Crowds gathered along Route 18 in the Montrose area of Summit County Thursday evening to witness President Obama’s tour bus make its way through Northeast Ohio. Eager Democrats and Obama fans filled the street corners, waiting anxiously for the president to pass by their local restaurants, stores and businesses.

Through his “Betting on Ohio” tour, Obama campaigned across the manufacturing belt of Northern Ohio on July 5, visiting the areas where he had received support during his election in 2008.

Obama arrived in Toledo on Thursday, traveling on a black secret-service bus to his first stop in Maumee, Ohio where he visited Wolcott House Museum. His tour took him across Northern Ohio, where he attended an ice cream social at Washington Park in Sandusky, and visited James Day Park in Parma, a suburb of Cleveland.

Obama endorsed his economic policies, presented his resolution to salvage American automakers Chrysler and General Motors, and compared his views to those of his Republican opponent, Mitt Romney.

“Throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania, President Obama will talk about his efforts over the last three years to get our economy back on track, doubling down on American workers by saving the auto industry, investing in manufacturing and bringing jobs back to America,” the Obama campaign said in a statement, according to CNN’s Ashley Killough.

The crowds cheered and waved as Obama’s tour bus passed through Montrose. After residing for the evening at the Double Tree Hotel in Fairlawn, Obama chose an Akron diner for breakfast, indulging in eggs and bacon at Ann’s Place restaurant on South Hawkins Avenue. He continued his tour Friday to Dobbins Elementary in Poland, Ohio, before heading to Pittsburgh.

Dressed in red, white and blue attire, eager patriots flood the streets of their hometowns and cities, celebrating with music, food and family. Some set up chairs and spread out blankets in the grass to watch the dazzling fireworks light up the sky. Others enjoy a family cookout and play music, or munch on cotton candy while exploring a local carnival.

Although Americans celebrate the 4th of July in many different ways, it is important to commemorate the past and understand the significance of this special day in our country’s history.

It has been 236 years since five courageous men collaborated to form the Declaration of Independence for the 13 American colonies. On July 4, 1776, Congress approved this document crafted by Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston.

The 4th of July reminds Americans of the great measures the Founding Fathers took to gain independence from Great Britain. This day in history symbolizes the creation of the unalienable Rights of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, thus allowing Americans to live in a land of opportunity and freedom.

From patriots to political figures, many Americans take part in the festivities of the 4th of July. Washington, DC., hosts an Independence Day Parade along Constitution Avenue beginning at 11:45 a.m. The White House Visitor Center features family activities including games, crafts and other events during the day. President Obama, along with his family, joins the community and commemorates the 4th of July at the White House with celebrations, food and friends.

Here in Akron, the community comes together to provide holiday festivities on behalf of the Downtown Akron Partnership. Lock 3 hosts Akron’s National Rib Fest beginning on July 2nd to kick off Independence Day with a selection of tasty foods. A Fireworks Finale on the 4th at 9:50 p.m. concludes the evening.

No matter where you are on the 4th of July, as you celebrate in your own way, know that Americans across the country are watching fireworks and remembering the history that brought us together as a Nation.

State and Federal Communications, Inc. wishes you a Happy Independence Day!

As cars and crowds pass by the offices of State and Federal Communications, a vibrant flower arrangement sits peacefully on the corner of South Summit and East Mill Street. At a glance, this may seem like just an ordinary arrangement of white, green, purple and red plants growing from a large, blue pot. But this delicate flower arrangement represents the pride of a company and the intricate beauty of its surrounding city.

Through a program sponsored by the Downtown Akron Partnership, State and Federal Communications, under President and CEO Elizabeth Bartz adopted a flower pot to decorate outside the company building. The Keep Akron Beautiful program is sponsored to plan and maintain flower arrangements throughout the city of Akron.

On June 2, ambassadors representing the Downtown Akron Partnership decorated a large, concrete flower pot in front of the building. That’s when IT Assistant Ken Kelewae of State and Federal Communications along with his wife, chose the arrangement of flowers to plant in the pot.

“My wife helped me in choosing the color arrangements of the plants to put in the pot,” Kelewae said.  “I painted it a solid color and topped off the pot with a layer of soil before I planted.”

Every morning an ambassador from the Akron Partnership makes a quick stop at State and Federal Communications to water the adopted flower arrangement.  Kelewae, along with his co-worker, IT Assistant David Jones, checks on the plants daily and gives them extra water toward the end of the day on Fridays.

“We wait until after 10:00 a.m. every day to check on the plants and make sure they’ve been watered,” Kelewae said.

From species of Sedum to the snow-white leaves of the Dusty Miller plants, State and Federal Communication’s adopted flower pot provides a colorful contrast to the brick buildings and black pavement along Summit Street.

“I think as active as Elizabeth is in the city and with the Chamber, it just shows how we’re involved and that we care how things appear,” Kelewae said.