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CHAMBERLINK CHAMBER LINK RICHLAND AREA CHAMBER & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Second Chances, Stronger Communities event with Damon West.
SEPTEMBER 2026
STAFF Jessica Gribben, OhioCED
Strong Business. Strong Community. Jessica Gribben
President & CEO
President & CEO
Angie Cirone
First, a thank you. This spring we partnered with the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland on the Business Outlook and Trends Survey, better known as BOTS, and Richland County businesses showed up. Your responses surpassed our 50-response goal, which earned our community a custom Richland County report from the Fed in addition to the district-wide findings. That data helps us understand how local businesses are doing and where the Chamber should focus next.
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
The Fed has now published the full survey results, and they are worth your time: View the BOTS survey results. Here is our Richland County specific information. Second, a deadline. The Richland United Comprehensive Plan will shape how our county grows for decades to come, and the community survey behind it is wrapping up. This is your last chance to add your voice. It takes about five minutes, and every response makes the plan a truer reflection of the people who live and work here. If you have not taken it yet, now is the time: Take the community survey. Both projects tell the same story. When we ask this community to speak up for its future, you answer. That is what strong business and strong community look like in practice. With gratitude,
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
Jessica Gribben President & CEO, Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development
KNOW A BUSINESS THAT SHOULD BE A CHAMBER MEMBER? EARN $50! Refer a new member and receive a $50 gift card to the Chamber member business of your choice! You already know the value of Chamber membership – now help another local business or organization discover the benefits! Simply complete the referral form and return it to Jennifer Wagner. We’ll contact the business or organization you recommend, and if they join within 60 days, you’ll receive a $50 gift card for every successful referral. Not sure whether they’re already a member? Search our member directory at richlandareachamber.com or call us at 419-522-3211.
55 N. Mulberry St. Mansfield, OH 44902 Phone: (419) 522-3211 info@richlandareachamber.com
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Spread the word. Support local business. Earn a reward!
Midwest Automotive Trucking Midwest Automotive Trucking is a trusted provider of specialized transportation and logistics solutions serving the automotive recycling industry and has been serving the industry for over 20 years. Beyond delivering freight, their team takes pride in giving back to the place they call home. Through employee donations, volunteer efforts, and company support, Midwest actively contributes to the United Way of Richland County. These efforts help fund local programs that strengthen families, support education, and improve lives across our community.”
2026 SUMMER COURTYARD SERIES
SEPTEMBER SCHEDULE
MECHANICS BANK | 2 S. MAIN STREET | MANSFIELD LIVE PERFORMANCES WILL BE HELD 11:30 A.M.– 1:30 P.M.
SEPT 11
SEPT 18
SHaK The Back Porch Food Co.*
Tom’s Kitchen Table Cub Country*
In the event of inclement weather, visit MyMechanics.com/LiveatLunch for updates. *Food truck items available for purchase
©2024 Medical Mutual of Ohio
Big health benefits 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 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
Thank you to our renewing members! BOOST & EXCEL CCR Fleet Services LLC
Major Metals Company
BUILD & GROW The Center for Cosmetic Dentistry Inc
Brost Foundry
Amerite Tower Corp.
Metronome Music, Inc.
Banks and Associates CPAs LLC
SSIP Insurance Partners
The Ohio State University at Mansfield
R. G. Smith Company
ENGAGE & CONNECT Global Medical Foam, Inc
Braintree Business Development Center
Gionino’s Pizzeria
Charles Mill Marina
Keith’s Drain & Septic Service
Hammett Asphalt Paving Inc
Matt Quinn & Company
Jack P. Stewart, Inc.
McCready Interiors/Norwalk the Furniture Idea
Knapp Electric
Mike Donahue State Farm
Life Steps Counseling Services
Whitaker’s Natural Market
Local Project Pro LLC
Cabin Catering & Events/The Cabin Venue
M1 Church and Kids Academy
Abdo Industrial Machine Services
Maelowe Corp Inc DBA Weber’s
Confident Driving Academy
Mansfield Art Center
Meade Roofing Services
Mansfield Noon Optimist Club
Bake My Day
Mind Body Align, LLC
Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron & Richland Counties, Inc.
North Central State College
DTE
Three Rose Enterprise, LLC
Leaning Tower of Pizza Oak Hill Cottage (Richland County Historical Society) Pacific Impressions Inc. GHSP Bender Communications Inc Blessed Journey, LLC
Pleasant Hill Marina Brechbuhler Scales, Inc. G & M Body and Paint Shop Ooh La La Catering Ora K Beauty Products The Pampered Chef Pivot Creative
Interested in enhancing your member benefits? Contact Jennifer at (419) 522-3211, or jwagner@richlandareachamber.com
AUGUST MEMORABLE MOMENTS Women’s Leadership Connection
Leadership Unlimited Orientation
Second Chances, Stronger Communities event with Damon West
Chamber Coffee at Mechanics Bank6
AUGUST RIBBON CUTTINGS Goin’ Postal Grand opening
The Hollow at Middle Park Disc Golf Course Grand opening
OH Report Grand opening
Refined Roofing & Siding Grand opening
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Westbrook Country Club Westbrook Country Club has stood for generations as one of Richland County’s most distinguished gathering places — where timeless tradition, refined hospitality, and meaningful connection come together effortlessly. A proud member of the Troon Privé collection, Westbrook delivers an elevated private club experience defined by championship golf, exceptional dining, and impeccable service. From elegant weddings to executive retreats and milestone celebrations, every event is curated with thoughtful precision — with many experiences open to members and guests alike. Eight beautifully appointed on-site suites and a vibrant social calendar make every visit worthy of lasting memories.”
IS YOUR STAFF MISSING OUT ON CHAMBER EMAILS? 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”.
Commercial Steel & Aluminum Entry Doors
J&B repairs & replaces steel & Aluminum door systems
Repairs
Steel & Aluminum entrance door repair services include: hinge replacement, continuous gear hinges, exit devices, locksets, door closers, thresholds and weather-stripping.
Replacement
We can remove your old Steel or Aluminum Door systems and replace it with a new one.
* CALL TODAY FOR A QUOTE * 2750 Lexington Avenue • PO BOX 3015 • Mansfield, OH 44904 Phone (419) 884-1155 • (419) 884-1188 • Fax (419) 884-1188 www.jb-ohio.com
PROMOTING YOUR BUSINESS IS EASY WITH THE CHAMBER!
Leave mortgage anxiety OFF your packing list. Our friendly experts make the process of getting a home loan as simply satisfying as popping your extra bubble wrap. They handle the details— you handle your family mementos with care.
mymechanics.com/mortgages
Website | Newsletter | Email | Printed Directory Event Sponsorships | And More! For more information, contact Angie Fanello at 419.522.3211, or afanello@richlandareachamber.com
Subject to credit approval. Additional terms and conditions apply.
E VENT S MADE E ASY Whether it’s business meetings, training sessions, holiday parties, or family gatherings, we make hosting simple. • Flexible Menu • On-site Banquet Space • Catering for groups of any size • Professional Service Book your fall and holiday events now!
419-886-7070
DerDutchmanBellville.com
UPCOMING EVENTS
DATE W E N
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS ALUMNI ROOFING September 24, 2026 4:00–6:00pm REGISTER NOW
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.
MEET OUR PRESENTER:
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
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Colleen Cook, President, Vinyl Marketing
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• 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
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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.
MEET OUR PRESENTERS:
Jon Pierce, President, DRM
Whether you’re managing your own marketing or working with a team, you’ll leave with actionable ideas you can start implementing right away.
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What You’ll Walk Away With
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• A better understanding of what today’s customers expect before they choose to do business with you.
Jay Miller, CEO, DRM
• 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.
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• Actionable takeaways you can apply immediately, regardless of your budget or business size.
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Christina Beauford, Content Specialist, DRM
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.
MEET OUR PRESENTERS:
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?
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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.
Jay Allred, CEO of Source Media Properties
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star Audrey Longstreth, Director of Business Development at Source Media Properties
Small Business of the Year Awards Sponsorship Opportunities
Presenting Sponsor
$6,000 Finalist Video Sponsor
(Exclusive)
• Two (2) tables of 8 at the luncheon • Naming rights (Small Business Awards presented by…) • 4 Minutes at the podium to make remarks at event • Opportunity for a company representative to be an awards presenter • Opportunity to have a promotional table at the event • Logo included in Chamber event emails for this event • Company name listed on all press releases • Logo in Chamber newsletter • Logo on cover of program • Full page color ad in the event program (4.5"w x 7.5" tall) • Table signs with corporate logo • Logo recognition (dedicated slide) on slide presentation • Multiple verbal recognitions at event • Logo & link on event webpage • Be recognized at the nominee breakfast • Logo shared on social media • Right of first refusal for next year
Premier Sponsor
$5,000
(Exclusive)
• One (1) table of 8 at the luncheon • Logo on the “credits” page of each finalist video profile (shown at luncheon & social media) • Opportunity for a company representative to be an awards presenter • Logo included in Chamber event emails for this event • Company name listed on all press releases • Logo in Chamber newsletter • Logo (small) on cover of program • Full page color ad in the event program (4.5"w x 7.5" tall) • Table sign with corporate logo • Logo recognition on slide presentation • Logo & link on event webpage • Recognition at nominee breakfast • Multiple verbal recognitions at event • Logo shared on social media • Right of first refusal for next year
$900 Regional Leader Sponsor
(6 Available)
• One table of 8 at the luncheon • Opportunity to be on stage to present awards • Logo (small) on cover of program • Logo included in Chamber event emails for this event • Logo in Chamber newsletter • Half-page color ad in event program (4.75"w x 3.75" tall) • Table sign with corporate logo • Logo recognition on slide presentation • Multiple verbal recognitions at event • Logo & link on event webpage
Innovator Sponsor
$450
• One table of 8 at the luncheon • Logo (small) in the event program • Table sign with corporate logo • Name recognition on slide presentation • Verbal recognition at event • Company name & link on event webpage
$300 Entrepreneur Sponsor
• 4 seats at the luncheon • Company name in the event program • Name recognition on slide presentation • Verbal recognition at event • Company name and link on event webpage
• 2 seats at the luncheon • Company name in the event program • Verbal recognition at event • Company name on event webpage
Date
Promotion for Your Business Audience: Area business leaders, small business owners & managers, professionals, media, elected officials
$200
DECEMBER 8, 2026
Advertising/Promotion via: Email Blasts, Social Media Posts, Newsletter Ads, Chamber Website, and Event Program
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10th Annual
Calling all Food Vendors!
FREE BOOTH FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS Restaurants, caterers, food trucks... ANYONE in the food industry, join us for the 10th Annual Savor & Sip Auction & Food Tasting on Thursday, October 22 at the Mid-Ohio Conference Center. To register, email Lisa Duckworth at lduckworth@richlandareachamber.com
THE NEW 2026/2027 COMMUNITY GUIDES / CHAMBER MEMBER DIRECTORIES ARE HERE This guide is full of great facts about our area. It is also the perfect way to show off your business and support your fellow Chamber members. Please share them with your staff, residents, and visitors. You can also leave them in your waiting area for customers to take!
NEED MORE COPIES? Four copies were sent to you in the mail, but if you need more, we can deliver them to you in the Richland County area at no charge. Let us know if you need a dozen or a case of 65! Contact Angie Fanello at the Chamber at 419-522-3211, ext. 106 or afanello@richlandareachamber.com.
A CALL FOR NOMINATIONS! Richland Area Chamber ATHENA Leadership Award
2026 Awardee: Ann Downs
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:
NOMINATE
WELCOME YVONNE SMITH As Member Services and Front Desk Coordinator, Yvonne will often be the first face you encounter as you enter the Chamber. She joins our team with over 20 years of Marketing experience, and she is the consummate people person. She loves her community and enjoys getting to know everyone and forging lasting relationships with area businesses. After retiring several years ago from being an Orthodontic Marketing Director, she spent her time volunteering at the Richland County Humane Society and serving on their Board of Directors. But she began to miss engaging with the public, so when the opportunity to be part of the chamber arose, she did not hesitate. She was born in Ogden, Utah at Hill Air Force base and raised in Mansfield, Ohio. She graduated from Madison Comprehensive High School and Bradford College. She lives in Mansfield with her husband Bryan and their rescue beagle Bianca. She lives for the summer weather, cooking, reading, all things to do with animals and loves spending time in New Smyrna Beach, Florida with her family. Please join us in giving Yvonne a warm welcome! 20
FROM THE CHAMBER VAULT
What Was Making Chamber News 50 Years Ago? A look back at what was making news in The Chamber Link, from business and education to public policy and community life. Taken from Vol. V No. 8, September 1976.
THE BIG STORY
GOVERNOR’S BREAKFAST Governor James A. Rhodes addressed more than 150 local business and political leaders at a Chamber-sponsored breakfast at the Mansfield campus of Ohio State University. He also announced a $1 easement across 1,500 feet of Ohio State Reformatory pasture land, which the newsletter said saved Governor Rhodes (center) addresses the Chamber breakfast, September 14, 1976.
Mansfield $4,679. Cabinet members stayed afterward to discuss local issues with area business people.
150+
135
1,500 ft.
$1
business & political leaders
new teachers welcomed
easement announced
annual newsletter subscription
WHAT ELSE WAS IN THE NEWS? BUSINESS
COMMUNITY
LOCAL COMPANIES CHANGE HANDS
NEW TEACHERS WELCOMED
Borg-Warner Plumbing Products and Ideal Electric both completed sales of their Mansfield facilities. BW was expected to continue locally with no major personnel or policy changes; Carrier Corporation took over Ideal and indicated interest in expansion.
The Chamber welcomed 135 of the area’s newest educators at a Sept. 1 luncheon, giving them a chance to meet business leaders, learn about the community and ask questions about the MansfieldRichland area.
PUBLIC HEALTH
CHAMBER BUSINESS
“PIG IN A POKE?” – SWINE FLU
DUES & INFLATION
A full-page article examined the planned “swine flu” vaccination program. It outlined who was considered high risk, the uncertainty surrounding a possible epidemic and expected local vaccine availability through the county health department.
Executive Vice President Larry S. Reed wrote that a combination of rising operating costs and no dues increase since 1970 made a membership dues review necessary. A committee was to study the Chamber’s structure and compare it with other chambers.
CIVIC ISSUES
EDUCATION
CIVIC CENTER SIDELINED
BOARD BACKS SCHOOL LEVY
The Board recommended indefinite deferral of a proposed civic auditorium center, citing financing challenges, current economic conditions and other community and downtown priorities.
The Chamber Board endorsed the 15.13-mill renewal levy for Mansfield City Schools. The newsletter said $3.7 million in local funds – and about $7 million in total funding – were at stake for 1977.
ALSO INSIDE THE SEPTEMBER 1976 ISSUE The Wisdom of Big Brother, a satirical column by U.S. Chamber President Richard L. Lesher, poked fun at federal regulations and agency mistakes. Solicitations approved: fundraising efforts by the League of Women Voters of Mansfield and Colony Club, Inc.
buzz off! buzz off! prevent mosquitoes prevent mosquitoes before they before they bite bite Learn how at richlandhealth.org 22
Your Local One-Stop Media Shop. Video • Web • Graphic Design • 3D Animation Programming • Photography • Digital Signage
DRMINC.COM
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UPCOMING
CHAMBER EVENTS 09/09/26
11/5/26
ack to Business School – Your AI Org Chart: B Build a Team That Works While You Sleep, DLX Upstairs Restaurant, 11:30am–1:00pm
09/16/26
Business After Hours – Adena Corporation, Adena Corporation, 4:00–6:00pm
11/19/26 Chamber Coffee at Roseto Event Venue,
ack to Business School – Digital Marketing B Trends, DLX Upstairs Restaurant, 11:30am–1:00pm
09/23/26 ack to Business School – Getting Your Business B Noticed: When to Pitch the Newsroom, When to Advertise, and How to Make Both Work, DLX Upstairs Restaurant, 11:30am–1:00pm
09/24/26 Business After Hours – Alumni Roofing, 4:00–6:00pm
10/21/26 Women’s Leadership Connection, DLX Kobacker Room, 11:45am-1:00pm
10/22/26
8:00–9:00am
12/08/26 Small Business of the Year Awards Celebration 2026, Kehoe Center, 11:30am-1:30pm
1/27/27 Mayoral Vision 2026 Panel, Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center, 11:00am–1:00pm
2/10/27 Annual Meeting and Economic Excellence Awards Dinner 2027, Kehoe Center, 5:00–8:00pm
6/4/27 Chamber Golf Classic at Deer Ridge Golf Course 2027
Savor and Sip Auction and Food Tasting 2026, Mid Ohio Conference Center, 5:00-7:30pm
10/28/26
Register for these events HERE or visit our event calendar at richlandareachamber.com
HR Working Group, Mansfield Richland County Public Library Community Room, 1st floor, 12:00-1:00pm
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• ADENA CORPORATION • ALUMNI ROOFING CO • MIDWEST AUTOMOTIVE TRUCKING • MILLIRON AUTO PARTS • SENTEC SYSTEMS • AVITA HEALTH SYSTEM • CHARTER NEXT GENERATION • EDGE PLASTICS • HAMILTON INSURANCE GROUP, INC • JAY INDUSTRIES • NEWMAN TECHNOLOGY • SUTTON BANK • WESTBROOK COUNTRY CLUB