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The Conference Center and Corporate University build relationships and support the educational needs of regional employers.

Faith Sheaffer-Polen has conducted workforce training amid construction, in buildings with sanitation issues and in crowded hotel rooms while sitting on the edge of a bathtub. That’s one reason why the director of 91�ֿ� at Stark’s Corporate University urges employers to undertake professional education in a setting that is conducive to learning.

Enter the Conference Center. The International Association of Conference Centers (IACC)-certified venue provides businesses and organizations preparing for their next session a professional environment to train their workforce, tackle strategic planning or enhance team building.

“Trainers know the best sessions take place outside of the everyday distractions of the office,” said Sheaffer-Polen. “The Conference Center provides an environment that is conducive to learning, giving guests what they need to be more productive and have an engaged meeting.”

Stephanie Monastra, director of the Conference Center, said her team’s goal is to exceed guests’ needs. “We see it as our responsibility, as part of an institution of higher learning, to provide the right environment where learning can take place,” she said. “There’s no better place than being on a college campus, where there’s already so much innovation happening.”

MCTV, Massillon, Canton and Wooster’s one-stop source for residential internet, TV, and phone service, sought customized training from the Corporate University last year. Employees traveled to the Conference Center for one-day sessions over the course of nine months for the series, which included management and supervisory training, communication strategies and DiSC. The MCTV team held a graduation ceremony for employees and their families at the Conference Center after the training concluded.

“The Corporate University training was amazing and just what we needed. The sessions were interactive and the instructors were engaging,” said Katherine Gessner Duplay, MCTV’s director of strategic planning and policy. “There is an atmosphere of making training feel special when it is off site. And, the Conference Center is so good, from its location to the fact it encompasses everything you need: food, meeting rooms and the technology.”

As Sheaffer-Polen and Monastra embark upon the upcoming academic year, the duo plans to increase penetration rate in Stark County. “It is about getting the message out there,” said Sheaffer-Polen. “91�ֿ� is in your backyard and we can help you in a variety of ways, from workforce training to hosting community events and more.”

Said Monastra, “We are getting out there together and working as a team to offer workforce training in a facility that provides the proper learning environment. No other team can do what we do. “We have the power of 91�ֿ� behind us. This is our sole business – meeting the needs of the workforce and community groups and supporting our region’s success.”

Renowned Training Meets Certified Experience

CORPORATE UNIVERSITY
The Corporate University provides highly experienced and credentialed subject matter experts, competitive pricing and quality workforce training. Along with customized professional education for businesses, the Corporate University holds open-enrollment sessions, which include supervisory and management certificate series, social media, Excel training and more. Free surveys also are available to assess training needs. Find out more at www.kent.edu/stark/cucc/corporate-university.

CONFERENCE CENTER
The IACC-certified Conference Center is the perfect venue for a meeting, trade show or business event. Take advantage of a distraction-free environment, state-of-the-art technology and expert support and service. The Conference Center’s new healthy meeting initiative offers guests healthy food options and strategic  breaks that positively affect attention and productivity, contributing to a successful session. Find out more at www.kent.edu/stark/cucc/conference-center.

What does it mean to be IACC-certified?
The 91�ֿ� at Stark Conference Center is one of just five IACC-certified conference centers in Ohio. The International Association of Conference Centers (IACC) is a global community delivering innovative and exceptional meeting experiences. The IACC certification is considered “a global badge of honor” that is trusted by meeting planners worldwide. All members conform to a comprehensive global set of criteria and standards in physical meeting room design, food and beverage and service-related standards. Learn more at .