Please send us your questions... |
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The Chamber will host a Candidate Forum for Fostoria City Council as there are 6 new candidates running for office.
We are asking you to submit questions you would like asked of the candidates. Please submit questions to: Sarah@FostoriaChamber.com
by March 25.
To comply with COVID protocol the event will be recorded and the recording will be distributed to the Chamber & FEDC membership via email, available on the Chamber website and our Social Media Channels.
In addition to the Candidate Forum an overview will be provided by the City on the 1% Income Tax Renewal Levy which supports street repair, infrastructure, Kaubisch Library, parks & recreation, city clean up and beautification.
City Council Candidates by Ward
Ward 1: Brandon Kiser (running unopposed)
Ward 2: Nikki Brown, Don Mennel
Ward 4: Tom Lake (incumbent), Todd Burgei, Michael Spencer, Brett Thomas
At-Large: No Candidates
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For more legislative updates from the Ohio Chamber visit allforohio.com
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OHIO COMMON SENSE INITIATIVE
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Over 40 NEW classes scheduled for Q1 |
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Autonomous Maintenance Training
Industrial Electrical Basics 1 & 2
Motors & Motor Controls
Intro to Variable Frequency Drives
ControlLogix Level 1 & 2
Siemens S7 PLC Level 1 & 2
SME Certified Manufacturing
Assoc. Cert.
Welding
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Teamwork & Team Building
Leadership & Influence
Communication Strategies
Supervising Others
Creative Problem Solving
Continuous Improvement/Leadership
Lean Yellow & Green Belt Certification
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OSHA 10 & OSHA 30 General Ind.
Basic Transportation Compliance
Controlled Substance/Alcohol
Driver Qualification Files
Compliance Safety Accountability (CSA) Roadside Inspection
New Entrant Audit
Hours of Service
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Personal Income Tax Workshop
She.Tiques Ltd. DIY Classes
Be Inspired Workshops
Seneca Park District Craft Workshops
Spending Plan Workshop
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Business Tax Course
ServSafe Food Handler Cert.
ServSafe Manager Course Level 2
CO.STARTERS
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Excel Introduction Level 1
Excel Intermediate Level 2
Excel Pivot Tables
Quickbooks Enterprise Basics
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For more information on any of these trainings or for customized trainings, reach out to the Fostoria Learning Center at 419-408-5540 or via email.
Follow the FLC on Facebook for updates and new offerings. |
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Did you miss a Safety Council meeting? We are recording all
Safety Council meetings.
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Next Meeting
Job Site Safety
Tony DeAscentis
Co-Owner & Founder, VING
March 17 @ 11:30 a.m. via Zoom
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Resources from the February Council Meeting:
Tips on How to Navigate a Crisis
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Stephanie York, VP Hennes Communications provided a very useful presentation on Crisis Management. Click here to view the presentation which includes tips on how to manage a crisis in the court of public opinion and on social media. |
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BWC is repeating the webinar Reducing COVID-19 Transmission Through HVAC Improvements on Wednesday, March 3 (2 to 3:15 p.m.). This webinar provides valuable information for anyone interested in taking steps to improve their indoor air quality (IAQ) to reduce COVID-19 transmission.
Presenters from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) and the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) will discuss a step-wise approach to assessing and managing IAQ and reducing COVID-19 transmission risks.
Additional information, including registration instructions, can be found in the attached flyer. Webinars qualify for IACET continuing education & BWC discount program credits.
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Save the date and join us for the FEDC & Chamber Virtual Annual Meeting featuring key remarks from Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted.
The meeting will begin
at 8 a.m.
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Grow your business resources... |
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How could a $50,000 grant better your business? |
Our friends at FedEx know that running a small business isn’t easy. You work hard to stay focused and keep moving forward — no matter what comes your way. That’s why they use their FedEx Small Business Grant Contest to award 12 inspiring, innovative businesses with prize packages totaling more than $250,000.
So what does that mean for you? With a FedEx account, you can enter the contest and share what drives your business for a chance to win up to $50,000. But don’t delay! The entry deadline is March 9. Visit their FedEx Small Business Grant Contest to learn more.
Plus, if you sign up for the NOACC Chamber Shipping Program, you’ll save up to 45% on FedEx® shipping. Enroll today.
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PPP, EIDL & Employee Retention Tax Credit Updates |
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A few changes to the PPP program:
Beginning February 23 thru March 9 there is an application exclusivity window for small businesses with less than 20 employees. From March 10 - 31, all other businesses and those seeking second draws may apply including 2nd draw applications.
Also, there are a few other important changes likely coming for Sole Proprietors, Self Employed and Independent Contractors. The proposed change is how you calculate the value of your PPP loan. If the proposed change is passed you will be able to use your gross income instead of your net-which can be found on line 7 of your 1040 Schedule C. Be sure to check the SBA website to follow changes to the guidelines.
EIDL-Economic Injury Disaster Loans
EIDL loans are still available and applications may be found here.
ERTC-Employee Retention Tax Credit
Be sure you are talking with your accountant and bookkeeper about this program. This credit is a refundable tax credit equal to 50% of the qualified wages paid after March 12, 2020 and before January 1, 2021. Eligible business having experienced at least a 20% decline in gross receipts compared to the same quarters in the prior year are eligible for a tax credit up to $7,000 per quarter, per employee. The credit may be applied for with the IRS when submitting payroll taxes. Learn more.
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2021 Chamber Sponsorship Packages
are still available.
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Help us Spread the Word about YOUR Business! |
Complete your Member Update and the "5 things about your business you would like the community to know" section.
We use this information to post on our #MemberSpotlightMonday on our Facebook page.
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NEW MEMBER to MEMBER BENEFIT
We are pleased to announce another member benefit that will help your business get noticed and reach customers.
Fellow Chamber member, Radio stations 1330/95.5 WFIN, 100.5 WKXA and 106.3 The Fox is offering special rates and packages designed around your needs. To learn about Fostoria Chamber member packages designed around your needs contact Mike Holman, mikeholman@wfin.com or 419-422-2142.
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Member Advertising Benefit Continues with 96.7 |
They may have a new format but the Chamber Advertising Benefit with 96.7, now Classic Hits, continues.
The Classic Advertising Package is buy one get one valued at $500 but you only pay $250.
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AEP
KeyBank
H&R Block
H&Co. Salon
Best Western
Fostoria Inn & Suites
BANKquet Hall
Reinhart's Auto Body
Gene Schalk
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Hoening Funeral Homes
Kemosabes
Old Fort Bank
First Step
Destination Seneca County
Blanchard River Broadcasting
Geary Family YMCA
Village of Wayne
Fairway Estates Condo Assoc.
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Our members are doing GREAT things! |
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Inland Tarp & Liner Joins Employee Stock Trust |
The Review Times-February 24, 2021
Inland Tarp and Liner, LLC, announced Tuesday in a news release that as of Oct. 31, 2020, the Fostoria facility and sister companies Inland Tarp & Cover, Inc., and ITC Services, Inc., both of Moses Lake, Washington, became parts of a new employee stock ownership trust.
The businesses were put into a holding company and sold 90% to an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) as an additional retirement plan for employees, and 10% to a charitable trust supporting various 501c3 charities, with 10% of the profits year after year.
Glen Knopp, founder of the companies, recognized that the ESOP was the best way to continue to provide customers with the quality and service they deserve, to maintain its ability to stay involved with its communities and to preserve a unique company culture, the release said.
The ESOP will benefit employees through the annual distributions of stock from the ESOP, according to the release.
"We have always said how we do business is more important than the business we do," Knopp was quoted as saying in the news release. "We care about our employees, our customer and vendor partnerships and the communities we live in. This ESOP preserves the direction and purpose of the company while integrating employee ownership into the company's culture."
Knopp will continue to serve as board chair and chief visionary officer, the release said. Freddie Prado will continue as general manager of ITC Services, and Carl Poteete, a 30-year veteran of high-growth companies, will continue as chief executive officer.
The release said the businesses will continue to operate as they have in the past with the same core values, high-quality standards, timely delivery, excellent customer service and competitive pricing, yet now with new ownership - the employees.
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Vanguard-Sentinel to Host Spring Break in a Box |
Vanguard-Sentinel Career & Technology Centers have been hosting Winter Camp for local students for many years. Both the Fremont and Tiffin campuses have provided campers a fun opportunity to experience and explore the many career paths the district offers. However, due to COVID-19 we are unable to host Winter Camp in 2021. Instead, we are offering Spring Break In A Box as an alternative method to engage students in 5th – 8th grade in activities that open their eyes to the world of Career Tech Education and the many opportunities it has to offer.
Spring Break In A Box kits have been designed by our instructors, offering fun and educational projects that represent our academic and program offerings. There are twelve different kits to choose from and cost $10 each and will include all necessary instructions and components to complete the project. Registrants will also receive a T-shirt. Registration is required and is available online only at www.vsctc.org by March 12, 2021. Curbside pickup of your Spring Break In A Box will take place on Saturday, March 27, 2021 from 9:00a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at your preferred campus location of either The Vanguard Tech Center in Fremont or Sentinel Career & Technology Center in Tiffin. Students will be able to complete the kit on their own time over spring break.
“Our communities have really embraced Winter Camp and we see many campers return year after year” explains Superintendent Greg Edinger. “We are hopeful that people will give this safe alternative a try as our team members have worked hard to make sure the content is meaningful and exciting.”
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THIS COULD BE WHERE WE HIGHLIGHT YOUR BUSINESS!
Signing up for the member spotlight is FREE. With it you receive a write up in our monthly newsletter, 2 free ads in The Review Times as well as a radio spot highlighting your business on WFOB/ESPN radio and Classic Hits 96.7.
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2021 Fostoria Farmers' Markets
Early Bird Pricing Ends April 1st for Fostoria Farmers’ Market
Vendors who wish to participate in the full eight-market season of the 2021 Fostoria Farmers’ Market can take advantage of an early bird pricing discount when registering and paying by April 1st. For more information , including the Farmers’ Market Rules and Vendor Application, see www.fostoriaohio.org/fostoria-farmers-market or call Michele Cochran at 419-435-0486 or email development@fostoriachamber.com.
The first market of the season with a “Celebrate Moms” theme is sponsored by the Geary Family YMCA. It will be held on Saturday, May 1st from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the grass lot at the corner of East Tiffin and South Main Streets. The Fostoria Farmers’ Markets are brought to you by the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau.
We look forward to offering residents and visitors a unique and enjoyable shopping experience in downtown Fostoria!
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Callies Performance Products
AgCredit
Burns Petroleum
Clear Choice Exteriors
Financial Design Agency
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Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau | 419-435-0486 | www.FostoriaOhio.org |
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