CHAMBER LINK
Mayoral Vision 2025
STAFF
Ellen Heinz, M.Ed., OhioCED
President & CEO
Angie Cirone
Director of Education Foundation & Profesional Development
Phone extension 103
Lisa Duckworth
Director of Programs, Events & Facility Operations
Phone extension 105
Angie Fanello
Member Engagement & Special Projects Coordinator
Jessica Gribben
Economic & Community Development
Manager
Phone (419) 342-4159
Kathy Fox
Front Office & Sectors Coordinator
Phone extension 107
Clint Knight
Director of Workforce Development/ Area 10 Workorce Dev. Board
Administrative Director
Phone extension 112
Sandy Messner
Director of Marketing, Communications & Extrenal Contracts
Phone extension 104
Evan Stuart
Marketing Coordinator & Legislative
Affais Support
Phone extension 115
Barrett Thomas
Senior Economic Development
Director
Phone extension 111
Jennifer Wagner
Director of Membership, Retention, Engagement & Recruitment Services
Phone extension 110
55 N. Mulberry St.
Mansfield, OH 44902
Phone: (419) 522-3211
Fax: (419) 526-6853
info@richlandareachamber.com
Explore the 2024 Annual Report
Sandy Messner Director of Marketing, Communications & Extrenal Contracts
We are excited to share the 2024 Annual Report, highlighting a year of growth, collaboration, and impact. As we reflect on the past year, it’s clear that our Chamber members, business partners, and community leaders played a vital role in advancing Richland County’s success.
From celebrating 125 years of the Chamber to securing funding for key economic development projects, expanding workforce initiatives, and launching award-winning programs, this report showcases the collective efforts of our three organizations: Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development, Richland Community Development Group, and the Mansfield-Richland Area Educational Foundation. Together, we worked to support businesses, strengthen communities, and invest in workforce development that will drive long-term success.
Some 2024 highlights include:
• 1,084 total members, showcasing the Chamber’s strength and dedication to economic development.
• 5,040 event attendees, engaging in networking, education, and business growth opportunities.
• BrandRichland video earned two major awards, enhancing community visibility and business recruitment efforts.
• Nearly 200 attendees at Legislative Business After Hours, connecting business leaders with elected officials.
• BuildRichland initiative launched, streamlining regulatory processes and fostering a business-friendly environment.
• Secured $4 million in funding for industrial site development, paving the way for future business expansions.
• 30 new jobs and $45M in capital investment secured through a Shelby manufacturer’s expansion.
• $250K awarded for workforce training, supporting upskilling in medical and manufacturing careers.
• 1,000+ students participated in LeaderRichland, engaging with career pathways and local industries.
• 120 participants attended a cybersecurity series, enhancing business resilience against cyber threats.
View the full 2024 Annual Report here:
As we look to 2025, we are excited to build on this momentum with new programs, stronger partnerships, and even greater opportunities for our members. Thank you for being a part of this journey! We can’t wait to see what’s ahead!
Thank you to our renewing members!
CATALYTIC LEADERS / PLATINUM
CATALYTIC LEADER / GOLD SHAPE & THRIVE
BOOST & EXCEL
Cooper Enterprises, Inc.
J & B Accoustical, Inc.
Love's Travel Stops
Roby-Foster-Miller-Earick Insurance
BUILD & GROW
Amerascrew, Inc.
Arbors at Mifflin
Bookwalter and Skulski Orthodontics
Central Ohio Warehouse, LLC
Cole Distributing, Inc.
Eberts Heating & Cooling
Hill International Trucks
ENGAGE & CONNECT
Adams, Albert & Curry Agency
APO Pumps and Compressors
Apple of My Eye Imaging, LLC
Axe Social Lounge
B-Dry System of NCO, Inc
BES-3D, LLC
CAJO Healing Therapies
Central Ohio Joint Fire District
Chem-Tech Consultants, Inc
Chicago Title Agency of North
Central Ohio, Inc.
City Garden Cafe
City of Shelby
Cline Fire
Community Action Commission of
Erie, Huron & Richland Counties, Inc
Crossroads Church
Deca Manufacturing
Dream Huge Realty
Drouhard Studio Jewelers
Dzugan Real Estate Services
Eichinger Brafford McClead Group,
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
Element of Art Studio/Gallery
Schmidt Security Pro Skybox Packing, LLC.
Ohio
Rupp, Inc.
Mansfield Brick & Supply
Moritz Concrete
Moritz Materials, Inc
Pinnacle Building Services
Redemption Recovery Group, LLC.
Shaffer, Johnston, Lichtenwalter &
Associates, Inc
Fanello Concrete
Galion Assisted Rentals
Good Clean Fon, LLC
Gordon Flesch Company
Hall's Auto Sales, Inc
Helen Brown CPA, LLC
Hempy Water
Hi-Tech Home Inspections
JDog Junk Removal and Hauling Mid Ohio
Kimmyscucina, LLC
Knox Title Agency Inc. Dba ACS Title &
Closing Services
Lennox Real Estate
Main Mulch Supply, LLC
Mansfield Art Center
Mansfield Cemetery Association, Inc
Mansfield Fire Museum, Inc
Mansfield UMADAOP
Mohican Adventures River Trips, Camp,
Cabins, & Fun Center
Mound Agency of Ohio, Inc
My Floors Kitchen & Bath Remodeling
Once Upon a Child
Phil Hicks Sweeping & Snow Plowing
Purdy Construction Company
Interested in enhancing your member benefits?
Contact Jennifer at (419) 522-3211, or jwagner@ richlandareachamber.com
Ott Medical
The Voegele Historic Lofts
Weiss Industries
Westmeister Farm
Snyder Funeral Homes, Inc
Starfish Project of Richland County
Superior Cleaning & Recovery
Taking Root Farms
Tara's Floral Expressions
Texas Roadhouse
Text Loyal
The Food Tour
The Ideal Electric Power Co
Thornton Powder Coating, Inc
Total Performance, Inc.
Village of Plymouth
Vineta Group, LLC
Weldon Huston & Keyser LLP
Werner-Gompf Funeral Services,
Ltd
Zeiter Leasing, Inc
Renewals reflect paid dues received from 12/27/2024 through 01/27/2025
Skate
Warren
R E G I S T E R
R e n e t a i s a d e d i c a t e d p h y s i c a l f i t n e s s p r o f e s s i o n a l w h o s e j o u r n e y i n m a r t i a l a r t s b e g a n i n
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The Gorman-Rupp Company was founded in 1933 during the worst depression in U S history It was during this year that J C Gorman and H E Rupp, two entrepreneurs from Mansfield, Ohio, pooled $1,500 – along with other considerable talents and fortitude – and began making pumps in a barn on the outskirts of town
In an industry that lacked a clear market leader, Gorman and Rupp saw an opportunity to excel, establishing their new company upon a mission statement that dictated it would “enter a field of pumping service only when able to provide superior products with better performance ”
The company, which began with a handshake on a sidewalk in downtown Mansfield, now stands as a leader in its field and boasts a history of innovation, improvement and quality that continue to set standards for the industry.
Still headquartered in Mansfield, that original barn has grown to over one million square feet of manufacturing and warehousing in the U S , Canada, Europe and Africa GormanRupp manufactures over 3,000 different pump models Around the world, Gorman-Rupp is chosen as the superior pumping solution in the water, wastewater, industrial, construction, mining, petroleum, aircraft refueling, OEM, government and agricultural markets It goes to prove that there is no limit on what dedicated men and women can accomplish when they put their heads – and their hands – together
your local, independent bank,
JANUARY RIBBON CUTTINGS
Exclusively for Chamber members, the Member Message Email Marketing program is your ticket to directly engage with over 2,300 employees of Chamber member businesses. Here’s a quick rundown:
•Timing and Exclusivity: Your Member Message email goes out on Tuesdays or Thursdays, ensuring maximum visibility as the sole sender on your chosen day.
•Reservation and Availability: Due to high demand, each member can send one message per quarter. Secure your preferred date by reserving early.
•Open Rates and Cost: Enjoy an impressive 30% average open rate for just $175 per email blast ($150 for non-profits).
•Ease of Process: Provide your content in a PDF or share text, 1-2 images (like your logo), and up to 3 links. Supply content 3-5 days before your slot for a proof before sending.
Don’t miss out! Amplify your marketing with Member Message Email Marketing and make a lasting im-pact on the Chamber community. Contact Evan Stuart at estuart@richlandareachamber.com to get started!
CONTACT
4TH STREET COFFEE HOUSE Grand Opening
SNAP FITNESS MANSFIELD – LEXINGTON Grand Opening
BUCKEYE IMAGINATION MUSEUM Vendors Market Exhibit
INSTITUTE FOR ORGANIZATION MANAGEMENT
RICHLAND COUNTY COMISONERS MEETING
CHAMBER COFFEE - THE RENAISSANCE PERFORMING ARTS THEATER
MAYORAL VISION 2025
BlueScope Recycling
Eichinger Brafford McClead Group, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
The IDEAL Electric Power Co. THANK
HW&Co. CPAs & Advisors
ArcelorMittal Tubular Products - Shelby
Destination Mansfield - Richland County
Directions Credit Union
Nyte Flyte Entertainment
Richland Source
Shanna Stapleton Events
Koorsen Fire & Security
Brightspeed Business
Columbia Gas of Ohio
Dan Lew Exchange
Sutton Bank
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
18TH ANNUAL 18TH ANNUAL BUSINESS EXPO BUSINESS EXPO
Naming rights (Business Expo presented by )
$3,000
(Limited to One) (Limited to Four)
Double booth space at main entrance, facing incoming guests
Facebook Live interview at event streamed from Chamber’s page
Banner with your company name hung in prime location
Your booth featured on cover of April Chamber Link Newsletter
Company logo on booth map provided to attendees
Logo (large) on sponsor banner displayed at Expo
Logo (large) on tote bag given to attendees
Logo (large) on posters displayed at Expo
Logo on any major print media Expo ads
Featured interview with company representative via live radio broadcast
Name on Expo radio ads
Logo & link on Chamber website for Expo
Paid social media campaign featuring company photo ($$$$)
Logo in Chamber newsletter
Up to 3 items in tote bag given to attendees
Logo on Chamber email blasts for Expo
Inclusion in press release
Right of first refusal for next year
Expo Eve Business After Hours Sponsor
Sponsor $900
One (1) prime booth space in the Bus After Hours networking area
After Hours banner with sponsor logos hung in prime location
Business name announced by DJ multiple times throughout event
Name on booth map provided to attendees
Name on tote bag given to attendees
Logo & link on Chamber website and registration materials for Expo Eve Business After Hours
Paid social media campaign featuring company photo ($$$)
Logo (small) in Chamber newsletter
Up to 2 items in tote bag given to attendees
Logo on Chamber email blasts for Expo Eve Business After Hours
Right of first refusal for next year
Pick of the Litter Sponsors
Save $100 on a booth space
Name on booth map provided to attendees
Name on banner displayed at Expo
Name on tote bag given to attendees
Name on posters displayed at Expo
Name on any major print media advertising
Name & link on Chamber website for Expo
$600
Double booth space in a prime location
Paid social media campaign featuring company photo ($$)
Name in Chamber newsletter
One (1) item in tote bag given to attendees
Name listed on Chamber email blasts for Expo
$1,200
An aisle sign will be hung with your company name and also printed on booth maps
Logo (large) on booth map provided to attendees
Logo (large) on sponsor banner displayed at Expo
Logo (large) on tote bag given to attendees
Logo (large) on posters displayed at Expo
Logo on any major print media Expo ads
Name on Expo radio ads
Logo & link on Chamber website for Expo
Paid social media campaign featuring company photo ($$$$)
Logo in Chamber newsletter
Up to 3 items in tote bag given to attendees
Logo on Chamber email blasts for Expo
Inclusion in press release
Leader of the Pack Sponsors
One (1) booth space in a prime location
Logo (small) on booth map provided to attendees
Logo (small) on sponsor banner displayed at Expo
Logo (small) on tote bag given to attendees
Logo (small) on posters displayed at Expo
Logo on any major print media advertising
Logo & link on Chamber website for expo
Logo (small) in Chamber newsletter
Up to 2 items in tote bag given to attendees
Logo on Chamber email blasts for Expo
Right of first refusal for next year Wagging Tails Sponsors
$900
Paid social media campaign featuring company photo ($$$)
$300 Top Dog Sponsors
Save $75 on a booth space
Name on booth map provided to attendees
Name on banner displayed at Expo
Name on posters displayed at Expo
Name on any major print media advertising
Name & link on Chamber website for Expo
Paid Expo social media campaign featuring company photo ($)
Name in Chamber newsletter
Name listed on Chamber email blasts for Expo
Engage Richland Program Day Sponsor
Engage Richland participants discovered how healthcare providers and agencies contribute to a thriving community during our January program day.
Representatives from OhioHealth, Avita Health System, and Third Street Family Health Services shared about investments they are making throughout the community, health equity, technological advancements, and the future of healthcare
Left, the YMCA of North Central Ohio - Mansfield Campus talked about recreation and wellness on a tour of the facilities Middle, group members competed in a friendly fitness challenge. Right, Richland Public Health personnel shared about the extensive programs and resources offer to businesses and community members.
2024-2025 Presenting Sponsor
Program Day Sponsor
During our January program day the Class of 2024 discovered a wealth of K-12 and adult educational opportunities in Richland County.
opportunities including
and
From let, Major Mary F Kauffman from the 179th Cyberspace Wing discussed educational training related to the conversion. Amy Wood, Director of Grants and Special Projects, highlighted how Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center supports partner districts and the graduation seals students earn Mansfield City School personnel shared their strategic goals and core commitments. The class learned about Madison student and adult education programs and toured labs
Participants toured The Ohio State University at Mansfield STEM labs and celebrated the success of the first B S in Engineering Technology class
Learn
At Springmill STEM Elementary School, a panel shared unique
STEM
Spanish Immersion Curriculum, as well as industry credentialing
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to help prevent the spread of germs.
Item Donation
11:30am - 1pm
Register your staff today!
How to order tickets for your staff:
The Fun Includes:
PRICE
d d r e s s i n g t h e s e i s s u e s p r o a c t i v e l y c a n h e l p p r e v e n t i n j u r i e s , r e d u c e l i a b i l i t y , a n d c r e a t e a s a f e r w o r k e n v i r o n m e n t f o r e m p l o y e e s
T o p V i o l a t i o n s ( F Y 2 0 2 4 )
F a l l P r o t e c t i o n ( 6 , 3 0 7 v i o l a t i o n s ) – L a c k o f p r o p e r f a l l p r o t e c t i o n a t r e q u i r e d h e i g h t s 1
H a z a r d C o m m u n i c a t i o n ( 2 , 8 8 8 v i o l a t i o n s ) – M i s s i n g s a f e t y d a t a s h e e t s , t r a i n i n g , o r c h e m i c a l l a b e l s 2
L a d d e r s ( 2 , 5 7 3 v i o l a t i o n s ) – I m p r o p e r l a d d e r u s e , d a m a g e d e q u i p m e n t , o r i n c o r r e c t p l a c e m e n t 3
R e s p i r a t o r y P r o t e c t i o n ( 2 , 4 7 0 v i o l a t i o n s ) – N o f i t t e s t i n g , m e d i ca l e v a l u a t i o n s , o r t r a i n i n g 4
L o c k o u t / T a g o u t ( 2 , 4 4 3 v i o l a t i o n s ) – I n a d e q u a t e e n e r g y c o n t r o l p r o c e d u r e s d u r i n g m a i n t e n a n c e 5
P o w e r e d I n d u s t r i a l T r u c k s ( 2 , 2 4 8 v i o l a t i o n s ) – L a c k o f o p e r a t o r t r a i n i n g o r u n s a f e f o r k l i f t u s e 6
7
F a l l P r o t e c t i o n – T r a i n i n g ( 2 , 0 5 0 v i o l a t i o n s ) – F a i l u r e t o t r a i n e m p l o y e e s o n f a l l h a z a r d s
S c a f f o l d i n g ( 1 , 8 7 3 v i o l a t i o n s ) – U n s a f e s e t u p , m i s s i n g g u a r d r a i l s , o r l a c k o f i n s p e c ti o n s 8
E y e & F a c e P r o t e c t i o n ( 1 , 8 1 4 v i o l a t i o n s ) – N o t u s i n g o r p r o v i d i n g p r o p e r P P E 9
M a c h i n e G u a r d i n g ( 1 , 5 4 1 v i o l a t i o n s ) – M i s s i n g o r i n a d e q u a t e m a c h i n e s a f e t y g u a r d s 1 0
H o w t o I m p r o v e C o m p l i a n c e
R e v i e w O S H A s t a n d a r d s a n d u p d a t e p o l i c i e s
C o n d u c t e m p l o y e e t r a i n i n g o n w o r k p l a c e h a z a r d s
P e r f o r m r o u t i n e s a f e t y a u d i t s a n d i n s p e c t i o n s
T a k i n g p r o a c t i v e s t e p s c a n p r e v e n t i n j u r i e s a n d c o s t l y v i o l a t i o n s
F o r a s s i s t a n c e i n i d e n t i f y i n g a n d a d d r e s s i n g f a l l h a z a r d s i n y o u r w o r k p l a c e , p l e a s e c o n t a c t A n d y S a w a n , R i s k S e r v i c e s
S p e c i a l i s t a t S e d g w i c k : a n d r e w s a w a n @ s e d g w i c k c o m | 3 3 0 - 8 1 9 - 4 7 2 8
Cleveland Financial Group is and has always been committed to promoting the continuing development and progress of Downtown Mansfield We believe in investing where our hearts are: right at home, right in our own neighborhood Owner and Certified Financial Planner® Chuck Hahn is a native Mansfielder and St Pete’s graduate who spent his formative years immersed in downtown culture It has been an important mission for Chuck to help transform Downtown Mansfield and bring it back to life Thus, Cleveland Financial Group looks to support emerging entities that fit into this picture of progress and has been instrumental in helping to launch several successful programs that highlight the incredible talent, vision, and heartthat exists in Downtown Mansfield
Medical Mutual
COSE Benefit Plan
Medical Mutual cares about small businesses in Ohio. The COSE Benefit Plan offers comprehensive, affordable healthcare for companies with
or
employees. By joining today, you could save up to 25% in health plan rates.
At the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development, we are excited to continue our commitment to empowering and inspiring women in our community through our Women's Leadership Connection series. These events provide a platform for personal and professional growth, networking, and community engagement.
We seek sponsors who share our vision for women's leadership. Your support reflects commitment to diversity and offers exposure to an engaged audience.
Why Sponsor Women's Leadership Connection?
Prominent Visibility: Your brand is prominently featured in event promotions, reaching a wide audience. Community Engagement: Align with an event fostering growth and development. Networking Opportunities: Exclusive networking with professionals and community leaders. Supporting Women's Leadership: Sponsorship supports professional growth opportunities.
How to Become a Sponsor
RECENT COURT DECISION: AUTOZONE V. INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION
If you or your organization are interested in becoming a sponsor for our Women's Leadership Connection series, please contact Lisa Duckworth at (419) 522-3211 or via email at lduckworth@richlandareachamber.com
n o t
s e c u r e d o t h e r e m p l o y m e n t T h e C o u r t d e t e r m i n e d t h a t s i n c e h e
w a s n o t w o r k i n g o r e a r n i n g w a g e s a t t h e t i m e o f h i s r e q u e s t , h e
w a s n o t e n t i t l e d t o T T T h i s d e c i s i o n r e i n f o r c e s t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f
e v a l u a t i n g b o t h m e d i c a l a n d e m p l o y m e n t s t a t u s w h e n d e t e r m i n i n g
e l i g i b i l i t y f o r c o m p e n s a t i o n
K e y T a k e a w a y s :
M e d i c a l C o n d i t i o n v s E m p l o y m e n t S t a t u s – A c l a i m a n t ’ s i n a b i l i t y t o w o r k m u s t b e d i r e c t l y r e l a t e d t o t h e a l l o w e d
c o n d i t i o n s o f t h e i r c l a i m , r a t h e r t h a n u n r e l a t e d f a c t o r s l i k e j o b
t e r m i n a t i o n f o r m i s c o n d u c t E m p l o y e r s s h o u l d e n s u r e t h a t
m e d i c a l d o c u m e n t a t i o n c l e a r l y s u p p o r t s a n y c l a i m s f o r
c o m p e n s a t i o n
E m p l o y m e n t a t t h e T i m e o f R e q u e s t – T h e C o u r t r e a f f i r m e d
t h a t c l a i m a n t s m u s t b e a c t i v e l y e m p l o y e d o r e a r n i n g w a g e s
w h e n r e q u e s t i n g T T . I f a n e m p l o y e e i s t e r m i n a t e d f o r r e a s o n s u n r e l a t e d t o t h e i r i n j u r y a n d d o e s n o t s e c u r e n e w e m p l o y m e n t , t h e y m a y n o t b e e l i g i b l e f o r b e n e f i t s
I m p l i c a t i o n s f o r E m p l o y e r s – T h i s r u l i n g p r o v i d e s e m p l o y e r s w i t h l e g a l p r e c e d e n t t o c h a l l e n g e T T c l a i m s w h e n a n i n j u r e d w o r k e r i s n o l o n g e r e m p l o y e d a n d h a s n o t s o u g h t a l t e r n a t i v e
w o r k E m p l o y e r s s h o u l d c a r e f u l l y r e v i e w c l a i m d e t a i l s a n d c o n s u l t l e g a l c o u n s e l w h e n n e c e s s a r y
I f y o u h a v e a n y q u e s t i o n s , c o n t a c t o u r S e d g w i c k p r o g r a m m a n a g e r , D a v i d D e y o , a t 6 1 4 - 3 7 6 - 5 4 0 1 o r d a v i d d e y o @ s e d g w i c k c o m
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
Register for these events HERE or visit our event calendar at www.richlandareachamber.
02/12/25 Annual Meeting, Mid-Ohio Conference Center, 5:30-9pm
02/19/25 Women’s Leadership Connection, DLX Kobacker Room, 11:45am-1:00pm
03/13/25 2025 Nonprofit Fair, The Ontario Center (shopping mall) 2-5pm
03/19/25 Business After Hours - Expo Eve, Richland County Fairgrounds Fairhaven Hall 5-7pm
03/20/25 Business Expo, Richland County Fairgrounds Fairhaven Hall 10am-4pm
04/11/25 Chamber Coffee, Richland Source
04/23/25 Business Professionals Day, Mid-Ohio Conference Center, 11:30am-1pm
05/18/25 Business After Hourrs, Snow Trails
06/20/25 Chamber Golf Classic, Deer Ridge Golf Club
10/23/25 Savor & Sip
