It’s October and things remind us that fall is here. Pumpkins and pumpkin flavored everything! Colorful leaves blanketing the landscape and flowing into our yards. Fall wreaths decorating front doors and scarecrows appearing on lawns and in windows.
Halloween news from the City of Oberlin and OBP
- There will not be a Halloween parade this year.
- City-wide Trick-or-Treat can take place from 6-7:30 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 31.
- There is no formal Downtown Trick-or-Treat this year although some downtown businesses may be offering treats. Check out the OBP Facebook page where we will promote those activities.
EAT, DRINK & WIN Promotion
Win $100 in gift certificates to Lorain County restaurants while helping drive business to our member restaurants as the weather trends to colder. Starting October 12th several Lorain County Organizations including OBP are launching this Eat, Drink & Win promotion. The promotion provides $100 in Gift Certificates per week for 12 weeks – From October 12th through December 31. People who visit participating restaurants can turn in their receipts every week for a chance to win the $100. Participating Oberlin restaurants are 1833, The Feve, The Local, Lorenzo’s Pizzeria, Oberlin Subway, ThiNi Thai, Slow Train Café, and Sterks Brickyard Bar & Grill. Information about the EAT, DRINK & WIN promotion is at LorainCounty.com/EatDrinkWin and on the OBP Facebook page.
FACE SHIELDS delivered to Oberlin Businesses. OBP was offered FREE medical grade face shields from GEON, a Westlake company, to distribute to businesses in Oberlin. We took delivery of over 500 and are delivering them to 16 Oberlin businesses.
NEW BUSINESSES. STEEL MAGNOLIA is opening this month in the space on East College Street vacated by the Corner Joint. Shontae Jackson is taking her passion for cooking from her food truck to the restaurant. Soft opening is October 21 and a grand opening is planned for November. THE ARB at Tappan Square is open! Henry Smith is offering a full menu at 24 West College Street. The HOPE Collection is open on East College Street. Evie Lou Oberlin (ELO) is open on West College Street.
DOWNTOWN GARDENS - Keep Oberlin Beautiful Ambassadors. Check out the concrete gardens in downtown Oberlin to see the work of some Keep Oberlin Beautiful Ambassadors who adopt gardens and maintain them throughout the year. There are some beautiful and interesting gardens appearing - even ones with scarecrows and tooth brushes! You can see pictures on the OBP Facebook page.
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OBP Board Member Profile:
Rick Flood, OBP Board of Trustees Vice President
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Tell me a little bit about your business, Solutions in Sustainability. For 15-plus years I was an Executive Director for some of the largest and oldest environmental education and science centers in the states of Ohio and Wisconsin. In 2006, I started my own project-based consulting business that provides leadership and project management for complex innovative environmental projects and for large-scale sustainable development projects. I spent 10-years focusing on designing, financing, and implementing a 350-acre, “green” residential housing development in Wisconsin.
Tell me a little bit about you. I have had a lifelong passion for “making the world a better place.” For me, that has meant working to understand and to advance ways of living—how we provision ourselves with food, energy, water, waste assimilation and shelter—that are regenerative and environmentally sustainable. I am an ethicist by academic training, and I see the world through an applied ethics lens.
Why do you volunteer to be a board of trustees’ member? I grew up in Oberlin and think that it is an absolute gem. As the world changes and places grow and evolve, it is important to ensure that small places like Oberlin continue to flourish. Our small town charm and vibrant downtown district, beautifully set next to Tappan Square and connected to Oberlin College, require care and feeding. And, doing that requires a lot of energy, teamwork, and focus. By being part of OBP I am able to do my small part to help this little city. It doesn’t just happen: many people are needed to work together to continue to advance Oberlin as a beautiful, diverse, small town.
What have you learned through your board membership involvement? Collaboration and cooperation is the key to making good things happen in Oberlin, among the City, College, and the many non-profits, churches and organizations who call this home.
Would you encourage others to become involved as a board member, committee member, or program or event volunteer? If so, why?
OBP is a wonderful place to help make an impact and to support the sustainable growth and development of the City of Oberlin. The impact is often direct, and easily seen.
What is one piece of advice or input you would like to share with our readers? Give often, and give generously of your time, talent, and treasure. You can make a difference!
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Member Profile:
Mari Pravlik, AVP Branch Manager and Small Business Lender at Northwest Bank, Oberlin
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Tell us about your business. At Northwest, we’ve been helping personal and business customers since 1896 and we strive to be the most highly respected provider of financial services in all our markets. It’s our mission to deliver financial guidance and solutions to help our customers navigate through every financial decision and goal – where they’re spending and saving thoughtfully and how they’re prepared for the future.
We believe a great bank is more than an account or an app – it’s a team of people working behind the scenes so your success, no matter how you define it, stays front and center. A financial check-up is one of the most important steps of your life and you want to choose the right banking partner. We make it easy with friendly, personalized service that has your best interests at heart. Stop by the Oberlin office and we can talk about making a healthy start to your financial future.
Tell us a little bit about you. I love spending time with my husband in the kitchen, creating new dishes and making themed dinner party plans for all our family to enjoy. I love taking our four dogs for walks and playing in the yard. I enjoy reading a good book while the world passes me by.
I once wasn’t sure if I had passion for anything. Unlike some people-- they have a passion for collecting antiques, baseball cards or even crafting. I asked myself the question: Is there something you already love doing? And the answer came very easily. I love helping people. Whether it’s helping them with their banking transactions, helping them finance their forever home or providing services to help them achieve their personal goals… Seeing a smile on their faces means more to me than anything.
I’m also an active member of the Oberlin Business Partnership, Partners with Paws of Lorain County, Working Women Connection Group, Genesis House of Lorain County and several other networking groups within Lorain County.
Why did Northwest decide to have a branch in Oberlin? Oberlin is an excellent fit for Northwest because we benefit from the energy that comes from being in a college town, participating in a thriving business community, and having a relationship with a caring, close-knit community.
Why did you join the Oberlin Business Partnership? I joined the Oberlin Business Partnership eight years ago to be a part of a group that leads, serves and advocates for the Oberlin community and their partners.
Would you encourage others to join? If so, why? I do encourage all residents and business owners to join Oberlin Business Partnership as they are the voice of Oberlin. OBP values each and every one of their members and focuses on their success.
What advice or input you would like to share with our readers– especially during the COVID-19 challenges? Stay safe | Follow guidelines | Continue to market your business | Stay focused | Stay Positive
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Meetings held on ZOOM
Join us on the 2nd Thursday of every month. To receive monthly invitations, send your email address to obp.org@gmail.com.
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Ready to fall in love with marketing your business?
Our 4th Book Yourself Solid session is in process. Stay tuned for a new session offering in early 2021.
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Women's leadership is vital to the future of businesses, nonprofit organizations entrepreneurs, and individuals. for the last four years OBP has been championing women's leadership growth and potential through the Women's Leadership Network and the annual signature event - Leadercast Women.
Because of the limitations for in-person events this year, our only option is a virtual event which would eliminate the camaraderie and networking our attendees have valued the last three years. Therefore, OBP is electing to look to 2021 where we plan to offer the exciting in-person event we have all come to expect. We will also be introducing a variety of Women's Leadership Network programs in 2021.
For those interested in viewing this year’s online Leadercast Ripple Effect event presented by the Leadercast organization, go to Leadercast Ripple Effect where you can purchase online tickets to view the event for 5 days, October 15-19. Individual tickets are $199 each plus $9.95 processing fee. Group tickets are $169.99 each plus $9.95 processing fee.
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CoWork
Corner
by Megan Apple
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up-to-date on programs and activities.
CoWork Oberlin's Resident Business Coach is open for business!
We are always working to provide our community with tools they need for success. Megan Apple, our resident business coach has been in business for over 15 years. She survived the economic meltdown of 2008 and wants to help you thrive during our current challenges.
NEW Coaching and Consulting sessions: Every Wednesday, beginning October 7, 2020 Megan has cleared her calendar from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM to provide 30-minute coaching and consulting sessions to our community. Our gift to you.
Super easy to sign up. Send a quick email to Megan at megan@avirtualcertainty.com, or a text to 216-704-6568 with the date and time you want to meet and topic you want to discuss. You will get a confirmation email with a Zoom link. Take advantage of this opportunity to have your business, marketing or strategy questions answered.
The Profit Joyfully Network Group starts in November
1st and 3rd Wednesday morning of the month.
Time: 8:30 am – 10:00 am
Location: Zoom for now
Cost: Our gift to you through the end of the year.
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The health, safety and well-being of Oberlin employees, residents and businesses is our highest priority. Although City buildings are still closed to the public, Oberlin services are still operational. Please visit www.cityofoberlin.com/coronavirus for information how to contact City offices, information on services, state of Ohio orders/advisories, assistance options, etc. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter for up to date information!
Indigenous Peoples’ Day: City Offices will be closed on Monday, October 12th in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Emergency services and regular refuse pick-up are always available.
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: 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.
City of Oberlin COVID-19 Emergency Working Capital Loan Program for Businesses: Loans up to $10,000 at 0% interest for rent/mortgage payments, employee payroll, utility payments, inventory or essential supplies. Must retain 1 employee, which could be the sole proprietor. See the Program Guidelines or Contact Planning Director Carrie Handy for more information (440-775-7250 or chandy@cityofoberlin.com)
City of Oberlin Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) COVID-19 Emergency Working Capital Loan Program for Businesses: Loans up to $10,000 at 0% interest for rent/mortgage payments, employee payroll, utility payments, inventory or essential supplies. Must retain at least 1 low to moderate income job and at least 51% of all employees retained must be low to moderate income. See the Program Guidelines or
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Oberlin Business Partnership | 440.774.6262 | 23 E. College St. Oberlin OH 44074
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