Editor’s note: In keeping with the Canton Chamber’s Young Professionals initiative – to attract and retain talented young people for Stark County – ACTION will feature a monthly profile of an individual who represents the group (ages 20-40) that ystark! is targeting.
Name: Georgia Paxos
Age: 30
Occupation/Title/Place of work: executive director, Canton Palace Theatre
Why are you interested Canton’s Young Professionals initiative? As a young professional committed to the success of my community, ystark! allows for my colleagues to take an active role in ensuring Canton and all of Stark County provides all the essentials for happy, healthy living, including jobs, housing and entertainment.
What is your impression of ystark!, what do you think of their events, etc.? I think the events are a great way to network and bring together young professionals to do things that they enjoy doing.
Where did you grow up? In what cities have you lived and worked? I grew up in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. I have worked in New York City, Washington, D.C., Cleveland and Canton.
Why have you chosen to live in Canton? My husband, Mike, has lived here all his life and I really loved the lack of traffic and friendliness of the community. This is a great place to raise a family.
What type of dwelling do you live in? We live in a ranch-style home in Plain Township
What do you think of the housing choices for YPs in the Canton area? If there were more opportunities for townhouses, condo’s and apartments around shopping and businesses districts, it would allow more people to walk to and from work and save on fuel costs, which would give them more income to invest in our local economy.
What do you like MOST about Canton? Canton is a great community of people who truly love their city and want to see it succeed. I love all of the events that happen all over Canton and Stark County, including First Friday, Light Up Downtown, Vintage Canton and more.
What do you like LEAST about Canton? Snow in November!
What are the opportunities for YPs in Canton when it comes to career opportunities, cultural access, leadership or community involvement opportunities? There are so many opportunities for community involvement all over Canton, you just have to ask. At the Palace for example we have over 100 volunteers who help us operate the concession stand, the box office and usher for our live events and movies. There are many committees that help plan many events throughout the year, it’s a matter of picking something you like and getting involved. No one would say no to another set of hands.
What’s missing from Canton that would attract more YPs? More shopping opportunities in downtown. The great restaurants provide the meals, The Palace provides the entertainment, shopping would provide a third reason to come to downtown in the evenings and weekends.
What do you do in the evenings or on the weekends for fun in Canton? We have 2 boys, Kostas – age 3 and Minas – age 2, so we try to do as many outdoor activities as possible. A favorite is the Canton Museum of Art.
What would you change about Canton if you could? The misconceptions that there isn’t anything to do in Canton anymore. There is plenty to do all the time.
Could you see yourself spending your lifetime in Canton? Yes, I am committed to ensuring my boys grow up in a thriving community filled with employment, housing and entertainment opportunities.
What would cause you to want to leave Canton? What other cities in the United States would be appealing to you as a home base? Why? My parents, brother, grandmother, aunts, uncles and cousins still live in the Washington, D.C. area, so if I was ever needed back for family reasons that would be the only reason why I would ever leave Canton.
