2025 Annual Report - FINAL

RICHLAND AREA CHAMBER & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

MOMENTUM BUILDING

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

Welcome to our Annual Report, highlighting the collective achievements of 2025! This year was packed with elevated work, expanded resources, new tools, and added momentum! We are so grateful for YOU…our businesses, leaders, community, and nonprofit partners You are the heart and soul of the work we do across the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development, Richland Community Development Group, and the Mansfield-Richland Area Education Foundation Your support is critical, and thanks to your membership, financial support, and partnerships, we accomplished an exciting and impactful scope of work I am incredibly grateful to serve alongside this talented and dedicated team: our staff, boards, businesses, community partners, and our WONDERFUL MEMBERS

In 2025, we increased our focus on advocacy, talent attraction, and business support Our economic development work and finance tools were elevated through new and expanded partner agreements. We added two part-time staff members to the “ED 2 0” team, and each expanded their roles, resulting in strong outcomes In June, thanks to the Richland County Commissioners and Administrator and the Mayor of Mansfield, the Richland County Port Authority was created, with three projects already approved BrandRichland efforts expanded through funding and partnerships with Destination Mansfield –Richland County, Richland County Foundation, Downtown Mansfield, Inc , Richland County Commissioners, City of Mansfield, Mechanics Bank, and area organizations Year-in-Review Highlights included Legislative After Hours at Kingwood Gardens; an elevated Community Guide; Puttin’ on the Ritz Annual Meeting and Awards; “Unleash the Pawsibilities” Business Expo; Business Professionals Day with a quiz showdown; Annual Golf Outing at Deer Ridge; inspiring speakers at Leadership Luncheons; the BOSS Internship Blueprint; HR Seminar; and Savor & Sip, which welcomed more than 500 attendees Dynamic ribbon cuttings and uplifting Chamber Coffees at locations like the Renaissance Performing Arts Theatre strengthened connections across the county Small Business Saturday moved up a week, resulting in increased traffic and more holiday dollars spent locally. The Small Business of the Year Awards luncheon was also a great success.

With an increased intent to support businesses during construction, we hosted a combined Member Appreciation Event and Membership 101 at Hudson & Essex, participated in Richland Source’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors initiative, and hosted the Downtown Mansfield Marketing Support Workshop.

Elevated Business After Hours were held at Wishmaker Inn, Buffalo Wild Wings, Snow Trails, and the Buckeye Imagination Museum Engaging speakers at the Economic Forecast Breakfast, the Regional Economic Development Forum at the Blueberry Patch, and RCDG Leadership Forums created valueadded opportunities for the community We also launched The Economic Edge, our new economic development newsletter, highlighting project wins and opportunities across the region.

Discover Richland Community Tours, Leadership Unlimited, Engage Richland, LeaderRichland, Mayoral Vision panel, mentorships, and technology camps for middle and high school students continued to grow and remain highly successful EmployMEpalooza, Aviation Career Days at Mansfield Lahm Airport, and expanded funding for workforce training grants further strengthened workforce development efforts.

New in 2026 includes:

A Member Guardians Baseball Game with accessible transportation and club-level, all-you-can-eat seating on May 15

National speaker Damon West, author of The Coffee Bean, on August 5

Member Spotlight Videos launching in early 2026

We are always committed to maximizing the value of your membership and benefits Thank you to our incredible team and board members who work tirelessly to deliver meaningful impact Thank you for your membership, involvement, and support GO TEAM RICHLAND!

Warmest regards,

Ellen Heinz, M.Ed., OhioCED President & CEO

Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development

BackgroundPhoto:UnitedStatesCapitol,D.C.Visit

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAMBER CHAIR

In 2025, the Richland Area Chamber continued to benefit from a dedicated board of directors and staff who bring invaluable insight, creativity, and resources to our organization I am incredibly proud of and encouraged by their shared commitment to moving both the Chamber and our business community forward The consistency, collaboration, and teamwork demonstrated across leadership and staff remain a true strength of this organization

Our intentional structure of three organizations under one roof

continues to serve our members well, and we remain committed to ensuring this model is both successful and sustainable As discussed in last year’s annual report, organizational efficiency emerged as a key focus during our 2024 retreat In 2025, President Heinz, along with a board-led Organizational Efficiency Committee, took a deeper look at our “whys” to ensure continued alignment with our mission and vision At the board level, we evaluated meeting schedules, staff time dedicated to preparation, and invested in a board portal to streamline access to information While these improvements may seem small, they will help maximize the time and energy spent serving our members and advancing important initiatives

Supporting our members in the most effective and impactful way possible is why we exist Your needs and the value of your membership remain the highest priority, and all decisions are made with that focus in mind Member engagement is essential to our continued success I encourage each of you to attend an event you may not typically participate in, invite a non-member to join you, or connect with a staff member about programs that could benefit your business I am continually impressed by the amount of resources and opportunities available, and I encourage you to take full advantage of the staff’s expertise and their ability to connect you to what you need, something many members, myself included, often underutilize

In closing, I can confidently say there are no adequate words to express what it has meant to serve as Chair of the Richland Area Chamber We are incredibly fortunate, as a business community, to have an organization rooted in trust and integrity that provides meaningful support to the Richland County business community Thank you to Jake Penwell for your collaborative efforts as we served together in these leadership roles; your friendship has been a great gain To our new Chairman of both the Richland Area Chamber and Richland County Development Group, Jon Pierce, and to the board of directors, your leadership is already appreciated

Kristine Lindeman Owner, Alumni Roofing Co. Chamber Board Chair, 2024-2025

2025 CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS/EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

RCDG Chair

Chair

Kristine Lindeman

Owner, Alumni Roofing Co

Chair-Elect

Jon Pierce

Owner & President, DRM Productions

Treasurer

Scott Heimann

Assistant Vice President & Trust Officer, Park National Bank

Immediate Past Chair

Jay Goyal

President, Goyal Industries

Jake Penwell

Owner, Penwell Funeral Home / President, Shelby CIC

MRA Foundation Chair

Kevin Kimmel

Superintendent, Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center and Conference Center

President & CEO

Ellen Heinz, M.Ed., OhioCED

Richland Area Chamber & Economic

Development

ADDITIONAL ELECTED DIRECTORS

Jennifer Alt

Manager, Business Development, OhioHealth Mansfield and Shelby Hospitals

Peggy Anderson

CEO, Third Street Family Health Services

Stan Jefferson

Superintendent, Mansfield City Schools

Carrie Kemerer

Director, The Shelby Foundation

Kevin Kimmel

Superintendent, Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center and Conference Center

Dan Lew

Owner, Dan Lew Exchange

Kristi Lord

Senior Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer, Mechanics Bank

Dr. Robert Cohen

Graham McCready

Business Development Manager, McCready Interiors/Norwalk - the Furniture Idea

Mike Murray

President, Cooper Enterprises

David M. Shealy, CPA

Managing Principal - Mansfield, Citron Cooperman

Victor Swisher

General Manager, Gorman-Rupp Industries

Kim Winkle

Vice President of Operations, Avita Health System

Cindy Wood

Director of Development & Community

Relations, The Ohio State University, Mansfield

EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS

CEO, Braintree Business Development Center

Jennifer Kime

CEO, Downtown Mansfield, Inc

Lee Tasseff

President, Destination Mansfield - Richland County

MEMBERSHIP

Building a Strong Member Base

MembershipGrowth&Development

Focused efforts on retention, membership upgrades, and long-term value strengthened overall engagement. Membership recruitment remained strong throughout the year, driven by relationship building and meaningful connections. The launch of the Member Referral Program expanded recruitment by empowering existing members to serve as advocates for Chamber growth.

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Retention&FinancialPerformance

Retention remained a top priority, resulting in a 91% annual member retention rate Consistent communication, personal outreach, and reengagement with at-risk and former members supported strong renewal outcomes Ongoing management of renewals helped maintain steady revenue while reinforcing lasting member relationships

124 NEW MEMBERS

MemberEngagement&Programming

Member engagement grew through intentional programming and targeted connection opportunities, including the Chamber’s first webinar Members were matched with opportunities aligned to their goals, resulting in increased participation, sponsorship interest, and overall involvement.

ChamberAmbassadorProgram&RelationshipBuilding

The Chamber Ambassador Program gained renewed momentum with the recruitment of new Ambassadors and a total of 26 “Chamber Stewards.” Their involvement played a key role in welcoming new members, strengthening relationships, and supporting outreach efforts across the Chamber network.

91%

26

FROMANAMBASSADOR’SPERSPECTIVE

"What I appreciate most about the Richland Area Chamber is its focus on people. The relationships built through the Chamber have led to deeper trust, better understanding, and real collaboration across the community ”

~Chris McKinnis, Business Development Specialist, ES Consulting

MEMBERSHIP

Continued

SmallBusinessSaturday(SBS)/ShopSmall-RichlandCounty

This year, the event moved to the Saturday before Thanksgiving to support local businesses and increase participation by avoiding the Ohio State vs Michigan game The earlier date gave shoppers greater flexibility and spending power ahead of Black Friday The change resulted in strong participation, with 79 businesses and 625 shoppers registered, along with overwhelmingly positive community feedback

We proudly celebrated community growth with 60 ribbon cuttings throughout Richland County, honoring business openings, expansions, renovations, anniversaries, and achievements that showcase the strength and vibrancy of our local business community

Ribbon-CuttingCeremonies

MemberAppreciationLuncheon&Membership101

This year introduced a new approach by combining the Member Appreciation Luncheon and Membership 101 into one event More than 200 members and prospective members gathered at Hudson & Essex for a luncheon, followed by a Membership 101 session highlighting the value and benefits of Chamber membership

Operational&StrategicImprovements

This year, initiatives were implemented to improve efficiency and the member experience These included new ribbon-cutting guidelines and online registration, a 30/60/90-day communication framework, updated membership benefits, and coordination with partners on COSE/Medical Mutual programs and statewide marketing Together, these efforts strengthened processes and increased member value

EVENTS & PARTICIPATION

Signature Events

AnnualMeeting

The Annual Meeting brought 378 Chamber members together for a memorable evening celebrating leadership, progress, and community success. The 1920s-inspired Puttin’ on the Ritz theme added glamour and fun, creating an energetic atmosphere that enhanced the experience and encouraged connection The program honored excellence across the business community with the presentation of the Economic Excellence Awards, Chairman’s Award, and Athena Award, while also reflecting on key accomplishments from the year across Chamber, economic development, workforce, and foundation efforts.

BusinessExpo

The Business Expo combined strong member participation with a playful, high-energy atmosphere through its pet-themed Unleash the Pawsibilities concept Vendors and attendees embraced the theme with creative booth décor, costumes, and interactive elements, creating an engaging experience that encouraged connection throughout the event

BusinessProfessionals’Day

BP Day celebrated the contributions of professionals across the community through its Welcome to the Jungle theme, a playful nod to today’s workplace. The immersive, jungle-inspired setting featured interactive entertainment, themed activities, and a coordinated luncheon that created an engaging and memorable atmosphere With 350 people in attendance, the event created a lively opportunity to celebrate the dedication and impact of professionals driving business success across Richland County

FROMAPARTNER’SPERSPECTIVE

“Supporting Richland Area Chamber events through sponsorship is a natural fit for Mechanics Bank. The Chamber provides events that strengthen the business community From panel conversations and leadership luncheons to the Business Expo and Small Business of the Year Awards, our Chamber supports local business Partnering through events allows us to invest in collaboration, foster growth, and champion the small businesses that help our community thrive ”

~Kristi Lord, Sr Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer, Mechanics Bank

Continued EVENTS & PARTICIPATION

MoreSignatureEvents&CommunityCelebrations

The Small Business of the Year Awards celebrated six outstanding businesses and two nonprofit organizations, with sponsor support and professionally produced videos highlighting each honoree’s impact and achievements. Savor & Sip welcomed 500 attendees for an evening celebrating local food and community, featuring more than 20 vendors, live music, and a silent auction with over 150 items

The 34th Annual Chamber Golf Classic sold out at Deer Ridge Golf Course, bringing together 152 players for a day of networking, friendly competition, and relationship-building in a relaxed setting

Networking&Relationship-Building

Business After Hours (BAH): Networking remained a cornerstone of member engagement in 2025, with BAH events providing opportunities for connection beyond the workday. Six BAH gatherings drew 1,368 attendees, hosted at locations including the Legislative Reception at Kingwood Center, Expo Eve at the Fairgrounds, Snow Trails, Wishmaker House Bed & Breakfast, the Buckeye Imagination Museum, and Buffalo Wild Wings Chamber Coffee networking events also saw strong participation, with three gatherings welcoming 217 attendees hosted at the renovated Ballroom at the Renaissance Theater, the Music Academy of Karate & Empowerment, and Richland Source Women’s Leadership Connection (WLC): Six influential women from the community were featured at WLC events who shared insights on leadership, communication, empathy, and professional growth.

Other educational events included the BOSS Internship Blueprint and Lunch & Learn - Rules of Engagement: HR Legal Landscape.

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Building Awareness, Access, and Value

BrandRichland:CoordinatedCountywideStorytelling

BrandRichland launched its first large-scale community brand awareness campaign, Play Here, targeting visitors in the Columbus region launched in Q4 Co-led by the Chamber and Destination Mansfield - Richland County, the initiative supported testing of digital media channels and the development of high-quality, reusable video assets and campaign landing pages with measurable analytics. Performance data and audience feedback informed refinements throughout the year, strengthening the foundation for future Live Here, Work Here, and Build Here storytelling and supporting the launch of BrandRichland’s social media presence

DowntownMansfieldMarketingSupport

The Chamber supported Downtown Mansfield and Main Street businesses through a focused marketing workshop and practical guidance on staying visible. The 5 Ways to Stay More Visible email and Stand Out Downtown workshop introduced time-saving tools such as Canva, ChatGPT, and editorial calendars.

MemberTutorials:ImprovingAccesstoChamberResources

In 2025, the Chamber expanded access to member tools and benefits through the launch of the Member Tutorials landing page. This centralized resource provides step-by-step guidance on using the member portal, managing business listings, registering and promoting events, and utilizing marketing opportunities. By shifting common how-to requests into an on-demand format, members were able to find answers quickly, keep information accurate, and make better use of Chamber marketing and communication tools

FROMAPARTICIPANT’SPERSPECTIVE

The Downtown Mansfield Marketing Support Workshop combined proven local examples, collaboration between businesses, and smart planning to help downtown businesses show up consistently and confidently in their marketing. There was something shared that was beneficial for all levels of expertise It is just one of the great opportunities and resources provided by the Chamber to help local businesses thrive

~Carmone Macfarlane, Creative, Marketing, and Education; The Phoenix Brewing Company

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MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

EconomicDevelopmentNewsletter:TheEconomicEdge

In 2025, the Chamber launched The Economic Edge, a quarterly economic development newsletter designed for site selectors, business leaders, and regional partners Each issue highlights project activity, market-ready properties, workforce initiatives, and key indicators of economic momentum, using data and collaboration to provide area updates. Distributed through email and supported by digital promotion, the newsletter strengthens transparency, reinforces pride of place, and keeps Richland County visible to decision-makers

Yodel:ACentralizedCommunityEventsPlatform

A shared community events and promotions platform was implemented, creating a centralized calendar that makes it easier for residents, visitors, and organizations to discover what’s happening across Richland County. With support from Destination MansfieldRichland County, the platform helps improve regional visibility, reduce duplication, and strengthen coordination among community partners, providing a more consistent and accessible way to promote events and activities countywide

Publications:TellingtheStoryinPrint

The Chamber continued investing in publications that serve multiple audiences. The Community Guide and Member Directory highlighted local businesses and community assets while providing a useful resource for residents and visitors The Annual Report offered a clear, public-facing summary of organizational impact across Chamber, economic development, workforce, and foundation efforts

ChamberLink,MemberMessages,andSocialMedia

Through the ChamberLink Newsletter, members received updates on events, programs, and opportunities Member Message email blasts remained a paid benefit, allowing businesses to promote jobs, events, and announcements across the Chamber network Social media supported these efforts by sharing community information, promoting programs, and recognizing members using engagement data.

ADVANCING ADVOCACY

Building Through Partnership

Advocacy&GovernmentEngagement

Hosted a Legislative After Hours at Kingwood Gardens in winter 2025 with a terrific turnout, providing an opportunity for business and community leaders to engage directly with elected officials Participated in a trip to the State Capitol, visiting the Ohio House and Senate offices of State Senator Mark Romanchuk and State Representative Marilyn John

NationalLeadership&PolicyExposure

Selected as one of 35 participants nationwide for the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Business Leads Fellowship Program (BLFP) and completed the program in October 2025. The eight-month fellowship focused on sharing best practices across the nation related to workforce and economic development, talent attraction, and education. The program was no cost to participants.

During the program kick-off in Washington, D C , participated in visits with five U S elected officials: Senator Bernie Moreno, Congressman Max Miller, Congresswoman Emilia Sykes, Congressman Jim Jordan, and Senator John Husted. The program concluded in October in Chicago. Between in-person sessions, the cohort participated in virtual meetings with national guest speakers and collaborated with chambers and leadership teams across the country

In March, attended the Ohio Economic Development Association’s Legislative Events, meeting with Ohio State Senator Mark Romanchuk and Ohio State Representative Marilyn John to discuss economic development priorities impacting the region.

State-LevelAdvocacy&EconomicDevelopment

In August, the Business Advocacy Committee met with local elected and community leaders to discuss area needs and is working toward completing a list of top strategic priorities The committee is also discussing a potential group advocacy trip to Columbus and possibly Washington, D.C. in the following year.

BusinessAdvocacyCommittee

Chamber representatives and area business leaders participated in quarterly Ohio Chamber of Commerce Small Business Roundtable Meetings in Columbus. These meetings focused on discussions around current topics impacting small businesses across the state.

OhioChamberofCommerceEngagement

GetInvolved

If you would like to find out more about how to get involved, please contact us.

ADVANCING COLLABORATION

The Housing Development Steering Committee continues to convene stakeholders across the County to move strategic initiatives forward.

In Richland County

Assisted with Bellville and Butler housing projects, with the intent to pair high-end developments with income-supportive new residents

HousingEfforts

Assistive efforts included the presentation of Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) legislation, identifying concerns/opportunities for the Villages, and working with local officials to ascertain residential interest

Participated in committee meetings, informational presentations, and developer/village liaisons

Worked with local elected officials in Plymouth, Bellville, Butler, and Lexington to identify and categorize building inventories.

Discussed ideas to best present, promote, and ultimately locate businesses in historic facilities and transportation opportunities

VillageFortification

Conducted Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) visits with companies in manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and service industries Larger employers and small businesses were targeted to better inform the entire state of our regional economy, and better understand and support their needs

LocalBusinessElevation

Received project leads from economic development partners JobsOhio and Team NEO and matched local site inventory with national leads

AttractionEfforts

Completed Requests For Information (RFI), demonstrating Richland County’s assets and ability to meet project needs with workforce capabilities, site availability, economic incentives, and community attributes.

Comprehensive Land Use Planning: A collaboration between RCRCP, the County, the City's of Shelby and Mansfield hired consultant American Structure Point to lead efforts to plan for future development across the county

CommunityCollaboration

Represented Richland County at special events and media opportunities like IdeaStream’s Sound of Ideas PBS program, focusing on agriculture

Fostered growth by aligning strategic partnerships among manufacturers, suppliers, and small businesses

The Chamber interacted with many local, state, regional, and federal agencies and leaders throughout the year From hosting the Small Business Administration in December to celebrating businesses and legislative after hours, we are thankful for taking engagement and stakeholder support to a new level.

A MESSAGE FROM THE RCDG CHAIR

DuringmypasttwoyearsservingasBoardChairofRCDG,Ihavepersonally witnessedthetremendousnumberofpeopleacrossourcommunitiesworking towardoursharedbetterment Frombusinessleaderstopublicservantstodeeply investedcommunitymembers,thereisaconsistentandgenuinecommitmentto improvement.Thatsharedpurposeisbothinspiringandfoundationaltoour success.

IneveryopportunityI’vehadtoserve,Ileadwiththemindsetthatwemustalways “buildadvocatesforimprovement”Bringingpeoplealong,earningtheirtrust,andcultivatingtheirsupport isessentialifwearetomoveforwardtogethertowardcommongoals In2025,wesawyearsof dedicationandgroundworkcometofruition,benefitingnotonlyourmembersbutourcommunitiesasa whole Thetrustbuiltovertimeisnowbearingfruitthroughimpactfulcontributionsthatarepavingthe wayforlong-termgrowth,benefitingfamilies,residents,businesses,andvisitorsthroughoutourFamily ofCommunities

BeyondourlongstandingpartnershipswiththeShelbyCIC,theCityofOntario,andtheRichlandCounty Commissioners,westrengthenedcommitmentsfromexistingpartnersandwelcomednewpartnerships withtheCityofMansfield.Thisgrowthreflectsanexpandingnetworkofadvocatesforimprovementwho believeinprogressandareconfidentthattheRichlandAreaChamber&EconomicDevelopmentisthe rightpartnertohelpmakeithappen.

Economicdevelopmentisalonggame,butwaitingforopportunityisnotanoption.Ourstaffand boardsworkeverydaywithintentionandpurposetodrivetheprogresstakingshapeacrossRichland County.

TosayithasbeenanhonortoserveasBoardChairofRCDGistrulyanunderstatement.Ithasbeen deeplyfulfillingtowitnessthisworkshapeastrongerfutureforusall.

Jake Penwell

Owner, Penwell Funeral Home RCDG Board Chair, 2024 & 2025

RCDG 2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS / EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chair

Jake Penwell

Owner, Penwell Funeral Home / President, Shelby CIC Past Chair

Beth DeLaney

ADDITIONAL ELECTED DIRECTORS

Paul Boggs

Chief Administrative Officer, Adena Corporation

David Eichinger

Senior Vice President, Merrill Lynch

Randa Payne

General Counsel, Adena Corporation

Jon Pierce President, DRM Productions, Inc

Sam VanCura

Treasurer

President/Owner, Spherion Mid-Ohio

Scott Heimann

Assistant VP & Trust Officer, Park National Bank

President & CEO

Ellen Heinz, M.Ed., OhioCED

Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development

Carl Fernyak

Founder/CEO, Richland Source

Dr Curtis Gingrich

President, OhioHealth Mansfield and Shelby Hospitals

Kristine Lindeman Owner, Alumni Roofing

Mark Masters

President, Mechanics Bank

CEO, Total Performance, Inc

EX-OFFICIOS

Jotika Shetty

Executive Director, Richland County Regional Planning Commission

Allie Watson

President and CEO

Richland County Foundation

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Building Strong Communities

Earth Stewardship Celebration

The 29th Anniversary Earth Stewardship Celebration marked nearly three decades of collaboration among local partners and was supported by the Richland County Regional Solid Waste Management Authority Community Grant. Steering Committee partners were comprised of representatives from many local non-profit and public partner organizations The program invited groups, schools, businesses, and residents to complete litter cleanups, tree plantings, beautification projects, recycling drives, gardens, and other sustainability efforts between April 1 and August 1, 2025

Key highlights: 22 Earth Stewardship projects were completed this year. Despite weather challenges, 22 groups completed the projects which resulted in numerous plantings, three community gardens, and many miles of roadway cleaned, collecting 169 bags of litter

An awards ceremony recognized several outstanding efforts, including the Roseland Community Garden, and honored Coordinator Kim Hildreth for nearly 30 years of leadership

Sterkel Park: 20-Acre Inclusive Park and Playground

After years of planning and fundraising, Sterkel Park opened in 2025 its 20-Acre Inclusive Park and Playground This community-wide project was led by the Richland County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Richland County, and the City of Mansfield, with RCDG providing fiscal administrative support. The park serves as a welcoming, family-friendly destination designed to encourage active play, imagination, and social connection. As a popular gathering place for families, caregivers, and children of all ages, it offers a vibrant outdoor space that brings the community together

The playground features modern, inclusive equipment that supports physical activity and creative play, including climbing, sliding, swinging, and balancing elements Open sightlines and nearby seating allow for easy supervision and comfortable spaces for caregivers, while surrounding green space provides shaded areas for picnics, relaxation, and casual play. Its connection to pickle ball courts and walking paths also makes Sterkel Park a convenient and enjoyable stop for families out for a stroll, bike ride or variety of activities, reinforcing its role as a valued community asset

FROMAPARTNER’SPERSPECTIVE

TheSterkelParksectorwasinstrumentalinthefundraisingprocessaswe wereabletoinvestthedollarsraisedtogenerateadditionalfunding,offer thenon-profitbenefittothedonors,andtheyprovidedallthefinancial managementforthisverysuccessfulproject

~Michele L Geiss, Superintendent, Richland County Board of Developmental Disabilities (RCBDD)

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Mansfield

Establishing a Repeatable Investment Framework

Mansfield’s economic development efforts focused on strengthening tools, partnerships, and long-term readiness A key milestone was the implementation of the City’s first Tax Increment Financing (TIF), established as a repeatable framework for supporting future investment The process emphasized clarity, accountability, and early partner alignment, creating a practical model for structuring public-private projects. This approach supports long-term plans for the I-71 / Ohio 13 gateway corridor, improving investment readiness while maintaining transparency and consistency through continued modernization of Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) administration

The City of Mansfield’s transformational downtown construction projec is well underway. From improved waterlines and roads to beautifully designed new lighting and streetscapes, the project is slated to be complete at the end of 2026

Developing Enhanced Infrastructure and Expanded Opportunities

Working collaboratively with regional, state and local partners and industry specialists, we are evaluating the current site availability and infrastructure needed to support and accelerate future industrial and business development growth and identifying potential appropriate funding sources. Mansfield Speedway is being rebuilt and reinvigorated with plans to host a variety of events beginning in spring of 2026.

Silver Birch of Mansfield, a new $38 million senior living development, broke ground in Mansfield in 2025, representing a significant private investment that will expand housing options and contribute to the community’s long-term growth

Strengthening Site Readiness and Zoning Flexibility

Locally, Mansfield continued to strengthen its development framework through targeted infrastructure and land-use improvements In partnership with the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development, the City completed the rezoning of the Airport West Industrial Park from I-1 to I-2, expanding the range of industrial uses permitted at the site This change removed a key barrier for site selectors and demonstrated Mansfield’s responsiveness to evolving industry needs.

“Whilethepublicmayseeitassimplyfillingoutaform,Iknowhowmuch workittakestoputsomethingliketheTIFonourprojecttogether.Iam impressedwithyourhardwork”

~Anthony

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Mansfield (Continued)

Private-sector investment also advanced during the year. Ohio Valley Stamping continued its growth trajectory with the purchase of a 100,000square-foot facility on Newman Street to support expanding operations tied to domestic automotive manufacturing.

Supporting Business Expansion and Reinvestment

In addition, Cline Fire announced plans for a new headquarters on Illinois Avenue while maintaining its existing site, increasing capacity to serve regional clients in fire protection and life safety services

Coordinating Support for Local Manufacturers

Support for local manufacturing remained a priority Mansfield worked closely with Weiss Industries, a long-standing local manufacturer, to support expansion and long-term sustainability Serving as a coordinating partner, the City and its collaborators connected the company to Team NEO and JobsOhio, supported the incentive process, and aligned workforce and training resources. The effort resulted in a $50,000 JobsOhio Small Business Grant, helping advance the project while protecting existing jobs and supporting future growth.

Momentum also continued at Mansfield Lahm Airport, where collaboration drove workforce and aerospace-related initiatives Aviation Career Day brought together employers, educators, and partners to create a repeatable workforce development model for aviation careers

Advancing Aerospace and Workforce Opportunities

Building on that collaboration, Mansfield advanced a national-level recruitment effort involving a flight operations group, packaging multiple site options into a coordinated pitch. While federal timing disruptions paused the process, the effort strengthened Mansfield’s readiness for future aerospace opportunities and reinforced the airport’s role in long-term workforce and industry development.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Shelby

DowntownReinvestment

Significant economic development activity in Shelby focused on downtown reinvestment, business growth, and preparing sites for future development. Investment by the Shelby Foundation, including acquisition of a fourth Main Street building, reinforced long-term commitment to downtown revitalization. Private reinvestment advanced with the Milliron family’s purchase of a former bank building, with plans to redevelop it into a boutique hotel and Italian restaurant Downtown activity continued with the Penwells’ investment in The Hatchery on Main, creating event space and short-term lodging that will contribute to downtown vibrancy Shelby CIC secured a JobsOhio Vibrant Communities Planning Grant, in coordination with Team NEO, to support architectural renderings and construction cost analysis for the historic Shaw Building.

SitePreparationandCorridorReadiness

Strategic demolition projects improved site readiness and corridor visibility. Demolition at the Broadway and Main Street site created a greenfield property ready for redevelopment, while work continued at the former L & K Motel and Diner on Mansfield Avenue to prepare the site for a future Mechanics Bank location Shelby welcomed Mickey’s and Dunkin Donuts, followed by an expansion at Buckeye Superstore adding destinations to the commercial corridor

BusinessandIndustrialGrowth

Business growth remained steady throughout the year Six ribbon cuttings recognized new businesses, expansions, and relocations across retail, service, and food sectors Industrial investment also advanced, led by Hanline’s $45M capital investment, which added 30 new jobs, launched a new business line, acquired an additional facility, and constructed a rail spur at the industrial park Work continued with the City to connect finance tools and incentives to spur continued growth and reinvestment.

Community spaces continued to play an important role in Shelby’s momentum Black Fork Commons Plaza hosted events including the Shel-Bee Festival, Bicycle Days, a car show, a Halloween event, and the lighting of a new 24-foot Christmas tree, supporting community connection and downtown vitality.

CommunitySpacesandEvents

~Troy Baker, Edward Jones

Ontario ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Building Organizational Capacity

Economic development efforts in Ontario centered on building the capacity needed to support sustained growth while advancing major investment projects Foundational work was completed to formally establish the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC), including filings, board formation, and officer elections This work created a clearer framework for coordinating development activity and supporting future investment

Advancing Major Investments

Several high-impact projects moved forward during the year A $20M expansion of the CNG Warehouse in Ontario, totaling 462,000 square feet, advanced through the Richland County Port Authority and Industrial Commercial Properties The project included finalizing terms for a $16M capital lease, supporting continued industrial growth and with the total project adding 135 jobs across the Ontario and Lexington campuses. In addition, Avita Health System announced a $15M investment to construct a new 20,000-square-foot cancer center, creating 21 new jobs and expanding healthcare access in Ontario.

Development Activity and Market Interest

Development activity also included land acquisition and disposition discussions, planning for new wayfinding and branded signage, and coordination through an administrative transition to maintain continuity. Conversations with national brands continued throughout the year, reflecting ongoing interest in Ontario’s commercial corridors.

Business growth and reinvestment were celebrated through 16 ribbon cuttings, recognizing new businesses, expansions, and remodels across the city Together, these efforts reinforced Ontario’s role as a growing commercial center and strengthened readiness for future development

Celebrating Business Growth

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Building a Competitive Workforce

Artificial Intelligence & Advanced Manufacturing Training

The Mansfield-Richland Area (MRA) Educational Foundation, in collaboration with the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development and supported by a Microsoft TechSpark Grant, led a targeted initiative to support artificial intelligence and how it’s integrated into the regional industrial workforce. This partnership focused on upskilling employees across five manufacturers, equipping them with competencies to apply AI-driven solutions for operational efficiency and predictive maintenance

By bridging traditional production methods with emerging technology, the initiative strengthened manufacturer competitiveness while preparing the workforce for evolving industry demands. The program was also supported through Ohio’s TechCred funding, reinforcing a coordinated approach to workforce training that aligns technology adoption with real-world manufacturing needs

Youth Career Exploration & Talent Pipelines

STUDENTS PARTICIPATED INREVERSE JOBFAIR

In 2025, the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development and the Area 10 Workforce Development Board advanced regional talent pipelines by supporting two career exploration events for local youth. The fourth annual EmployMePalooza featured 35 students in a reverse job fair, presenting their skills directly to more than 40 employers This model remains a strong approach to preparing high school students for employment and career planning

STUDENTS CONNECTED WITH AEROSPACE INDUSTRY

Aviation Career Day returned, providing 84 students from seven area high schools with hands-on exposure to the aerospace industry through drone demonstrations, aircraft tours, and conversations with industry professionals Together, these initiatives strengthened connections between classroom learning and the local labor market while building confidence and career awareness.

We continue to foster a strong relationship with the MRA Educational Foundation The alignment of their programming and the data-driven efforts of workforce development continues to be an effective partnership

FROMAPARTNER'SPERSPECTIVE

“Ourleadershipteamofeightcompletedaneight-weektrainingatNorth CentralStateCollegethroughtheIncumbentWorkerTrainingProgram With supportfromthelocalChamberandtheArea10WorkforceDevelopment Board,weparticipatedinafocusedexperiencecenteredonEmotional Intelligence Thetrainingstrengthenedskillsincoaching,conflictresolution, andappliedAIsolutions,helpingusgrowtogether Enrollmentand reimbursementwerestraightforward,makingparticipationeasy.”

~Jessie Palmer, Partner, Pinnacle Building Services

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

In 2024, we secured $250,000 for the Area 10 Workforce Development Board, and those dollars flowed into training for individuals and employee groups in 2025

Building a Competitive Workforce

WorkforceStrategy&RegionalPlanning

As the contracted Director of the Area 10 Workforce Development Board, we also played a central role in assembling a comprehensive five-year Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) plan to guide workforce investments across the region. This strategic roadmap provides a data-driven framework to ensure federal and state resources are aligned with initiatives offering the greatest potential for local economic impact

~$60K

14 EMPLOYERS SERVED THROUGH INCUMBENT WORKING TRAINING PROGRAM

IWTFUNDS REIMBURSED TO EMPLOYERS By leveraging current labor market information and regional employment trends, the plan prioritizes high-demand sectors such as manufacturing and healthcare. This approach allows the board to focus investments strategically, strengthen accountability, and guide workforce initiatives with long-term sustainability in mind, supporting both employer needs and regional economic growth

Healthcare&BehavioralHealthWorkforceDevelopment

To address critical gaps in healthcare services, the Area 10 Workforce Development Board partnered with the District 5 Area Agency on Aging (AAA5) to secure an $85,000 grant dedicated to specialized workforce training. This funding supports the development of a local workforce equipped to deliver behavioral and mental health services directly in patients’ homes.

The initiative has helped cultivate a specialized skill set within the regional labor market, enabling care providers to deliver services in a setting that is both accessible and patient-centered By strengthening this in-home care workforce, the partnership is expanding access to essential services while positioning the region as a leader in innovative, community-based mental health support.

A MESSAGE FROM FOUNDATION THE CHAIR

The MRA Educational Foundation experienced a year of renewed momentum, collaboration, and innovation, marked by continued growth across leadership development, youth engagement, and workforce-focused programming. Throughout the year, our programs expanded opportunities for students, professionals, and community members while strengthening the leadership pipeline that supports Richland County’s future.

Leadership Unlimited welcomed its Class of 2026 in September with 33 participants. The cohort launched with an engaging retreat and continued with experiential learning, including a community scavenger hunt that fostered teamwork

and connection Planning is underway for the June 2026 capstone event, A WestingHOUSE Party, which will serve as a celebratory community gathering

Alumni engagement also grew through new partnerships with Springmill STEM School and a refreshed dues campaign that offers lunch and learn opportunities and ongoing professional development. Alumni leadership was further demonstrated through the third annual Mayoral Vision panel, providing meaningful dialogue with local leaders.

Youth-focused programs also continued to thrive. The Young Leaders Institute began with 41 students, including representation from additional schools. Students are currently developing exhibit concepts for the Buckeye Imagination Museum, offering hands-on experience in creativity, collaboration, and public presentation. Engage Richland, now in its second year, supported 15 young professionals who partnered with Mid-Ohio Youth Mentoring on a mentor recruitment campaign, aligning leadership growth with community impact.

Signature events highlighted regional assets and career pathways, including a sold-out Discover Richland Economic Tour and continued planning for the Agritourism Tour and LeaderRichland 2026, which will expand participation and deepen career exploration

Technology and innovation efforts also advanced as the Foundation continued collaboration with Microsoft TechSpark, North Central State College, and OSU-Mansfield, sustaining youth technology programming beyond the grant period

We are grateful to our staff, board members, alumni, educators, and partners whose dedication fuels this work Together, we continue building strong leaders and a resilient region

KevinKimmel

Superintendent,Mid-OhioEducationalServiceCenterandConferenceCenter ChamberFoundationBoardChair,2024-2025

MRA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION 2024-2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS / EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chair

Kevin Kimmel

Superintendent, Mid-Ohio

Educational Service Center & Conference Center

Chair-Elect

Christen Dingess

Director of Sales & Marketing, Schmidt Security Pro

Treasurer

Beth Myers

Vice President & Trust Officer, Mechanics Bank

ADDITIONAL ELECTED DIRECTORS

Susie Danuloff

Executive Assistant to the SVP, Adena Corporation

Mary Frankenfield

Deputy Director, Mansfield/Richland County Public Library

Gary George

Employment Navigation/Service & Support Administrator, Richland Newhope

Kevin Vargyas

Supervisor, Pioneer Career & Technology Center

EX-OFFICIO

Angie Cirone

Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development

Jay Goyal

President, Goyal Industries

Ellen Heinz, M.Ed., Ohio CED

President & CEO, Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development

Kristine Lindeman

Owner, Alumni Roofing Company

YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS

Building Skills for Tomorrow’s Workforce

YLI developed emerging civic and professional high school sophomore leaders in 2025, graduating 39 students and welcoming 41 new participants. Post-program surveys showed growth in leadership, community engagement, career awareness, preparing students to contribute to Richland County with clear gains reported Young Leaders Institute (YLI)

LeaderRichland

Around 1,000 seventh- and eighth-grade girls visited the North Central State College and OSU-Mansfield campus for LeaderRichland 2025 Over three days, students attended a confidence-building keynote and explored career pathways through small-group presentations This event united K–12 schools, higher education, and local organizations, inspiring the region’s young leaders.

Middle School Coding Camps

Through the Microsoft TechSpark Grant, the Mansfield-Richland Area Educational Foundation partnered with North Central State College to deliver two youth technology programs The AI Literacy with Minecraft Family Camp introduced 12 middle school students and their parents to artificial intelligence concepts and career pathways Code A Carnival Camps engaged nearly 60 middle school students in hands-on coding and game design, concluding with a community showcase of student projects

41

84

In summer 2025, 12 high school students participated in hands-on Electronics Camps led by the 179th Cyberspace Wing at OSUMansfield. The program introduced Arduino programming and interactive project design, building technical skills and interest in future STEM pathways. The camps were supported by Microsoft TechSpark and the Richland County Foundation’s Summertime Kids Grant.

FROMAPARTICIPANT'SPERSPECTIVE

“Thisexperienceopenedmyeyestoalloftheamazingopportunitiesand businessesinRichlandCounty,whilealsoeducatingmeonthecareer opportunitiesthatexisthere”

Hoovler, Young Leaders Institute Class of 2025

ADULT LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS

Building Skills for Today’s Workforce

EngageRichland

The inaugural Engage Richland class launched a new leadership pathway for young professionals in 2025. Over six months, 15 participants completed leadership training, community tours, mentoring, and a capstone project while exploring key regional sectors. The cohort’s capstone supported Rubies Women’s Group through funding and volunteer service, establishing a strong foundation for future program growth and civic engagement

LeadershipUnlimited(LU)

LU welcomed 34 graduates into its alumni network as the program celebrated its 41st class, continuing the development of civic and professional leaders across Richland County. Participants engaged in immersive experiences focused on workforce development, education, public safety, health equity, housing, disability awareness, and sustainability, paired with hands-on community engagement The class also supported NAMI Richland County through the inaugural NAMIWalks, raising awareness and funds for mental health while strengthening leadership connections

LeadershipUnlimitedAlumni

The 16‑member LU Advisory Board provides strategic guidance for the LU curriculum and leads year round alumni engagement The board hosted the Mayoral Vision Luncheon, Spring Social, Class of 2025 Commencement Dinner, Nonprofit Fair, a service project at The Domestic Violence Shelter, and two lunch and learn events, engaging 370 participants. These efforts strengthened alumni connections, fostered civic engagement, and reinforced the continued growth and impact of LU.

DiscoverRichlandTours

Two community tours highlighted Richland County’s progress and potential. The Healthcare Tour engaged 33 leaders, while the Economic Development Tour drew more than 40 participants who toured sites across Mansfield, Shelby, and Bellville, reinforcing collaboration and regional momentum

22 FROMAPARTICIPANT'SPERSPECTIVE "LeadershipUnlimitednotonlytaughtmenewskills,itreshapedmyapproach toleadership Ilearnedhowtoleadwithempathy,communicatewithimpact, andcreateavisionthatmotivatesothers Myexperiencewiththeprogramhas beeninvaluableandI’mexcitedtoapplythelessonslearnedthroughoutthe coursetomakealastingdifferenceatmyorganizationandinmycommunity. Istronglyencourageanyonewhowantstogrowasaleadertoparticipatein theLeadershipUnlimitedprogram"

~Jordan Keller, District Technician, Richland SWCD, Leadership Unlimited Class of 2025

OUR TEAM

Ellen Heinz, M.Ed. President & CEO

Donnie Clark Economic Development Project Manager

Angie Fanello Member Engagement & Special Projects Coordinator

Jill Gantt WIOA Workforce Development Coordinator

Clint Knight Workforce Development Director

Barrett Thomas Senior Economic Development Director

Tom Vanderhorst Financial Specialist

Angie Cirone Mansfield-Richland Area Educational Foundation Director

Lisa Duckworth Program & Events Director

Kathy Fox Front Office & Sectors Coordinator

Jessica Gribben Economic & Community Development Director

Sandy Messner Marketing & Communications Director

Evan Stuart Marketing & Legislative Affairs Coordinator

Jennifer Wagner Member Engagement, Retention & Services Director

THANK YOU TO OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

We are grateful for the leadership, insight, and dedication of the Chamber, RCDG, and MansfieldRichlandArea Educational Foundation Boards Their collective guidance, stewardship, and belief in our shared mission help shape priorities, strengthen partnerships, and move meaningful work forward across our Family of Communities We appreciate the time, expertise, and commitment each board member brings in support of business growth, workforce development, education, and long-term regional prosperity

Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development Board Members at the 2025 Annual Meeting

for your contributions and support of the