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From the Desk of the Director

Happy New Year! I hope you and your family had a safe, joyful holiday season and were able to take time to rest, reflect, and celebrate. As we turn the page into 2026, I’m looking ahead with excitement and a strong sense of purpose for what this year holds for our community.

This year is especially significant as our nation prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Known nationally as America250, this once-in-a-generation milestone invites communities across the country to reflect on our shared history, honor service and sacrifice, and tell the stories that have shaped who we are.

Here in Ohio, America 250-Ohio is leading statewide efforts to celebrate the Semiquincentennial through educational initiatives, community events, historical storytelling, and youth engagement. These efforts are designed to be locally driven, ensuring every community—large and small—has the opportunity to participate and be represented.

Nationally, America250 is offering a variety of programs and opportunities that families, educators, students, and organizations should stay aware of throughout the year. One such opportunity is America’s Field Trip, a nationwide student contest for grades 3–12 that encourages young people to share what America means to them, with the chance to earn an unforgettable educational trip to one of the nation’s most iconic landmarks. Additional details about this opportunity are included later in this newsletter.

As a Chamber, we see 2026 as an opportunity to connect our local story to these broader state and national conversations—highlighting Paulding County’s people, history, service, and future. We will continue to share relevant opportunities, programs, and ways to engage as plans develop throughout the year.



Thank you for being part of a Chamber that believes community connection matters. I look forward to working together in the year ahead.

All mail should be sent directly to our office at

101 E. Perry St., Paulding, OH 45879.

Winter is in full swing, and having reliable plumbing and heating services you can count on matters more than ever. Schlatter’s Plumbing & Heating is a trusted local business serving Paulding County with dependable plumbing, heating, and HVAC services—helping homes and businesses stay warm, safe, and comfortable during the coldest months of the year.

From routine maintenance to emergency repairs and system upgrades, their experienced team is known for quality workmanship, professionalism, and a strong commitment to the community.

Serving Paulding County and surrounding areas

Phone: 419-399-2140 / 419-393-4690

Email: schlattersphace@scphac.com

There’s still room to join the Chamber’s Shades of Ireland tour. We currently have four great couples signed up, and after hearing just how incredible this trip will be, it’s hard not to be a little jealous of those going.

This 9-night guided tour through Ireland takes place June 19–28, 2026. While the $200 per-person savings has ended, spots are still available for this unforgettable experience.

The trip is already making a local impact. With eight travelers registered, the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation has secured $2,400 for scholarships, thanks to contributions from Collette Travel and an additional $100 per ticket donated by Orange Grove Travel agent Matt O'Shaughnessey. That total will continue to grow as more travelers join.

Special Note: If the group reaches 15 travelers, the Chamber will earn a free trip ticket, which will be raffled to raise even more money for scholarships. Plus someone gets to win this incredible trip!

One of the biggest benefits of traveling with Collette is the stress-free experience. Transportation, hotels, guided tours, and even luggage handling are taken care of—from pickup in Paulding to arrival in Ireland—so travelers can simply relax and enjoy one of Collette’s most popular trips.

Final payments aren’t due until March 21, 2026.

To view the full itinerary or reserve your spot, visit the Shades of Ireland trip website and select “Sign Up.”

$20,000 Small Business Grants Available

Main Street America and American Express® are teaming up to help small businesses grow, innovate, and support their local communities. Starting today, eligible small business owners across the U.S. can apply for $20,000 grants through the new Amex Shop Small Grants Program. 

Applications are open now and will close on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT. 

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.

Leave a Lasting Legacy — Honor a Veteran

The Paulding Veterans Memorial Committee invites community members to honor the service and sacrifice of a veteran through a new Commemorative Granite Panel program at the Paulding Veterans Memorial.

Four large granite panels will be installed, creating a permanent and meaningful tribute to the veterans who have shaped our community. A personalized engraving is a special way to honor a loved one, preserve their legacy, and support the continued development of the Paulding Veterans Memorial.

How to Participate:

• Simply download the order form below
• Follow the instructions
• Submit your veteran’s name along with your donation

Together, we can create a lasting place of remembrance—one that honors service, tells our community’s story, and stands for generations to come.

Join Vantage Career Center as they celebrate 50 years at their Open House & Taste of Vantage on Monday, January 26, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. –7:30 p.m.

Whether you’re a community partner, sophomore exploring career paths, a junior or senior planning what’s next, Vantage alumni, or an adult ready to build new skills and advance your career—this event is for you.

Explore Opportunities:

• Tour our 18 high school programs and experience hands-on lab demonstrations. Meet current students and experience student life.
• Visit our Adult Post-Secondary Education Division to explore courses in health, business, IT, manufacturing, construction, and transportation.
• Meet Employers: Connect directly with companies offering apprenticeships, internships, and career opportunities—your future network starts here.
• Learn how Vantage students earn Industry-recognized credentials & licenses AND Valuable college credit through College Credit Plus

Taste of Vantage Is Back!

Enjoy bites from your favorite local restaurants at our Taste of Vantage.

Food tickets: $1 each or 6 for $5. All proceeds benefit the Vantage Student Activity Fund.

Diamond Sponsors:

Millie’s Cafe • Moose Landing • Black Angus Catering • R Place • Saisaki Van Wert • Vantage Culinary Arts

Don’t miss this chance! See You There!

--

Tessa Laing

Community Relations Coordinator

Vantage Career Center

818 North Franklin Street

Van Wert, Ohio 45891

(419) 238-5411 x2169

Student Opportunity: America’s Field Trip Contest (Grades 3–12)

America’s Field Trip is a nationwide student contest sponsored by America250, the official nonpartisan organization leading the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration.

The contest invites students in grades 3–12 to share their perspective on what America means to them for a chance to earn a once-in-a-lifetime field trip to one of 16 iconic U.S. landmarks or cultural sites, including Mount Rushmore, the National Archives Museum, Kennedy Space Center, and Yellowstone National Park.

Key Details:

• Deadline: Monday, March 30, 2026 (5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET)
• Eligibility: Students in grades 3–12 who are legal residents of the U.S., D.C., or U.S. territories

Prizes:

• 125 first-place winners + a chaperone receive travel and lodging for a 3-day, 2-night educational trip in summer 2026
• 125 second-place winners receive $500 cash awards
• Three educators will each receive $1,000
• Award recipients will be notified in late April 2026.

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.

The Paulding County Park District has cancelled its December meeting. Their next meeting will be held on January 21, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The Park District is currently seeking volunteers to assist with a variety of tasks—from simple projects like pulling weeds and mowing to more skilled work that may require the use of power tools. Community members are encouraged to attend the January meeting to learn how they can support the maintenance and beautification of our local parks.

AI is significantly saving teachers time by automating tasks like lesson prep, creating assessments, and administrative duties, allowing more focus on personalized instruction and student feedback.

Learn the latest AI tech tools and tips through our 2026 Monthly AI for Education Series in collaboration with Allen, Hancock, and Putnam County ESCs. Lunch or breakfast will be provided.

If you are a teacher in Paulding, Van Wert, Allen, Hancock, or Putnam counties learn more and register at https://tinyurl.com/nwohaied

The Baughman Christmasland display is still lit up for all to enjoy at 17417 State Route 613, Paulding. The display will conclude on January 10, 2026, so be sure to bundle up, and take the family to enjoy the magic of the holidays right here in Paulding! This beloved local tradition features many new displays this year — and admission is free for all to enjoy.

As we begin the new year, the Paulding Recovery Clubhouse is pleased to share the 2026 schedule for our permanent recovery support groups. Please note that during the month of January, only our core groups will be held, with seasonal groups resuming later in the year.

Additionally, the NA (Narcotics Anonymous) group meeting time has changed. Beginning in January, the Tuesday NA meeting will now take place at 6:00 PM, instead of 7:30 PM.

We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who continues to refer individuals to our programs. It is truly meaningful to witness recovery in action and to serve alongside a community that supports hope and healing.

Contact Information:

Paulding Recovery Clubhouse

106 E. Jackson St., Paulding, OH 45879

567-344-6082

Emergency Support: 800-567-HOPE

facebook.com/pauldingrecoveryclubhouse

Ongoing (through January 10, 2026)

• Baughman Christmasland Lights Display | Nightly, 5:30–10:30 PM | 17417 State Route 613, Paulding

January 15, 2026

• January Craft Night | 6:00–8:00 PM | More Than Boutique LLC, 203 S. Main St., Suite A, Antwerp

January 16, 2026

• SINGO! with DJ Dev | 8:00–10:00 PM | The Landing Strip, 204 N 1st St., Oakwood

January 21, 2026

• Paulding County Park District Volunteer Meeting | 5:30 PM | Paulding County Park District

January 25, 2026

• Laughing Brush Painting Party | 5:00 PM | Hop’s Place, 518 Erie St., Antwerp

April 9, 2026

• Paulding County Career Day | Time TBD | Location TBD

April 30, 2026

• PHS Community Cleanup Day | All Day | Participating businesses throughout Paulding County (Rain date: May 1, 2026)

June 19–28, 2026

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

Friday, January 30, 2026 – Lorrie Morgan with Jamie O’Neal

Country music legends Lorrie Morgan and Jamie O’Neal take the Niswonger stage together for the first time, performing their chart-topping hits and fan favorites.

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

What Would Another AEP Increase Mean For You?

Adding to the pain from a recent 36% jump in the Standard Service Offer Price. If approved, a typical AEP residential consumer’s annual bill could go up by nearly $50.

The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC), the state’s designated advocate for residential utility consumers, has formally intervened to protect the interests of AEP Ohio’s residential customers. We are bringing a team of experts together to carefully review AEP Ohio’s proposal. OCC’s objective is to ensure residential consumers pay only necessary and prudent costs for safe and reliable electricity service.

You can help. Your voice as a consumer is crucial. Making your opinion known can make a difference in the PUCO’s final decision.

Get involved to make an impact in the case!

Attention Paulding County Residents!!

Paulding County residents are encouraged to participate in the Transportation Needs Survey, which is currently open and will remain available through January 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. This survey provides an important opportunity for community members to share their transportation needs and concerns.

Your input is valuable and will help guide future transportation planning, funding, and services within the county. The survey may be completed online using the link below:

https://forms.gle/rmihWtCXSJStHSoy6

Individuals who prefer a paper copy may contact the Mobility Manager to request one:

Sierra Nathans Lightner, Mobility Manager

call/text (419) 956-2211 or email mobility@mvpo.org

Please consider sharing this survey with friends, family members, and others within the Paulding County community. Broad participation will ensure transportation needs across the county are accurately represented.