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From the Desk of the Director

After a very busy first half of the year, I took a little time off with family, but there has still been plenty happening throughout Paulding County.

John Paulding Summer Blast brought together businesses, organizations, volunteers and families for two days of activities. From the parade and fireworks to the Revolutionary Run, Community Picnic, Veterans Memorial dedication and historic district marker unveiling, each part depended on people willing to plan, sponsor, donate, volunteer and show up.

Behind the scenes, the Chamber is entering an important season of transition. Interviews have begun for the next executive director, although applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Those interested in applying can learn more and submit an application at bit.ly/PauldingChamberDirector.

At the same time, preparations are underway for our “Planted in Paulding” Annual Banquet on September 15. Registration is open, and we are seeking nominations for the Legacy Award, Business Professional of the Year, Young Business Professional of the Year and Golden Shovel Awards. Banquet registration and award nomination forms are available at pauldingchamber.com/Annual-Banquet.

Registration is also open for the free NextGen Artists Workshop and Marketplace for Paulding County students in grades K–12. Families can learn more and register at bit.ly/NextGenArtist2026.

We also recently surpassed 3,000 followers on Facebook. That number represents more than a social media milestone. It means more people are seeing local events, learning about area businesses and sharing the positive things happening throughout Paulding County.

As summer begins winding down, I hope everyone finds a little time to enjoy family, friends and the community around them. There is plenty of work ahead, but sometimes stepping away for a moment helps us return with renewed energy for what comes next.

Thank you for continuing to support the Chamber, our local businesses and one another.

Birdee’s Sugar Shack

Celebrates Grand Opening

Birdee’s Sugar Shack, formerly Charloe Sno-Cone, will celebrate its grand opening and ribbon cutting on Friday, July 31, at 11 a.m. The business is located at 17068 Road 171 in Paulding and is now owned by Jeff and Nickie Chapman.

Named in honor of their granddaughter Alayna, affectionately known as “Birdee,” the Sugar Shack offers sweet treats alongside a refreshed menu of homemade favorites, including hand-pattied burgers, smoked pulled pork, BLTs, fried bologna sandwiches, hand-cut fries, macaroni and cheese and potato salad.

Community members are invited to stop by, welcome the new owners and stay for lunch. For more information, call 419-594-3549.

When Our Community Shares, Small Businesses Win

One of the most rewarding parts of Chamber work is helping a local business tell its story—and then watching the community respond.

When The Waverly House opened in Payne, Allen and Kristy Wobler had already spent 18 months transforming the property into a welcoming short-term rental. The three-bedroom home gives visitors room to spread out, cook a meal, gather with family and feel at home while visiting Paulding County.

Our ribbon-cutting post did more than announce a new business. It helped people understand why The Waverly House fills an important need in our community. Paulding County has limited short-term lodging options, and the property can serve visiting families, weekend travelers, small groups and even local residents looking for a comfortable place to gather.

The response was remarkable. The Chamber’s post reached nearly 28,000 views, generated 257 link clicks, received 311 interactions and was shared 46 times.

More importantly, that visibility translated into real results.

Allen shared that interest surrounding the opening had started to settle before the Chamber post created another wave of attention. The Waverly House received new bookings, and more people began saving the property to their Airbnb wishlists.

That is the power of a community that supports local.

Every reaction, comment and share helps a business reach someone new. Small businesses rarely have large advertising departments or unlimited marketing budgets. Often, their strongest promotion comes from neighbors, customers and community partners willing to help spread the word.

The Chamber is proud to provide that platform, but the community makes the reach possible. Thank you to everyone who shares our posts, recommends local businesses and celebrates those choosing to invest in Paulding County.

When our community shares, small businesses win.

Learn more about The Waverly House or book a stay at airbnb.com/h/thewaverlyhouseohio.

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.

Help Build the Next John Paulding Summer Blast

John Paulding Summer Blast takes months of planning and many helping hands. Behind every parade entry, activity, vendor, performance and special event are volunteers coordinating schedules, contacting participants, securing sponsors, preparing spaces and handling countless details.

Community Revitalizing Paulding is gathering names of people interested in helping with future celebrations. Volunteers can take on a leadership role, join the planning committee or help with one small task. CoRP will help each person find a role that fits their interests and availability.

Volunteer interest form: https://bit.ly/JPSummerBlastPlanningCommittee

Approximately 75 runners and walkers gathered at the Paulding County Fairgrounds on July 11 for the inaugural America 250 Revolutionary 5K and 1-Mile Run during John Paulding Summer Blast.



The event celebrated America’s 250th anniversary while raising support for the Paulding Exempted Village Schools Pay-to-Play Program.

The Chamber is grateful to Garrett Stoller of Hybrid Performance, Heier Threads, The Award Shop, Walmart in Defiance, the Paulding County Engineer’s Office, the Paulding County Fair Board, volunteers and everyone who participated.

This event was part of Paulding County Celebrates America 250 and was funded in part by the America 250-Ohio Commission.

Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the America 250-Ohio Commission.

The Community Picnic during John Paulding Summer Blast brought residents together for pulled pork nachos, coleslaw, bottled water and patriotic desserts near Herb Monroe Community Park. Abraham Lincoln event made an appearance during the picnic, and we all got to hear his famous Gettysburg Address.

Hosted by the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Caring & Sharing Food Pantry, the picnic served approximately 200 people. Free-will donations benefited the food pantry.

Thank you to the volunteers, sponsors, local bakers and everyone who stopped by to enjoy a meal and support a valuable community resource.

This event was part of Paulding County Celebrates America 250 and was funded in part by the America 250-Ohio Commission.

Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the America 250-Ohio Commission.

This week, we are proud to feature The State Bank and Trust Company, a financial institution with more than 120 years of history serving northwest Ohio.

State Bank of Defiance was founded in 1902 by Elbert E. Carter and quickly grew into one of the region’s leading financial institutions. Its first bank was located at the southwest corner of Clinton and Third streets in Defiance—a corner that remains home to the company’s Main Banking Center today.

State Bank was one of the few banks to remain open during the Great Depression, providing stability and reassurance during an uncertain time. During World War II, its leaders supported U.S. Savings Bond drives and provided guidance to local wartime agencies. That tradition of leadership and integrity continues today.

State Bank provides a full range of financial services for consumers and small businesses, including wealth management, private client services, mortgage banking, and commercial and agricultural lending.

The State Bank has been a valued supporter of the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce and continues to prioritize strong community relationships and local support. We are grateful for its continued investment in the people, businesses and communities of northwest Ohio.

Paulding Location

220 N. Main Street, Paulding, OH 45879

Phone: 419-399-5270

Fax: 419-399-2533

Website: www.YourStateBank.com

We are also proud to feature Baughman Tile Company, a longtime Paulding County business with deep roots in agriculture, manufacturing and community service.

Founded in 1883, Baughman Tile began by producing clay drainage tile that helped transform the wet ground of northwest Ohio into productive farmland. Over the years, the family-owned company continued to grow and adapt, eventually expanding into corrugated polyethylene drainage pipe and fittings used in agricultural, residential, commercial and infrastructure projects.

Baughman Tile’s history is also closely tied to a tradition of giving back. Former CEO Gene Baughman, who recently passed away, leaves behind a meaningful legacy of generosity and service throughout Paulding County. His commitment to the community was recognized during this year’s John Paulding Summer Blast, where he was honored as one of the event’s Grand Marshals alongside John Daeger of the John Paulding VFW Post.

We are grateful for the leadership, local investment and community support demonstrated by the Baughman family and the entire Baughman Tile team. Their continued presence in Paulding County represents generations of hard work, innovation and commitment to the community they call home.

8516 Road 137, Paulding, OH 45879

Phone: 800-837-3160

Website: www.BaughmanTile.com

Ongoing

• Through August 26 — Classic Movie Wednesdays | Paulding County Carnegie Library | 11 AM & 4 PM
• Through September 30 — NOCAC Summer Cooling Program | Call 419-219-4641 to schedule

July

• July 30 — Meet the Teen Author: Jenna Kipfer | Paulding County Carnegie Library | 3:45–5:45 PM
• July 30 — More Than Boutique Annual Ladies Night Out | Downtown Antwerp
• July 30 — Ladies Night with Free Bowling for Ladies | Pin-A-Rama | Antwerp
• July 31 — Esports Gamer Camp | NSCC Van Wert Campus | 8 AM–12 PM
• July 31 — Birdee’s Sugar Shack Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting | 17068 Road 171, Paulding | 11 AM
• July 31 — Antwerp Manor Summer Party | 204 Archer Drive, Antwerp | 11 AM–3 PM
• July 31 — A Wicked Party for Teens Ages 13–18 | Paulding County Carnegie Library | 5–9 PM

August

• August 5–8 — Caring & Sharing 127 Yard Sale | First Presbyterian Church, Paulding | Proceeds benefit Caring & Sharing Food Pantry
• August 8 — Paulding County Fall Festival 5K & Fun Run | Paulding County Fairgrounds | 9 AM
• August 8 — The Amazing Bubble Factory LIVE! | Niswonger Performing Arts Center | 2 PM
• August 15 — First Annual Sam Smith Memorial Golf Outing | Auglaize Golf Club
• August 19 — Overdose Awareness Event | LaFountain Park, Paulding | 6–8 PM
• August 22 — The Corner Station Food Trucks & Market | 101 N. Main Street, Grover Hill | 10 AM–2 PM
• 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–October 31 — America 250 Corn Maze | Weller Farms | 9 AM–5 PM
• September 11–12 — Paulding County Fall Festival | Paulding County Fairgrounds | Friday 10 AM–8 PM; Saturday 9 AM–8 PM
• September 12 — Paulding County Resource Fair | Payne Nazarene Church Hall | 9 AM–12 PM
• September 12 — Color Fun Run/Walk | Payne Nazarene Church | Registration 9:30 AM, Run/Walk 10 AM
• September 12 — 5th Annual AGrow Expo | Latty Agronomy Facility | 2–8 PM
• September 13 — Weller Farms First Annual Duck Race benefiting Limitless | Weller Farms | 1:30 PM
• September 13 — Puppy Pals LIVE | Niswonger Performing Arts Center | 2 PM
• September 15 — PACC Annual Banquet: Planted in Paulding | Grant’s Catering | Social Hour 5 PM, Dinner 6 PM
• September 19 — Jason Crabb | Niswonger Performing Arts Center | 7:30 PM
• September 20 — 25th Annual Antique Truck Show | Paulding County History Museum | 9 AM–4 PM
• September 26 — NextGen Artists Workshop | PC Opportunity Center | 9 AM–2 PM
• September 26 — Ohio Goes to the Movies: Little Giants | OSU Extension Building, Paulding County Fairgrounds | Activities 4 PM, Movie 5 PM
• September 27 — 12th Annual Ernie Daniels Memorial Car & Truck Show | Paulding Church of the Nazarene | Registration 11 AM, Judging 2 PM

October

• October 10 — The Best of The Second City | Niswonger Performing Arts Center | 7:30 PM
• October 17 — Haunted Illusions | Niswonger Performing Arts Center | 7 PM

November

• November 5 — Ashley McBryde with Tami Neilson | Niswonger Performing Arts Center | 8 PM
• November 12 — CHP Beacon of Hope Auction | Paulding County Fairgrounds
• November 13–21 — Festival of Trees | Paulding County History Museum
• November 15 — Darci Lynne | Niswonger Performing Arts Center | 6:30 PM
• November 21 — NextGen Artists Marketplace | Downtown Paulding | 9 AM–2 PM

Deadlines & Opportunities

• Open Until Filled — Paulding Area Chamber Executive Director Applications | bit.ly/PauldingChamberDirector
• Now Open — PACC Annual Award Nominations | pauldingchamber.com/Annual-Banquet
• Now Open — John Paulding Summer Blast Planning Committee Volunteers | bit.ly/JPSummerBlastPlanningCommittee
• Through August 4 — Caring & Sharing 127 Yard Sale Donations Accepted | First Presbyterian Church | Call 419-399-2438 or 419-378-2068
• Now Open — Corner Station Vendors and Food Trucks Needed | cornerstationmarket@gmail.com
• Now Open — Paulding County Fall Festival Little Caesars Fundraiser
• August 24 — Color Fun Run/Walk Preregistration Deadline for Guaranteed T-Shirt
• September 1 — PACC Annual Banquet Registration Deadline
• September 5 — NextGen Artists Workshop & Marketplace Registration Deadline
• Now Open — AGrow Expo Local Makers Market Vendor Registration | AGrowExpo.com/vendorsignup
• 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.

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

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

Tickets & Information

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

Contact: 419-238-6722 • vanwertlive.com

Weller Farms 1st Annual Duck Race is on September 13, race at 1:30 at Weller Farms. All proceeds go to Limitless of Paulding. Follow the event page on Facebook for updates on the event, exciting announcements and a list of additional prizes that will be given away. You do NOT need to be present to win! 

NEW!! Have you heard about The Corner Station in Grover Hill?

Small town, corner space… Food Trucks and handmade, home grown or home raised items preferred, BUT Direct Sales people are good too. Located at 101 N. Main Street Grover Hill, OH Large lot on corner of 637 and 114. SPACE IS LIMITED, 1st come 1st served. Next big event will be Saturday, August 22, 10am-2pm. Always need vendors and food trucks.

Email for information: cornerstationmarket@gmail.com

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!