Innis Maggiore continues commitment to business community involvement
Innis Maggiore demonstrated its commitment to business community involvement.
CANTON, Ohio (May 8, 2025) — Innis Maggiore, the nation’s leading positioning ad agency, today announced initiatives demonstrating its commitment to business community involvement. Through the Innis Maggiore Community Endowment Fund, administered through the Stark Community Foundation, the agency donated to nonprofits focused on youth development and education — the Legacy Project of Stark, the North Canton Playhouse, and the Stark Education Partnership — in the first quarter of 2025.
“We’re honored to invest in Stark County’s youth alongside partners like the Legacy Project of Stark, the North Canton Playhouse, and the Stark Education Partnership,” said Mark Vandegrift, president and CEO of Innis Maggiore. “Together, we’re helping young people envision their futures right here in Stark County, which is invaluable to local employers and our communities alike.”
Innis Maggiore’s donation to the Legacy Project of Stark goes toward furthering mentoring opportunities for youth. The Legacy Project believes all it takes to change the world is a little support. Since its founding in 2015, the organization has been determined to make an impact on young lives by providing accessible, age-appropriate, high-quality mentorship opportunities for any student, in part through business community involvement.
“All students can benefit from having a mentor, and we envision a county where every student has one,” said Eugene Lingenhoel, Legacy Project founder. “Through mentorship, financial backing, and volunteering, support from organizations like Innis Maggiore helps us bring our vision to life.”
The agency’s donation to the North Canton Playhouse, Innis Maggiore’s first to the McManaway Endowment, supports graduating seniors’ further study in the performing arts. The North Canton Playhouse strives to give something back to the wonderful Northeast Ohio community by bringing quality entertainment and enrichment to the area.
“As we strive to achieve extraordinary community theater, support from community partners is a must,” said Lisa Paynter, executive director of the North Canton Playhouse. “Innis Maggiore’s gift will go a long way as we continue to educate, enrich, entertain, and encourage our community in the area of performing arts.”
Innis Maggiore’s donation to the Stark Education Partnership’s annual fundraiser, the Journey to the Summit, will help as the organization focuses on developing and retaining the talents of Stark County students by hosting career-connected learning opportunities like field trips, job shadows, and internships. Business community involvement is key for the organization’s success.
“Students who clearly understand their interests and abilities are more likely to fulfill their potential and become rooted right here in Stark County,” said Dr. John Richard, president of the Stark Education Partnership. “Support from companies like Innis Maggiore helps us provide students with an understanding of their interests and aptitudes and match them to careers and employers.”
About Innis Maggiore
Innis Maggiore Group is recognized as America’s leading positioning ad agency, building strong brand positions for companies around the world. The full-service integrated agency had 2024 capitalized billings of about $25 million. Some of its key clients include Advanced Power, Aultman Health System, AultCare Health Plans, Babcock & Wilcox, Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods, BellStores, The Center for Health Affairs, Encino Energy, ForeverLawn, Goodwill Industries of Eastern North Carolina (GIENC®), GOJO Industries (PURELL), Golf Crypt, Hall of Fame Resort and Entertainment, JDM Structures, KFC/Kendall House, Lewis Services, MID’S True Sicilian Pasta Sauce, Midwest Industrial Supply, Mueller Electric, ReliaRide Medical Transportation, Robertson Heating Supply Company, SmithFoods/Prairie Farms, Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA), and Stricklands Ice Cream.