Meet the 2025–26 Leadership In Action Cohort:

• Erin Laukhuf – Strategence Capital
• Corey Laukhuf – BRSW
• Blaine Hoffman – BRSW
• Emily Schlegel – Midwest Community Federal Credit Union
• Shannon Ruschel – WMEA of Paulding County
• Zach Gorrell – Gorrell Bros. Real Estate
• Luke Burkhart – Paulding Putnam
• Jessica Stechschulte – Paulding County Economic Development
• Luke Hanenkratt – Herbert E Orr
• Erin Bustos – Stahl, Stoller, Meyer Insurance
• Stacy Schnipke – First Financial Bank
• Caleb Miller – Paulding County Sheriff’s Office
• Devon Elston – The Antwerp Exchange Bank
• Tricia Taylor – Western Buckeye ESC
• Tiffany Rockhold – OhioMeansJobs Defiance & Paulding Counties (not pictured)
• Joshua Duslak – Village of Oakwood (not pictured)

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We’re excited to spotlight a new partnership between Little Sprouts Child Development Center and Westwood Behavioral Health!

As educators and caregivers, the team at Little Sprouts recognizes how important mental health is at every stage of a child’s life. Through this partnership, enrolled students and their parents can now benefit from school-based case management services offered right at Little Sprouts.

The center’s designated case manager, Miss Jeanne LeMieux, is already a familiar and trusted face at Little Sprouts, making this transition into her new role through Westwood smooth and natural.

Families will have access to a wide range of mental health support services at no cost — ensuring no concern is too big or too small to be addressed. More details will be shared in the coming weeks, but families interested in learning more are encouraged to contact Little Sprouts administration.

This partnership is a wonderful example of how local organizations can come together to strengthen our community!

Thank You, Paulding Area Support Society!

The Paulding Area Support Society (PASS) recently gave back in a big way to local classrooms. PASS purchased 28 items totaling $706.19 from the Clear the List campaign to support 15 teachers representing every school district in Paulding County.

The items were thoughtfully chosen to aid teachers in meeting the needs of students with disabilities or educational challenges, helping create more inclusive and supportive classrooms across the county.

PASS also shared a heartfelt message of appreciation: “We wish to encourage and thank all our local teachers for their dedication to our county students!”

The Chamber joins in thanking PASS for this generous contribution — and in celebrating the commitment of our educators who give so much every day.

📸 If you’re one of the teachers who received support through this initiative, we’d love to see a classroom photo of how you’re putting these items to use. Feel free to share your pictures with us so we can spread the encouragement even further!

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

September 10

— Business Advisory Council (all businesses welcome) 1pm at OSU Extension

September 12

— Mastodon Internship and Career Fair (see details below)

— NSCC Van Wert Campus Golf Outing

September 12–13

— Paulding County Fall Festival

September 13

— NextGen Youth Workshop (must register)

— Sam Smith Benefit

September 13–14

— Payne Rock the Block

September 15

— Child & Family Resource Fair

September 20–21

— Paulding County History Museum Craft Show (9/20 10am-5pm, 9/21 10am-3pm)

September 21

— First Presbyterian Church of Paulding 150th Birthday Celebration (Worship 10:15am, catered meal to follow—reservations due 9/15, outdoor special music in early afternoon)

— Paulding County Firefighters Association Pancake & Sausage Breakfast (7am-11am)

— 24th Annual ATHS Vintage Truck Show

— Paulding County Senior Center's Annual Car & Truck Show

September 26

— The Five Browns – Niswonger PAC

September 26–27

— Krazy Krafters & Friends Annual Sale · 108 W. Canal St., Antwerp

September 27

— CoRP's Live Oak Cemetary Walk (see details below)

September 30

— Deadline to apply for Ohio Farm Bureau's High School ExploreAg Camp (details below)

October 5

— Home Free & The Longest Johns Concert – Niswonger PAC

October 6

— Paulding Early Intervention Community Playgroup (11am-12pm)

October 8

— Paulding County No Wrong Doors Community Resource Event (see details below)

October 11

— Payne Fire and EMS Chicken Dinner Drive Thru

— Grover Hill Fire and EMS Drive-Thru Pulled Pork Dinner

October 14-17

— Paulding County Hospital Health Fair

October 25

— Journey to Italy: Fundraiser for Paulding Students

November 13

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

November 14

— Paulding County Hospital Foundation BBQ Chicken Luncheon

November 18

— Paulding County Economic Development Annual Business Appreciation Banquet

November 22

— NextGen Youth Artisan Market | Shop the Village – 9 AM–3 PM in downtown Paulding

— Youth Business Showcase – Register by Oct. 31

The Ohio Department of Development is offering a unique opportunity for any business with a technology need—not just tech companies.

Through the College Technology Internship Program, employers can be reimbursed for up to two-thirds of an intern’s wages (up to $7,500). Interns must be paid at least $15/hour, and businesses can hire up to 10 interns per round.

Your business might qualify if you need help with:

• Social media and marketing content creation
• Website updates or e-commerce support
• IT system setup or troubleshooting
• Data management or digital recordkeeping
• Cybersecurity improvements
• Software implementation or upgrades

Company applications accepted: Aug. 4 – Sept. 26, 2025

Student applications accepted: Sept. 2 – 26, 2025

Internships effective: Nov. 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026

Even if you aren’t hiring, you can help by sharing this program with college students you know who have tech skills—they can connect with participating businesses and gain paid, career-building experience right here in Ohio.

Interested students and companies can join the mailing list to be notified.

📌 Learn more and apply: TechIntern.Development.Ohio.Gov

The Chamber understands some businesses may feel intimidated by the process required to apply. However, there are people available to help guide employers through the process, and support is only a call away. Contact the Chamber at 419-399-5215.

Purdue University Fort Wayne will host the Mastodon Internship and Career Fair on Friday, September 12th, from 12–3 p.m. at the PFW Lutheran Health Fieldhouse, Gates Sports Center.

This fair is a great opportunity to connect with students and graduates seeking internships and career opportunities.

Location: PFW Lutheran Health Fieldhouse, Gates Sports Center

Time: 12–3 p.m.

Date: Friday, September 12, 2025

This September, First Presbyterian Church of Paulding has celebrated 150 years of ministry and service in our community.

To honor this milestone, the Anniversary Committee has been presenting fourteen $150 Legacy Gifts to organizations that serve Paulding County—one for each of the fourteen members who have been part of the church family for 50+ years.

Each week through September, we’ve spotlighted two of these recipients. Earlier weeks featured:

• Paulding County Dog Kennel
• Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce
• Paulding Carnegie Library
• Bargain Bin
• Paulding County Senior Center
• Paulding VFW Post 587 (Veterans’ Memorial)

This week’s highlights:

• Friends of Paulding Park District – $150 Legacy Gift presented in honor of 50-year member Phyllis Crossland, pictured with Linda Hodges, Park Board Volunteer.
• Paulding County Emergency Management Agency – $150 Legacy Gift presented in honor of 50-year member Sue Crossland, pictured with Jay Klopfenstein, EMA Director.



The Chamber congratulates these organizations for their service and thanks First Presbyterian Church for celebrating its milestone with such generosity and community spirit.

Support the Paulding Veterans Memorial

A gun raffle is being held to raise funds for the Paulding Veterans Memorial. Thanks to the generous donation of a brand-new Henry Repeating Arms Golden Boy .22LR, every dollar raised from ticket sales will go directly toward supporting the memorial.

• Drawing Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025 · 4:00 p.m.
• Location: During the 24th American Truck Historical Society Vintage Truck Show at the Paulding County History Museum
• Tickets: $20 each or 4 for $70
• Purchase From: John Paulding VFW Post #587, Matt Reighter (419-786-0538), or by email at sales@blackswampoutfitters.com

For more information, contact John Daeger at 419-989-0548.



You do not need to be present to win, but winners must be 18+ and pass a federal background check before taking possession.

24th Annual Vintage Truck Show

The 24th Annual ATHS Vintage Truck Show rolls into Paulding on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at the John Paulding Historical Society Museum (600 Fairground Dr, across from the Fairgrounds).

Enjoy a display of antique and special interest vehicles — fun for the whole family!



• Free admission · No entry fee · Donations accepted
• Free parking
• Lunch available at the museum
• Rain or shine event

Bring your truck, bring the family, and enjoy a great day celebrating vintage vehicles. All proceeds benefit the John Paulding Historical Society.

For more information, contact Mike Kauser at 419-399-4856 or register online at kausertrucking.com.

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

Presented by the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce & Collette Tours. Proceeds benefit Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation.