Fostoria Business Newsletter

Building a Vibrant Community Through Dynamic Partnerships

Our recent episode features Mayor Eric Keckler and Mayor Elect Don Mennel!

We came, we laughed, and we closed a chapter. At the same token, we introduced a new chapter for our community. "Former Mr. Mayor meet the NEW Mr. Mayor!"

It's true, our time on the couch with Eric Keckler is officially coming to a close. There were so many projects he saw to fruition during his twelve years as Mayor of Fostoria. From infrastructure improvements to establishing Snow Queens, he's supported us all... So, the next time you see him buying bacon at Kroger, you can just walk up to him and say, "Hey Eric! Nice bacon."

And then there's Don... It will be such a big change for many of us to work alongside Don Mennel, but he brings an entirely new expertise to the role. There are big things coming up quickly for Fostoria and we definitely feel Don is the right man to facilitate and execute each item on our collective agenda.

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 March 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 March Madness, where every picture tells a story of collaboration, innovation, and prosperity.

Promo Items Needed:

As we are gearing up for our events this year we are in need of promo items! If you or your company would like to donate items for our events please contact Jocelyn, 419-435-0486 or at director@fostoriachamber.com

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:

April: Marijuana Laws for Ohio, May: Jason Root, Chief of Fostoria Fire Department June: Gabe Wedge, Chief of Fostoria Police Division

Fostoria Farmers' & Artisans' Market 2024 Schedule

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

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

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

Budder Technology
Olmstead's Hauling
Tri-County Vet
Beerco
Medicare Made Simple
Hitchings Insurance Agency
A & A Diversified Transport
Risk Strategies
ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital

Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting

Join the Chamber and Bou'jee on a Budget on April 13th @ 1pm for their grand opening extravaganza! You're invited to experience the excitement and celebrate with ribbon cutting, cake, and unforgettable memories.

Our members are doing GREAT things!

Frankart Electric Expanding!

"We are excited to announce the start of our mechanical division at Frankart Electric, and introduce our new name, Frankart Electric and Mechanical! In addition to providing exceptional electrical contracting services, we will now be offering HVAC, plumbing, pipe fitting and sheet metal work to surrounding commercial and industrial businesses."

Congrats to Frankart Electric & Mechanical on their expansion and their continual service to Fostoria and the neighboring communities!

POET Schedules Earth Day Clean Up:

This year they are excited to host another community clean up event and would love to invite their fellow local businesses and community members to join in on their efforts. This clean up will take place Monday April 22 from 11am-1pm at Fostoria City Park. If you or your business is interested in participating, please let Megan James know by no later than Friday April 12th. Trash bags, gloves, and bottled water will be provided.

Contact:

Megan James

419-436-8213

megan.james@poet.com

Kemosabes Roadhouse Grill is the April Chamber Member of the Month!

Kemosabes has been a landmark in the community for over 10 years and proudly supports community events. Serving lunch and dinner options, they have recently launched their Sunday Brunch! Kemosabes is located at 820 Sandusky 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)

Is there training that your workforce needs? Let us know and remember, any course may be customized to fit your needs.

The Spring Catalog for all courses is here!

Click here for Spring courses!

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

Fostoria Area Visitors Bureau Community Calendar

Learn how your Chamber Membership can save you $$$