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From the Desk of the Director

Welcome back to another Chamber newsletter. I have been out and about delivering the 2026 Membership Guide and chatting with members—both familiar faces and new. Definitely a reminder of how important those connections are. I've got more meetings scheduled and if you'd like me to stop by your business, please let me know.

For those who haven't heard... This year’s membership guide has a new Member-to-Member Benefits section and you should definitely check them out and take advantage of them. If you want to check out those exclusive savings, click here to view them. And if you’d like to offer a benefit, just let me know, and I'll get your offer added!

Our Gather + Grow series is also launching this year. This is a quarterly, informal learning series where business owners and professionals come together to learn, share ideas, and talk about growth, leadership, workforce, and economic trends. We’d love your input on topics that the business community would like to know more about. Property taxes are one thing on the radar. Please email me your ideas for topics.

The recent conversations I've been having are a good reminder that not every business uses the Chamber in the same way. While your business may be thriving and not need every tangible benefit, your membership keeps the Chamber strong. That strength allows us to support the broader business community through networking, social media initiatives, and practical resources. If you still need to renew for 2026 or are interested in joining and investing in the Chamber, click here—or let’s connect and talk about what makes sense for you.

If you’re an individual in the community, you can join too—individual memberships are just $100, and we’re truly grateful for the individuals who stand with us. Whether business or individual, your support keeps us strong.

We’ve also refreshed sponsorships. Even if you’ve renewed your membership, take a look here—we’d love to have your support to expand our presence and showcase your business at our events. Imagine more social media highlights of our local businesses, more Gather + Grow events, and bigger networking opportunities. With the support of local businesses and individuals, we can keep growing and being even more impactful.

Yesterday, I attended Vantage Career Center’s 50th anniversary celebration. I also went to their open house in the evening, and it was packed with local, regional, and even international business partners. Seeing students in action and incoming juniors exploring programs was inspiring. I hadn’t realized how much Vantage has grown—they’re even adding a new facility across the street for medical certifications. They’re doing amazing things, and I can’t say enough about their impact on our community. Below is a group of Paulding County students who were present for the 50th anniversary celebration that I asked to take a photo of. Pictured left to right: William Burgei, Xander Bartley, Adan Zacarias, Jordan Hale, Eric Reinhart, Cole Miller, Careen Winans, Layla Kremer, Lyla Clem, and Audrey Dougal. Congratulations to the faculty and staff of Vantage—past and present—who have invested their time, effort, and talent into growing Vantage into the exceptional career center it is today.

Tomorrow is another big day with Leadership In Action, where we'll be touring Paulding Putnam Electric & Internet, having a working lunch at the Eagles, then finishing the day with Western Buckeye Education Service Center, where we'll be discussing the results from our Clifton Strengths assessments. Stay tuned for details on how this day goes.

As always, thanks for your support and being part of the journey!

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

In honor of National Pizza Day earlier this week—as if we really need a reason to celebrate pizza—we’re spotlighting Marco’s Pizza right here in Paulding.

Since opening their doors in 1989, Marco’s has been serving up go-to pizza for family nights, team dinners, late workdays, and everything in between. With a local team of about 10 employees, they’re a great example of how national brands with local ownership play an important role in our business community.

843 N. Williams Street, Paulding

419-399-3999

Whether you’re a thin crust loyalist or an extra-cheese fan, today feels like a pretty good day to support a local Chamber member—and maybe order pizza. Because let’s be honest… every day is pizza day.

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to spotlight Kircher’s Flowers—a business with deep roots and a long-standing reputation for quality and care.

Serving our region since 1908, Kircher’s continues a proud tradition of helping people celebrate life’s moments with beautiful, thoughtfully grown flowers. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or just because, they make it easy to support local and share something meaningful.

1119 Jefferson Ave, Defiance, OH 43512

419-784-5321

Mon–Sat: 9am–6pm | Sun: 12pm–5pm

Because flowers never go out of style—especially this week.

Welcome New Chamber Member

It’s finally official! Kelly Pracht of Keystrokes Advertising & Design—who’s been shaping the look of Paulding businesses for decades—has joined the Chamber.

From the library’s logo to many other familiar local brands, chances are you’ve seen Kelly’s work without even realizing who was behind it. Her design experience and deep local roots make her an incredible asset to our business community, and we’re excited to connect her even more through the Chamber. If you like how our New Membership Guide turned out, it's because of her amazing talent!

Take a look at her portfolio at keystrokesadvertisingdesign.com and help us give Kelly a warm welcome!

Be sure to reach out for your graphic design needs at 419-399-9778 or email keystrokes@windstream.net.

We’re glad to have you, Kelly!

February 11, 2026

• NSCC Van Wert Campus Visit Day | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM | NSCC Van Wert Campus

February 12, 2026

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

February 14, 2026

• Renegade Lemonade @ Paulding Eagles (Valentine’s Day Party) | 7:30–11:30 PM | Paulding Eagles Aerie 2405

February 18 – March 25, 2026

• Lenten Community Lunches | Wednesdays | 12:00–1:00 PM | First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall
• (Meal + brief devotional | Freewill donation | Food pantry donations accepted)

February 21, 2026

• Relay for Life Kickoff Event | 5:00 PM | Paulding Eagles Aerie 2405
• Divine Mercy Catholic School Bunco Night Fundraiser | 6:00 PM | Divine Mercy Catholic School, Payne
• Little Loves & Big Hugs Valentine’s Dance | 5:00–9:00 PM | Antwerp VFW Post 5087
• 2026 Marriage Seminar | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM | Branch Christian Fellowship, Paulding

March 3, 2026

• Living Water Natural Healing VIP Open House | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | 101 W. Perry St., Paulding

March 3 – April 7, 2026

• Small Business Academy (VIP: Very Important Planning) | Tuesdays | 5:30–7:30 PM | Borra Center for Health Sciences

March 10 & March 12, 2026

• Oakwood Library Chocolate Extravaganza XVIII | 7:00 PM | Oakwood Library

March 12, 2026

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

March 14, 2026

• Antwerp Rotary Steak Fry

March 18, 2026

• Paulding County Senior Center Health, Business & Industry Fair | 11:00 AM–2:00 PM | Paulding County Extension Building

March 21, 2026

• Kiwanis Club of Paulding Purse Bingo | Doors Open: 10:00 AM | Paulding

March 26, 2026

• SBA Ohio Rural Business Initiative | 10:00 AM–NOON | Northwest State Community College, Archbold

March 27, 2026

• Laughter That Saves Lives Spring Banquet | Hands of Hope | 5:30 PM | Grant’s Reception Hall, Antwerp

April 9, 2026

• Paulding County Career Day | Time TBD | OSU Extension Office, 503 Fairground Drive, Paulding

April 11, 2026

• Payne Elementary PTO Mom 2 Mom Sale | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Payne Elementary School
• LifeWise Antwerp Evening of Impact Fundraiser | Doors Open: 5:30 PM | Program: 6:00 PM | Grant’s Reception Hall, Antwerp

April 16–17, 2026

• Paulding SWCD Tree Sale | 9:00 AM–5:30 PM (Apr 16) / 8:00 AM–4:30 PM (Apr 17) | 451C McDonald Pike, Paulding

April 30, 2026

• PHS Community Cleanup Day | All Day | Participating Businesses (Rain Date: May 1, 2026)

May 2, 2026

• United Way of Paulding County Purse Bingo | 6:00–9:00 PM | Paulding Eagles, 206 W. Perry St., Paulding

May 14, 2026

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

June 20–29, 2026

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

Deadlines & Opportunities

• February 6 – Paulding Putnam Electric Scholarship | Application Deadline
• March 30 – America’s Field Trip Contest | Student Submission Deadline
• March 31 – American Express Shop Small Grants | Application Deadline
• March 31 – T-Mobile Hometown Grants (Spring Cycle) | Application Deadline
• April 6 – Paulding SWCD Tree Sale | Seed & Plug Pre-Order Deadline
• April 10 – Paulding County Area Foundation Scholarships | Deadline

SBA Disaster Loans Available for Local Businesses Impacted by Drought

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest disaster loans to help small businesses and nonprofits in Paulding County and surrounding areas that lost income due to the drought that began in fall 2025.

These loans are meant to help cover everyday business expenses during tough periods—even if your building or equipment wasn’t damaged. If the drought affected customer traffic, sales, or cash flow, this program may be worth looking into.

This program may be a good fit for businesses such as:

• Retail shops and boutiques
• Restaurants, cafés, and food trucks
• Service-based businesses (salons, auto repair, professional services, etc.)
• Small manufacturers or contractors
• Childcare centers and private nonprofits

Funds can be used for payroll, rent, utilities, inventory, vendor bills, and other operating expenses that became difficult to cover due to reduced income.

While traditional farmers and ranchers are not eligible (except aquaculture businesses), many businesses that support or rely on agriculture may still qualify.



If your business experienced financial strain tied to the drought and you need help staying on track, this is a resource worth exploring.

Lower-Interest Loans Available for Ohio Small Businesses

Ohio small businesses now have access to lower-interest business loans through Buckeye Business Advantage, a program from the Ohio Treasurer’s Office.

This program helps for-profit Ohio businesses with 150 employees or fewer secure financing at reduced interest rates by working through participating local banks. Funds can be used to start, grow, or reinvest in your business—such as purchasing equipment, expanding operations, or improving cash flow.

If you’re a small business owner looking for more affordable financing, this program may be worth exploring.

Learn more and see full eligibility details:

www.ohiotreasurer.gov/buckeyebusinessadvantage

February 12, 2026 - Legal Series: Business Law

February 13, 2026 - Introduction to Selling to the Federal Government

February 13, 2026 - More Than Just a Counter: Reimagining Your Space for Community & Growth 

February 17, 2026 - Legal Series - Human Resource Regulations

February 19, 2026 - The Art of Financing Your Business: A Panel Discussion

February 19, 2026 - Unlock Your Startup Funds: Mapping Your Access to Capital

February 25, 2026 - Legal Series: Intellectual Property

March 5, 2026 - Small Business Orientation

March 11, 2026 - 2026 Supplier Matchmaking Expo

March 13, 2026 - Introduction to Selling to the Federal Government

March 19, 2026 - Your Money Story: Startup Finance Basics

March 25, 2026 - Basic Overview of SBA Programs and Services

April 1, 2026 - Small Business Orientation

Small Business Academy VIP: Very Important Planning

Tuesdays, March 3 - April 7

5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Location: The Borra Center for Health Sciences, Room 103

Simulcast options available

Thinking about starting or growing a business? Join our six-session Small Business Academy designed to guide entrepreneurs from idea to profitability. This series covers essential topics including entrepreneurial readiness, business planning, launching and legally establishing your business, marketing and social media strategies, financial basics, profitability analysis, and acquiring capital while managing risk.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to strengthen your business foundation, this Academy provides practical tools and guidance to help you plan, launch, and grow with confidence.

On February 18, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm, Indiana Institute of Technology will host a career fair for employers seeking students interested in building careers in engineering and computer science.

Registration costs $65 for for-profit organizations. Registration is free for nonprofits and government agencies.

Contact person:

Shaquayla Robertson - Employer Relations & Program Coordinator

smrobertson@indianatech.edu

Boost Your Business with Tech Talent

Looking to strengthen your business through technology? The College Technology Internship Program connects employers with college interns who can assist with mobile app development, website creation, software implementation, and cybersecurity enhancements.

Businesses may hire up to 10 interns, with the Ohio Department of Development covering two-thirds of each intern’s wages, up to $7,500 per intern.

Applications are due by February 27.

Learn more and apply: https://development.ohio.gov/.../college-technology

Community Update: Good things are happening at the Paulding County History Museum. While their kitchen renovation is underway, the Annual Membership Meeting originally scheduled for Sunday, February 22 at 2:00 p.m. has been postponed and will be rescheduled at a later date.

Big thanks to generous community donors and the Vantage Career Center electricity and carpentry students for helping bring this long-needed update to life. We’ll help spread the word once a new meeting date is announced—and you’ll definitely want to see the finished kitchen.

NORTHWEST STATE VAN WERT CAMPUS TO HOST “VISIT DAY” ON FEBRUARY 11TH

Van Wert, OH -- The Northwest State Community College Van Wert Campus will be hosting a new student

“Visit Day,” to be held on the new campus site at 520 E. Sycamore St. on Wednesday, February 11 from 10:00

a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Visit Day is a student-focused event hosted by NSCC Learner Services offices (admissions, advising, financial

aid, etc.). The main focus is to welcome prospective learners to campus and assist them in completing important steps. On February 11, prospective learners can visit campus and apply, as well as complete important steps like orientation, start their FASFA, tour the building and more! Academic advisors will also be on hand to help answer questions about courses.

Stay tuned to NSCC Van Wert social media (“Northwest State Community College- Van Wert Campus” on

Facebook, and “NSCCVanWertCampus” on Instagram) for up to date information about this event, as well as all

other campus activity. NSCC Van Wert is also available any time online at NorthwestState.edu/VanWert or by calling 419-267-1399.

Memories by Tawnya Photography is offering a limited “Lucky 7” special just for the Class of 2027.

The first 7 seniors to book a 3-hour Signature Senior Experience will receive $27 off their session—just because it’s your year.

This experience includes:

✔️ More time

✔️ Multiple outfits

✔️ Multiple locations

✔️ A fully customized senior session designed around you

Once the 7 spots are booked, the offer is gone—no extensions.

To claim the Lucky 7 special, email memoriesbytawnya@gmail.com

Check out Tawnya's work here:

HOME - Memories by Tawnya Photography

Grant Opportunity: T-Mobile Hometown Grants

The T-Mobile Hometown Grants program, in partnership with Main Street America, awards up to $50,000 to small towns and rural communities to support downtown revitalization and community improvement projects.

Eligible projects may include:

• Placemaking and public space improvements
• Outdoor gathering areas
• Beautification and downtown enhancements
• Community-focused infrastructure or technology upgrades

Grant Details:

• Award amount: Up to $50,000
• Project timeline: 12 months (June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027)

Key Submission Deadline:

• Spring 2026 application period: January 1 – March 31, 2026
• Applicants will be notified within 60 days after the application period closes.



Members and community partners are encouraged to review the program details using the link below. If you have a project idea or questions, please contact the Chamber so we can explore coordinated or partnered opportunities.

When energy questions come up, having a real person you trust to talk to makes all the difference.

The Chamber Energy Program’s team of local experts provide hands-on support to help health and wellness businesses understand their energy options and avoid costly surprises.

Request a free bill review today and see how much you could save.

Leadership in Action (LIA), originally founded by OSU Extension’s Nancy Stehulak in 1993, has evolved into a Chamber-led program that develops local leaders through tours, leadership readings, and community service.

The 2025-2026 LIA cohort consists of 14 individuals pursuing a deeper connection, growth and understanding of themselves, each other and our county. After consulting with multiple county organizations, this year’s team partnered with United Way of Paulding County, led by Lora Lyons, to identify community needs. They chose to support the Paulding County Senior Center’s mission.

The Paulding County Senior Center, led by Kari Morhart, serves residents age 60 and over—roughly 4,700 people, about a quarter of Paulding County’s population. In our small rural community, seniors often need specialized care—such as cancer treatment—in Fort Wayne or Toledo. The Senior Center’s wheelchair-accessible van makes these trips possible, along with trips to meals and activities. We hope you’ll consider donating to this important cause.

Sunday, March 1, 2026 – Celtic Angels Ireland

A beautiful celebration of Irish culture featuring exceptional vocalists, musicians, and step dancers in a full-stage production of music, movement, and storytelling.

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

We’re excited to welcome Raised at Home to the Antwerp business community! A ribbon cutting was held recently to celebrate the opening of this charming new shop, located at 417 W. River Street, right next to the Root Beer Stand.

Owned by Gabrielle and Jarrett Bute, Raised at Home adds something special to our local business landscape. We’re grateful to the Antwerp Chamber of Commerce and Paulding County Economic Development for helping celebrate this milestone.

Welcome to Paulding County, Raised at Home—we look forward to seeing your business grow. Be sure to stop by and check out this quaint new shop!

Leadership & Nonprofit Opportunity

The RISE Northwest Ohio Leadership Series is a 10-month virtual learning experience designed for nonprofit and social sector leaders ready to move beyond survival mode and build financially strong, high-impact organizations.

This series is ideal for executive directors, CEOs, board chairs and members, senior nonprofit leaders, and professionals in development, finance, and operations, as well as funders and sector partners seeking a deeper understanding of nonprofit sustainability. Grounded in the national Five & Rising framework, the program challenges scarcity-driven thinking and equips leaders to rethink funding, budgeting, wages, governance, and long-term growth.

Sessions run March–December 2026, meeting monthly via Zoom, and are facilitated by Aileen Meyer, CEO of the Center for Community Impact.

Registration Cost:

• $200 early registration (through January 31)
• $250 standard registration

(Includes all 10 sessions, recordings, and supporting materials)

Program begins March 16, 2026