Fostoria Area Business Newsletter

January 2020
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
in partnership with
2020 Primary Candidates

By Anthony Lagunzad on December 23, 2019 The 2020 Primary Election falls on St Patrick's Day next year, March 17, 2020. The filing deadline of 100 days prior to the election that candidates need to file to be on the ballot by was last Wednesday...

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allforohio.com
Proposed Fracking Ban Puts Ohio's Economy at Risk

By Provided by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on December 19, 2019 Over the past decade, the shale revolution has transformed the economy and reduced emissions. Now, a new study from the U.S. Chamber's Global Energy Institute quantifies just how...

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allforohio.com
The House Approves Commerce Uniformity Bill

By Stephanie Kromer on December 13, 2019 Earlier this week, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 242, also known as the "Commerce Uniformity" bill, during full session. HB 242, sponsored by Rep. Don Jones (Freeport) and Rep.

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allforohio.com
The House Passes Reform Of Real Property Tax Valuation...

By Tony Long on December 12, 2019 House Bill 75 was passed by the Ohio House with a vote of 54-39. HB 75 now moves to the Ohio Senate for consideration. HB 75 was reported out of the House Ways and Means Committee back in the spring and some of...

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allforohio.com
Two Workforce Development Bills Set To Become Law

By Kevin Boehner on December 12, 2019 House Bill 2 and House Bill 4 are both set to become law following actions taken by the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate this week.

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allforohio.com
Fostoria Economic Development
JOBS Fostoria
JOBS Fostoria is a rapidly growing resource for both job seekers and businesses in Fostoria who are hiring. Videos featuring local companies hiring have been produced to help advertise this great, local resource.
JOBS Fostoria's Video Series
Medical
Manufacturing
Construction
Agri-Business
Fostoria Learning Center
Happy New Year from the Fostoria Learning Center!!


January:

February:

 Aspire GED Morning Monday & Wednesday 9:30am-11:30am
Aspire GED Evening Tuesday & Thursday 5pm-7:30pm
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Tuesday & Thursday 9:30am-11:20am


STNA Classes Starting Soon!

Need a meeting space or training room? Chamber/FEDC members receive a 25% DISCOUNT on all space rentals at the FLC. CLICK HERE for more information.

For more information on any of these trainings call the Fostoria Learning Center on 419-408-5540, email director@fostorialearningcenter.org or Follow our Facebook Page by Clicking HERE
Fostoria Area Safety Council

NEXT MEETING
Wednesday, January 15

"Ohio EPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Compliance, Overview & Regulatory Requirements"
Jeremy Scoles,
Ohio EPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Compliance, Northwest Ohio

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
at
Fostoria Learning Center
342 Perry Street
Fostoria, Ohio 44830

Coming Up...
February 19
11:30-1:00
A New Leash on Life, the K9s for Warriors Story
Captain Louis Belluomini and his K-9, Star

This meeting is open to all.
$10 per person & includes lunch
(Safety Council Members-one rep may attend free of charge)
Captain Belluomini will be speaking on PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury as well as how employers can work with individuals with service animals and veterans.
RSVP to Chamber by February 14
Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce
Grow Your Business Resources
Economic Gardening Opportunity

Through are involvement in a grant program with GLCAP and the Rural Community Assistance Program, qualifying Seneca County businesses are eligible to receive assistance with marker research, GIS, search engine optimization and social media.

Eligible businesses must be a stage two business that have grown beyond the start-up phase and are poised for growth, yet constrained by limited access to certain tools and information that would help spur innovation and development. Businesses must have 10-50 employees, <$1M in annual sales (or in the case of manufacturers, <$1M in profits) and be innovative or niche type businesses with growth potential.

For more information or to begin the application process, contact Sarah at the Chamber, Sarah@FostoriaChamber.com, 419-435-0486.
Free Opioid Toolkit Available to All Ohio Businesses

A Dose of Reality for Employers - A Toolkit to help mitigate the risks associated with Ohio's opioid crisis is always available on our website. This free, 5-module course (13-16 minutes per module) can be viewed all at once, or as you have time. The modules include best practices that employers can use in their workplace from implementing a drug-free workplace program, to crafting solid workplace policies, to offering an employee assistance program and much more. Be sure to share this information with your employees and other companies in which you do business with as it is a great resource.  
Chamber News
What if you could spend all your time doing what you love? Or finally stop talking about that idea you’ve had and start moving toward actually doing it?

The CO.STARTERS Get Started Workshop is here to help. On Saturday, January 25 from 8 a.m. to noon , the Chamber will be holding a four-hour Get Started Workshop to equip you with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn your ideas into action. Whether you’re just getting started, stuck on a particular issue, or are in need of a refresher, this workshops will provide the jumpstart needed to get you moving.

During the CO.STARTERS Get Started Workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to understand what’s driving you, to explore your idea through the CO.STARTERS Canvas, and refine your model by learning ways to get meaningful customer feedback and start pursuing your idea today. You’ll
also have the opportunity to collaborate with other members of the community and make valuable connections to help you along the way. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today by submitting a completed application to Sarah@FostoriaChamber.com. $25 per person. Click here for an application or visit: www.FostoriaOhio.org/Starters
Sponsorship packages help us to only approach you once per year when seeking sponsorships and allow you to finalize all of your sponsorship and promotional details at one time. If a sponsorship package isn't a good fit, individual event sponsorship and opportunities to volunteer and contribute promotional items are still available throughout the year.

Have a one time payment
Fill out one sponsorship form
Your $$ goes farther and gets you more visibility
Presenting sponsor of all Chamber signature events.
The Sponsorship Package Advantage

Member Benefits that can save you $$$
Did you know many of the Chamber member cost saving benefits not only save you money, but also help the Fostoria Chamber? When you utilize the benefits we often receive residuals and marketing monies. It's a win-win!

Click on the benefit to learn more.
Chamber Events
Mark your calendar!
for a printable version, click here
Thank You For Your Support!
2019 Holiday Sip & Shop
Thank You For Your Support!
Member News
Member of the Month
Owner Pat Brady, is a Fostoria resident and life long artist. Brady's Delicate Creations got its start as a cake and cookie business but has evolved to also include her newest creation, barn quilts. Pat had seen barn quilts for years and had always intended to learn how to make them and even purchased books. But it wasn't until the Fostoria Area Visitor's Bureau hosted a Barn Quilt Workshop with Susie Parron, that Pat learned how to make barn quilts. From there her passion exploded and Pat and her husband Gary make custom barn quilts with various designs including sports and sports teams. Brady's creations can be seen at the Gray Mare in Carey as well as at Fostoria Farmers' Markets and the Chamber's upcoming Holiday Sip & Shop at the Fostoria Learning Center. You can also stop out and see Pat at 111 N. U.S. Highway 23 in Fostoria or give her a call at 419-939-3111.

Member News & Events
Israel Wright, Airborne Financial Group to teach 3 finance seminars at Fostoria Learning Center
Chamber member Israel Wright, MSA, CFE, AAMS, Airborne Financial Group will teach three different financial seminars at the Fostoria Learning Center in 2020. A Personal Income Tax Seminar will be offered January 13 and February 3 and a Business Tax and Accounting Seminar will be offered January 20 and February 10. Each seminar will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and costs $25.

In addition to the tax seminars, a 2020 Resolution: Personal Finance Workshop will be offered January 16, January 30, February 13 and February 20. This workshop is geared toward millennials and individuals struggling to make ends meet.

For more information contact the Fostoria Learning Center, 419-408-5540 or visit fostorialearningcenter.org
C ity of Fostoria Fire Division creates Inspection Checklist
The Fostoria Fire Division has created a Fire Safety Inspection Checklist and it is available on the City of Fostoria's web site and is linked here. The checklist outlines the common hazards and was created to assist businesses in preparing for their fire inspection. Utilizing the checklist prior to an inspection will help your business ensure it is not only prepared for inspection but also safe.
The Greater Fostoria Community Foundation will host "Country Mardi Gras" on Friday, February 28. Tickets and sponsorships are now available. Click here for more information.
Fostoria Area Visitor's Bureau
Art Work in Downtown with a Walking Tour:
“Downtown Art Walk - Fostoria, Ohio”

Download the PocketSights mobile app from Apple App Store or Get it from Google Play to take this self-guided tour on your GPS-enabled mobile device. The app will guide you through downtown Fostoria, Ohio to see outdoor sculptures, murals and barn quilt squares, including more information about each stop along the way!

Downtown Art Walk – Fostoria, Ohio

There is a separate PocketSights tour specifically for the eight sculptures that are part of the 2019/2020 Midwest Sculpture Initiative tour in Fostoria.

2019/2020 Midwest Sculpture Initiative Walking Tour – Fostoria, Ohio  https://pocketsights.com/tours/tour/3147

Check them out!
COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS
Want to stay on top of all the events happening in and around Fostoria?




The American Red Cross is in need of volunteers in Seneca County.

Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 8 AM – 6 PM





Fostoria City School New 7-12 Open House/ Dedication
Sunday, January 12, 2020 at 1:00PM

Want to be the highlighted
MEMBER OF THE MONTH?

We want to promote your business!
As a Chamber member you are able to be highlighted as the member of the month once each calendar year.
It's simple and you receive $$$ in advertising at
no additional cost to you.

Member of the Month receives:
Feature article in the Fostoria Area Business Newsletter

Featured on the Chamber's Social Media Platforms

Radio Spots which run on Mix 96.7
and WFOB/ESPN Radio

2 ads in The Review Times

Interested? Fill out this simple form , send it back to us and we will handle the rest!
2020 Chamber Sponsors
Platinum
Gold


Silver

Bronze
Callies Performance Products
AgCredit
Financial Design Agency of Ohio

Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau | 419-435-0486 | www.FostoriaOhio.org