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For over 50 years, R&B Fabrications, Inc. has set the standard in the sewing industry with innovative designs and unmatched craftsmanship. From their shop in Oakwood, Ohio, R&B produces a wide range of high-quality, USA-made products trusted by firefighters, EMS professionals, and law enforcement officers nationwide.

The company’s story began as a one-car garage hobby for Ron Eakins (1943–2021), repairing canvas products and crafting boat tops. By the late 1970s, after joining the Oakwood Volunteer Fire Department and EMS, Ron saw the need for durable gear in emergency services. Together with his son Dan Eakins, who also trained in fire and EMS, they built a product line designed by first responders, for first responders.

Today, under the leadership of President Dan Eakins and Project Manager Judy Eakins, R&B Fabrications continues to create turnout gear bags, medical supply packs, command vests, harnesses, and custom products — all made with the strongest, USA-sourced materials. Their design department also works with clients on custom solutions, offering silk screening and specialized builds to meet unique needs.

Backed by decades of field experience, R&B stands behind every product with a full warranty — a reflection of their commitment to quality, practicality, and innovation.

Take advantage of this offer today! 

Visit chamberenergyprogram.com 

and fill out the form to get started.

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up across Paulding County! Click the links for more details or scroll down in the newsletter to see the full event highlights.

Wednesdays & Saturdays

— Caring & Sharing Food Pantry is open every Wednesday & Saturday (9am - 12pm)

September 20

— Paulding Block Party "The Bars Give Back"

September 20–21

— Paulding County History Museum Craft Show (9/20 10am-5pm, 9/21 10am-3pm)

September 21

— First Presbyterian Church of Paulding 150th Birthday Celebration (see details below)

— 24th Annual ATHS Vintage Truck Show

— Paulding County Senior Center's Annual Car & Truck Show

September 26

— The Five Browns – Niswonger PAC

September 26–27

— Krazy Krafters & Friends Annual Sale · 108 W. Canal St., Antwerp

September 27

— CoRP's Live Oak Cemetary Walk (see details below)

September 30

— Deadline to apply for Ohio Farm Bureau's High School ExploreAg Camp (details below)

October 5

— Home Free & The Longest Johns Concert – Niswonger PAC

October 6

— Paulding Early Intervention Community Playgroup (11am-12pm)

October 8

— Paulding County No Wrong Doors Community Resource Event (see details below)

October 11

— Payne Fire and EMS Chicken Dinner Drive Thru

— Grover Hill Fire and EMS Drive-Thru Pulled Pork Dinner

October 14-17

— Paulding County Hospital Health Fair

October 25

— Village of Paulding Trick or Treat (5pm - 7pm)

— Journey to Italy: Fundraiser for Paulding Students

November 13

— 50th Anniversary CHP Home Care & Hospice Beacon of Hope Dinner & Charity Auction

November 14

— Paulding County Hospital Foundation BBQ Chicken Luncheon

November 18

— Paulding County Economic Development Annual Business Appreciation Banquet

November 22

— NextGen Youth Artisan Market | Shop the Village – 9 AM–3 PM in downtown Paulding

— Youth Business Showcase – Register by Oct. 31

The Ohio Department of Development is offering a unique opportunity for any business with a technology need—not just tech companies.

Through the College Technology Internship Program, employers can be reimbursed for up to two-thirds of an intern’s wages (up to $7,500). Interns must be paid at least $15/hour, and businesses can hire up to 10 interns per round.

Your business might qualify if you need help with:

• Social media and marketing content creation
• Website updates or e-commerce support
• IT system setup or troubleshooting
• Data management or digital recordkeeping
• Cybersecurity improvements
• Software implementation or upgrades

Company applications accepted: Aug. 4 – Sept. 26, 2025

Student applications accepted: Sept. 2 – 26, 2025

Internships effective: Nov. 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026

Even if you aren’t hiring, you can help by sharing this program with college students you know who have tech skills—they can connect with participating businesses and gain paid, career-building experience right here in Ohio.

Interested students and companies can join the mailing list to be notified.

📌 Learn more and apply: TechIntern.Development.Ohio.Gov

The Chamber understands some businesses may feel intimidated by the process required to apply. However, there are people available to help guide employers through the process, and support is only a call away. Contact the Chamber at 419-399-5215.

September 17

— Unlock Your Business Potential: Marketing Strategies

— Virtual Public Forum for Proposed Rule on Monetary-Based Industry Size Standards

September 18

— Virtual Public Forum for Proposed Rule on Monetary-Based Industry Size Standards

— MySBA Certification Training ~ Navigating the Application Process

September 23

— MySBA Certification Training: Deep Dive into Entity-Owned/8(a) and HubZone Applications

September 25

— MySBA Certification Training: Continuing Eligibility and Compliance

October 1

— How to Submit a Winning 2026 NSBW Submission

👉 For details on in-person SBA events, visit the U.S. Small Business Administration Events Calendar.

Building loyalty is where long-term success happens

Loyal customers spend more, visit more often, and refer others. According to business.com, they spend 67% more than first-time customers. Cultivating that loyalty takes more than just great service. It takes creativity, consistency, and value-driven engagement. Whether you run a retail store, restaurant, gym, salon, or professional service firm, there are many inventive ways to reward loyal customers and turn them into your best advocates. 

Paulding Block Party – Saturday, September 20

The Paulding Eagles 2405 and Hawgs Tavern are once again teaming up to bring you the Paulding Block Party on Saturday, September 20 — a full day of food, fun, and live music in downtown Paulding!

Schedule of Events

• 8:00–11:00am – Breakfast at the Paulding Eagles
• 10:00am – Pool Tournament sign-ups (tournament begins at 12:00pm)
• 12:00–4:00pm – Kids activities
• 12:00–7:00pm – Dunk tank with local “celebrities”
• 12:00pm – Food tent opens (chili, veggie soup, coney dogs, caramel apples & more)
• 12:00–4:00pm – Live music with Rapid Fire
• 12:00pm – Chinese Auction & Raffle open
• 6:00pm – Beer tent opens
• 8:00pm–12:00am – Live music with Kodebreaker

Proceeds from the Block Party benefit the Paulding County Dog Kennel and the Caring & Sharing Food Pantry, making this event not only a celebration but also a way to give back to the community.

Come out and enjoy a wonderful fall day full of activities, great food, and entertainment for all ages!

On Sunday, September 21, 2025, First Presbyterian Church of Paulding will celebrate its 150th birthday with a day of worship, fellowship, and music — and the community is warmly invited to join in this landmark occasion.

A Rich History

Founded in 1875 by six faithful members, the church has stood as a cornerstone of faith and community for generations. The main sanctuary was built in 1899, followed by the addition of the magnificent pipe organ in 1916, which continues to enrich worship services today. In 1993, the Fellowship Hall was added, providing space that has blessed both the congregation and the broader community — hosting everything from Lenten meals and service meetings to blood drives, drug court graduation lunches, and even the 127 Garage Sale.

Sunday Celebration Schedule

• 10:15 am – Worship Service
• A special worship service will include praise singing, recognition of longtime members, messages from past ministers, moments of church history, and thanksgiving to the Lord. Fourteen Legacy Gifts of $150 each have been given to community organizations in honor of members with 50+ years in the congregation.
• Following Worship – Catered Lunch
• Lunch will be served at no cost, but reservations are required. Please contact the church office at 419-399-2438 by September 15 to reserve your meal.
• 1:00 pm – Outdoor Music in the Pavilion
• Enjoy an afternoon concert with The Chosen, a Christian music group blending Southern Gospel, contemporary, and rock influences. Their mission is to share God’s “Crazy Love” through music that uplifts the whole family. Bring a lawn chair and join us under the pavilion and on the lawn.

Accessibility

The church building is accessible via the Caroline Street entrance ramp, with an elevator to the sanctuary level.

For more information, contact the church office at 419-399-2438.

Support the Paulding Veterans Memorial

A gun raffle is being held to raise funds for the Paulding Veterans Memorial. Thanks to the generous donation of a brand-new Henry Repeating Arms Golden Boy .22LR, every dollar raised from ticket sales will go directly toward supporting the memorial.

• Drawing Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025 · 4:00 p.m.
• Location: During the 24th American Truck Historical Society Vintage Truck Show at the Paulding County History Museum
• Tickets: $20 each or 4 for $70
• Purchase From: John Paulding VFW Post #587, Matt Reighter (419-786-0538), or by email at sales@blackswampoutfitters.com

For more information, contact John Daeger at 419-989-0548.



You do not need to be present to win, but winners must be 18+ and pass a federal background check before taking possession.

24th Annual Vintage Truck Show

The 24th Annual ATHS Vintage Truck Show rolls into Paulding on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at the John Paulding Historical Society Museum (600 Fairground Dr, across from the Fairgrounds).

Enjoy a display of antique and special interest vehicles — fun for the whole family!



• Free admission · No entry fee · Donations accepted
• Free parking
• Lunch available at the museum
• Rain or shine event

Bring your truck, bring the family, and enjoy a great day celebrating vintage vehicles. All proceeds benefit the John Paulding Historical Society.

For more information, contact Mike Kauser at 419-399-4856 or register online at kausertrucking.com.

CHP Home Care & Hospice – Beacon of Hope Dinner & Charity Auction

For 50 years, CHP Home Care & Hospice of Paulding has been the trusted local hospice provider. Join us for our annual Beacon of Hope for Hospice Dinner & Charity Auction on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at the Paulding County Fairgrounds, 503 Fairground Dr., Paulding.

The evening includes a catered dinner (RSVP required), live and silent auctions, raffles, and more—all benefiting CHP’s patient care fund for Paulding County. Social hour begins at 5:30 PM, dinner at 6:15 PM, with a live auction to follow. Kenny Thomas, Auctioneer, and Joe Barker, Emcee. Catering by Streetlight.

How you can help:

• Donate raffle baskets, merchandise, gift certificates, or services by Nov. 7.
• Become a sponsor: $500+ donors receive logo recognition on banners, programs, and during the event. Sponsorships due Oct. 31.
• Attend! Seats are complimentary, but RSVP is required. Reserve your spot by calling 419-399-4708 or online at www.comhealthpro.org/events by Nov. 7.

At CHP, no patient is ever turned away due to inability to pay. Your support ensures compassionate end-of-life care for every Paulding County neighbor in need.

Contact: Alycen Urban, Event Coordinator – 419-238-9223 ext. 1118 | alycen_urban@comhealthpro.org

Presented by the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce & Collette Tours. Proceeds benefit Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation.