Summit county is located in Ohio just south of Cleveland with Akron acting as the county seat. The county population on July 1, 1999, was 537,856, an increase of 22,866 over the 1990 census.
The county's major employers revolve around the automotive industry in general and the tire industry in particular--with Firestone among the leaders.
Akron, the center of activity in the county, is perhaps best known as the host city for a slice of Americana--the All American Soap Box Derby which had its origins in 1933 in Dayton. In addition, the city hosts the "National Inventor's Hall of Fame" which includes age-group divisions and promotes competition on a national level.
Outside the metro area, outdoor lovers head south to enjoy the facilities surrounding the Portage Lakes.
