There are so many stories to tell about July’s 2nd Saturday Event . . . here are a few of them.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT SCAVENGER HUNT
- 10% more people than last month participated in the scavenger hunt.
- Many of the Musical Instrument Scavenger Hunt participants said they went into some stores for the first time and met lots of friendly people.
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THANK YOU to these businesses that participated: Blue Rooster Bakery, Ben Franklin’s, The Carlyle Shop, Gibson’s, The Arb at Tappan Square, Oberlin Bookstore, Ginko Gallery, KidSpeak, The Hope Collection, and Watson Hardware.
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A third of the scavenger hunt participants found ALL 10 of the instruments! Participants received tickets to enter two different prize raffles. Children 8 and under were eligible to win one of the ten instruments in the scavenger hunt. Three lucky people 9 and older received $10 Oberlin Gift Certificates.
Gee Gee’s Kettle Korn sold out again! They said they had a great day.
The East College Street Courtyard was a very busy gathering place for family activities:
- James Peake returned with his Foldspace origami business and had fun creating origami with kids of all ages.
- Jenn Keathley of OberlinKids and Laura Slocum of KidSpeak provided lots of activities for kids all day.
- Oberlin Public Library and Slow Train hosted a Bruce’s Big Storytime.
- Children of Oberlin residents played classical music.
Area musicians played at various times and locations during the day – helping to create a welcoming environment downtown.
Representatives from the new Willow Jewelry store hosted a $100 raffle and offered free jewelry cleaning.
The Arb again featured a smoothie and sandwich available only for 2nd Saturdays.
Ben Franklin’s reported a 20% increase in sales from the previous Saturday. They also hosted face painting, a rock craft, musicians, and a local poet.
Blue Rooster Bakery reported an increase in sales from the previous Saturday.
Friends of the Oberlin Public Library sold $500 in books.
Evie Lou Oberlin reported a 200% increase in sales....that right....200%!!
These stores also reported an increase in sales: Watson Hardware, The Hope Collection and Willow Jewelry and Repair
These are some of the businesses and organizations that came downtown to participate:
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League of Women Voters of the Oberlin Area – representatives talked to people about their services and gave away lots of promotional items.
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CATTS – representatives had lots of cat related items that people were happy to purchase to support the organization.
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Gene Piazza’s Insurance Agency had a table by Gee Gee’s and really enjoyed the day – AND the kettle corn!
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Lorain County MOVE – provided information on county transportation services
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The LCADA Way – shared information on their services.
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Lorain County Urban League – provided information about their services and activities.
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Oberlin Police Dept – provided free IDs for Oberlin children.
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AMAM of Oberlin College – volunteers engaged children in art activities.
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VW Busses – local VW enthusiasts opened their busses to the public.
Many thanks to Maureen Simen, Event Coordinator; Eli Chambers, OBP Summer Intern; and Elizabeth Elrod, OBP Administrative Assistant for all the work they did to make the July 10th 2nd Saturday a success.
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2022 Workers’ Compensation Premium Saver Program
PPS is an Oberlin Business Partnership Partner
PPS Service Promise:
· Receive Highest Qualified Group Rating Discounts
· ALWAYS Competitive Service Fees
· 30% Sign-Up Referral Fee Back to Chamber
· FMLA and Unemployment Services also available
· Expert Claims Management, and much more!
· Self-Employed People Need BWC insurance too!
EMail Mike Brown to request a FREE quote.
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Through our membership in the Northern Ohio Area Chamber of Commerce, OBP can offer our members cost savings on many business and personal expenses. One of those is energy cost savings through the CHAMBER ENERGY PROGRAM. It costs nothing to see how much you might be able to save.
Chamber Members are saving every day!
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A non-profit in Little Miami saved $1,700 annually and filed for their natural gas sales tax exemption.
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A bakery in Lakewood saved $2,000 annually on their electric and natural gas, while also reducing their natural gas sales tax.
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An owner of a hair salon in Middleburg Heights reduced his home natural gas rate by 40% while saving $750 on his business’ annual energy costs.
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A non-profit community center in Olmsted saved $960 annually and utilized their tax exemption to eliminate their natural gas sales tax.
Click here to see how much you can save.
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PROGAM AND EVENT UPDATES: |
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How can you help with
the August 14th
2nd Saturday event?
We need artists…and volunteers:
- Do you know artists who would like to share their work – maybe demonstrate how their work is done? Let us know or have them contact us. They can also sell their work.
- Would you like to volunteer to help staff our mini chalk walk activity?
- Do you know a balloon artist? A caricature artist?
WHO TO CONTACT about the August 14, 2nd Saturday:
Follow our Facebook page for up-to-the-minute info |
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Thursday, August 12, 2021
via Zoom
To receive monthly invitations, send your email address to obp.org@gmail.com or just register below.
We invite you to settle in with your morning beverage and share your stories with us and learn what other people are doing and how you can engage in new opportunities.
We hope you will join us in August for this opportunity to learn, grow and share!
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New Russia Township Lodge
Friday night, September 10th
music, raffles, food & comedy!
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Last year OBP participated in the inaugural Connect to a Cause 2021 Day, hosted by the Community Foundation of Lorain County. This exciting event raised over $147k for local non-profits, and OBP raised $2500 to support our work in the community. We are excited to participate again in this year's event.
On September 16, from 8am–8pm, funds will be raised that directly impact our organization. Donors will 'shop' a grant catalog and choose local non-profits by directly donating to the non-profit through Connect to a Cause and will be able to learn about our work. Throughout the day, we will have the chance to receive additional dollars based on the amount raised.
We are eager to participate in Connect to a Cause and hope you will help us by contributing to our mission to advance and promote the sustainable growth and prosperity of Oberlin. |
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2021 LEADERCAST EVENT
Save Thursday, October 21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a day you will not forget! This year’s theme is SHIFT and it couldn’t be more relevant! It will be a jam-packed day with networking, presentations from nationally recognized speakers and a panel of local business people who have ‘shifted’ because of COVID, learned important lessons, and been successful.
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Board Member Profile
Joe Vitale, Jr.
Chief Human Resources Officer,
Oberlin College
Contact: 440.775.5573
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Tell me a little bit about your business (or your past profession).
Oberlin College is an institution of intense energy and creativity, built on a foundation of academic, artistic, and musical excellence. With a top-ranking liberal arts college, a world-class conservatory, and a first-rate art museum all on a single campus, it is the ideal laboratory in which to study and design the world you want. From its founding in 1833, Oberlin College has been a school with a mission, or rather, many missions. My role at the college is that of Chief Human Resource Officer, charged with overseeing hiring, labor, payroll, benefits, retirement, student employment and personnel archives
Tell me a little bit about you – what are your interests, passions.
I have always been passionate about being a great dad for my daughters. I am actively involved in my community as a member of non-profit boards, youth sports and local educational institutions. I am also a former Council-At-Large for the community in which I live. Another example of my involvement - I have been a girls soccer coach for the past 18 years, currently coaching a team in the National Premier League. I am an avid fan of professional soccer, with my favorite teams being in Italy. Mentoring young people has always been a passion of mine and I always welcome the opportunity to help when I can.
Why did/do you volunteer to be a board of trustees’ member?
When asked to serve as a member of the board, I was excited to be a part of the OBP. I believe that Oberlin College holds an important role as an involved community partner to participate and support the healthy growth of the community in which it is located.
What have you learned through your board membership involvement?
It has been a very eye-opening experience to be able to witness how much those on the OBP care very deeply about their community and the ways in which they want to ensure it is successful.
Would you encourage others to become involved as a board member, committee member, or program or event volunteer? If so, why?
Absolutely! I've never been one to sit on the side lines, and so I would encourage anyone to be involved. The reason I say this is that the reward for doing so is realized in a greater sense of connection to the Oberlin community and the businesses that serve it.
What is one piece of advice or input you would like to share with our readers?
Be involved. There are a lot of ways to do so - some requiring more time than others - because the real benefit is meeting people and making new relationships
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Business Profile
Jay Shrewsbury
Cable Co-Op Inc.
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Tell me a little bit about Oberlin Cable Co-Op.
Cable Co-op was founded by community members over 35 years ago, who wanted the community to have a voice on how their Cable TV provider operates and what they offer. [It] is much more than just a business located in Oberlin and Oberlin’s Cable Co-op is far from just an ordinary cable company. Cable Co-op is the only non-profit, member-owned, Board Governed Internet and Cable TV provider in Ohio. We have been here for over 35 years and take pride in our community involvement. The services we provide to our community go way beyond our fast and reliable internet, great tv service, and the best service techs in the industry. Whether it is our canned food drives, reduced rates for non-profits, or one of our many programs, such as Helping with Homework and Embrace Oberlin, Cable Co-op’s community involvement is the key to our longevity and the core of how we operate. We enjoy being unique in an exceptional community and strive to be an integral part of our great community of Oberlin.
Tell me a little bit about you – what are your interests, passions, things we should know about you.
I enjoy spending time with my grandsons, working in my vineyard, and spending time with my wife of over 30 years. I enjoy the simple things in life and strive to help where and when I can.
Why did you join the Oberlin Business Partnership?
OBP is a focused and community derived entity just like we are. We are proud to belong to any group that strives to help others in our community.
Would you encourage others to join? If so, why?
Yes, community involvement is very important and OBP can help businesses become more involved with our community. OBP is there to help and their professional, yet personal approach makes them unique. Partnering with OBP can help strengthen your business and help build better connections within the community, which is the core of any community-minded business.
What is one piece of advice or input you would like to share with our readers?
Invest in your community any way you can!
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REMINDER
Opportunity to Share and Receive!
CoWork Oberlin’s Resident Business Advisor, Megan Apple, is available to offer support and advice. She can be reached at megan@avirtualcertainty.com.
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Profit Joyfully Business Network for Women
A twice monthly coach-facilitated group for female entrepreneurs to provide support, networking opportunities, business coaching and advising. You can join at any time.
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City buildings are once again open to the public during normal business hours. Business may still be conducted via telephone or email, however. Please visit www.cityofoberlin.com for City contact information and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for up to date information!
Save the Date – Spring Street Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: The City of Oberlin will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony at Spring Street Park to celebrate the new playground on Friday, August 20th at 7:00pm. The ceremony will coincide with Family Fun Night, which will feature a family game night of outdoor games, board games, face painting, giveaways, refreshments and more! Stay tuned for more details.
New Communications Manager: Diane Ramos was recently promoted to Communications Manager at the City of Oberlin. This position will be responsible for leading the City’s communication efforts, as well as working with the City Manager to advance the City’s community development strategies. The Communications Manager will also be positioned as a liaison between the City and the downtown business community. Diane may be contacted at 440-775-7217 or DRamos@CityofOberlin.com.
City Construction Updates: The City of Oberlin has several construction projects going on throughout the summer months. To keep residents and businesses informed, updates on City construction projects are now available on the City’s website: www.CityofOberlin.com/Construction-Updates. This webpage also contains links to updates regarding Oberlin College’s Sustainable Infrastructure Project. If there are specific questions regarding City construction projects, please contact the Public Works Department at 440-775-7218.
News & Updates: The City sends bi-monthly newsletters to residents with information on City programs, services and events. These items, along with past editions of News & Updates mailers are now available online HERE.
City Email Updates: Keep up to date on important City announcements, including City programming and service updates, job openings, event announcements and more! Sign up today: https://bit.ly/3fwR5kc.
Emergency Notification System: It’s more important than ever to stay informed. Members of the local workforce are encouraged to register for the Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS). This system is used by the City of Oberlin and Lorain County to alert the community about emergency situations, such as boil alerts, power outages, street closures, weather alerts, etc. Alerts can be received via email, text message and/or voicemail. Register HERE. For more information, contact the Oberlin Fire Department at 440-774-3211 or fireinfo@cityofoberlin.com.
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Oberlin Business Partnership | 440.774.6262 | 23 E. College St. Oberlin OH 44074
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