KENT, Ohio – 717 Credit Union and The Business Journal will host the next event in their Coffee and Connections networking series from 8 to 9 a.m. March 12 at the credit union’s Kent branch, 2301 state Route 59.

The monthly networking program is designed to bring together local business owners, professionals and community leaders from across northeastern Ohio to start the day with conversation, coffee and new connections.

Featured speakers at the Kent event are Mark Carney, Kent State University football coach; Josh Moore, KSU wrestling coach; and Brice Biggin, KSU gymnastics coach. The speakers will discuss their programs and share insights with attendees during the morning gathering.

The event is free to attend, but reservations are required. Those planning to attend must RSVP HERE by March 10. 

Coffee and Connections is a partnership between 717 Credit Union and The Business Journal and is held monthly at various 717 Credit Union branches throughout the organization’s footprint.

The series aims to create opportunities for networking and collaboration among local businesses and community leaders while highlighting organizations and initiatives across the region.

The series kicked off Feb. 19 at 717 Credit Union’s Austintown branch, where local business owners shared their experiences and discussed challenges facing small businesses. Speakers included Dwayne Townsend Sr. of Townsend’s Tax Network, Larry Wilson of Biker Brewhouse and Christopher McFall of Shotz Bar & Grill. 

The event focused on the value of networking and community support for small businesses, with participants discussing issues such as rising costs, workforce challenges and the importance of building connections across industries.

As part of the partnership, attendees 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.

Additional Coffee and Connections events scheduled for 2026 include:

  • March 19, Canton branch.
  • April 16, Larchmont/Warren branch.
  • May 21, Wallhaven branch.
  • June 18, Ravenna branch.
  • Aug. 20, Howland branch.
  • Sept. 17, Hubbard branch.
  • Oct. 15, Streetsboro branch.
  • Nov. 19, Vienna branch.
  • Dec. 17, Downtown Akron branch.