City of Fostoria Financial Recovery Plan Update
We continue to watch the city’s Financial Recovery Plan. Council gave the updated plan its first reading on January 16 and the second and third readings are slated to take place at the next two regular council meetings, February 6 and 20. In the updated plan there are no planned rate increases for water and sewer and none were placed in the forecast through 2022. However, those rates as well as “revenue options” will be continued to be discussed annually. We do anticipate rate increases to remain a very high possibility as the large projects pertaining to water and sewer are still schedule to take place during the financial recovery period.
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In Ohio’s budget (HB 49) was a provision that allows businesses to opt-in to a centralized collection process through the Ohio Business Gateway. This provision allows businesses to file one return rather than a separate return in each of the different municipalities in which they may do business. For some businesses, this could mean one return instead of twenty, fifty or even more than a hundred. However a group of cities and villages have filed a lawsuit against the state of Ohio over this new collection process. The lawsuit also attempts to turn back the clock by challenging the constitutionality of HB 5, legislation enacted in 2014 that delivered important common sense municipal tax reforms. The lawsuit is moving forward, but very slowly as the courts often do. A hearing for preliminary injunction is scheduled to begin on February 12th with further actions during the ensuing year.
The Ohio Chamber is seeking stories of Ohio businesses and their challenges and difficulties with the current filing system. If you would like to assist the Ohio Chamber, please let our offices know and we can assist.
In the meantime, you can still opt-in to use the new centralized filing process for the 2018 tax year. But the deadline is fast approaching. Interested filers must register on or before
March 1
st
to be included for this year’s filings. You can begin the process at
www.tax.ohio.gov/MunicipalTax.aspx
. Remember that this process promises to save your business
es
time and money, while the municipalities will still receive their full tax due.
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Ohio Chamber Research Foundation
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Fostoria Economic Development
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Fostoria Economic Development Corp. Wins with Spec Building: Welcomes Treves Incorporated
In 2016, the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation secured a $1.2 million loan from the city’s Revolving Loan Fund to finance the construction of a 40,000-square foot spec building at the Fostoria Industrial Park. The building was completed in October of 2016 and a deal was closed on November 22, 2017 selling the building to Fleet Ohio, LLC, who will expand the facility to 120,000 square feet. Fleet Ohio, LLC will lease the building to Treves Incorporated, a leading automotive supplier of acoustic treatment and interiors. Treves will invest $11.35 million to open a new production facility in Fostoria. Treves, headquartered in Paris, France, is an established European auto OEM supplier that supports many global brands including customers
General Motors, Ford, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and BMW. The Fostoria location will be Treves first Midwest manufacturing facility and will create more than 90 jobs. Production is slated to begin in April of 2018.
“The company was looking for an existing building. They want to develop a Midwest presence,” Smith said. “Workforce is always a concern. We have had multiple conversations with the company about that. There were several community visits and ultimately, they determined that Fostoria, Ohio was the right fit for them. We, in Fostoria, are proud to welcome them.”
-Renee Smith, President Fostoria Economic Development Corp.
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FOSTORIA LEARNING CENTER ANNOUNCES NEW DIRECTOR
The Fostoria Learning Center (FLC) is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Director, Tracey Lawton. Ms. Lawton began her duties on January 2, 2018. “The FLC Board of Trustees are excited to have Tracey leading the organization and we look forward to working with her in carrying out the mission of the Learning Center,” said Cyndi Geroski, Board Chairman.
Ms. Lawton brings with her a background combining business with local government. She spent the previous 16 years as a solo business owner supporting other small business owners with their online business management and marketing activities. She supported both national and international clients from her home office in Findlay, OH. Prior to that she spent many years with Birmingham City Council, UK as an office manager working for both the Education and Chief Executive’s Departments. “We believe with her unique and diversified background, Ms. Lawton will be a tremendous asset to the Learning Center and the overall community,” said Renee Smith, President of the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation.
“I am thrilled to be leading the Fostoria Learning Center to succeed in its mission of fostering a vibrant community of lifelong learners”, Ms. Lawton said. “And I look forward to working with the citizens, industry leaders, and educators of Fostoria”.
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FLC Highlighted on WTOL as temporary location for Fostoria High School
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JOBS Fostoria is a new source for job seekers and businesses to seek and find employment and employees.
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Grow Your Business Resources
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Protecting Sensitive Business and Customer Data: Practical Identity Safety Practices for Your Business
Free webinar presented by the Federal Trade Commission and the Internal Revenue Service
Thursday, February 1, 2018
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Bill Auxter
Center Director/Certified Business Advisor
Ohio Small Business Development Center
at Terra State Community College
2830 Napoleon Road
Fremont, Ohio 43420
Phone: 419-559-2210
Fax: 419-559-2414
The SBDC offers
FREE
seminars for anyone wanting to start, buy, or expand a small business.
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CSI Small Business Toolkit
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The
Common Sense Initiative Office (CSI)
, led by Lt. Governor Mary Taylor, was created by order of Governor Kasich in 2011 to create a regulatory climate in Ohio that maximizes business economic potential while ensuring the health and safety of Ohio's citizens.
The CSI Small Business Toolkit is designed to explain what resourc
es are available through CSI and make those resources as accessible as possible.
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Safety Council Meeting
February 21
11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
Lower Level Conference Room
ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital
Blood Borne Pathogens
Stacey Winger, Infection Prevention & Control Coordinator
ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital
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Fostoria Area Safety Council Announces Scholarship
The Fostoria Area Safety Council will award a $1,000 scholarship to a Fostoria High School senior wishing to pursue a degree in a safety related field. The Fostoria Area Safety Council has historically awarded two $500 scholarships to both a St. Wendelin and Fostoria High School student. This year the council will award one Fostoria High School Senior a $1,000 scholarship.
Eligible students must be a U.S. Citizen, be enrolled full-time at the senior level, and must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in the field of Occupational Safety and Health, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Science, Risk Management, Civil and Emergency Services (e.g. Law Enforcement, Fire Fighter, EMT), Occupational Rehabilitation or a related field. In addition applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above. Applications are available at the Chamber office, 121 N. Main Street, on the Chamber web site at
www.fostoriaohio.org/fostoria-area-safety-council/
or through the school counselor and on the Fostoria Community schools web site on the scholarship page. All completed applications must be received by April 30 to be eligible.
The Fostoria Area Safety Council is facilitated through a partnership between the Ohio BWC and the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce. The Fostoria Area Safety Council is a resource for local businesses to examine and resolve safety issues in the workplace, study reliable techniques and learn about safety related topics with the goal of creating and maintaining safe work environments. For more information about Fostoria Area Safety Council visit
www.fostoriaohio.org/fostoria-area-safety-council
or call 419-435-0486.
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EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE OSHA ACT
OSHA has very specific responsibilities for employers covered by the Act. OSHA doesn’t have to explain these responsibilities to you when they visit until the Closing Conference. It is the employer’s responsibility to know what OSHA requires. These responsibilities are important and failure to know them can add thousands of dollars in fines. Through our membership in the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance and courtesy of American Safety & Health Management Consultants, Inc. we can provide you with this list of employer responsibilities. Please use this resource for you and your employees.
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New Fostoria Book Coming Soon!
The Chamber is pleased to announce we have partnered with The Review Times to create a new Fostoria book. The Review Times will be selling ads for the book in mid-February and Chamber members will receive up to 20% off advertising in the book. The Chamber and Visitors Bureau will receive a portion of the proceeds from ad sales. Watch for more information soon.
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FAVB Kicks Off “Picture Your Fostoria”
Photo Contest
Enter your photos now in the “
Picture Your Fostoria
” Photo Contest, sponsored by the Fostoria Area Visitors Bureau. Entries will be used to showcase Fostoria in various materials that are designed to help attract visitors to town. We’re looking for photos that represent all four seasons and might include unique Fostoria architecture, attractions, events, landmarks, nature, outdoor activities, and scenic landscapes. The submission deadline is May 1
st.
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Meet our newest members...
A & L Compaction Equipment/KLIMKO Investments
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Diversified Graphics
,
located at 241 Heritage Drive in Tiffin is one of our newest members. Diversified Graphics is celebrating their 20th year in business and specializes in commercial, full-color printing, labels, business forms and checks, banners, posters, signs, toner, apparel and promotional products.
Place any new booklet, catalog or newsletter order and receive a free digital flip-book for your email or website.
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Big Bear Muffler, Inc., located at 1313 N. Countyline Street, has been in business for over 43 years and can be your go to automotive shop for exhaust work, brakes, tires, alignments, suspensions and shocks, RV repair as well as truck caps, beds, liners and other accessories.
Big Bear Muffler was started by Bob Moes in 1975 and is now owned and operated by his son Nick. Big Bear Muffler offers competitive, quality service.
Big Bear has been a Chamber member since 1983 (35 years) and actively invests in our community through their support of the local schools, Fostoria Athletic Boosters and the Bascom Fire Department.
Big Bear is Small Business and they invest in our community
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Pat & Aaron Brady are Small Business
Pat and Aaron Brady own and operate Fostoria Dells, 224 S. Main Street and they are small business!
Fostoria Dells has been a staple in downtown Fostoria since 1934 and Pat and Aaron are proud to carry on the restaurant.
#ShopFostoria
They support DECA, the Athletic Boosters and various community sports teams.
Stop out and taste a Fostoria tradition and savor daily specials.
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Special thanks to
First Federal Bank
for sponsoring our
I AM SMALL BUSINESS ads for 3 months in
The Review Times.
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Shift Your Shopping Passport Winner Announced
The Fostoria Chamber of Commerce has announced the winner of the grand prize basket from their holiday retail event, Shift Your Shopping Passport. The Shift Your Shopping Passports were part of the Chamber’s Shop Small, Shop Local campaign and kicked off special holiday savings from Small Business Saturday through the Saturday before Christmas. The passports aimed to help people shift their shopping habits and make more purchases locally.
For every dollar spent locally $2 to $3.50 circulate around the community, helping boosting our economy through taxes which help our schools, safety forces, parks and neighborhoods. Statistics show that 90% of small business owners donate money to charity while 70% donate time & money.
Shift Your Shopping Passport business participants were Whistle Stop Deli, Level Up, Tri County Veterinary Clinic, Kemosabes Roadhouse Grill, Commercial Carpet and Tile, Dells, Thibodeau’s Seneca Lanes, Herbie’s Roadhouse Grill, Savvy Hair Expressions, Fostoria Pizza Palace, Connexions Ink, Moes Body Shop, Big Bear Muffler, Hi Scores Barcade & Grill and Second Wind Music Center. The gift basket is comprised of items donated by the participating business and is valued at over $250. The winner of the basket was DeAnn Dauterman. The basket is comprised of
a giant stuffed bear from Big Bear Muffler, a rug from Commercial Carpet & Tile, a ukulele from Second Wind Music Center, a Matrix product gift box from Savvy Hair Expressions, a $25 gift certificate to Connexions, $25 gift card to Level Up, $25 gift certificate to Whistle Stop Deli, $25 gift certificate to Tri County Vet Clinic, and a bowling party at Thibodeau’s Seneca Lanes.
To be eligibile to win, shoppers needed to redeem discounts at participating businesses and have their passport stamped. Stamped passports needed to be turned into the Chamber office by January 12.
The Chamber is continuing its Shop Small, Shop Local campaign by continuing to highlight small, locally owned businesses on the Chamber web site,
www.fostoriaohio.org
, on their Facebook page, in radio spots and newspaper ads as well as in their monthly Fostoria Area Business Newsletter. The Chamber plans to run another Shopping Passport retail event during the back to school shopping season.
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JB Twisters reopens for the season
JB Twisters Ice Cream & Things has reopened after their seasonal break. Located at 335 W. Lytle Street, the reopening gives us hope for warmer weather and longer days in our future! They are open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
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Follow JB Twisters on
Facebook
photo credit of Lydia Bauler/The Review Times
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Ohio Logistics to host
Hiring Event
Ohio Logistics will host a hiring event on Monday, February 5 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the Fostoria Warehouse, 130 W. Jones Ave., Fostoria. Walk-in interviews only and they are seeking Forklift Operators.
All candidates must bring I.D. and a current resume.
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Chamber Member Dentists team up to "Give Kids a Smile"
Dr. Timothy Sulken, Dr. Steven Geroski and Dr. Tom Guernsey have teamed up to
provide free preventative dental care — such as cleanings, x-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, restorative services and exams — to children and young adults up to the age of 18 who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it. This free preventative care is part of an American Dental Association's worldwide event, "Give Kids A Smile". Tri County Dental has been participating in this event for the past 8 years. Way to go Drs. Sulken, Geroksi and Guernsey!
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United Way of Fostoria Reaches Campaign Goal
Congratulations to the United Way of Fostoria for reaching their annual campaign goal of $199,000! The campaign brought in $199,569.36.
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Reineke Goes Camping!
Reineke Family Dealerships partners with Coleman Sales & Service in Toledo
The Reineke family has announced their partnership with Coleman Sales & Service in Toledo, which is owned by the Chalfin family and has been in business since 1960. “Reineke RV will be a great addition to our current lineup and we look forward to serving RV customers in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan,” said Dan Reineke. “The Chalfins have been close family friends for 50+ years with the Reineke family and they will continue to lead and manage Reineke RV,” said Tom Reineke.
Reineke RV will be located at 5353 Lewis Avenue in Toledo and will offer both new and used folding trailers, expandable trailers, travel trailers, and fifth wheels from Starcraft. Additionally, Reineke RV will offer accessories, genuine parts, installation, maintenance, and repair in their full service facility.
“We’re excited to partner with the Reineke organization in this new venture,” said Jamie Chalfin. Reineke RV will make its inaugural appearance at the 2018 Camp & Travel RV Show at the SeaGate Convention Centre in Toledo, OH, January 26th – 28th.
Reineke Family Dealerships, founded in 1960 by William F. Reineke, Sr., is a family owned organization that sold more than 7,000 cars in 2017 and employs approximately 450 full and part-time employees. Known for strong customer loyalty and high sales and service ratings, Reineke Family Dealerships operates in Fostoria, Tiffin, Lima, Upper Sandusky, Findlay, North Baltimore, and sells Ford, Lincoln, Nissan, Honda, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM vehicles, and most recently, Reineke RV in Toledo.
A customer appreciation event/open house is planned and the date will be announced in the near future. Visit
www.ReinekeRV.com
for more information.
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Second Wind Music Center Launches Reed Revolution
Second Wind Music Center
, 118 W. Center St., has launched Reed Revolution. Reed Revolution is a monthly reed subscription service created to ensure you never run out of reeds again.
You pick the brand, strength, and number of reeds, and we ship them directly to you each month. Never run out of reeds again. Find Reed Revolution on
Facebook
or visit the
website
for more information.
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Vanguard-Sentinel Announces Dates for Annual Fish Fry Fundraiser
Vanguard-Sentinel Career & Technology Centers are announcing their annual Fish Fry schedule. A Fish Fry will be held at Sentinel Career & Technology Center, located at 793 E. Twp. Rd 201 on February 23rd, March 2nd, and Mark 16th. This annual tradition is a fundraiser for both the Electrical Trades and Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management programs. Proceeds are used for equipment purchases, student participation in Career Technical Service Organizations and scholarship/program awards.
Fish will be served from 4: 00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. or until sold out. The menu includes hand breaded Pollock, homemade coleslaw, baked potatoes, deep fried sides, grilled cheese and tomato soup. Lemonade, coffee and water are included in the ticket price which is $8.00 for Adults, $7.00 for Seniors and Kids under age 12 are $5.00 each. Takeout is available.
Vanguard-Sentinel Career & Technology Centers have been providing quality career technical education since 1968. The district provides students with specific, marketable skills to begin a career, pursue further training or attend college. For more information, visit
www.vsctc.org.
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Representative Bill Reineke hosted Vanguard-Sentinel Career & Technology Centers at the Statehouse
During the visit on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, students from the Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management program had the opportunity to show off their skills to State Legislators and other visitors of the Statehouse by serving a variety of sweet treats they created. In addition to showcasing these students, the AIM Mobile Career & Technology Lab was also on site and available for tours.
“We are honored that Representative Reineke is proud of what we are doing in Career Technical Education and that he wanted to showcase the great things going on in our school district to his colleagues in state government” shares Greg Edinger, Superintendent. “His support is invaluable and we appreciate the opportunity and experience he provided to our students.”
The visit was wrapped up with the students being invited onto the House floor, along with their instructor Valerie Zeno where Representative Reineke presented Mrs. Zeno with a proclamation acknowledging her recognition in 2017 as both the Ohio and National ProStart Educator of Excellence for her work as the instructor at Sentinel Career Center. Under her leadership, students in this program earn their ProStart certificate of achievement and ServSafe Food Handler and Manager certification, as well as complete over 200 hours of paid work experience in the culinary and hospitality management industry.
Vanguard-Sentinel Career & Technology Centers have been providing quality career technical education since 1968. The district provides students with specific, marketable skills to begin a career, pursue further training or attend college. For more information, about the Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management, or any of our programs, please visit
www.vsctc.org
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Michigan company to open Ace store
Great Lakes Ace Hardware coming this spring
By MORGAN MANNS
STAFF WRITER- The Review Times
Another hardware store is moving into a North Countyline Street building that once housed Steinacker Hardware.
Officials announced Great Lakes Ace Hardware will be coming to Fostoria this spring. The Michiganbased company hopes to open its first Ohio location at 1656 N. Countyline St. in March with a grand opening set for April.
“We thought it would be a good fit for us from a company standpoint,” Becky Killarney, director of marketing, said. “We like being in smaller towns and we were looking to expand our footprints geographically. We have some people in the company with familiarity doing business in Ohio so we saw it as an opportunity.”
The 90,126-square-foot property was left vacant on the last day of August 2017 when Steinacker Hardware closed its doors. Officials had said considerably slower foot traffic over nearly a decade had made it difficult to continue profitable operations.
A liquidation sale began in July and lasted throughout the month of August before the doors closed for good.
While Great Lakes Ace is leasing the building, Killarney said the company is already completing renovations to the interior, such as new floors and new fixtures. The store will offer merchandise from basic heating, electric and cooling items and lumber to more selective items such as grills, a paint department and heavy duty coolers, as well as options to get hunting and fishing licenses, rent carpet cleaners, exchange propane tanks to be filled, get a screen repaired, have keys made and more.
“Our services are really broad,” Killarney said. “We have everything from your basics to unique little gift items for last minute gifts or to just treat yourself. Our items encourage people to stay and wander.”
Great Lakes Ace is a chain of 47 neighborhood hardware stores operating in Michigan. According to the website, it is the largest independently- owned Ace Hardware store chain in the country with more than 70 years of hardware experience.
Overall, the company employs about 710 associates. Killarney said the Fostoria location is currently hiring roughly 12-15 employees for positions such as cashiers, shift supervisors and sales associates.
To see the job listings on Great Lakes Ace Hardware, visit www. greatlakesace.com and select Careers under the Support Center tab.
Founded in 1946 as the Hardware Depot by the Traskos brothers of Dearborn, Michigan, the company grew to four locations by 1959, at which point it joined the Ace Hardware cooperate and changed the name to ACE Budget Center.
In 1981, the chain grew to 36 stores and left the Ace organization to operate independently under the name of ACO Hardware but, in 2014, it rejoined the Ace Hardwareo-op under the banner of Great Lakes Ace Hardware.
The co-op relationship provides “national chain buying power, access to hundreds of thousands of products and premium merchandise brands,” the website states.
“At the same time, we are able to provide our customers with a localized product mix and a friendly neighborhood hardware store experience,”
it reads.
In addition, the company tries to give back to the neighborhoods they serve by working with area schools and non-profit groups to raise funds or host local community events or demonstrations.
According to the company’s brochure, it is involved with charities such as Children’s Miracle Network, the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity and Know Your Neighbor.
“We firmly believe in customerfocused services,” Killarney said. “We firmly believe in being part of the community more than just doing the business. In our current locations, we pride ourselves on customer service. We have a product selection that reflects the needs of the community as well as things added on to that.”
For more information, visit the company’s website at www.greatlakesace.
com.
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Got news? We want it!
Has your group or organization hired new management, given promotions, earned an industry award or planned an expansion?
If so, we’d like to share your business news with Review Times’ readers.
The Review Times would also like to publish photos associated with your news release.
There are a few guidelines we ask you take into account to ensure your photos get published.
• Quality — photos must be in focus.
• Identification — tell us the 5 W’s: who, what, when, where and why.
Do not submit check-presentation photos as those will not be considered for publication.
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A Member Benefit that can save you $$$
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In celebration of serving the Fostoria community, the Fostoria Community Arts Council will hold a
free Children's Valentine Workshop
at our office at 125 S. Main St., Fostoria on Feb. 10 from 10:00 a.m. until noon.
Ms. Cheryl Graves will conduct this free workshop for students in first thru fifth grade. A variety of Valentines decorations will be made that can be taken home.
For more information or reservations; please call Ms. Graves at 419-435-7474. (Space is limited.)
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Community Bingo
A prize for every win! Featuring a Grand Prize for a Cover All!
Light refreshments provided.
RSVP to 419-435-8112
February 15 & March 15
2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
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Pancakes at Kiwanis Pancake Day are made with mix containing Mennel Flour and is courtesy of
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For a complete list of upcoming trips and information
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Upcoming March tours...
Las Vegas, The Color Purple, Caesars in Windsor, Scioto Downs, Nashville, The Sound of Music
April tours...
Italy, Dollywood, Tigers vs. Indians, Ark Encounter, The Illusionists and Switzerland
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Want information about your business in the next Chamber Newsletter...
Deadline for Submission: 25th of the month
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Thank you to our 2018 Chamber Sponsors!
Platinum
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Dionna Brenamen Insurance & Financial Services, State Farm
Chris Schiefer Insurance & Financial Services, Nationwide
BeerCo
Burns Petroleum
Dr. Steven P. Geroski, DDS
Sunny Farms Landfill LLC
Fruth & Co. PLL
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Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau | 419-435-0486 | www.FostoriaOhio.org
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