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From the Desk of the Director

Over the last year, I have genuinely enjoyed serving as the Executive Director of the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce. This role has given me the opportunity to work alongside people who care deeply about our businesses, our communities, and the future of Paulding County.

After a great deal of thought, I have made the decision to resign from my position. I am grateful to the Chamber Board for giving me this opportunity and to the businesses, organizations, volunteers, community partners, and residents who have supported and encouraged me along the way.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH: The Chamber Board has begun its search for the next Executive Director, and applications will be accepted through Friday, July 10. Interested applicants can find the job listing on the homepage at pauldingchamber.com or apply directly at https://bit.ly/PauldingChamberDirector.

I plan to stay on during the transition and, if needed, help train the next director and introduce them to business and community leaders so they can begin making connections quickly.

CHAMBER GOLF OUTING: In the meantime, Chamber work continues. We are looking forward to our Annual Golf Outing on July 26 and are excited for a fun day on the green with our partners. We have some really cool prizes and SWAG planned, and we are grateful for everyone helping make this event possible.

WEBSITE UPDATE: I have also been working on updates to the Chamber website to give it a fresh look and make it easier to find information. I encourage you to visit pauldingchamber.com, look around, and check out what is new.

NEW EMAIL ADDRESSES: To help keep Chamber communications more organized, we have added three email addresses: info@pauldingchamber.com for general public inquiries, newsletter@pauldingchamber.com for news submissions and newsletter questions, and director@pauldingchamber.com for director-related questions, membership, benefits, and Chamber correspondence. By having dedicated email addresses, we can better organize incoming messages and allow interns, board members, or other support to help manage inquiries when needed.

HOLIDAY CLOSING: Please note that the Chamber will be closed for Juneteenth and will resume normal operations on Monday, June 22.

PAULDING COUNTY FAIR CONGRATULATIONS: Congratulations to all of the Paulding County Fair participants, including our 4-H and FFA members. It was wonderful to see another successful fair week here in Paulding County and to celebrate the hard work of so many local youth, families, volunteers, and supporters.

PARADE SIGN-UPS: Sign-ups are now open for the John Paulding Summer Blast Parade. Those interested in participating can register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSehJMLl5O2kcixQPvuHrp9Y0TeNHjBb7rr2JeM-2ODHiostqQ/viewform

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: The Chamber could use a little help keeping Herb Monroe Park looking fresh. Anyone interested in volunteering to pull weeds can email director@pauldingchamber.com for details. Please note that weeds cannot be placed in the park trash cans, so volunteers must be able to properly remove and dispose of them.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as a cheerleader for Paulding County, and I look forward to helping make this transition as smooth as possible while continuing the momentum we have started.

Since 1949, the Paulding Soil & Water Conservation District has helped preserve and protect the natural resources of Paulding County.

Paulding SWCD works with landowners, operators, public officials, and residents to provide technical assistance, education, ditch maintenance, nutrient management, and conservation programs that support the health of local land and water resources.

The district is governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors made up of local landowners who serve in a voluntary capacity and help guide conservation efforts in Paulding County.

Office Location:

451 McDonald Pike

Paulding, OH 45879

Phone: 419-399-4771

Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday

Website: https://pauldingswcd.org/

Looking for a fun food option for your next employee appreciation day, community event, fundraiser, or private gathering? Smother IT is a northwest Ohio food concession trailer launched by Tammy Caryer in May 2024 as an extension of her You-Nique Events, LLC catering business.

Known for freshly prepared comfort food, warm service, and menu favorites like the Smother Smashburger, Steak and Egg Smashburger, Rueben, Breakfast Gravy Fries, and Smothered Melt, Smother IT is a great way to treat your team or guests.

View the menu, check the schedule, or reach out to book Smother IT for your next event.

Phone: 419-980-1709

Email: younique.events.llc@gmail.com

Menu & Schedule: https://smother-it.square.site/

Please join us in welcoming Pin-A-Rama to the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce!

Located at 207 W. Daggett St. in Antwerp, Pin-A-Rama is owned by Reggie and Brandi Clem and offers a fun, family-friendly stop for bowling, pinball, burgers, pizza, and shakes. Whether you are planning a family outing, meeting up with friends, or looking for something fun to do close to home, Pin-A-Rama brings food, fun, and entertainment together in one place.

We are excited to welcome Pin-A-Rama to the Chamber and look forward to supporting them as they continue serving the Antwerp community.

Phone: 419-506-9556

Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083252085214

Please join us in welcoming Everlite Collective to the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce!

Led by Jakob Salisbury, Everlite Collective is a new nonprofit organization working to bring more active, family-friendly entertainment options to Paulding County and the surrounding area. Their mission includes creating opportunities for families to gather, connect, and enjoy community-centered fun through bounce houses, games, children’s activities, and outreach events.

Everlite Collective is currently working on its first event in Paulding County and plans to announce details soon. We are excited to welcome them to the Chamber and look forward to seeing their mission come to life in our community.

Phone: 419-439-2761

Email: everlitecollective@gmail.com

Facebook: facebook.com/everlitecollective

Ohio Child Care Cred Program

Reliable child care can impact employee attendance, retention, and productivity. Ohio’s Child Care Cred program may help employers support working families while strengthening their workforce.

How it can help employers:

• Support employee recruitment and retention
• Reduce missed work and schedule disruptions
• Show employees you understand the challenges working families face
• Offer a shared-cost benefit without covering the full cost alone

How the program works:

• Employee contributes a portion
• Employer contributes a portion
• State of Ohio helps cover a portion

Who should look into this:

• Employers with working parents on staff
• Businesses struggling with attendance or retention
• Companies looking for family-friendly benefits
• Employers wanting a practical way to support their team

Applications close May 1, 2027.

Learn more and apply at childrenandyouth.ohio.gov.

June

• June 3–Aug 26 — Classic Movie Wednesdays | Paulding County Carnegie Library | 11 AM & 4 PM
• June 3–July 24 — NOCAC Summer Food Service Program | LaFountain Park & Cooper Community Branch Library
• June 5–July 24 — Blessings in a Bag Weekend Food Pickup | LaFountain Park & Cooper Community Branch Library
• June 22–25 — Camp Invention | Paulding County Opportunity Center | 8 AM–4 PM
• June 23 — Weller Farms Summer Adventure Day Camp | Weller Farms | 8:30 AM–1 PM
• June 26 — PACC's America 250 Golf Outing | Auglaize Golf Club
• June 26 — Lilo & Stitch Movie Night | Antwerp VFW | Activities 6 PM, Movie at Dusk
• June 27 — The Band Perry | Niswonger PAC | 7:30 PM
• June 27 — Moonlight Paddle | Auglaize Canoe & Kayak

July

• July 1–Sept 30 — NOCAC Summer Cooling Program | Call 419-219-4641 to schedule
• July 4 — Independence Day Celebration | Veterans Memorial Park, Payne
• July 6 — Patriotic Kiddie Parade & Candy Bar Bingo | Antwerp | 6–8 PM
• July 10 — John Paulding Summer Blast | Downtown Paulding | 5–11 PM
• July 11 — John Paulding Summer Blast Activities | Downtown Paulding | 9 AM–2 PM
• July 11 — Paulding Veterans Memorial Tour | Paulding Veterans Memorial | 1–3 PM
• July 17 — Caring & Sharing Food Pantry Charter Bus Day Trip Fundraiser | Holmes County, OH
• July 17 — Limitless by PC Workshop Golf Scramble | Auglaize Golf Course
• July 30 — More Than Boutique Annual Ladies Night Out | Downtown Antwerp

August

• August 15 — First Annual Sam Smith Memorial Golf Outing | Auglaize Golf Club
• August 29 — Ladies Night | Paulding Eagles | Doors 5 PM, Game 6 PM

September

• September 6 — Oakwood Homecoming Fireworks | Oakwood Ball Park | Dusk
• September 7 — Oakwood Homecoming Parade | Downtown Oakwood | 11 AM
• September 7–Oct 31 — America 250 Corn Maze | Weller Farms | 9 AM–5 PM
• September 11 — Paulding County Fall Festival | Paulding County Fairgrounds | All Day
• September 12 — AGrow Expo | Latty Agronomy Facility | 2–8 PM
• September 13 — Puppy Pals LIVE | Niswonger PAC | 2 PM
• September 15 — PACC Annual Banquet: Planted in Paulding | Grant’s Catering | Social Hour 5 PM, Dinner 6 PM
• September 20 — 25th Annual Antique Truck Show | Paulding County History Museum | 9 AM–4 PM
• September 26 — Ohio Goes to the Movies | Paulding County Carnegie Library | 4–7:30 PM
• September 26 — NextGen Artists Workshop | PC Opportunity Center | 9 AM–2 PM
• September 27 — Ernie Daniels Memorial Car & Truck Show | Paulding Church of the Nazarene | Registration 11 AM, Judging 2 PM

November

• November 12 — CHP Beacon of Hope Auction | Paulding County Fairgrounds
• November 13–21 — Festival of Trees | Paulding County History Museum | All Day
• November 15 — Darci Lynne | Niswonger PAC | 6:30 PM
• November 21 — NextGen Artists Marketplace | Downtown Paulding | 9 AM–2 PM

Deadlines & Opportunities

• July 10 — Paulding Area Chamber Executive Director Application Deadline
• Now Open — John Paulding Summer Blast Parade Sign-Ups
• Now Open — NextGen Artists Workshop & Marketplace Student Registration
• September 1 — PACC Annual Banquet Registration Deadline
• September 12 — AGrow Expo Vendor Opportunity | Local Makers Market
• May 1, 2027 — Ohio Child Care Cred Program Application Deadline

Registration is now open for the 2026 NextGen Artisans program.

Open to K-12 Paulding County students — including public school, homeschool, Vantage Career Center, and Divine Mercy Catholic School students — this FREE program offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore creativity while learning from local artists and makers on September 26, 2026.

Students will be introduced to unique art mediums and techniques, but the experience goes beyond creating art. Participants will also gain insight into the entrepreneurial side of being an artist, learning how to display, price, and share their work with others through the NextGen Artisans Market on November 21, 2026.

With only 36 spots available, families are encouraged to register early for this unique blend of art, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

For registration details and program information, visit: NextGen Artists Info and Registration

Questions? Contact: pauldingchamber@gmail.com

The Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce cordially invites you to the

2026 Annual Banquet: Planted in Paulding

on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Grant’s Catering in Antwerp.

This year’s banquet will be a social evening of networking, dinner, and celebration as we gather to recognize the people, businesses, and organizations helping Paulding County grow. Guests are invited to enjoy an evening of connection, community, dinner, the Dessert Dash, and annual awards.

The evening schedule includes:

Social Hour: 5:00 PM

Dinner: 6:00 PM

Dessert Dash & Awards: To follow

Tickets are $40 per person, or guests may reserve a table of 8 for $300. Registration is available online at pauldingchamber.com/Annual-Banquet/ and is due by Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

Award nominations are also open. The Chamber will recognize outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations through the following awards:

Golden Shovel Award

Recognizing organizations making a significant impact through growth, revitalization, investment, service, and community commitment.

Young Professional of the Year

Honoring an emerging leader under 40 who is making a meaningful difference through their work, leadership, and involvement.

Business Leader of the Year

Celebrating outstanding leadership, vision, innovation, and impact in business and the community.

Legacy Award

Recognizing lifelong service, leadership, and dedication to building a stronger Paulding County.

Take a moment to nominate someone who deserves to be celebrated. These awards are a meaningful way to shine a spotlight on the people and organizations helping Paulding County grow.

For questions, contact the Chamber at (419) 399-5215 or info@pauldingchamber.com.

We hope you’ll join us for a beautiful evening of networking, dinner, celebration, and community as we honor those who are truly Planted in Paulding.

Paulding County is proudly joining the nationwide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary! Thanks to a $9,804 grant from America 250-Ohio, we’re bringing the celebration to life in a big way.

You’ll soon see America 250 pole banners around the courthouse square, proudly showcasing our local pride. Additionally, 6' x 3' banners will be distributed throughout our villages, ensuring that every corner of Paulding County can share in the excitement.

To help everyone stay informed, we’re also distributing event cards highlighting upcoming America 250 events in our community. Whether you’re in town or in the villages, keep an eye out for these reminders of the special celebrations coming up.

This is a once-in-a-generation milestone, and we’re excited to share it with all of Paulding County. Stay tuned for more event announcements as we commemorate this historic moment together!

Find the most up-to-date details here:

Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce - America 250 Events

The Band Perry

Saturday, June 27, 2026

A high-energy night of country hits including If I Die Young, Better Dig Two, and more.

Puppy Pals LIVE

Sunday, September 13, 2026 | 2:00 PM

A family favorite returns with high-flying tricks and fun for all ages.

Darci Lynne

Sunday, November 15, 2026 | 6:30 PM

Comedy and ventriloquism from one of America’s most talented young performers.

Tickets & Information

Niswonger Performing Arts Center Box Office: Tuesday–Friday, 10 AM–3 PM

Contact: 419-238-6722 • vanwertlive.com

5th annual AGrow Expo on Saturday, September 12th at our Latty Agronomy facility!

14170 State Route 613, Paulding, OH 45879

Local Makers Market

2:00 - 5:00 PM

*Support your local makers + handcrafters. From sweets and fresh produce to woodworking and accessories, there will be something for everyone! Click here to sign up to be a vendor: AGrowExpo.com/vendorsignup

Food Trucks

2:00 - 8:00 PM

Cruise In

2:00 - 6:00 PM

*Vehicles can begin arriving at 1:00 PM. Door prizes, contests and dash plaques for the first 25 entries to arrive.

FREE Kids Activities & Rides

3:00 - 8:00 PM

Kiddie Tractor Pulls

4:30 PM

FREE Live Music by Tesa Marie Music

4:00 - 8:00 PM

Visit AGrowExpo.com to learn more about the event!