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From the Desk of the Director

Partnerships, Gratitude, and a Season of Celebration

As we head into July, I am reminded again how much can happen when people come together with generous hearts, willing hands, and a shared love for this community.

Community Events With a Purpose

Over the past several weeks, the Chamber has been working quickly with local partners to help add something special to this year’s John Paulding Summer Blast.

Through funding granted by America 250-Ohio, we are excited to help bring the Community Picnic and the America 250 Revolutionary Run to this year’s celebration. The Revolutionary Run will include a 5K Run and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, with proceeds benefiting the Paulding Exempted Village Schools Pay-to-Play Program. The Community Picnic will be a free-will donation lunch supporting the Caring & Sharing Food Pantry.

What makes these events even more special is that we are able to use them as fundraisers to give back to families right here in our community. Find more information about these events below.

Thank You to Our Partners

I want to personally thank Garret Stoller with Hybrid Performance and Sarah Heier of Heier Threads for coming alongside the Chamber to help make the Revolutionary Run happen. Their support, ideas, and willingness to jump in have been amazing, and we are so grateful for the partnership.

A special thank you and shoutout also goes to Laurie Barnes, who helped make the partnership with the Caring & Sharing Food Pantry possible. Her help connected us to a meaningful local cause and gave the Community Picnic an even greater purpose.

Without the support of these individuals and organizations, these events would not be possible. This is the kind of partnership that makes Paulding County special: people seeing an opportunity, stepping forward, and working together to create something good for the community.

Grateful for a Great Day on the Green

We are also still celebrating the success of last Friday’s Annual Golf Outing. It was a great day on the green, the weather was just about perfect, and we are humbled and grateful for everyone who volunteered, sponsored, played, donated raffle prizes, or supported the event in any way.

A special thank-you goes to our committee chair, Scott Strahley, for working so hard to help make this year’s outing such an awesome event.

Executive Director Applications Due July 10

As the Chamber continues this work, we are also still accepting applications for our next Executive Director. The deadline to apply is Friday, July 10.

Anyone interested in serving our local business community, supporting Chamber members, and helping Paulding County continue moving forward is encouraged to submit a resume, cover letter, and references.

Apply here: https://bit.ly/PauldingChamberDirector

Happy Fourth of July

As we head into the holiday weekend, I also want to wish everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July. This year’s celebration feels especially meaningful as we celebrate 250 years of freedom and reflect on all the things that make America special: our communities, our freedoms, our neighbors, our service members and veterans, our small businesses, and the people who continue to show up for one another.

What a fantastic day on the course!

From our golfers and sponsors to our prize donors, volunteers, and everyone who helped behind the scenes, thank you for making this year's America 250 Golf Outing such a memorable event.

Your generosity, enthusiasm, and support continue to strengthen the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce and the local business community we proudly serve. We couldn't have done it without you.

We captured some great moments throughout the day! Click below to view our event photo gallery and relive the highlights.

View the 2026 Golf Outing Photo Gallery:

https://www.pauldingchamber.com/Annual-Golf-Outing/

Thank you again for being part of such a great day. We look forward to seeing you on the course again next year!

This week, we’re highlighting Paulding United Methodist Church, a congregation with a story woven into the earliest days of Paulding County.

Paulding County was officially organized in 1839, and within a few decades, the Methodist congregation became the first to build a house of worship in Paulding. Their original wood-frame church was built in 1872 near what is now Paulding High School, then moved in 1883 to North Williams Street, where the church still stands today.



As the congregation grew, so did their vision. In 1898, they broke ground on the brick church building that remains part of Paulding’s historic landscape. When it was dedicated in 1899, an incredible 850 people attended the celebration.

More than 125 years later, Paulding UMC continues to be a place of worship, connection, mission work, and community care.

• Sunday Traditional Worship: 10:30 AM
• Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:00 AM
• Women of the Word: Ladies’ fellowship and mission group

We’re grateful for Paulding United Methodist Church’s long history and continued service to Paulding County.

Paulding United Methodist Church

• 321 N. Williams Street, Paulding
• Office: 419-399-3591
• https://pauldingumc.org/index.html
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/73894852440/

For more than two decades, Grant’s Catering has been helping families, businesses, and organizations create delicious food and spectacular memories. From planning the perfect menu to serving every guest, their experienced team understands that attention to detail can make all the difference.

Whether it is a stylish wedding, corporate event, fundraiser, private party, or backyard BBQ, Grant’s takes pride in creating food that looks and tastes amazing. Their services include full-service catering, décor and florals, rentals, and wedding venue options.

We are grateful for the way Grant’s continues to serve the region and help make gatherings throughout our community feel special, seamless, and memorable.

Learn more: https://www.grantscatering.com/

Contact Grant’s Catering:

• info@grantscatering.com
• 419-258-2233
• 503 E. Canal St., Antwerp, OH 45813

Office Hours:

• Monday–Thursday, 8 AM–3 PM
• Friday, 8 AM–12 PM
• By appointment only

Throughout Summer

• 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

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 — Swing Into STEM Camp | NSCC Van Wert Campus | 9 AM–3 PM
• July 10 — John Paulding Summer Blast | Downtown Paulding | 5–11 PM
• July 11 — America 250 Revolutionary Run | Paulding County Fairgrounds | Registration 8 AM, Race 8:30 AM
• July 11 — John Paulding Summer Blast Activities | Downtown Paulding | 9 AM–2 PM
• July 11 — EverLite Collective Debut Event | John Paulding Summer Blast
• July 11 — Paulding Veterans Memorial Tour | Paulding Veterans Memorial | 1–3 PM
• July 11 — EverLite Collective Ribbon Cutting | John Paulding Summer Blast | 4:30 PM
• July 14 — The Waverly House Private Ribbon Cutting | Payne
• July 17 — Spiker Robotics Camp | NSCC Van Wert Campus | 9 AM–3 PM
• July 17 — Caring & Sharing Food Pantry Charter Bus Day Trip Fundraiser | Holmes County, OH
• July 17 — Community Health Professionals Golf Outing | Auglaize Golf Club
• July 17 — Limitless by PC Workshop Golf Scramble | Auglaize Golf Course | Registration 8 AM, Shotgun Start 9 AM
• July 18 — Latty Community Festival | Latty | 10:45 AM–2 PM
• July 30 — More Than Boutique Annual Ladies Night Out | Downtown Antwerp
• July 31 — Esports Gamer Camp | NSCC Van Wert Campus | 8 AM–12 PM

August

• August 6–9 — 127 Garage Sales | First Presbyterian Church | Spaces available for rent; proceeds benefit Caring & Sharing Food Pantry
• 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 — 127 Garage Sale Spaces Available | Proceeds benefit Caring & Sharing Food Pantry
• 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

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.

EverLite Collective to Launch During John Paulding Summer Blast

The Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome EverLite Collective, a newly established Ohio nonprofit corporation, to the Paulding business community as founder Jakob Salisbury launches the organization’s debut event during John Paulding Summer Blast.

To help celebrate this exciting new venture, the Chamber will host a ribbon cutting on Friday, July 11 at 4:30 PM.

EverLite Collective is focused on community outreach, youth engagement, and faith-based events, and we are excited to recognize Jakob’s hard work, creativity, and heart for serving the community.

Please help us welcome EverLite Collective and wish Jakob much success as he begins this new chapter in Paulding County.

New Airbnb Property Opens in Payne

The Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to help spread the word about The Waverly House, a new Airbnb property owned by Allen and Kristy Wobler in Payne, Ohio.

This beautiful home offers guests a comfortable place to stay while visiting family, attending local events, working in the area, or spending time in Paulding County. With multiple bedrooms, a full kitchen, laundry, living space, and a private outdoor area, The Waverly House gives visitors the convenience of an entire home during their stay.

A private ribbon cutting is scheduled for July 14, and we are excited to celebrate this new lodging option in Paulding County.

Book your stay here: airbnb.com/h/thewaverlyhouseohio

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

Paulding County Fall Festival Little Caesars Fundraiser

The Paulding County Fall Festival has kicked off a Little Caesars Pizza Kit fundraiser to help support the 2026 Paulding County Fall Festival.

For the next four weeks, community members can order Little Caesars Pizza Kits and Meal Deal Codes online, with proceeds from each purchase going toward next year’s festival. Funds raised will help the festival continue offering free admission, free kid zones, and free entertainment for guests.

Pizza Kits are delivered directly to your door through FedEx, making it easy to order for your household or send the link to family and friends. Meal Deal Codes are sent by email and can be redeemed at your local Little Caesars. Supporters can also purchase build-your-own pizza kits to enjoy at home.

Every order helps the Paulding County Fall Festival move closer to its goal and makes an impact for the community.

OREDER HERE:

https://fundraising.littlecaesars.com/products?support=298b25c2-672c-465a-b155-68a9253d9477&c=5

Tickets & Information

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

Contact: 419-238-6722 • vanwertlive.com

Brownfield Cleanup Funding Awarded for Former Tom Parrett Insurance Property

Paulding County is set to see another step forward in local revitalization efforts through a cleanup and remediation project at the former Tom Parrett Insurance property.

The Paulding County Land Reutilization Corporation has been awarded $233,119 for a project that will include asbestos removal and demolition of the building located at the now-vacant former insurance company site. The Land Reutilization Corporation plans to purchase the property from its current owner and transform the site into a parking lot.



Projects like this help address vacant and underused properties while supporting long-term community improvement and downtown accessibility. The cleanup and redevelopment of this site will remove a blighted structure and create usable space that can better serve residents, visitors, and local businesses.

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!