True Advancement Starts at the Local Level
Strong communities drive economic development.
Former Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill famously and regularly reminded his colleagues that “all politics is local.” Similarly, all economics is local.
Strong communities play a crucial role in economic development. The stronger a community, the better it can add and retain talent while attracting investment. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce attributes this impact to three main factors held in common by strong communities. The first is social cohesion, which means a sense of unity and cooperation vital for a supportive environment for individuals and families. Secondly, an enhanced quality of life encompasses a community’s fundamental needs that ensure an opportunity for all residents to enjoy healthy, fulfilling lives. The third quality is resilience, the ability for a community to adapt and recover from challenges, as well as to promote long-term stability and prosperity. Together, they create a multiplier effect toward local investment and sustained success.
The community at work.
Stark County’s emphasis on strong communities has and will continue to drive our economic development through a balanced focus on business and people. When more people participate — whether through education, hands-on training, or starting a local business — our local economy thrives.
As the Ohio Department of Development summed up its end of 2025 report, “With our rich history and diverse communities, our state embodies innovation, progress, and collaboration.” Stark County is a case study for these points. Stark’s local communities are committed to community vibrancy, following the tenets of the ten components adopted from the National Civic League. They are 1. Economic Vitality; 2. Education and Lifelong Learning; 3. Healthy Living and Wellness; 4. History and Culture; 5. Housing, Neighborhoods, and Community Spaces; 6. Leadership and Community Engagement; 7. Natural Resources, Climate, and Energy; 8. Recreation; 9. Sense of Community; and 10. Utilities, Facilities, Transportation, and Internet.
Our main spark for more vibrant local communities is called Strengthening Stark, an area movement of residents, businesses, government, nonprofits, and philanthropy who share a vision for a vibrant, growing county for all. Its goal is to make Stark a great place to:
- Start and grow a business
- Develop one’s talent and pursue a career
- Live and raise a family
Stark County offers multiple site and community profiles within a single labor shed. These communities provide a range of site, workforce, and infrastructure options, allowing companies to align location decisions with operational needs and development timelines. Key Stark County local communities are spotlighted below.
Canton
The Pro Football Hall of Fame City
Canton, Ohio is the birthplace of professional football. It is also the largest city in the county, known across the country as the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame [https://www.profootballhof.com/]. The Hall of Fame is a five-building complex where football greats are featured, and has been visited by more than 10 million people since its opening in 1963. The Hall of Fame festival captivates the county each August, and is a week-long celebration that features a food festival, a balloon classic, the enshrinee induction ceremonies, a celebration concert, and an NFL football game.
Canton is committed to the preservation and restoration of its historic buildings, including the Saxton House, National First Ladies Library, and the Stark County Courthouse.
The city boasts a cultural complex which features the Canton Ballet, the Canton Museum of Art, the Player's Guild theater troupe, and the Canton Civic Opera. The Canton Symphony Orchestra is situated on the McKinley High School campus. Another featured attraction of the city is the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum and the Memorial where President William McKinley's body is entombed. Shopping facilities and restaurants are plentiful. More information about Canton may be found at Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce or Visit Canton. Canton is also the World Headquarters for The Timken Company and Timken Steel.
Massillon
Football and Food Industry
Massillon, the second largest city in the county, is known for its sports tradition. The Massillon Tigers high school football team is the pride of its hometown.
Downtown Massillon storefronts sport colorful awnings as they compete with outlying commercial centers. The City’s Summer Concert Series and the Duncan Plaza Concerts fill the summer air with music twice a week. The downtown is filled during summer months with the Cruise-On-In and Dance Party, Family Fun Fest, and the Massillon Museum Island Party. Fans and traditionalists flock to the football stadium in the fall.
The canal towpath, revived as a hiking and biking trail from Cleveland through Massillon, augments the town’s thirty parks and green spaces. The Massillon Museum, the community’s cultural hub, is at the heart of downtown activities, offering ever-changing exhibitions, a popular coffee shop, research opportunities, classes, and a creative and constant parade of free public events.
Massillon is the Corporate Home for Freshmark, producers of Sugardale and Superiors Meats, as well as Shearers Snacks. Heinz Foods has a large production facility producing quality products out of its Massillon operation that are shipped around the world. More information at Massillon WestStark Chamber of Commerce.
Alliance
Home of the University of Mount Union
Alliance is located in the eastern part of the county. Nicknamed the Carnation City, Alliance is the official home of the state flower, the carnation. The University of Mount Union, a liberal arts school with more than 1,500 students, is located here. Historical homes like the Glamorgan Castle and the Mabel Hartzell Museum are popular sites open to tourists. The Carnation City also offers a variety of stores to suit any shopper's needs, an indoor soccer complex and several city parks. More information at the Alliance Area Development.
North Canton
The Business-Friendly Choice of Diebold Nixdorf & Kenan Advantage
North Canton, located in the north-central part of the county, is a quaint town offering beautiful parks, a playhouse, restaurants, and unique shops. The center of North Canton is its Victorian-style main street with an antique flair. Popular attractions include the famous Harry London's Candies factory and the Hoover Historical Center. The founder of the Hoover Company called North Canton his home. The rich history of great companies continues with Diebold Nixdorf and Kenan Advantage, both of which call North Canton home. The area also includes the educational resource Walsh University, with over 1,000 students annually. During the summer, people from all over the county visit the Main Street Festival. More information at North Canton Area Chamber of Commerce.
Louisville
Constitution Town
Louisville, Ohio is known as “Constitution Town” because Olga Weber, a Louisville resident, petitioned for the establishment of Constitution Day to the United States Congress in 1952. Louisville, Ohio features beautiful parks and a quaint downtown. Each September the City holds the annual Constitution Week Celebration. Louisville features an Energy Park that is the home of Encino Energy. Stark County is strategically located near the rich Utica Shale, making it a perfect location to do business. Louisville also is the corporate headquarters for HP Products. HP is a premier manufacturer of central vacuums and tubing related products. Learn more at Louisville Chamber of Commerce.
Canal Fulton
The Ohio Erie Canal Corridor
Located in western Stark County, Canal Fulton is a historic town with several restaurants and many quaint shops. When you mention Canal Fulton, the first thought that comes to mind is the canal boat St. Helena III, an authentic reproduction of a freighter from the late 1800s. Rides are available in season along the Ohio and Erie Canal. The village also offers several recreational facilities including the Canal Days Museum, Indian River Canoe Livery, Sluggers and Putters Family Fun Park, and Clay's Park Resort. More information at Canal Fulton Chamber of Commerce.
Jackson Township
Stark County’s Retail Mecca
In a short time, the Jackson Township area grew from its rural agricultural roots into a thriving community of 45,000. The area is the leader in new home construction in the county, with upscale housing quickly replacing farmland. Jackson Township is also the retail center of the county, home to over 130 restaurants in the Belden Village Mall area and a constant expansion of retail and commercial establishments. Jackson Township has an extensive park system with eight parks and over 250 acres of land, providing plentiful recreational opportunities. The area also hosts five private country clubs and several golf courses. Find more about this wonderful community at Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Hartville
Home to America’s Largest Hardware Store
The village of Hartville, nestled in Lake Township, is known for its Amish legacy. The Quail Hollow State Park, the Hartville Flea Market, and Hartville Hardware, along with dozens of quaint shops and restaurants with home-style cooking, complete Lake Township’s picture of country charm. The village holds several fairs and festivals each year and has several other recreational opportunities. More information at Lake Township Chamber of Commerce.