Ohioans are accustomed to playing a decisive role in presidential elections. This year, however, Ohio Republicans are also in the unique position of playing a decisive role in the primary season. As many of you know, the candidates for the GOP nomination are campaigning hard in the Buckeye State, and the primary vote on Tuesday, March 6, will have a significant impact on the eventual outcome of the Republican race.
Auglaize County is home to just over 4,000 Republican voters. The Southwestern Auglaize County communities of Minster, New Bremen and New Knoxville are home to one-quarter of those voters. As such, we will play a key role in the primary vote on Tuesday.
While we are not endorsing any candidate, the Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce would like to make their members aware of an upcoming campaign event taking place in the Miami Valley.
On Saturday, March 3, former Massachusetts Governor and Presidential candidate Mitt Romney will be holding a Town Hall Meeting in Dayton. The event will take place at 2:30 PM, and will be held at the USAeroteam, located at 1300 Grange Hall Road in Dayton.
Please attend this exciting campaign event, and ask Governor Romney about his plans to turn around the American economy. This is an opportunity for our members to hear Mr. Romney’s plans and discuss their impact on your businesses, families, and communities.
Here is a link for more detailed information:
http://mittromney.com/states/ohio/events/dayton-town-hall-mitt
The Lockkeeper's House
Friday, March 2, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Chamber honors local organizations with first ever SWAC Chamber Awards at Annual Meeting
The Board of Directors of the Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce recognized several chamber member organizations and individuals at the Annual Meeting, held on February 21st at Faith Alliance Church.
“We’ve never given any awards in the past, and the Board of Directors felt like it was time,” said Scott Frey, Executive Director. “It is important that we celebrate the accomplishments of our member organizations. The board and I developed these three awards to do just that.” The Outstanding Business Person Award was presented to James F. Dicke by board member Sheila Hirschfeld. Dicke recently celebrated his 90th birthday and was very pleased to be recognized by the chamber for his accomplishments in business. Mr. Dicke gave credit for his success to the employees of Crown and the communities where Crown has facilities.
Hirschfeld read the inscription on the plaque:
“The Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce hereby recognizes Mr. James F. Dicke as Outstanding Business Person for his lasting contributions to our local business community. As the founder of the Crown Equipment Corporation in New Bremen Ohio, Mr. Dicke set the standard for what has become one of the top lift truck manufacturers in the industry. Under the leadership of Mr. Dicke, the Crown
Equipment Corporation has contributed significantly to the quality of life in Southwestern Auglaize County.”
Board of Directors President Ben Baumer then presented the “Community and Business Pride Award” to Brad Garmann and Bruce Miller of Garmann & Miller and Associates:
“The Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce hereby recognizes Garmann-Miller and Associates for their contribution to the community of Minster, and the communities in which they do business. Their architectural designs create visual appeal, practical function and utilize “green” energy-saving technologies for the clients they serve. The recent renovation of their Minster office serves as an example of their excellent community stewardship.”
“Our company has come a long way in the 19 years since Bruce (Miller) and I began,” said Garmann. “We’re honored to be awarded with this.” Scott Frey concluded the awards presentation by presenting the “Special Achievement Award” to Wayne York (Village of New Bremen), Delores Stienecker (New Bremen Historic Association), and L. Neal Brady (Miami and Erie Canal Corridor Association-MECCA):
“The Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce hereby recognizes the Special Achievement of the Village of New Bremen, The New Bremen Historic Association and the Miami and Erie Canal Corridor Association, for the development and construction of the Miami and Erie Canal Visitors Center. The facility serves as a testament to the rich history of the communities along the Miami and Erie Canal, and an ideal gateway to the Golden Triangle.”
Frey noted that it took several years of planning and cooperation to bring the Lockkeeper’s House “to life.” “Without the passion, expertise and cooperation of these three organizations, our area wouldn't have this wonderful new resource to attract visitors and educate school-kids,” said Frey. “The Lockkeeper’s House is a great place for the Chamber to conduct its business, and provides an ideal gateway to the Golden Triangle for folks to learn about our rich history and tradition.”
Frey presented Rob Albers the “Past President’s Award” for his two years serving as President of the Board of Directors. “Rob has been an excellent leader on the board and I will miss working with him,” said Frey. Albers left the board in December at the end of his three-year term.
Frey noted that the SWAC Chamber Awards will be nominated and voted on by the chamber membership next year. “We may develop a couple more awards if our membership is interested in recognizing members for other important accomplishments,” said Frey. “There are so many great organizations and people doing great things, this was a difficult process. This is something we really need to do each year.”
“We’ve never given any awards in the past, and the Board of Directors felt like it was time,” said Scott Frey, Executive Director. “It is important that we celebrate the accomplishments of our member organizations. The board and I developed these three awards to do just that.” The Outstanding Business Person Award was presented to James F. Dicke by board member Sheila Hirschfeld. Dicke recently celebrated his 90th birthday and was very pleased to be recognized by the chamber for his accomplishments in business. Mr. Dicke gave credit for his success to the employees of Crown and the communities where Crown has facilities.
Hirschfeld read the inscription on the plaque:
“The Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce hereby recognizes Mr. James F. Dicke as Outstanding Business Person for his lasting contributions to our local business community. As the founder of the Crown Equipment Corporation in New Bremen Ohio, Mr. Dicke set the standard for what has become one of the top lift truck manufacturers in the industry. Under the leadership of Mr. Dicke, the Crown
Equipment Corporation has contributed significantly to the quality of life in Southwestern Auglaize County.”
Board of Directors President Ben Baumer then presented the “Community and Business Pride Award” to Brad Garmann and Bruce Miller of Garmann & Miller and Associates:
“The Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce hereby recognizes Garmann-Miller and Associates for their contribution to the community of Minster, and the communities in which they do business. Their architectural designs create visual appeal, practical function and utilize “green” energy-saving technologies for the clients they serve. The recent renovation of their Minster office serves as an example of their excellent community stewardship.”
“Our company has come a long way in the 19 years since Bruce (Miller) and I began,” said Garmann. “We’re honored to be awarded with this.” Scott Frey concluded the awards presentation by presenting the “Special Achievement Award” to Wayne York (Village of New Bremen), Delores Stienecker (New Bremen Historic Association), and L. Neal Brady (Miami and Erie Canal Corridor Association-MECCA):
“The Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce hereby recognizes the Special Achievement of the Village of New Bremen, The New Bremen Historic Association and the Miami and Erie Canal Corridor Association, for the development and construction of the Miami and Erie Canal Visitors Center. The facility serves as a testament to the rich history of the communities along the Miami and Erie Canal, and an ideal gateway to the Golden Triangle.”
Frey noted that it took several years of planning and cooperation to bring the Lockkeeper’s House “to life.” “Without the passion, expertise and cooperation of these three organizations, our area wouldn't have this wonderful new resource to attract visitors and educate school-kids,” said Frey. “The Lockkeeper’s House is a great place for the Chamber to conduct its business, and provides an ideal gateway to the Golden Triangle for folks to learn about our rich history and tradition.”
Frey presented Rob Albers the “Past President’s Award” for his two years serving as President of the Board of Directors. “Rob has been an excellent leader on the board and I will miss working with him,” said Frey. Albers left the board in December at the end of his three-year term.
Frey noted that the SWAC Chamber Awards will be nominated and voted on by the chamber membership next year. “We may develop a couple more awards if our membership is interested in recognizing members for other important accomplishments,” said Frey. “There are so many great organizations and people doing great things, this was a difficult process. This is something we really need to do each year.”
Monday, February 20, 2012
Local professionals address workforce development issues
There have been reports that “manufacturing is dead” in the U.S. and that most of the good manufacturing jobs have gone overseas. The truth is of course, quite the opposite of what some folks are reporting. A group of professionals in west central Ohio has come together to form the West Central Ohio Workforce Development Initiative (WCOWDI) in an effort to connect local workers with good paying, skilled trades jobs available here in Mercer and Auglaize Counties. The WCOWDI has been meeting regularly since late last summer and includes people from the following organizations: Wright State University Lake Campus, Rhodes State, Apollo Career Center, the West Central Ohio Manufacturing Consortium, Upper Valley Career Center, Tri Star Career Compact, Mercer County Economic Development Office and the Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce. The group is led by Village of New Bremen Economic Development Director Angela Hamberg.
The WCOWDI has assembled two skilled trades training programs, one for CNC operators and one for welders. These programs take 10 weeks to complete, providing students the skills they need to be qualified for jobs with local manufacturers. “As a result of the open house we held at Tri-Star in St Marys in November, we have 4 candidates enrolled in CNC training at Rhodes State College in Lima,” said Hamberg. “We also have two welding candidates awaiting placement in one of our welding training programs.” The WCOWDI group has developed the training programs, and will pre-screen candidates and provide drug testing prior to the training. Based on the results of the pre-screening requirements, candidates may be eligible for a scholarship or sponsorship. Once the candidates successfully complete the training, they will be able to interview with local manufacturers for available positions.
“We have had a very positive response from our local manufacturers so far,” said Hamberg. “Several companies and organizations have stepped up to provide scholarship dollars to help with the cost of the training. They have also provided us with the basic qualifications they will be seeking in new hires within their companies.” The WCOWDI is presently working to market the training to potential candidates in west central Ohio with two important ideas. “First of all, people need to realize that there are good paying, stable job available in manufacturing here locally,” said Scott Frey, Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. “Parents and students need to consider the opportunities available in skilled trades today. Manufacturing jobs pay well, are much safer and can lead to higher earning opportunities than ever before. This workforce development effort is so important locally that we’ve asked Angela (Hamberg) to address the Chamber of Commerce at our annual meeting later this month.”
Julie Miller, Development Officer with the Western Ohio Education Foundation and MBA Program Director at WSU Lake Campus noted that “today’s worker needs to be constantly upgrading skills to meet the changing advanced manufacturing environment. In addition to CNC and welding, there is strong employer demand for mastery in automation, PLC's, robotics and more,” said Miller. “Students pursuing a manufacturing pathway in technical education can also stack these skills to earn credit if desired.”
For more information about local workforce development, and assistance with skilled training, contact Angela Hamberg at (419) 629-2447.
The WCOWDI has assembled two skilled trades training programs, one for CNC operators and one for welders. These programs take 10 weeks to complete, providing students the skills they need to be qualified for jobs with local manufacturers. “As a result of the open house we held at Tri-Star in St Marys in November, we have 4 candidates enrolled in CNC training at Rhodes State College in Lima,” said Hamberg. “We also have two welding candidates awaiting placement in one of our welding training programs.” The WCOWDI group has developed the training programs, and will pre-screen candidates and provide drug testing prior to the training. Based on the results of the pre-screening requirements, candidates may be eligible for a scholarship or sponsorship. Once the candidates successfully complete the training, they will be able to interview with local manufacturers for available positions.
“We have had a very positive response from our local manufacturers so far,” said Hamberg. “Several companies and organizations have stepped up to provide scholarship dollars to help with the cost of the training. They have also provided us with the basic qualifications they will be seeking in new hires within their companies.” The WCOWDI is presently working to market the training to potential candidates in west central Ohio with two important ideas. “First of all, people need to realize that there are good paying, stable job available in manufacturing here locally,” said Scott Frey, Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. “Parents and students need to consider the opportunities available in skilled trades today. Manufacturing jobs pay well, are much safer and can lead to higher earning opportunities than ever before. This workforce development effort is so important locally that we’ve asked Angela (Hamberg) to address the Chamber of Commerce at our annual meeting later this month.”
Julie Miller, Development Officer with the Western Ohio Education Foundation and MBA Program Director at WSU Lake Campus noted that “today’s worker needs to be constantly upgrading skills to meet the changing advanced manufacturing environment. In addition to CNC and welding, there is strong employer demand for mastery in automation, PLC's, robotics and more,” said Miller. “Students pursuing a manufacturing pathway in technical education can also stack these skills to earn credit if desired.”
For more information about local workforce development, and assistance with skilled training, contact Angela Hamberg at (419) 629-2447.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Visions of a Lockkeeper's Christmas!
With dozens of beautifully decorated displays to choose from, it will be difficult to choose your favorite! Among the display items are a beautiful nativity, a patriotic tree honoring our military heroes, themed trees, vintage trees, classic trees, tabletop decorations, scenes, antqiues, photos, classic trees and modern trees. Stop by to visit and vote for your favorite!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Christmas Tree Festival to begin Dec 1st in New Bremen!
The New Bremen Historic Association is unveiling their 1st Annual Christmas Tree Festival following the New-Bremen-New Knoxville Rotary Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on Thursday Dec 1st. The tree lighting takes place at 6:30 pm at Lock One North in downtown New Bremen. Visitors are invited to visit the Lockkeeper’s House afterwards to see the many decorations and Christmas trees on display.
The Lockkeeper’s House has been decorated from top to bottom,” said Scott Frey, Executive Director of the Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce. “The New Bremen Historic Association has begun what I hope will become an annual tradition. It’s nice to see the community come together at this time of year to decorate and enjoy the holiday season.” The New Bremen Historic Association will hold an open house on Sunday December 4th, from 1:30 pm until 4:00 pm for folks to come visit the Lockkeeper’s House and enjoy the beautiful decorations. Otherwise, the public can visit the Lockkeeper’s House during chamber of commerce hours from 9:00 -11:00 am and 1:00 - 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorite tree or decoration. The votes will be tallied and prizes will be awarded to the winning displays. There is no cost to see the decorations.
“The New Bremen Historic Association provides an important service to our community, by helping to preserve a living record of our local history,” said Frey. “This event is a way for the community to come out and support our local historians and thank them for this service.” Proceeds raised from the Christmas Tree Festival participants will benefit the New Bremen Historic Association.
The Lockkeeper’s House has been decorated from top to bottom,” said Scott Frey, Executive Director of the Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce. “The New Bremen Historic Association has begun what I hope will become an annual tradition. It’s nice to see the community come together at this time of year to decorate and enjoy the holiday season.” The New Bremen Historic Association will hold an open house on Sunday December 4th, from 1:30 pm until 4:00 pm for folks to come visit the Lockkeeper’s House and enjoy the beautiful decorations. Otherwise, the public can visit the Lockkeeper’s House during chamber of commerce hours from 9:00 -11:00 am and 1:00 - 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorite tree or decoration. The votes will be tallied and prizes will be awarded to the winning displays. There is no cost to see the decorations.
“The New Bremen Historic Association provides an important service to our community, by helping to preserve a living record of our local history,” said Frey. “This event is a way for the community to come out and support our local historians and thank them for this service.” Proceeds raised from the Christmas Tree Festival participants will benefit the New Bremen Historic Association.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Small Business Saturday, November 26th, 2011
Think about how much of an impact your local merchants have on your local economy! The folks at American Express know this, and they know it well! They've created the "Small Business Saturday" movement and it is really gaining momentum in its second year. The idea not only to "shop small" but to publicly pledge to do so and invite your network to do the same.
Here's why this is so important:
Typically, about $.68 of every $1.00 spent locally remains in the local economy and "turns over" an estimated 6 times. Local business pays local employees, buys local suplies and services, pays local taxes. However, many local businesses invest in their communities by donating money, good and services to schools, churches, food pantries and other non-profits. It's also important to note that small businesses employ the majority of workers in the U.S. And, from my perspective and experience I have found that small businesses typically provide the best consultation during the purchase process and best service after the sale.
So, visit www.smallbusinesssaturday.com and "Shop Small" on Saturday November 26th, 2011!
Here's why this is so important:
Typically, about $.68 of every $1.00 spent locally remains in the local economy and "turns over" an estimated 6 times. Local business pays local employees, buys local suplies and services, pays local taxes. However, many local businesses invest in their communities by donating money, good and services to schools, churches, food pantries and other non-profits. It's also important to note that small businesses employ the majority of workers in the U.S. And, from my perspective and experience I have found that small businesses typically provide the best consultation during the purchase process and best service after the sale.
So, visit www.smallbusinesssaturday.com and "Shop Small" on Saturday November 26th, 2011!
Friday, November 11, 2011
German Family Christmas offers shoppers chance to win big this weekend!!
“This year, we’re trying something a little different with German Family Christmas,” said Scott Frey, Executive Director of the Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce. “Businesses and organizations across the Golden Triangle have donated items and gift certificates for our three prize packages.” Frey explained that shoppers can register to win at each of the participating locations during German Family Christmas weekend November 11th, 12th and 13th. “We’ll draw a third place winner, a second place winner and then a Grand Prize Winner from all the entries collected over the weekend,” said Frey. “Our grand prize package is worth over $1,500.00, the second prize package is worth over $900.00 and the third prize package is worth over $600.00. We asked our chamber members to help support this year’s event and they did in a huge way.”
Donations came in from over 40 businesses including: Lock One Theater; Auglaize-Mercer Family YMCA; Locust St Consulting; New Bremen CIC; Minster Dental; the Village of Minster; Cisco & Co; The Cornerstone Shop; New Bremen Coffee Co. and Books; SecurCom; SaraPaper; New Bremen Schools; Jason This, Atty.; New Bremen Massage Clinic; State of the Heart Hospice; Lock One Community Arts; Westy’s Signature Flooring; Emmy’s Bridal; Western Ohio True Value Hardware; New Bremen Insurance Agency; The Community Post; New Bremen Historic Association; The Crown Store; The New Bremen Store; Sandy Thieman/Miller Insurance; the Miltner Law Firm; Otterbein Senior Lifestyle Choices; Miller’s Textile Service; La Piazza New Bremen; Heritage Manor; Elmwood Assisted Living of New Bremen; Piggy Prints Pottery; Jenni’s Hallmark; Wagner’s IGA; New Knoxville Supply; Gilberg Furniture; Homan Custom Interiors; RB Advertising; Garmann-Miller Architects, Topsy Turvy Toys, Grand Lake Health Systems and Trupointe Cooperative.
Some business donated their own gift cards and products, while others donated chamber of commerce gift certificates. Highlights include a 1-year membership to the Auglaize-Mercer County Family YMCA and two season tickets for New Bremen boys basketball. “Our winners will be very pleased with their gifts,” said Frey. “This adds some excitement to the weekend, to go along with the fun holiday atmosphere the shoppers will enjoy with our merchants. We cannot thank our chamber members enough for their generous donations.”
A list of participating merchants and details about German Family Christmas can be found on the chamber website at www.auglaize.org and by “liking” the Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce on facebook at www.facebook.com/SWACChamberGuy.
Donations came in from over 40 businesses including: Lock One Theater; Auglaize-Mercer Family YMCA; Locust St Consulting; New Bremen CIC; Minster Dental; the Village of Minster; Cisco & Co; The Cornerstone Shop; New Bremen Coffee Co. and Books; SecurCom; SaraPaper; New Bremen Schools; Jason This, Atty.; New Bremen Massage Clinic; State of the Heart Hospice; Lock One Community Arts; Westy’s Signature Flooring; Emmy’s Bridal; Western Ohio True Value Hardware; New Bremen Insurance Agency; The Community Post; New Bremen Historic Association; The Crown Store; The New Bremen Store; Sandy Thieman/Miller Insurance; the Miltner Law Firm; Otterbein Senior Lifestyle Choices; Miller’s Textile Service; La Piazza New Bremen; Heritage Manor; Elmwood Assisted Living of New Bremen; Piggy Prints Pottery; Jenni’s Hallmark; Wagner’s IGA; New Knoxville Supply; Gilberg Furniture; Homan Custom Interiors; RB Advertising; Garmann-Miller Architects, Topsy Turvy Toys, Grand Lake Health Systems and Trupointe Cooperative.
Some business donated their own gift cards and products, while others donated chamber of commerce gift certificates. Highlights include a 1-year membership to the Auglaize-Mercer County Family YMCA and two season tickets for New Bremen boys basketball. “Our winners will be very pleased with their gifts,” said Frey. “This adds some excitement to the weekend, to go along with the fun holiday atmosphere the shoppers will enjoy with our merchants. We cannot thank our chamber members enough for their generous donations.”
A list of participating merchants and details about German Family Christmas can be found on the chamber website at www.auglaize.org and by “liking” the Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce on facebook at www.facebook.com/SWACChamberGuy.
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