WARREN, Ohio – 717 Credit Union is launching a new monthly networking series, Coffee and Connections, in partnership with The Business Journal, aimed at bringing together local business owners, professionals and community leaders across northeastern Ohio.
The series will debut Thursday from 8 to 9 a.m. at the 717 Credit Union branch at 2301 state Route 59 in Kent. The event is free to attend, but reservations are required and must be made by Wednesday. Attendees can RSVP HERE and are asked to include their name, business name and email address when registering.
The Kent event will feature guest speakers from Kent State University athletics, including football coach Mark Carney, men’s basketball coach Rob Senderoff, women’s basketball associate head coach Fran Recchia and wrestling coach Josh Moore.
Coffee and Connections will continue as a once-a-month series hosted at various 717 Credit Union branches throughout the credit union’s footprint, including Akron, Canton, Streetsboro and multiple locations in the Mahoning Valley.
“We hope to see businesses take this opportunity to grow through networking and sharing their stories with The Business Journal,” said John Demmler, president and CEO of 717 Credit Union. “By bringing people together each month, we hope to foster strong relationships and create a space where local business can thrive.”
As part of the partnership, attendees will receive digital-only access to The Business Journal for seven months and 17 days, reflecting the credit union’s name and its focus on business engagement.
Chuck George of Sapientia Ventures, which owns The Business Journal, said the series aligns with the publication’s mission to connect and support the region’s business community.
“These events create an opportunity for meaningful, face-to-face conversations that strengthen the local business ecosystem,” George said. “Partnering with 717 Credit Union allows us to extend The Business Journal beyond the page and into the communities we serve.”
Additional Coffee and Connections events and locations will be announced throughout the year.