A Note from the Director


Let’s Shine a Light on Paulding’s Small Businesses!

The Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Maumee Valley Network (MVN) (formerly Ohio City's Pride) to give our local businesses extra visibility this holiday season! Check MVN's Facebook page out here.


As we gear up for Festival of Trees (Nov. 14-22) and Shop the Village (Nov. 22) — and head into Small Business Saturday (Nov. 29) — we’re working to spotlight our local shops, restaurants, and service providers through countywide Facebook campaigns.


For just $50 per County, your business will be featured in a professionally designed, boosted Facebook post that reaches thousands of verified local users. MVN handles all of the design, posting, and paid promotion — you simply sign up!


Why join in?

📈 22,000+ followers across NW Ohio & NE Indiana

💬 1.5–2.5 million post views during peak months

🌍 High engagement across Paulding, Van Wert, Mercer, and Defiance Counties


This partnership helps the Chamber spotlight our members and reinvest funds into programs that support local business all year long.


Sign up by November 8 using our quick form: Paulding Co Holiday Business Spotlight Sign-Up

Questions? Contact pauldingchamber@gmail.com


Shades of Ireland Informational Meeting

Join us to learn more about our Chamber group trip to Ireland that helps fund scholarships for local students! Matthew O'Shaughnessey with Orange Grove Travel Company as well as James Cartmell, with Collette, will walk us through the full itinerary, travel details, and all the perks that make this a seamless experience — from four-star hotels and quality dining to airport pick-up in Dublin.

In-Person Informational Meeting:

  • Monday, November 3rd at 6:00 PM
  • 101 E. Perry St., Paulding, OH 45879
  • Seating and light refreshments will be provided.

RSVP by October 30 appreciated → Reserve Your Spot Here or respond to this email.


Shop Local Season — Preparations are underway for Shop the Village and the holiday shopping push supporting our local merchants. We have 45 vendors signed up and we're still accepting more. We have roughly 15 spaces left. Deadline to reserve your space is October 24th. Vendors register HERE.


Chamber Newsletter Feedback Survey

Thank you to everyone who took the time to fill out our survey. If you haven't filled it out yet, we’d love your input as we work to make Chamber communications even better! Our newsletter takes time and care to create, and we want to be sure it’s bringing you value. Please take a few minutes to share your honest thoughts — what you enjoy, what you’d like to see more of, and how often you’d like updates.

This short, anonymous survey takes about 3–5 minutes. Take the Feedback Survey


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FEATURED BUSINESSES OF THE WEEK

Formerly known as The Gardens of Paulding, Paulding Care Community is a trusted provider of memory care, assisted living, long-term care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services right here in Paulding.



Their person-centered approach focuses on promoting independence while offering compassionate support every step of the way. With a warm, home-style environment and a team that truly cares, Paulding Care Community helps residents feel connected, comfortable, and cared for—because at Paulding Care Community, you’re family.

FROM THE CHAMBER

Economic & Community Development Institute

Express Small Business Loan

ECDI Express Small Business Loan – Grow with Confidence


The Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI)—one of the nation’s top SBA microlenders—is helping Ohio businesses access affordable capital with its new Express Small Business Loan.

Loan Highlights:

  • Borrow up to $10,000 at just 2% interest
  • 36-month fixed term
  • Available to new ECDI clients with closing costs applying

Eligibility:

  • Business open and generating revenue at least 6 months
  • Active business checking account
  • 640+ personal credit score (TransUnion)
  • No existing ECDI debt and must meet SBA eligibility
  • Available to Ohio-based businesses registered with the Secretary of State

Ohio Department of Children & Youth

Child Care Cred Program to Support Families and Employers

New Program Helps Families with Child Care Costs


Governor Mike DeWine recently announced the launch of the Child Care Cred Program, a $10 million initiative to make child care more affordable for Ohio’s working families while helping businesses retain employees.


  • Families must live in Ohio.
  • Employers must be Ohio-based.
  • Employers and employees apply together through the Ohio Department of Children and Youth.
  • Approved families can use funds with a licensed provider or their current child care provider.
  • Applications are due May 1, 2026.


Funding is available through June 30, 2026.

CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS & EVENTS

Countywide Snapshot: What’s Coming Up

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up across Paulding County! Click the links for more details or scroll down in the newsletter to see the full event highlights.

Wednesdays & Saturdays

— Caring & Sharing Food Pantry is open every Wednesday & Saturday (9am - 12pm)

October 22

— CoRP's Progressive After-Hours Tours (4:30pm - 7pm)

October 23

— Paulding Recovery Clubhouse's Trunk or Treat (6pm - 7:30pm)

October 24

— Vancrest of Payne Halloween Bingo (1:30pm - 3:30pm)

October 25

— 43rd Annual First Presbyterian Women's Retreat (9am - 1pm)

— Lion's Club Halloween Parade (2:30pm - 4pm)

— Village of Paulding Trick or Treat (5pm - 7pm)

— Village of Grover Hill Trick or Treat (5pm - 7pm)

— Antwerp Manor Trick or Treat (5pm - 6:30pm)

— Village of Payne Trick or Treat (3pm - 7pm - see details below)

— Journey to Italy: Fundraiser for Paulding Students

October 31

— Pete Schlegel in Concert at Paulding Eagles Aerie 2405

November 1

— United Way of Paulding County Family Trivia Night (5:30pm)

— Antwerp Methodist Church Craft Bizaar (9am - 2pm)

— Antwerp VFW Christmas for Kids and Coats for Kids (9am - 4pm)

November 8

— Antwerp Lifewise Academy Fall Fest (11am - 2pm)

November 8

— Paulding County History Museum Festival of Trees

November 13

— 50th Anniversary CHP Home Care & Hospice Beacon of Hope Dinner & Charity Auction

November 14

— Paulding County Hospital Foundation BBQ Chicken Luncheon

November 14 - 22

— Paulding County History Museum's Festival of Trees

November 18

— Paulding County Economic Development Annual Business Appreciation Banquet

November 22

— Shop the Village – 9 AM–3 PM in downtown Paulding Still accepting Vendors - Deadline Oct. 24

— Youth Business Showcase – Register by Oct. 31

December 1

— CoRP's Merry and Bright Parade


Northwest State Community College

Van Wert Campus Ribbon Cutting and Open House

October 28, 2025

Tuesday, October 28th | Ribbon Cutting: 8:30 AM | Open House: 3:00–6:00 PM

Location: 520 E. Sycamore St., Van Wert


Northwest State Community College invites the community to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of its new Van Wert Campus on Tuesday, October 28th at 8:30 a.m.


This milestone event will include remarks from NSCC President Dr. Todd Hernandez, members of the Board of Trustees, Dean Dr. Jon Tomlinson, and other special guests.


Later that day, the public is also invited to an open house from 3:00–6:00 p.m., featuring guided tours and light refreshments for community members and prospective students.


Northwest State Community College has proudly served northwest Ohio since 1969, providing quality, affordable education and workforce training to meet the needs of local communities and industries.

Learn more about the new campus at NorthwestState.edu/VanWert

WERT/WKSD First Family Broadcasting

Halloween Safety Tips Advertising

Community Revitalizing Paulding

Progressive After-Hours

October 22, 2025

Foundations Behavioral Health

Trunk or Treat

October 23, 2025

Vancrest of Payne

Senior Executive Club

October 24, 2025

First Presbyterian Church

43rd Annual Women's Rretreat

October 25, 2025

Paulding Care Community

Safe Trick or Treat Night

October 27, 2025

Paulding Care Community

Mark's Ark

October 29, 2025

Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2405

Pete Schlegel Concert

October 31, 2025

Wayne Trace STEAM Center

Robotics Competition Sponsors Needed

November 1, 2025 Deadline

United Way of Paulding County

Family Trivia Night

November 1, 2025

Travel with the Chamber: Shades of Ireland

Informational Meeting

November 3, 2025

Community Health Professionals

Beacon of Hope Dinner & Charity Auction

November 13, 2025

CHP Home Care & Hospice – Beacon of Hope Dinner & Charity Auction


For 50 years, CHP Home Care & Hospice of Paulding has been the trusted local hospice provider. Join us for our annual Beacon of Hope for Hospice Dinner & Charity Auction on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at the Paulding County Fairgrounds, 503 Fairground Dr., Paulding.


The evening includes a catered dinner (RSVP required), live and silent auctions, raffles, and more—all benefiting CHP’s patient care fund for Paulding County. Social hour begins at 5:30 PM, dinner at 6:15 PM, with a live auction to follow. Kenny Thomas, Auctioneer, and Joe Barker, Emcee. Catering by Streetlight.


How you can help:

  • Donate raffle baskets, merchandise, gift certificates, or services by Nov. 7.
  • Become a sponsor: $500+ donors receive logo recognition on banners, programs, and during the event. Sponsorships due Oct. 31.
  • Attend! Seats are complimentary, but RSVP is required. Reserve your spot by calling 419-399-4708 or online at www.comhealthpro.org/events by Nov. 7.


At CHP, no patient is ever turned away due to inability to pay. Your support ensures compassionate end-of-life care for every Paulding County neighbor in need.


Contact: Alycen Urban, Event Coordinator – 419-238-9223 ext. 1118 | alycen_urban@comhealthpro.org

Paulding County Hospital Foundation

BBQ Chicken Luncheon

November 14, 2025

Paulding County History Museum

2025 Festival of Trees

November 14-22, 2025

Shop the Village

Downtown Paulding

November 22, 2025

Shop the Village – Vendor Spaces Still Available!


Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 22 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM as downtown Paulding transforms into a festive marketplace for Shop the Village! Local entrepreneurs, artisans, and cottage businesses will set up pop-up shops inside downtown storefronts, creating a fun, walkable shopping experience.


This event also coincides with the final day of the Festival of Trees at the Paulding County Historical Museum — making it the perfect way to wrap up your visit and kick off the Shop Small, Shop Local season in style.


Vendor spaces are still available! If you’re a local maker or small business interested in joining the fun, reach out to the Chamber office for details or sign up today.

Paulding County Economic Development

Youth Business Showcase

November 22, 2025

Youth Business Showcase – November 22 at the Paulding VFW


The Youth Business Showcase returns on Saturday, November 22 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at the Paulding VFW, held in conjunction with Shop the Village!


This exciting event highlights young entrepreneurs as they launch and promote their own small businesses. Participants will be judged on presentation, product quality, and creativity, with awards recognizing their innovation and effort.


Awards include:

  • Judge’s Award – for overall excellence in presentation and business concept
  • People’s Choice Award – voted on by event attendees
  • Creative Award – for outstanding originality and display


Awards feature things like: custom business cards and banners, a one-month free vendor spot at Hidn Treasures, funds to start a savings account, and $100 Visa Gift Cards to help with business expenses.


All youth participants will enjoy a participation award, t-shirt, all-you-can-eat lunch, and a Kid’s Entrepreneur Activity Book, while Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) provides Thank You Bags for shoppers.



With Shop the Village taking place downtown the same day, it’s the perfect opportunity to support both our local merchants and the next generation of business leaders—all in one festive day of shopping and community spirit!

Van Wert Performing Arts Foundation

Lorrie Morgan with Special Guest Jamie O’Neal

January 30, 2026

Van Wert LIVE is thrilled to announce that country music legend Lorrie Morgan will perform at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 7:30 PM, joined by platinum-selling artist Jamie O’Neal for their first-ever appearance at the venue.


With hits like “There Is No Arizona” and “Five Minutes,” this unforgettable evening blends timeless classics with contemporary country favorites.



Tickets are available now to members and go on sale to the public Friday, October 31. Learn more or get tickets anytime at vanwertlive.com.

COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS

Lion's Club of Paulding

Halloween Parade

October 25, 2025

Village of Payne

Trick or Treat

October 25, 2025

Journey to Italy

Fundraiser for Local Students

October 25, 2025

Antwerp Global Methodist Church

Bringing in the Season Craft Bazaar

November 1, 2025

Antwerp VFW Post #5087

Christmas for Kids & Coats for Kids

November 1, 2025

Antwerp Lifewise Academy

Fall Festival

November 8, 2025

 

Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce

419.399.5215

101 E. Perry St., Paulding, OH 45879

pauldingchamber@gmail.com

www.pauldingchamber.com

 
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