FOSTORIA AREA BUSINESS NEWSLETTER


June 2023

Building a Vibrant Community Through Dynamic Partnerships

Fostoria CO.STARTERS Program featured in CO.STARTERS Blog

How a Chamber of Commerce Is Fostering Innovation in Ohio | CO.STARTERS

Only a few years ago, downtown Fostoria, Ohio was full of vacant, rundown buildings. The rural community's population of only 13,400 people wasn't enough to justify a large chain vendor. As a result, the town desperately lacked retail businesses. The Fostoria Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Fostoria Economic Development Corporation, stepped up to the challenge.

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Dionna Brenamen // Java's Enchanted Bean | CO.STARTERS

Dionna Brenamen is the owner of Java's Enchanted Bean , a coffee and tea cafe in Fostoria, Ohio. Her business is supported by the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce , a local CO.STARTERS partner. When Dionna Brenamen, from the small town of Fostoria, Ohio, was coming up on her 30th anniversary of working in Insurance and Finance, she realized that she had reached a crossroads.


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Our recent guest, Roberta Streiffert, joins us on the couch to give us some background on her role as Sr. Rural Development Specialist for the Great Lakes Community Action Partnership, as well as more details on the road that led her to this role. At times, she's been one of Fostoria, Ohio's greatest advocates and has worked alongside Sarah & Renee in supporting advancements for our community.



Roberta currently works with nearly a dozen local communities in Ohio who all face similar issues. She's an expert at providing specific opportunities and resources that catapult them towards success.


The podcast can be found on Spotify, Apple and Google. Learn more and follow Shut Up & Listen: Small Town Stories on Facebook and Instagram.

FEDC Launches Second Video in Workforce Series

The second in a series of 8 videos titled, Riding Around with Renee, has been released. Each video will feature a large company and a corresponding small business. The videos will provide high level exposure for companies that can be promoted to adults and youth on industries located in their own backyards. The first video featured Mennel Milling and Dunkin Donuts and the most recent video features Bridgett Mundy, BVHS and Java's Enchanted Bean.


Missed the first Riding Around with Renee? Check out episode 1 with Ford Mennel, Mennel Milling.

Sarah Stephens Krupp, Chamber/Small Business Director, Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce will be changing roles as of August 1. Stephens Krupp has accepted a position with Fostoria Economic Development Corporation (FEDC) as a Project Administrator. 

“FEDC is a strong organization that has been instrumental in the development of the Fostoria Learning Center, community projects, large- and small-scale development and an advocate and partner of the Chamber for decades. I am excited for the opportunity to take on new economic development challenges and to assist FEDC in serving its members and the City of Fostoria in even greater ways through building organizational capacity.” Stephens Krupp said.

“The work that Sarah has accomplished in her role as Chamber/Small Business Director has been exciting to witness and her advancement to the role of Project Administrator will give her new projects and challenges,” according to Renee Smith, President of the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation. “With Sarah in a new role and a new Chamber Director coming on board I think this provides our members and the community with new opportunities.”

Stephens Krupp has served as the Chamber/Small Business Director for 7 years during which the Chamber has grown and strengthened its financial footing. The Chamber, in partnership with the Fostoria Learning Center and the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation, has built a strong entrepreneurial network through various programs including CO.STARTERS. Stephens Krupp will continue to facilitate CO.STARTERS and assist with small business and entrepreneurial development. 


Stephens Krupp added, “Transitioning to a new role at FEDC is really the best of both worlds. It will allow me to assist the incoming Chamber Director, as needed, and develop the new Project Administrator role with FEDC. I am looking forward to a new director bringing a fresh perspective to the Chamber.”


The Chamber Board of Directors has posted the Chamber Director position. Interested parties should submit resumes to Renee Smith, [email protected] no later than June 20, 2023. 


Click here to view Job Posting

Summer 2023 Course Catalog

Other Upcoming Topics:

July: Seneca Co. EMA, August: Informed Preparedness, September: Positive Safety Culture, October: TBD, November: NARCAN Training



All Safety Council meetings begin at 11:30 a.m. and are held at the Fostoria Learning Center. RSVP via email: [email protected]

If you would like a lunch, you must RSVP. 

Fostoria Farmers' & Artisans' Market Expands to New Location!

Clouse Construction Inc. is the sponsor of our “Celebrating Dads & Kids” themed Fostoria Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market, which will be held on Saturday, June 17th from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Geary Family YMCA Leader’s Club will be offering games during the market with prizes provided by Clouse Construction. There are currently 30 vendors registered to participate in this market. Seneca Parks Naturalist Linda Rose will present “Oh Deer! Mammals of Ohio” at The Parkette during the market to discuss mammals that might visit your backyard. You can explore furs, skulls, scat and tracks of these critters during this free program, suitable for all ages. The market location move to Main Street between North and Center Street and on the block of North Street by The Parkette has created a new energy for the market, which has been a staple in the Fostoria community for 13+ years.  

Ohio's Total Solar Eclipse

On Monday, April 8, 2024 residents and visitors across Ohio will experience a total solar eclipse. The path of totality will be greater than most eclipses and is expected to be about 124 miles wide and will stretch across 13 states. In Seneca County the center of totality will pass directly over Bloomville.

Fostoria will experience a total eclipse for 3 minutes 43.6 seconds. The eclipse will begin at 1:56 p.m. with totality at 3:11 p.m. Seneca County is expecting a huge influx of visitors to view the eclipse. County wide meetings are taking place and we will provide more information as the date nears.

In the meantime, we encourage business owners to be prepared for the influx of visitors and begin making plans to accommodate.


Learn more about the path of the 2024 eclipse:


Ohio Total Solar Eclipse


City of Fostoria

Findlay Truck Line

BR Pallet

Clouse Construction

BANKquet Hall

Charter Steel

Commercial Carpet & Tile

Imagine for Youth

Fostoria Country Club

Inland Tarp & Liner

Machine Tool Design & Fab

Knights of Columbus

Fostoria Ohio Glass Assoc.

Renhill

Kiwanis Club of Fostoria

The Fostoria Chamber is proud to highlight Lance Wood, State Farm, located at 200 S. Main St. in the heart of Downtown Fostoria. Lance and his experienced team offer insurance and retirement planning services.


Whether you are looking for life, car, home, renters, business or farm insurance Lance Wood State Farm is here to help protect what is important to you. They can also help you plan and protect your future with thoughtful retirement planning.


Let Lance Wood State Farm show you The Good Neighbor Bundle and help save you an average of $600 a year.


Learn more about Lance Wood State Farm at myagentlancefostoria.com.

For more information about the members and benefits of the Chamber go to FostoriaChamber.com and follow us on Instagram and FB. 

Our members are doing GREAT things!

New Permanent Sculpture Installed at Market Square Park!

The Fostoria Garden Club commissioned a new sculpture entitled “Monarch”, which was just installed at Market Square Park. Last year, then FGC President Sue Gehring met with sculpture artist Pamela Reithmeier of Monclova, Ohio to discuss ideas for the sculpture, which is a permanent gift to the City of Fostoria.

 

We are pleased to welcome “Monarch” as another permanent sculpture to Fostoria’s growing collection of public art. Pamela’s sculptures have always been fan favorites in our Midwest Sculpture Initiative exhibits in Fostoria. Three of her pieces were purchased to remain in the community: “Brainstorm” is at the Fostoria Learning Center, “Blossom” is at Good Shepherd Home and “Dottie” was purchased by an individual. Another piece of hers entitled “Greater Than” at the Ray Dell Parking lot on South Street as part of our current MSI exhibit.

 

The City of Fostoria poured a concrete pad for “Monarch” and assisted with installation, Creative Concepts Landscaping prepared the area for the permanent flower bed and Fostoria Garden Club members planted perennials that will attract butterflies to this beautiful new area at Market Square Park.  

Thank you to TUWB Concert Sponsors: K Palmer Insurance,

JYoakam Communications, Clouse Construction

Fostoria Community Arts Council Summer Events


The Arts Council will once again host their free Summer Concert Series, Lunch on the Lawn and Guitar Fest.


The Summer Concert series kicks off June 11 followed by the start of Lunch on the Lawn which begins June 14. Guitar Fest will be held June 25 in Downtown Fostoria from 4-Mindnight.

Charitable University:

An educational forum for charities and their board members

Charities are critical in our communities. Board members have critical legal duties to ensure the effectiveness of those groups. Charitable University, a new learning platform developed by the Ohio Attorney General's Office, provides tools on some of the most important elements in leading a charitable organization: board governance, governmental filings, financial operations, and fundraising. The online platform is designed to help board members understand their legal obligations and learn the best practices for running their charities. Starting in 2023, nonprofits that apply for grants from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office are required to complete Charitable U. Register at charitable.ohioago.gov/Charitable-University.


Intro Video: https://youtu.be/Mvwb2eeUwhk

More Information: Charitable University Palm Card (ohioago.gov)

ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital Announce Recipients of ROSE and DAISY Awards


ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital is proud to announce the winners of the ROSE and DAISY Awards.


Amanda May, RN, acute care, is the recipient of the DAISY Award. Kelly O’Connor, cardiac rehab, is the recipient of the ROSE Award. Their photos will be on display inside the hospital on a dedication wall.


To nominate an extraordinary NURSE for a DAISY award, please click here. To nominate an outstanding non-nursing employee for a ROSE Award, please click here. At the end of each quarter, two employees will be selected for the DAISY Award and ROSE Award.


The DAISY Award is presented to a deserving nurse to celebrate the extraordinary compassion they provide patients and families every day. The award began in 1999 and is dedicated to the life of Patrick Barnes who was hospitalized for eight weeks after having a dangerously low platelet count. 


 The ROSE Award was established in 2020 by ProMedica to recognize outstanding employees in all roles in the hospital. This award celebrates the extraordinary efforts of the non-nursing employees who provide outstanding patient services in any position.

Things to see & do this fall right here in Fostoria...

Fostoria Area Visitor's Bureau Community Calendar


Learn how your Chamber Membership can save you $$$

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