View as Webpage

From the Desk of the Director

Pictured L to R: Jim States, Assistant Vice President with State Bank and

Jill Strahley, Executive Director with Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce.

As we approach Christmas and reflect on the year behind us, I want to take a moment to share a few updates and, most importantly, say thank you.

This week, we wrapped up and submitted our final report to the Ohio Arts Council for the NextGen Youth Artisan Workshop & Marketplace grant. We were awarded $2,813 through this grant. Taking the time to complete the final report gave us an opportunity to reflect on the impact of the program and the incredible community support behind it. We had tremendous local support behind this initiative and would like to again recognize and thank Paulding County Area Foundation, Paulding Putnam Electric & Internet, Paulding Kiwanis Club, Grover Hill Lion's Club, Antwerp Rotary, My 102.7, and Grounded Coffee and Crumbs for their generosity and investment into our youth and the arts. We'd also like to thank Angie Stokes, with Wayne Trace Arts Department, for helping to bring this initiative to life and inspiring our youth with new skills in arts and business.

I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to State Bank for their generosity during the Merry & Bright Christmas Parade. Their festive “gifts truck” raised $121, which was donated to support maintenance and improvements at Herb Monroe Community Park. Herb Monroe Community Park was brought to life through Leadership in Action, a Chamber program focused on community service. The Chamber maintains the park, and each year it takes significant work to keep it thriving. We’re deeply grateful to local businesses like Kauser’s Trucking, Schlatter’s Plumbing & Heating, Schweller Electric, and Solid Ground Lawn Care, who have donated materials and labor throughout the park’s existence. However, not all materials and labor can be donated, so ongoing costs do arise. If you would like to support the continued upkeep of this shared community space, checks can be made payable to the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, with “Herb Monroe Park” in the memo line, and mailed to 101 E. Perry St., Paulding, OH 45879. Any support is truly appreciated.

Membership renewals for 2026 have officially begun, and renewals are already coming in. To every business that has renewed or plans to renew — thank you. Your continued support allows the Chamber to grow, connect businesses, and serve our community in meaningful ways.

I also want to express my sincere appreciation to our Chamber members, our Leadership in Action cohort, our Chamber Board, and everyone who has supported the Chamber throughout 2025. Whether you participated in an event, volunteered your time, sponsored a program, or simply showed up to support local businesses — you are the reason this Chamber continues to move forward.

A quick reminder on holiday hours:

The Chamber office will be closed December 24 and 25, reopening on December 26. We will also be closed December 31 and January 1, and will reopen on January 2.

As we close out the year, I wish you and your families a blessed and Merry Christmas. Thank you for being part of the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce and for helping make our community such a special place.



Warm regards,

Jill Strahley

As we close out the year, a quick operational note:

the Chamber will be turning in our PO Box keys at the end of December.

All mail should be sent directly to our office at 101 E. Perry St., Paulding, OH 45879.

Thank you for updating your records.

This week, we’re proud to spotlight Buckeye Hearing Care, a trusted local provider dedicated to improving quality of life through better hearing.

Buckeye Hearing Care offers comprehensive hearing services for patients of all ages, including hearing evaluations, hearing aid fittings, adjustments, and ongoing care. Their team focuses on personalized solutions, taking the time to understand each patient’s needs and lifestyle so they can recommend the best possible hearing options.

With a strong commitment to patient education, advanced technology, and compassionate care, Buckeye Hearing Care helps individuals stay connected—to conversations, family, work, and the moments that matter most.

We’re grateful for businesses like Buckeye Hearing Care that invest in the health and well-being of our community and contribute to making Paulding County a great place to live and do business.

Downtown Paulding was full of holiday spirit this December as local businesses participated in the Chamber’s 2025 Holiday Decorating Contest. Festive storefronts, twinkling lights, and creative displays helped make the season brighter for residents, visitors, and families walking the square.

This year’s contest included People’s Choice, Kids’ Choice, and Judges’ Choice awards, celebrating both community favorites and creative design. Limitless by PC Workshop earned top honors across all three categories, while Keepsake Beads by EAW & Boutique was named Judges’ Runner-Up and the Paulding County Innovation Center received Judges’ Third Place. Honorable Mentions were awarded to E & R Ceramics, Fuel Good Energy, Lindsey & Company Hair Studio, and Grounded Coffee & Crumbs.

We were also proud to see Wayne Trace High School art students lend their talents by helping decorate Signature Embroidery and Foltz Insurance, adding an extra layer of community involvement to the event.

Thank you to all participating businesses, our volunteer judges, student helpers, and everyone who voted and supported local businesses this holiday season. Together, you helped make downtown Paulding a welcoming and festive place to celebrate.

You can find more photos of the winners here: Paulding Chamber Holiday Decorating Contest

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. 

Northwest State Community College recently celebrated its Fall 2025 Commencement, awarding 100 degrees and certificates to graduates across northwest Ohio. Among those honored were nine graduates from Paulding County, representing a wide range of career paths including nursing, business, healthcare, agriculture, accounting, and cybersecurity.

Paulding County graduates included:

• Madison Chastain – Nursing (Oakwood)
• Ariana Doster – Business Management (Oakwood)
• Alyssa Dysinger – Phlebotomy Technician (Paulding)
• Olivia Meraz – Associate of Science (Paulding)
• Summer Strawser – Nursing (Payne)
• Kristin Wannemacher – Accounting (Payne)
• Taylor Carr – Associate of Science (Antwerp)
• Joseph Estle – CyberSecurity & Network Administration (Oakwood)
• Kyle Mobley – Agriculture (Paulding)

NSCC noted that 87% of graduates live within the college’s six-county service area, reinforcing the important role local education plays in building a strong regional workforce.



The Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce congratulates these graduates on their accomplishments and wishes them continued success as they take the next steps in their careers. Their achievements are a point of pride for our community and a reminder of the talent being developed right here in Paulding County.

NSCC Fall 2025 Registered Nursing graduates. Row 1 L to R: Cadence Hillard, Savanah Bergman, Mykenzi Hartz, Melissa French, Emily Keeran. Row 2 L to R: Lauren Hall, Jody Henshaw, Ashlee Lyons, Olivia Whitlock, Mary Anna Dinius, Jessica Bockover, Mariah Schuller. Row 3 L to R: Christopher Yagel, Stewart Willis, Taylor Boger, Kaylee Poorman, Quinn Horn, Lucas Jones, Kiya McNeil, Summer Strawser, Madison Chastain.

Northwest State Community College has released its Fall 2025 Dean’s List, recognizing students who earned a 3.5 GPA or higher for the semester. To qualify, students must be enrolled full-time (at least 12 credit hours) or part-time (6–11.99 credit hours).

Congratulations to the following students from Paulding County communities who earned Dean’s List recognition this semester (*denotes a 4.0 GPA):

• Paulding: Kelsey Guyton*, Anna Meraz*, Peyton Manz, Ryan Walker, Claire Miller, Carson Rupp, Brody Fisher, Jared Manz, Lailah Smith, Darcy Taylor, Olivia Franklin
• Oakwood: Jack Woods*, Jonathon Ankney, Benjamin Weible
• Antwerp: Ashlynn Hinkle
• Payne: Jack Schoenauer
• Grover Hill: Raychel McGill
• Cecil: Aubrey Hammer



We’re proud to see local students working hard and being recognized for their academic achievement. Congratulations to each of these students and their families.

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 lit up the season beginning Wednesday, November 13 at 17417 State Route 613, Paulding. This beloved local tradition features many new displays this year — and admission is free for all to enjoy.



Bundle up, bring the family, and take in the magic of the holidays right here in Paulding!

Ongoing

• Baughman Christmasland Lights Display – Nightly, 5:30–10:30 PM at 17417 State Route 613, Paulding, featuring free holiday light displays for families to enjoy throughout the season.

• Western Buckeye ESC – AI for Education Series – Registration is open for a monthly professional development series designed to help educators save time and enhance instruction using AI tools; meals are provided.

• Paulding County Transportation Needs Survey – Open through January 18, 2026, inviting residents to share input that will help guide future transportation planning in the county.

December 24, 2025

• Candlelight Christmas Eve Service – 5:30 PM at Payne Church of the Nazarene, 509 E Orchard Street, Payne, celebrating the birth of Christ during an annual candlelight service.

• Christmas Eve Candlelight Caroling – 7:00 PM at First United Presbyterian Church of Antwerp, followed by candlelight caroling on Main Street; open to the public.

December 27, 2025

• Coyotes in the Thicket Bluegrass Performance – 2:00 PM at Vancrest of Payne Assisted Living, 650 North Main Street, Payne, offering an afternoon of live bluegrass music.

• After Christmas Pre–New Year’s Eve Show – 8:00 PM–12:00 AM at Hawg’s Tavern, 122 W Perry Street, Paulding, featuring live music by RapidFire Band.

December 29, 2025 – January 1, 2026

• First Financial Bank of Paulding Shred Event – Secure document shredding available at 201 North Main Street, Paulding, for individuals and businesses.

December 31, 2025

• Sober New Year’s Fiesta – 6:00 PM–12:15 AM at Payne Church of the Nazarene, hosted by Power2Change, featuring dinner, games, and group activities; families and children are welcome.

• New Year’s Eve Party & Steak Fry with Live Music – Begins at 5:30 PM at Paulding Eagles Aerie 2405, 206 W Perry Street, Paulding, including dinner, live music by Jiggy, raffles, and a champagne toast at midnight.

• New Year’s Eve Gospel Sing – 6:00–9:00 PM at Freedom Church of Northwest Ohio, 17836 Road 108, Paulding, featuring worship, singing, and special guest vocalists.

January 5, 2026

• Paulding County Early Intervention Community Playgroup – Offered at 11:00 AM–Noon or 6:00–7:00 PM at Black Swamp Nature Center, 753 Fairground Drive, Paulding, for children age five and under.

January 15, 2026

• January Craft Night – 6:00–8:00 PM at More Than Boutique LLC, 203 South Main Street, Suite A, Antwerp, where participants will create an 8x10 button heart canvas with all supplies provided; registration required.

January 21, 2026

• Paulding County Park District Volunteer Meeting – 5:30 PM, inviting community members interested in park maintenance and beautification to attend.

April 9, 2026

• Paulding County Career Day – Scheduled for spring with the location to be announced, connecting students with local career opportunities.

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!

Evangeline Street Boutique has announced a big move! They will be relocating to Antwerp, Ohio, closing their Fort Wayne location on December 28, and reopening with a Grand Opening on January 2. The boutique shared that they will be putting a strong focus on both their new storefront and their online presence as they begin this next chapter.

We’re excited to see this growth and to welcome them to Paulding County.

Website: evangelinestreetboutique.com

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.