Fostoria Business Newsletter

Building a Vibrant Community Through Dynamic Partnerships

Hello, 2024!

In this episode, Sarah and Renee revisit and recap their annual meeting which took place last month and encompassed the collective results of their economic development, chamber of commerce, and convention + visitor’s bureau offices.

Here are some reasons why they've been a little M.I.A.:

Personnel changes within their offices

Working on advancements in residential housing

Preparing for a Fall Entrepreneurial Summit

The Fostoria Learning Center served 1,000+ more YOY and increased offerings to 65 certifications; it’s truly become a more regional resource beyond the tri-county area

$4.7 million in grant dollars flowed through their offices and were secured for Fostoria, Ohio

At the end of this episode, Renee puts out a prediction…

“2024 will exceed 2023 in all numbers and across the board.”

Listen-in to learn how this year is shaping up to be a BIG ONE!

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

Step into the dynamic world of our Chamber of Commerce with our April video slideshow! From vibrant networking events to insightful seminars, this presentation captures the energy and excitement fueling our business community. Together towards success. Join us on this journey through April, where every picture tells a story of collaboration, innovation, and prosperity.

Annual Chamber Event:

This year we are transitioning from our fall event to a Kickoff to Summer Party! This party will be the big event the Chamber hosts for our members. We will be sending out invitations in the mail to our members, and as a reminder Platinum Sponsors receive 4 complimentary tickets, and Gold Sponsors receive 2 complimentary tickets.

Please RSVP to admin@fostoriachamber.com before May 16th!

Upcoming Topics:

May: Jason Root, Chief of Fostoria Fire Department June: Gabe Wedge, Chief of Fostoria Police Division

Fostoria Farmers' & Artisans' Market 2024 Schedule

Our 1st Market is May 9th followed by May 18th!

The 2024 Fostoria Farmers' & Artisans' Market schedule has been announced. This years schedule will have 4 Thursday Night Markets and 4 Saturday Markets.

The vendor applications are live, as well as non profit forms on our website.

For more information contact:

Jocelyn Reinhart-Scaife

Chamber Director

419-435-0486

development@fostoriachamber. com

2024 Chamber Golf Classic

Registration is open for the 2024 Chamber Golf Classic. It will be held Thursday, August 8th at the Fostoria Country Club.

Wage & Benefit Survey:

FEDC is launching a Wage and Benefit Survey. The purpose of the survey is to collect data from Fostoria companies to be used to provide benchmarking data to local industry. All Fostoria employers are invited to participate. Data collected will be reviewed and compiled by FEDC staff and participating businesses will remain confidential. All participating employers who provide an email address will receive the compiled data once complete. We ask all surveys to be completed by May 15. Feel free to reach out to Sarah Stephens Krupp, projects@fostoriaedc.org with any questions.

Survey Link:

https://forms.gle/5FFdVWtAuXYeXQNq8

New Children’s Literacy Fund at GFCF:

The Greater Fostoria Community Foundation has established the Seneca County Children’s Literacy Fund, which is a designated fund to support children’s literacy initiatives coordinated through the Kaubisch Memorial Public Library. The Friends of KMPL is the new Local Program Partner for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Seneca County including the communities of Alvada, Attica, Bascom, Bettsville, Bloomville, Green Springs and Fostoria. The program in the City of Tiffin is funded separately by the Gase Family Literacy Fund of the Tiffin Community Foundation, who is the local program partner for the City of Tiffin.

KNK Mobile Truck & Trailer Repair
Clear Choice Exteriors
Inland Tarp & Liner
Great Lakes ACE
Filmtec Fabrications
Blanchard Valley Health System
Geary Family YMCA
RR & D Auto
First Step
Stacy's Place
H & Co Salon
Premier Heating & Cooling
American Heritage Realty
Arnold Vending Co.

Our members are doing GREAT things!

Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening!

Congrats to Bou'jee on a Budget, LLC on your grand opening and ribbon cutting on April 13th! Welcome to downtown Fostoria. Good luck on your new journey and welcome to the Chamber!

Ribbon for Jac & Do's has been Postponed. We will reach out once we know the new date.

In the Axe is the May Chamber Member of the Month!

The winner of the 2023 LAUNCH Business Competition Winner is the May Chamber Member of the month! Regardless of your experience level or age, they have an amazing axe throwing experience for you! Great for birthday parties, special events, and corporate outings, or just fun with your friends and family! They offer a unique interactive experience catered to your specific occasion. In the Axe is located at 210 S. Main St Fostoria, OH 44830.

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)