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From the Desk of the Director

The last two weeks of February were full — and while I didn’t get last week’s newsletter out as planned, the time was well spent in conversations and collaborations that move our community forward.

Last week, we held our Chamber Board meeting, where we officially welcomed two new board members: Jessica Stechschulte with Paulding County Economic Development and Owen Newman with State Bank. Strong boards shape strong organizations, and I’m grateful for leaders willing to step into that role. Heather Sherburn also joined us to introduce herself and share updates on Fall Festival planning. Heather and I are now working together to bring back Shop the Village: Spring Edition on May 2nd. We are currently gathering feedback from downtown businesses and will soon begin connecting with interested vendors. Behind every event is coordination. Behind every collaboration is conversation.

The week before last, I met with Brandi Shrader from the Paulding County Health Department to discuss making important community resources more accessible — Narcan emergency kits, homeless resource backpacks, menstrual kits, safe sex kits, and supplies available through their 24-hour vending machine. The goal is to partner with local businesses and organizations, so these items are available when they’re most needed — not just stored away in an office. If this is something you're interested in learning more about, please reach out.

That same week, I met with the Antwerp Chamber of Commerce to discuss regional collaboration and listen to what they’re planning for the year ahead. I spoke with Commissioner Mike Weible about America 250 initiatives and the opportunity to celebrate our history while creating meaningful economic activity.

I attended Kiwanis and listened as Craig Radel, candidate for Ohio State Senate, shared his perspective.

And we launched a new Chamber social media series: “I Love Paulding County Because…”

This series is focused on the people behind our businesses — their stories, their roots, their reasons for investing here. Some of the photos taken are below.

Lastly, I’ve been reflecting on two thoughts. One is “community over competition.” The strongest small towns aren’t built on individual wins — they’re built through collective alignment. The other is this: supporting local is basically self-care. Going out of your way to shop local, attend an event, welcome a newcomer, or partner with another organization may seem small in the moment — but those decisions ripple outward. They impact the business owner, their employees, their families, and ultimately the quality of life we all experience here. Our daily choices do shape the future.

Thank you to the businesses, organizations, leaders, and residents who continue to collaborate, align, and support one another. That collective effort is what keeps Paulding moving forward.

PCED: loving Paulding because we are small but mighty.

Corey Walker and Ashley Maibach's daughters loving on Grounded Coffee's Brownies.

Kirk and Sue repping the Paulding County Carnegie Library.

Shouting out Abby Hornish and her team at The Union Bank and recalling their investment in our historic downtown.

Address Update: 101 E. Perry St., Paulding, OH 45879.

Bashore Reineck Stoller & Waterman Inc. (BRSW)

Tax season is upon us, making this the perfect time to spotlight a firm that has been serving our region for nearly 70 years.

With roots dating back to 1955, Bashore Reineck Stoller & Waterman Inc. (BRSW) began as a small CPA office in Paulding and has grown into a trusted, multi-location firm built on long-standing client relationships and professional expertise.

Today, BRSW provides tax, accounting, and advisory services to businesses, not-for-profits, and individuals throughout Northwest Ohio. The firm is currently led by owners Matt Reineck, Jon Stoller, Andrew Bashore, Todd Meyer, and Andy Manz — continuing a strong legacy of service and leadership.

With offices in Paulding, Van Wert, and Columbus Grove, BRSW remains committed to delivering reliable financial guidance to the communities they call home.

Paulding Office

117 North Main Street, Paulding, OH 45879

Call or Text: (419) 399-3686

Monday–Thursday: 8:00–12:00 | 1:00–5:00

Friday: 8:00–12:00

Van Wert Office

685 Fox Road, Suite 101, Van Wert, OH 45891

Call or Text: (419) 238-0658

Monday–Thursday: 8:00–12:00 | 12:30–4:30

Friday: 8:00–12:00

Columbus Grove Office

100 South High Street, Columbus Grove, OH 45830

Call or Text: (419) 659-2647

Monday–Thursday: 9:00–5:00

Friday: Closed

Andy Manz from BRSW proudly repping local business in downtown Paulding. With decades of trusted service, BRSW continues to invest in the communities they call home.

Serving Together This Lenten Season

One of the strengths of Paulding County is the way our local organizations quietly support one another — and the community at large.

Divine Mercy Catholic Parish and the Knights of Columbus are wonderful examples of that spirit in action. Throughout Lent, the Knights continue hosting their Friday Fish Fries at Divine Mercy Hall, with proceeds supporting scholarships, mission trips, Special Olympics, and other meaningful initiatives.

Tomorrow, Divine Mercy is also hosting the Lenten Community Lunch at First Presbyterian Church from 12–1 PM, with a free-will offering benefiting Caring and Sharing Food Pantry — another example of churches and organizations working together for the good of the county.

In the photo above is Theresa Conley, Coordinator of Religious Education at Divine Mercy, proudly repping her love for Paulding County. Leaders like Theresa — and the many volunteers serving behind the scenes — help make this community a place where families can thrive.



When local organizations collaborate and show up for one another, it strengthens us all.

Welcome New Member: Paulding Church of the Nazarene

We are pleased to welcome Paulding Church of the Nazarene (PNAZ), led by Pastor Doug and Ellen Shilts, as a new Chamber member.

Although they are new to Paulding — with their first service held this past January — Pastor Doug has already shown a strong commitment to engaging in the community. After introducing himself at Kiwanis, he expressed a desire not just to attend events, but to actively serve.

Doug and Ellen have stepped forward as Chamber Ambassadors, expressed interest in joining committees, and asked thoughtful questions about upcoming initiatives. Their willingness to jump in so quickly as newcomers speaks volumes about their heart for Paulding County.

Pictured below are Pastor Doug and Ellen. Be sure to say "Hi" and welcome them to Paulding if you see them out in the community.

We are excited to see the impact they will have — both through their ministry and their broader community involvement.

Paulding Church of the Nazarene

210 Dooley Drive, Paulding, Ohio 45879

Phone: 419-399-3932

Email: office@pauldingnaz.com

Sunday Schedule:

Discipleship Groups: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Praise & Worship: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Join them each Sunday for worship, fellowship, and community.

March

Mar 4 • Lenten Community Lunch | 12–1 PM | First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, Paulding

Mar 6–8 • Something Rotten! Jr. | Fri 7:30 PM • Sat 7:30 PM • Sun 2:30 PM | Payne Elementary Auditorium

Mar 6 • K of C Fish Fry | 11 AM–1 PM & 4–7 PM | Knights of Columbus Hall, Paulding

Mar 7 • Pancake & Sausage Breakfast Fundraiser | 7:30–9:30 AM | Country Inn Enhanced Living Center, 12651 Road 82, Paulding

Mar 10 • Oakwood Library Chocolate Extravaganza | 7 PM | Oakwood Library, Oakwood

Mar 11 • Lenten Community Lunch | 12–1 PM | First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, Paulding

Mar 12 • Pop Culture Trivia Night | 6 PM | Hop’s Place, 518 Erie St, Antwerp

Mar 12 • 4-H Project Book Work Night | 5:30–6:30 PM | Youth Leadership Building, Paulding

Mar 12 • Oakwood Library Chocolate Extravaganza | 7 PM | Oakwood Library, Oakwood

Mar 13 • K of C Fish Fry | 11 AM–1 PM & 4–7 PM | Knights of Columbus Hall, Paulding

Mar 17 • Antwerp Rotary Steak Fry | 5–7 PM | Paulding Eagles, Paulding

Mar 17 • BELIEVE Support Group | 7–8 PM | Paulding Church of the Nazarene, Paulding

Mar 18 • Senior Center Health, Business & Industry Fair | 11 AM–2 PM | Paulding County Extension Building

Mar 18 • Lenten Community Lunch | 12–1 PM | First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, Paulding

Mar 20 • K of C Fish Fry | 11 AM–1 PM & 4–7 PM | Knights of Columbus Hall, Paulding

Mar 20 • Mamma Mia! | 7 PM | Paulding High School

Mar 21 • Mamma Mia! | 7 PM | Paulding High School

Mar 21 • Kiwanis Purse Bingo | Doors Open 10 AM | See Event Flyer for Location

Mar 25 • Lenten Community Lunch | 12–1 PM | First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, Paulding

Mar 26 • SBA Ohio Rural Business Initiative | 10 AM–Noon | NSCC, Archbold

Mar 27 • Laughter That Saves Lives Spring Banquet | 5:30 PM | Grant’s Reception Hall, Antwerp

Mar 27 • K of C Fish Fry | 11 AM–1 PM & 4–7 PM | Knights of Columbus Hall, Paulding

Mar 28 • Region 1 Regional Meeting | 9 AM–4 PM | Paulding County History Museum

Mar 28 • Chinquapin District Pinewood Derby | 1 PM | Paulding County Fairgrounds

April

Apr 9 • Paulding County Career Day | OSU Extension Office, Paulding

Apr 11 • Payne PTO Mom 2 Mom Sale | 9 AM–1 PM | Payne Elementary School, Payne

Apr 11 • LifeWise Antwerp Evening of Impact | 6 PM | Grant’s Reception Hall, Antwerp

Apr 16 • Kiwanis Free Lunch & Learn | Noon | Branch Christian Fellowship, 109 N Main St, Paulding

Apr 16–17 • SWCD Tree Sale Pickup | 451C McDonald Pike, Paulding

Apr 18 • Bingo – $3,500 in Cash Prizes | Doors 3 PM • Bingo 4 PM | Paulding High School Auditorium

Apr 30 • PHS Community Cleanup Day | All Day | Participating Businesses, Paulding County

May

May 2 • United Way Purse Bingo | 6–9 PM | Paulding Eagles, Paulding

May 14 • 4-H Project Book Work Night | 5:30–6:30 PM | Youth Leadership Building, Paulding

June

June 20–29 • Shades of Ireland – Travel with the Chamber | Departing from Paulding

Deadlines & Opportunities

Mar 30 • America’s Field Trip Contest | Student Submission Deadline

Mar 31 • T-Mobile Hometown Grants | Application Deadline

Apr 6 • SWCD Tree Sale Pre-Order Deadline

Apr 10 • Paulding County Area Foundation Scholarships | Deadline

Knights of Columbus Council 2250 Fish Frys are back!

March 6, 13, 20 & 27

Lunch 11am–1pm | Dinner 4pm–7pm

Knights of Columbus Hall, 9907 US 127, Paulding

Dine-in or carry-out available. Serving Alaskan Pollock with 2, 3, or 5-piece meals (choice of baked beans or corn, fries or baked potato, dinner roll & cole slaw). Also available: fish by the pound, fries by the boat, and cole slaw by the pint.

Call ahead for lunch only: 567-808-2800

A Paulding tradition — bring your coworkers for lunch or the family for dinner!

Energy buying doesn’t have to be complicated.

We make energy supply straightforward, efficient, and easy to manage—so you can focus on running your business.

Start with a free, no-obligation energy bill review: https://chamberenergyprogram.com

Leadership in Action (LIA) is the Chamber’s leadership development program designed to deepen participants’ understanding of themselves, each other, and Paulding County — while taking meaningful action in our community.

The 2025–2026 LIA cohort includes 14 individuals committed not just to learning about local challenges, but to responding to them.



After meeting with several county organizations, this year’s class partnered with United Way of Paulding County and selected the Paulding County Senior Center as their service focus.

Supporting Transportation for Local Seniors

The Paulding County Senior Center serves approximately 4,700 residents age 60 and older — nearly one-quarter of our county’s population.

In a rural community like ours, reliable transportation is essential. Many seniors must travel to Fort Wayne or Toledo for specialized medical care. The Senior Center’s wheelchair-accessible van makes those trips possible, along with transportation to meals and activities.

To help meet increased demand, the LIA class is working with United Way to raise $26,500 toward the purchase of an additional wheelchair-accessible van. See details below to get involved.

Pistols & Purses Raffle

As part of this effort, LIA is also hosting the Pistols & Purses Raffle — giving participants the opportunity to win one of four prizes while directly supporting this important cause. Details below.

Here's a short video with more information: Why support this cause?

This is leadership in action — not just discussion, but delivery.

We hope you’ll consider joining us in supporting our local seniors.

Don’t miss your chance to win 1 of 4 great prizes in our Pistols & Purses Raffle.

Tickets are just $20 and available at:

• Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce

• Paulding County Economic Development (PCED)

• McDougall Firearms

• Paulding Ace Hardware

• Paulding County Senior Center

Can’t make it to one of these locations?

Email pauldingchamber@gmail.com and we’ll set tickets aside for you.

Every ticket purchased supports the Paulding County Senior Center’s much-needed wheelchair-accessible van — helping ensure mobility, independence, and access to care for seniors in our community.

Sunday, March 15, 2026 – Mamma Mania: The American Tribute to ABBA

A high-energy tribute filled with ABBA’s biggest hits, iconic harmonies, and feel-good nostalgia. Perfect for fans who love to sing along.

Friday, March 20, 2026 – The Isaacs

Award-winning, Grand Ole Opry–favorite family band The Isaacs bring their signature blend of gospel, country, bluegrass, and Americana to Van Wert. Known for heartfelt songs and breathtaking harmonies, this long-awaited performance marks a special return to the Niswonger stage.

Saturday, April 18, 2026 – Yacht Rock the Dock

Ambrosia, John Ford Coley, and Peter Beckett (The Voice of Player) unite for a night of 70s and 80s soft-rock classics and Billboard Top 40 hits, including “Baby Come Back,” “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight,” and “Love Is the Answer.”

Saturday, April 25, 2026 – Larry Fleet: Another Year Older Tour

Country artist Larry Fleet brings soulful vocals and heartfelt songwriting to the stage, featuring songs like “Where I Find God” and “Things I Take for Granted.”

Saturday, May 2, 2026 – To The Limit: The Ultimate Eagles Tribute

Experience the timeless harmonies and classic rock sound of The Eagles, featuring hits such as “Hotel California,” “Take It Easy,” and “Desperado.”

Tickets & Information

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

Contact: 419-238-6722 • vanwertlive.com