August 2026 ChamberLink Newsletter

CHAMBERLINK

AUGUST

Sentec Systems celebrating 10 years in business and the grand opening of their new Bellville office.

STAFF

Jessica Gribben, OhioCED President & CEO

Angie Cirone

Director of Education Foundation

Donnie Clark

Economic Development Project Manager - Richland County

Lisa Duckworth Director of Programs & Events

Angie Fanello Special Projects

Kathy Fox Front Office Coordinator

Clint Knight

Director of Workforce Development/Area 10 Workforce Dev. Board Administrative Director

Jill Gantt Workforce Development Coordinator

Evan Stuart

Marketing & Legislative Affairs Coordinator

Barrett Thomas Senior Economic Development Director

Tom Vanderhorst Finance Specialist

Jennifer Wagner Director of Member Services

Yvonne Smith

Member Services & Front Office Coordinator

Jeff Parton

Economic & Community Development Director

Poppin’ In to Say Thanks

Jennifer Wagner Director of Member Services

One of my favorite parts of my role at the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development is having the opportunity to connect with our members. While emails, phone calls, and meetings are all important, there’s something special about taking a few moments to stop by in person simply to say, “Thank you.”

That’s exactly what inspired our new “Poppin’ In” member appreciation campaign.

Over the past several weeks, I’ve been visiting Chamber member businesses with bags of popcorn and a simple message: “Poppin’ In to Say Thanks. We truly appreciate your Chamber membership.” There isn’t an agenda, a presentation, or anything to sell, just a sincere expression of gratitude for the investment our members make in our Chamber and our community.

What has surprised me most has been the conversations these visits have sparked. I’ve had the chance to hear about exciting business updates, celebrate accomplishments, learn about new projects, and enjoy spending a few minutes catching up with the people who make our Chamber so strong. Those conversations have reminded me that our Chamber is built on relationships, and sometimes the smallest gestures can have the biggest impact.

We’ve also been trying to capture a fun photo during each visit to share on our social media pages. It’s been a great way to highlight the incredible businesses that make up our membership while honoring the connections that make our Chamber special.

To everyone I’ve had the pleasure of visiting, thank you for your warm welcome! And to all of our Chamber members, thank you for your continued support, partnership, and commitment to helping our business community thrive. We greatly appreciate you, and I look forward to “poppin’ in” to see many more of you in the weeks ahead!

With appreciation,

55 N. Mulberry St.

Mansfield, OH 44902

Phone: (419) 522-3211

info@richlandareachamber.com

Jennifer Wagner Director of Member Services

OhioHealth

OhioHealth is a nationally recognized, not-forprofit, charitable healthcare organization affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Our system includes 16 hospitals, more than 200 ambulatory sites, and a wide range of other services serving communities across Ohio.

Supported by more than 35,000 associates, physicians, and volunteers, OhioHealth is committed to advancing health and delivering compassionate, high-quality care.

In Richland County, OhioHealth proudly serves patients through Mansfield Hospital, Shelby Hospital, and multiple outpatient locations across Mansfield, Shelby, Ontario, and Lexington. As the county’s largest employer, OhioHealth plays an essential role in supporting the region’s economic and community well-being.

OhioHealth is continuing to invest locally with a $38 million expansion of the OhioHealth Ontario Medical Center, bringing expanded primary care, women’s health, surgical specialties, and new services in partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital. This significant investment strengthens access to care, keeps services local, and reflects OhioHealth’s long-term commitment to Richland County and the growing Ontario community.

We believe your best health is always within reach. Learn more at OhioHealth.com.

MECHANICS BANK | 2 S. MAIN STREET | MANSFIELD LIVE PERFORMANCES WILL BE HELD 11:30 A.M.– 1:30 P.M.

AUG 7

AUG 21 EKG Grunt Grub & Cowgirl Creamery*

Jevan Cole On The Rise BBQ*

In the event of inclement weather, visit MyMechanics.com/LiveatLunch for updates.

*Food truck items available for purchase

Big health bene ts for small businesses

You put everything you have into your business. And we put everything into creating high-quality health insurance plans for you and your employees. We've partnered with the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development and Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) to offer a unique bene t option for small businesses like yours. The COSE Benefit Plan is a multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) that allows businesses of 1–50 to experience rate stability, savings and the same great health benefits that large corporations have. Bundle your health plan with our dental, vision or life plans for a fully integrated bene ts package.

Contact your broker | COSEBene tPlan.com

BOOST & EXCEL

The Wishmaker House Bed & Breakfast, Restaurant and Winery

BUILD & GROW

Alpine Electric Inc

BP Electric of Ohio Inc

Buckeye Community School

Buckeye Horizon

Coffman Corvette, LLC

Contact Industries

Dairy Queen MDQ Inc

Discount Parts Exchange

ENGAGE & CONNECT

Bartley and Bolin Inc.

Charlie’s Body Shop, Inc.

Hurdle Enterprises Inc

IST US

Jeromesville Community Fire District

Kilgore, Herring & Associates LLP

Kiwanis Club of Mansfield

Lawsen Equipment

LegalShield & IDShield

Love on a Mission

Mansfield-Richland County Public Library

Martini’s

Morrison Drapery & Blinds

Murray Law Offices

McDonald’s SSM Inc.

Music Academy of Karate and Empowerment

Pillar Credit Union

Reflections Salon & Spa

Richland Screw Machine Products, Inc.

TMS+ Digital Marketing

Universal Enterprises Inc.

Precision Products & Machine Inc

Prusinski Eye Care Inc

Refined Roofing & Siding LLC

Richland County Home Buyers, LLC

Scheurer Distributing

Schroeder’s Grain Farm

Sedgwick

Settlement Construction

Shelby/Mansfield KOA Resort

The Autism Center

Third Street Family Health Services

Thompson Memorials, LLC

Van’s Tire Pros of Mansfield

Vetter Law Offices

JULY RIBBON CUTTINGS

Sutton Bank

Sutton Bank has proudly served individuals, families, and businesses for nearly 150 years, building a legacy rooted in trust, stability, and community. From personal banking to agricultural and small business lending, the bank is dedicated to helping customers achieve their financial goals through every stage of life. As a true community partner, Sutton Bank is committed to giving backsupporting local non-profits, schools, and civic organizations that strengthen the places we call home. With a continued focus on personalized service and local decision-making, Sutton Bank remains the relationship bank of choice, helping our communities grow and succeed for generations to come. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

The Chamber wants to be sure you are receiving emails containing important information for your business. If someone on your staff is not getting our emails, be sure to request to be added.

Email us here with the subject line “include in email list”.

Stay calm.

(The housing market can smell fear.)

Don’t panic. Our home loan experts are here to help. And for even less stress, ask us about options that could lower your down payment. So the entire process feels less like “Where do I begin?” and more like “Well, that’s a relief.” mymechanics.com/mortgages

Subject

Sign up for One session or all Three!

Back to Business School - Your AI Org Chart : Build

a Team That Works While You Sleep

Most small businesses know AI matters. Almost no one knows how to use it past ChatGPT and a few prompts. That’s like owning a rocket ship and driving it to the grocery store.

In this hour, Vinyl Marketing shows you what AI does when you stop treating it as a tool and start treating it as an employee. We’ll walk the difference between prompting and building real systems: a brain that knows your business, teammates that draft, research, and follow up, and workflows that run while you sleep. You stay the reviewer who approves the work instead of the one buried in it.

You’ll leave able to name the first role you’d hand to an AI employee, and see how a small team gets more done without adding the next hire.

What You’ll Walk Away With

• The real difference between prompting and building a system (a brain, teammates, and workflows), and why “AI = ChatGPT” is holding you back

• The first job in your business worth handing to an AI employee

• How owners buy time back and multiply a small team without adding headcount

Back to Business School - Digital Marketing Trends

Marketing is constantly evolving, but the fundamentals of connecting with customers haven’t changed. Whether you’re attracting new business, improving your website, creating content, strengthening your on-site messaging, or building trust online, the most effective marketing starts with understanding what your audience truly needs.

In this session, DRM Productions will share practical strategies that help businesses create a better customer experience at every touchpoint. Through real-world examples and proven marketing principles, you’ll learn how small changes can make a big impact on attracting customers, building credibility, and turning interest into action.

Whether you’re managing your own marketing or working with a team, you’ll leave with actionable ideas you can start implementing right away.

What You’ll Walk Away With

• A better understanding of what today’s customers expect before they choose to do business with you.

• Practical ways to improve your website, messaging, and overall customer experience.

• Ideas for creating content that builds trust and keeps your business top of mind.

• Simple strategies to make your marketing work together across multiple channels.

• Actionable takeaways you can apply immediately, regardless of your budget or business size.

Back to Business School - Getting Your Business Noticed: When to Pitch the Newsroom, When to Advertise, and How to Make Both Work

Sometimes the hardest part isn’t telling your story. It’s recognizing when you have one.

Most business owners don’t have a communications team. They have ideas, announcements and milestones—and a nagging feeling they should probably tell people about them.

But how?

Join the Richland Source team for a hands-on workshop where we’ll help you identify opportunities, decide whether they belong in the newsroom, in advertising or somewhere else entirely, and workshop real examples together.

Bring something happening in your business. You’ll leave with a clearer plan for how to share it—and the confidence to know why.

2026 Small Business of the Year Awards Nomination

To be considered for the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development Small Business of the Year Awards, the nominated business must:

• Be headquartered in Richland County

• Employ 250 or fewer full-time equivalent employees

• In operation for at least three years

• Have annual sales revenue of less than $20M

• Demonstrate an active concern for the community

Eligible applicants will be judged on the following:

• Business History & Performance

• Staff Training & Motivation

• Community Involvement

• Customer Service

• Business Strategies & Goals

To be considered for the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development Non-Profit of the Year Awards, the nominated business must:

• Be headquartered in Richland County

• Total budget of $2M or less

• In operation for at least three years

• Must be a 501c3 organization

Eligible applicants will be judged on the following:

• Collaboration with other organizations

• Employee Practices

• Financial Performance (diversification, income streams, rainy day fund, etc.)

• Customer Service

• Strategic Planning – long range

A CALL FOR NOMINATIONS!

Richland Area Chamber ATHENA Leadership Award

Nominate an exceptional woman for the Richland Area Chamber ATHENA Leadership Award! This prestigious recognition celebrates individuals who excel professionally, contribute to their community, and empower other women. Nominees should have ties to north central Ohio. Be a part of this distinguished tradition and submit your nomination by October 2, 2026. Recognize remarkable women in the categories of professional support, business accomplishments, community service, and more.

Join us at our Annual Meeting on February 10, 2027, as we honor these outstanding leaders. Don’t miss the chance to acknowledge their remarkable contributions.

SPONSORED BY:

WELCOME JEFF PARTON

Throughout his career, Jeff has built strong relationships within the business community and developed a real understanding of the challenges and opportunities local organizations face. His experience as a business development officer at a local community bank allowed him to support businesses through financial services, connect them through helpful referrals, and point them toward grants and resources that support growth. Just as important to him has been mentoring others and helping people succeed across the community.

Serving the community is an honor and a privilege, and a chance to meet people who share common interests. Since starting his volunteer work with the Chamber in 2009, he has been proud to contribute to initiatives like Inside Richland County, Leadership Unlimited, Engage Richland, and the Chamber Ambassador Program, along with events including the Non-Profit Fair and the Mayoral Vision Program.

Jeff continues serving community organizations such as the Richland County Land Bank, NAMI Richland County, Downtown Mansfield, and the United Way. His goal is simple: to lead the community at the highest level he can, no matter the role, making friends and helping people along the way.

Even the most attentive caregivers can become distracted Whether it’s a child in a car seat or a pet in

the backseat, it only takes a few minutes for danger to set in, especially in harsh weather conditions.

That’s why Richland Public Health is launching the Look Before You Lock Richland initiative combining smart and simple tools to help prevent hot car incidents before they happen.

This initiative supports all caregivers parents, grandparents, pet owners, and community members with practical safety solutions and peace of mind.

are

How to Participate

Slap Wristbands and Window Cling with Working Thermometer: These easy to use low tech tools remind you (and those around you) to double check your car’s backseat for kids and pets! Contact or visit Richland Public Health to receive yours and start using them today!

Bluetooth Car Seat Sensor: The Doona SensAlert detects the presence of a child on board and warns the caregiver (or emergency contacts) with three incremental levels of alert if the child is left unattended in the car It uses an intelligent cloud-based system to send messages and calls, so it does not depend on the phone's signal or status. To install a Doona SensAlert in your vehicle, you must set up an appointment with an RPH Car Seat Technician *Proof of Richland County residency is required Limit 1 Doona SensAlert per child

it barks or babbles, if it rides in your car it deserves protection Let’s work together to create a community where no loved one is left behind

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

08/14/26

Chamber Coffee at Mechanics Bank, 8:00-9:00am

08/19/26

Women’s Leadership Connection – Servant Leadership in Government and Public Service with State Rep. Marilyn John, DLX Kobacker Room, 11:45am-1:00pm

08/27/26

Membership 101 and / or Member Appreciation Luncheon, Blueberry Patch

09/09/26

Back to Business School – Your AI Org Chart:

Build a Team That Works While You Sleep, DLX Upstairs Restaurant, 11:30am–1:00pm

09/16/26

Back to Business School – Digital Marketing Trends, DLX Upstairs Restaurant, 11:30am–1:00pm

09/17/26

Business After Hours – Alumni Roofing, Alumni Roofing, 4:00–6:00pm

09/23/26

Back to Business School – Getting Your Business Noticed: When to Pitch the Newsroom, When to Advertise, and How to Make Both Work, DLX Upstairs Restaurant, 11:30am–1:00pm

10/21/26

Women’s Leadership Connection, DLX Kobacker Room, 11:45am-1:00pm

10/22/26

Savor and Sip Auction and Food Tasting 2026, Mid Ohio Conference Center, 5-7:30pm

11/5/26

Business After Hours – Adena Corporation, Adena Corporation, 5:00–7:00pm

12/08/26

Small Business of the Year Awards Celebration, Kehoe Center, 11:30am-1:30pm

2/10/27

Annual Meeting and Economic Excellence Awards Dinner 2027, Kehoe Center, 5:00–8:00pm