Annual Meeting and Economic Excellence Awards Dinner 2026
STAFF
Ellen Heinz, M.Ed., OhioCED
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
Explore the 2025 Annual Report
Sandy Messner
Director of Marketing & Communications
We are proud to share the 2025 Annual Report, highlighting a year of elevated work and increased momentum across Richland County. As we reflect on the past year, one thing is clear…our members, partners, investors, and community leaders continue to make meaningful progress possible.
Through the collective efforts of the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development, Richland Community Development Group, and the Mansfield-Richland Area Educational Foundation, 2025 was marked by expanded partnerships, strengthened advocacy, workforce growth, and transformational investment across the county. Throughout the report, we are also pleased to showcase our incredible members and community partners through engaging photography captured at events and milestones across the year, reflecting the energy and collaboration that define our work.
Some of our 2025 highlights include:
• 1,101 Chamber members, reinforcing one of the largest Chambers in Ohio
• More than 4,600 event attendees across 30 Chamber events
• 60 ribbon cuttings celebrating business openings, expansions, and milestones
• Launch of The Economic Edge, our new economic development newsletter
• Creation of the Richland County Port Authority, with three projects approved in its first six months
• Over $160 million in estimated regional investment
• $250,000+ secured for workforce training grants
• 1,000+ students engaged through LeaderRichland and youth programming
View the full 2025 Annual Report here:
View the 2025 Highlight Video here:
As we look ahead, we remain focused on advocacy, talent attraction, business support, economic development, and strengthening connections across our Family of Communities. Thank you for your continued investment, engagement, and leadership. Together we are creating additional momentum for an even brighter future!
55 N. Mulberry St.
Mansfield, OH 44902
Phone: (419) 522-3211
info@richlandareachamber.com info@richlandareachamber.com
With appreciation,
Sandy Messner
Director of Marketing & Communication
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
Item Donation Information
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. NOTE: This event was previously known as Business Professionals Day 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!
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 #: ________________________________
Pick one: ___ Item enclosed (for mailed gift certificates) ___ Item will be dropped off / sent to Chamber office
Please respond by Friday, April 10th
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
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
Learn more at: brandrichland.com/a-westinghouse-party LOCATION
Former Westinghouse Site, 200 E. Fifth St., Mansfield, OH
DATE & TIME
Saturday, June 13, 2026 10:00am–10:00pm
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
Register for these events HERE or visit our event calendar at www.richlandareachamber.com
03/10/26 Economic Forecast Breakfast, Mid Ohio Conference Center, 8-9:30am
03/18/26 Business After Hours - Expo Eve, Richland County Fairgrounds, 4-6pm
03/19/26 Business Expo, Richland County Fairgrounds, 10am-4pm
03/24/26 EmployMEpalooza, Richland Academy of the Arts, 10am-12pm
04/15/26 Women’s Leadership Connection - Nicole Derr, DLX, 11:45am-1pm
04/24/26 Discover Richland - Harvest Horizons Tour, 8:30am-4:30pm
04/29/26 Team Appreciation Day Event, Mid Ohio Conference Center, 11:30am-1pm
05/15/26 Cleveland Guardians Baseball Trip
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
08/05/26 Inspirational Talk: Damon West, Mid Ohio Conference Center, 9am-10:30am
10/22/26 Savor & Sip, Mid Ohio Conference Center, 5-7:30pm
12/08/26 Small Business of the Year Awards, Kehoe Center, 11:30am-1:30pm
