Over 59 years ago, a local group of business professionals launched the Akron Executives' Association, a referral network built on a simple shared belief:

Every member of AEA has a personal connection to the rest of the members and each conducts their business according to a shared Code of Ethics.

1. Each industry is represented by only one member firm making for high-value      relationships among members that are non-competitive
2. Leverage the knowledge of members for general business problems, labor relations, advertising, sales management, PR, production methods, etc.
3. Ensure the highest standard of quality of supplies
4. Members seek each other for advice and counsel
5. Prestige: each company and its representatives are carefully screened and the company

The Executive Representatives of member firms accept responsibility.
• To attend the regularly scheduled luncheon meetings.
• To encourage and solicit business from member firms.
• To provide business to other member firms whenever possible.
• To provide information and assistance to other member firms when requested.
• To furnish third party leads and contacts to other firms.
• To recommend member firms to your own business associates, employees, friends, family.
• To present classification talks and to participate in annual association social events.

Since 1963 the Akron Executives Association (AEA) has empowered professionals, united business leaders and has fostered profitable relationships for its members. Founded by Robert Freed alongside a group of enthusiastic and well-connected business professionals, the AEA was created to and continues to promote business by sharing leads between members within the local chapter and throughout the International Executives Association network.
Millions of dollars have been transferred through leads and direct business between fellow members within our association. But while the dollar value is benefit enough, sharing business ideas, concerns and solutions is an invaluable additional benefit that our members realize. It is like free consulting from experts within their respective industries.
What sets AEA apart from other business groups is that we accept only one member firm per business classification, thus eliminating conflict of interest when sharing leads or doing business with fellow members. We have business luncheon meetings every Thursday as well as several social events throughout the year.