of next year's open positions listed below, please contact Jessica Schemrich at Jessica.schemrich@gmail.com.

  • President Elect
  • Membership Co-Director
  • Programming Co-Director
  • Technology Co-Director x 2
  • SIG Leader (Consultants, Instructional Design)
  • Campus Liaison
 

Does your organization excel in talent development? Are you committed to driving growth and innovation?

Apply for the BEST Awards today and showcase your outstanding efforts! But hurry, applications close in just ONE MONTH on Oct 20th.

Join the ranks of the best in talent development and be recognized for your exceptional work. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!

APPLY HERE >>

OUR SPONSORS

Thank you to all of our sponsors. We appreciate your partnership!

ADVOCATE SPONSOR

Cinecraft logo
 

SUPPORTER SPONSOR

 
 

IN-KIND SPONSOR

 
The Cuyahoga Valley Chapter of ATD provides a variety of opportunities for businesses to reach Talent Development professionals from the Akron/Canton (and beyond) region of Ohio. Through our sponsorship program, we aim to create "Win-Win-Win" solutions for our sponsors, chapter, and membership.
 
LEARN MORE
 

ABOUT CVATD

ABOUT

The Cuyahoga Valley Association of Talent Development (CVATD) is a professional organization that can help you meet other professionals in your area of expertise, develop skills through a full calendar of learning activities and expand leadership skills through volunteer opportunities.

MEMBER BENEFITS

CVATD offers our members upskilling webinars, in-person and online workshops, Lunch and Learn events, as well as Special Interest Group meetings.

Visit our website at cvatd.org for program information and to access Members-Only content,  like our membership directory, virtual meeting recordings and program handouts.

FOLLOW US!

Follow CVATD's LinkedIn page to keep up-to-date with chapter news and events.

Join CVATD's LinkedIn Group to post and share information with other members.

2023 Officers and Board of Directors

President:
Amy Salapski

Past President:
Luann Spaethe

President-Elect:
Jess Schemrich

Secretary:
Brad Babcock

Treasurer:
Amy Edmonds

Programming:
Stephanie Markovic
Janet Kendall White

Membership:
Amy Browne
Jeanne Wiedt

Marketing and Communications:
Jennifer Grimes
Kate Graham

Technology:
Michele Miner
Cindy DiLauro