The Greater Akron Chamber has announced that Richard Rogers, Executive Director of Curated Storefront, and former owner of Tribute Software and B.W. Rogers Company, has been selected to receive the 2025 H. Peter Burg Economic Development Leadership Award.

Rick will be honored at the Chamber’s annual meeting on March 12, 2025, at the John S. Knight Center, and will be the 20th recipient of the award. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at greaterakronchamber.org.

This award was created in 2004 in memory of H. Peter Burg by the Chamber’s Executive Committee to recognize leaders who demonstrate a commitment to economic and community development in the Greater Akron region.

Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, Rick has made his mark on our region and community in countless ways. From his leadership as an entrepreneur and business leader, to his commitment to economic development and his focus on creative placemaking using art, Rick has a passion for Akron and has spent his life and career working to advance the community.

“I believe that the arts and artists can play an important role in the economic resurgence of post-industrial rust belt cities like Akron. I am honored to be a part of the effort to revitalize downtown and bring attention to everything that it has to offer to all who work, visit, and live here,” said Rogers.

A consummate entrepreneur with an innate propensity for leadership, Rick began his career in 1980 as founder and president of Tribute, a software company based in Akron, Ohio. In 1994, he assumed leadership of B. W. Rogers Company, a manufacturing and distribution company founded by his grandfather. Over the course of twenty years, Rick expanded the family business from six offices in the state of Ohio to twenty-one offices spanning seven states. He assembled and led a diverse team of over 250 people, and it was through his ability to identify talent and cultivate a sense of creativity and independence in his employees that his company was able to thrive and contribute to the economic vitality of his beloved hometown.

Rick is also the founder and executive director of Curated Storefront, an organization that fosters community and economic growth in and around Akron, Ohio by fueling artistic innovation, commissioning public art, expanding access to arts education, and nurturing a thriving cultural ecosystem. Launched in 2016 as a John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Knight Arts Challenge grantee, Curated Storefront leverages art commissions, exhibitions, and educational programs to engage the community with meaningful cultural experiences. The organization has featured the work of 150 regional and international artists and engaged thousands of individuals. To date, 14 buildings activated with exhibits have been commercially developed or revitalized post project start. In addition to public art

exhibitions, Curated Storefront also provides subsidized artist studios and implements an artist residency program at the LeBron James Family Foundation’s I Promise School.

Most recently, Rick played a key role in the Lock 3 project in Downtown Akron, working alongside the Knight Foundation, Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, and others to bring the concept to life. And as a result of his advocacy for the inclusion of art in Lock 3, Curated Storefront is commissioning and installing a sculpture garden featuring the work of internationally acclaimed artists, including Chakaia Booker.

He currently serves as treasurer of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts, is a board member of the Museum of Ceramic Art – New York, and a leading collector of contemporary ceramics from Asia and the US and twentieth-century American and European design. Rick also serves on the board of directors at Akron Children’s Hospital and was a former board member at Boys and Girls Club of Western Reserve; Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron; and the Akron Art Museum—an illustration of his ongoing commitment to give back, lead, and lend his perspectives to key efforts driving our community and our region forward.

“Rick is committed to our community and his work illustrates what leaders can accomplish when they channel their passion and their expertise into projects, initiatives, and most importantly, impact,” said Steve Millard, President and CEO of the Greater Akron Chamber. “His success as a business owner is impressive. And, his focus on being a part of the change we need in downtown development, placemaking and the Arts is creating a lasting mark on our city and our region.” Steve added, “We are fortunate to have leaders like Rick in our community who, like Pete Burg, are willing to go beyond their own business interests and invest their time and money in the opportunity they see for our region.”

Rick joins a group of notable community leaders including Richard Kramer, Rick Fedorovich, County Executive Ilene Shapiro, Roger Read, S. Theresa Carter, the late Philip Maynard, and others as H. Peter Burg Economic Development Leadership Award recipients.

1. Ensuring the computer, projector, and microphones are all up and running smoothly before the start of the meeting.  NOTE: Brian Kosarko, Michael Gladysz, or I can/will help train new volunteers - we would certainly appreciate expanding the rotation for this role. 
2. If necessary, correcting the flag positioning so that when viewed from the audience, the U.S./American Flag is to the left of the speaker/podium and the Ohio Flag is on the right. 

Yours in service,