Skip to main content

February 2026 ChamberLink Newsletter

Page 1


C H A M B E R CHAMBER L I N K LINK

Richland County Village and City Mayors at the 2026 Mayoral Vision

STAFF

President & CEO

Angie Cirone

Director of Education Foundation & Professional Development

Donnie Clark

Economic Development Project ManagerRichland County

Lisa Duckworth

Director of Programs, Events & Facility Operations

Angie Fanello

Member Engagement & Special Projects Coordinator

Jessica Gribben

Economic & Community Development Director

Kathy Fox

Front Office & Community Sectors Coordinator

Clint Knight

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

Jill Gantt

Workforce Development Coordinator

Sandy Messner

Director of Marketing & Communications

Evan Stuart

Marketing & Legislative Affairs Coordinator

Barrett Thomas

Senior Economic Development Director

Tom Vanderhorst

Finance Specialist

Jennifer Wagner

Director of Member Engagement, Retention & Services

How To Maximize Your Chamber Membership

Jennifer Wagner

Director of Member Engagement, Retention & Services

Dear Valued Chamber Members,

55 N. Mulberry St.

Mansfield, OH 44902

Phone: (419) 522-3211

info@richlandareachamber.com info@richlandareachamber.com

As business owners, professionals, and members of our local business community, we all balance full schedules and multiple demands. Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to overlook some of the resources already available to us, including those that come with your Chamber membership.

Beyond events and networking, your Chamber membership is designed to support you in practical, meaningful ways. Here are just a few valuable benefits you may not be fully utilizing - and how they can work for you:

Visibility & Recognition

Whether you’re looking to increase visibility or share key initiatives, the Chamber offers several channels to help promote your business. From monthly newsletters and weekly e-mail promotions to Community Guide advertising, these opportunities help extend your reach and strengthen awareness throughout the local business community.

Get Connected

The Chamber is often described as a connector, and that’s intentional. Whether you’re looking to meet other business owners, find a referral, or make the right introduction, we’re here to help foster connections that lead to meaningful relationships. From popular events held throughout the year to committee involvement and our Ambassador Program, members have multiple ways to engage and build lasting connections.

Business Retention & Expansion

As part of our commitment to local business success, the Chamber works closely with partners to support business growth, expansion, retention and community development initiatives. If you’re planning for growth, facing challenges, or simply want to talk through what’s next, we’re here as a resource.

Professional & Workforce Opportunities

From educational programming and leadership development to workforce and talent initiatives, the Chamber offers opportunities to support both your professional growth and your team’s development.

Exclusive Member Discounts

Your membership also includes access to exclusive savings and programs, including health insurance and workers’ compensation solutions, designed to help reduce business expenses and deliver meaningful value.

Referrals & Member-to-Member Promotion

One of the most valuable, and often overlooked, benefits of Chamber membership is member-to-member promotion. The Chamber helps connect businesses through referrals and recommendations that help keep business local, while members can also share exclusive deals on our website to further support one another. For example, Chamber members can enjoy a 10% discount at the YMCA and Mansfield Lube, Hercules Express Wash offers $5 off their most popular package - just a few of the many ways our members are investing in each other’s success.

If you’re unsure where to start or want to learn more about how these benefits apply to your business goals, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your Chamber membership is a relationship, and we’re here to make sure you’re getting the most value from it!

With appreciation,

Mansfield’s next chapter is here.

A WestingHOUSE Party celebrates the cleanup milestone and invites everyone to help build what’s next.

SCHEDULE SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2026 10am–10pm

FOOD TRUCKS: ALL DAY

CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL: 10am–1pm

Vendors such as the Buckeye Imagination Museum, United Way's Big Red Bookshelf, Mansfield/Richland County Public Library, and more will provide family-friendly activities. The Performance Dogs of Ohio will provide entertainment at 10:00am and 12:00pm.

The Mansfield Fire Department will have a children's firefighter training course.

Interactive activities such as bounce houses, a dunk tank, yard games, and more!

VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT: 10am–4pm

$25 per player

Minimum of 5 games guaranteed

Winners receive an event shirt and a tournament trophy Register now: ohiosocialsports.com/registration

SKATE OHIO! ATTACK THE SPOT: 2pm–6pm

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT: 6pm–10pm

Shucking Bubba: 8pm–10pm

Fireworks: At Dusk

DATE & TIME

Saturday, June 13, 2026 10:00am–10:00pm

This winter, Kylie will be joining the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development team as a Marketing & Communication Intern under the direction of Marketing & Communications Director, Sandy Messner. Kylie recently graduated with a BA in Integrated Media in May and is also currently pursuing an MBA at Heidelberg University. During her undergraduate studies, Kylie was deeply involved on campus. She served as a Senior Resident Assistant, held leadership roles in multiple student organizations, and was a section leader in the band. After completing her MBA, Kylie hopes to pursue a full-time position in marketing or social media management.

Throughoutherinternship,Kylielooksforwardtoworkingonavarietyofmarketingand communicationsprojectsthatsupporttheChamberandthelocalbusinesses.Sheisespecially excitedtoconnectwiththecommunitythroughChamberevents,learnmultipleaspectsof marketing,andcontinuebuildingbothherpersonalandtechnicalskillsets.Kylieisextremely gratefulforthisopportunity,whichwillhelpprepareherforasuccessfulfuturecareer.

We’rethankfultotheRichlandCountyFoundation-FranandWarrenRuppFund, forfundingKylie’sinternship!

PresentedBy:

ECONOMICFORECASTBREAKFAST

ANDREWR.THOMAS,PHD

SponsoredBy:

UniversityofAkron

KeynoteSpeaker:

Mansfield,OH TUES,3/10/26

AssociateProfessorof InternationalBusiness 8:00AM-9:30PM Mid-OhioConferenceCenter 890West4thStreet

Startyourmorninginformedatthe2026EconomicForecastBreakfastonMarch10,2026.This engagingsessionexploresthemacrotrendsshapingtheU.S.andglobaleconomiesandoffers practicalinsightsforbusinessleadersplanningfortheyearahead.FeaturedspeakerAndrewR. Thomas,PhD,AssociateProfessorofInternationalBusinessattheUniversityofAkron,globalbusiness expert,authorof25books,andcontributingeditoratIndustryWeek,willsharekeyeconomicsignalsto watchforin2026andbeyond.

Joinfellowleadersforaninsightfulstarttoyourdayandstayaheadofemergingeconomicshifts.

KylieHendrix Winter Intern

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 benefit 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 benefits package.

Contact your broker | COSEBenefitPlan.com

ExpoSponsorships

Namingrights(BusinessExpopresentedby…)

Doubleboothspaceatmainentrance,facingincomingguests

FacebookLiveinterviewateventstreamedfromChamber’spage

Bannerwithyourcompanynamehunginprimelocation

YourboothfeaturedoncoverofAprilChamberLinkNewsletter Companylogoonboothmapprovidedtoattendees

Logo(large)onsponsorsignagedisplayedatExpo

Logo(large)ontotebaggiventoattendees

LogoonanymajorprintmediaExpoads

Featuredintervieww/companyrepresentativevialiveradio broadcast NameonExporadioads

Logo&linkonChamberwebsiteforExpo

Paidsocialmediacampaignfeaturingcompanyphoto($$$$)

LogoinChambernewsletter

Upto3itemsintotebaggiventoattendees

LogoonChamberemailblastsforExpo

Inclusioninpressrelease

Rightoffirstrefusalfornextyear

ExpoEveBusiness AfterHoursSponsor

One(1)primeboothspaceintheBus.AfterHoursnetworking area

AfterHoursbannerwithsponsorlogoshunginprimelocation BusinessnameannouncedbyDJmultipletimesthroughoutevent

Nameonboothmapprovidedtoattendees

Nameontotebaggiventoattendees

Logo&linkonChamberwebsiteandregistrationmaterialsfor ExpoEveBusinessAfterHours

Paidsocialmediacampaignfeaturingcompanyphoto($$$)

Logo(small)inChambernewsletter

Upto2itemsintotebaggiventoattendees

LogoonChamberemailblastsforExpoEveBusinessAfterHours Rightoffirstrefusalfornextyear

Save$100onaboothspace

Nameonboothmapprovidedtoattendees

NameonsignagedisplayedatExpo

Nameontotebaggiventoattendees

Nameonanymajorprintmediaadvertising

Name&linkonChamberwebsiteforExpo

Paidsocialmediacampaignfeaturingcompanyphoto($$)

NameinChambernewsletter

One(1)itemintotebaggiventoattendees

NamelistedonChamberemailblastsforExpo

Doubleboothspaceinaprimelocation

Anaislesignwillbehungwithyourcompanynameandalso printedonboothmaps

Logo(large)onboothmapprovidedtoattendees

Logo(large)onsponsorsignagedisplayedatExpo Logo(large)ontotebaggiventoattendees

LogoonanymajorprintmediaExpoads

NameonExporadioads

Logo&linkonChamberwebsiteforExpo

Paidsocialmediacampaignfeaturingcompanyphoto($$$$)

LogoinChambernewsletter

Upto3itemsintotebaggiventoattendees

LogoonChamberemailblastsforExpo Inclusioninpressrelease Rightoffirstrefusalfornextyear

ParkPlaceSponsor

One(1)boothspaceinaprimelocation

Logo(small)onboothmapprovidedtoattendees

Logo(small)onsponsorsignagedisplayedatExpo

Logo(small)ontotebaggiventoattendees

Logoonanymajorprintmediaadvertising

Logo&linkonChamberwebsiteforexpo

Paidsocialmediacampaignfeaturingcompanyphoto($$$)

Logo(small)inChambernewsletter

Upto2itemsintotebaggiventoattendees

LogoonChamberemailblastsforExpo

Save$75onaboothspace

Nameonboothmapprovidedtoattendees

NameonbannerdisplayedatExpo

Nameonanymajorprintmediaadvertising

Name&linkonChamberwebsiteforExpo

PaidExposocialmediacampaignfeaturingcompanyphoto($)

NameinChambernewsletter

NamelistedonChamberemailblastsforExpo

One (1) prime booth space in the B

Item Donation Information

GAME ON! Join us for an 80’s arcade themed luncheon to celebrate your entire team, as Business Professionals Day has leveledup to Team Appreciation Day! the

DONATE A DOOR PRIZE OR GIFT BAG ITEMS

This is a great opportunity to highlight your business! Contributors will be thanked in the program and announced during the drawing.

Option one: Provide a prize for the live drawing (or we can shop for you).

Option two: Donate 400 small items branded with your name or unique to your business. These will be placed in the goodie bag that each participant receives.

To donate an item(s), return the completed form below or contact Lisa Duckworth. Phone: (419) 522-3211 Email: lduckworth@richlandareachamber.com

Business / Organization: ______________________________________________________________________________

Contact Person: __________________________________________ Phone #: ________________________________ Email:__________________________________________________________

Pick one: ___ Item enclosed (for mailed gift certificates) ___ Item will be dropped off / sent to Chamber office

Please respond by Friday, April 10th

NOTE: This event was previously known as Business Professionals Day

SPONSORSHIPS ALSO AVAILABLE!

It’s not too late to sponsor this event! Contact Lisa at (419) 522-3211 or lduckworth@richlandareachamber.com

SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION

GAME ON! Join us for an 80’s arcade themed luncheon to celebrate your entire team, as Business Professionals Day has leveledup to Team Appreciation Day!

Gold ($600)

- Eight (8) Tickets to the event ($256 value!)

- Verbal recognition from the podium at event

- Table sign with corporate logo

- Logo recognition during slide show

- Logo in Chamber newsletter

- Logo on promotional emails

- Logo & link on Chamber event website

- Logo shared on social media

- Logo on event program

Silver ($350)

- Four (4) Tickets to the event ($128 value!)

- Verbal recognition from the podium at event

- Logo recognition during slide show

- Name in Chamber newsletter

- Name on promotional emails

- Name & link on Chamber event website

- Name on event program

Bronze ($200)

- Two (2) Tickets to the event ($64 value!)

- Verbal recognition from the podium at event

- Name recognition during slide show

- Name in Chamber newsletter

- Name on Chamber event website

- Name on event program

Your level of Chamber membership MAY include credit for sponsorship.

Everyone from CEO’s to support staff enjoy this event!

Count Us In! We’re excited to be a Sponsor for the 2026 Team Appreciation Day!

Organization: ______________________________________________________________________________________

Contact Name: _______________________________ Email: _______________________________________________

Phone: _____________________________________ Fax:__________________________________________________

SPONSORSHIP LEVEL (Circle One): GOLD - $600 SILVER - $350 BRONZE - $200

Payment: Check Enclosed Please Invoice VISA/MC/DISC (enter # on line below)

CC#:_________________________________________________ Exp:_____/______ Security Code:

Billing Address of Cardholder: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Contact: Lisa Duckworth Phone: (419) 522-3211 Email: lduckworth@richlandareachamber.com Mail: Richland Area Chamber, 55 N. Mulberry St, Mansfield, OH 44902

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

Register for these events HERE or visit our event calendar at www.richlandareachamber.com

02/11/26 Annual Meeting and Economic Excellence Awards Dinner 2026, Mid Ohio Conference Center, 5-8pm

02/18/26 Women’s Leadership Connection, DLX, 11:45am-1pm

02/27/26 Chamber Coffee, Renaissance Performing Arts Theater, 8-9am

03/10/26 Economic Forecast Breakfast, Mid Ohio Conference Center, 8-9:30am

03/24/26 EmployMEpalooza, Richland Academy of the Arts, 10am-12pm

03/18/26 Business After Hours - Expo Eve, Richland County Fairgrounds, 4-6pm

03/19/26 Business Expo, Richland County Fairgrounds, 10am-4pm

04/29/26 Team Appreciation Day Event, Mid Ohio Conference Center, 11:30am-1pm

06/11/26 Leadership Unlimited Alumni Dinner & Class of 2026 Commencement, DLX, 5:30-7:30pm

06/15/26 Chamber Golf Classic, Westbrook Country Club

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook