What does the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce do?  What are the benefits of having a local Chamber of Commerce.  Why is it important to invest in the Fostoria Chamber and what opportunities are members provided? 

These are all questions I receive on a daily basis in working for the investors of the Fostoria Chamber of Commerce. The Fostoria Chamber provides not only area investors with opportunities but also provides opportunities for our community.  The Chamber, through partnerships with public and private entities, and member investor involvement allows opportunities to knock on our community’s door daily.

Opportunity knocks when local businesses invest in the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce.  Opportunity knocks because the Fostoria Chamber of Commerce is the liaison and spokesman for business in local, state, and national affairs; a business agent and sales manager promoting Fostoria and the surrounding area; and an information hub with data to meet most business needs.  Each month we answer hundreds of inquiries from people seeking information about area businesses and the community.  If you are a Chamber member, we will refer inquiries to your company.  Each time we refer a business, we send the business a post card letting them know we are promoting their business. 

Opportunity knocks because the Chamber is working to project a positive image of the Fostoria area and working to promote collaboration among various private and public entities.  The Chamber has partnered with FEDC and the City of Fostoria to promote an economic revitalization of downtown Fostoria.  This partnership is also continuously working for a healthy and productive economy by promoting and encouraging new business and the expansion of existing business.   The Chamber, representing business, has a deep interest and involvement in economic vitality, housing, education, human services, infrastructure, local services, civic affairs, and much more.  The upshot of this is stable jobs, a strong economy, and better quality of community and life.

Opportunity knocks when the Chamber represents legislative business interests in hosting legislative forums with local and state candidates in Fostoria Votes.  We will once again be hosting legislative forums for the upcoming November elections. 

Opportunity knocks because the Chamber is its investors who join in a voluntary, non-profit organization to accomplish collectively what no one person could do individually.  Chamber members are the key investors in the community.  In addition to generating the economy, they pay the lion’s share of taxes, strongly support civic programs, and donate generously to local organizations.  Members serve on charitable boards, and give of their time and talent to meet the needs of their community. 

Through Chamber investment, businesses have organizational structure and clout, and a place to call with problems and concerns.  They can organize for results, and bring together the collective wisdom of successful business men and women to address and solve problems.  The Chamber is the voice for business.  The strength of the organization lies in the support of business in the community.  With its many members, the Chamber develops the necessary resources to effectively impact major issues in the community. 

Together We Can Make a Difference, Together We Grow.

Board of Directors:

Josh Podach, Chairman of the Board (American Family Insurance)
Tammi Garrett, Past Chairman (Norton Manufacturing)
Chris Chalfin, Treasurer (Fruth & Company, PLL)

Board Members:

Diane Goddard, Goddard Murphy & Company
Greg Flores, Fifth Third Bank
Dr. Cynthia Lemmerman, Fostoria Community Schools
Greg Knestrick, Peterman & Associates
Larry Dunlap, Fostoria Industries
Jenny Karcher, Perry Corporation
Jon Moyer, Lakeland Golf Course

Pat McCauley, Time Warner Cable

Pratt Robinson, Reineke Ford

Patti Essman, First Ohio Credit Union

Ex-Officio:

Mayor John Davoli, City of Fostoria

Jim Bishcof, Fostoria Economic Development Corp.

Marti Frederick, Fostoria Area Visitors Bureau

Corporate Members
Alpha Coatings, Inc.
ACI Construction , Inc.
Caliber Auto Transfer
Fifth Third Bank

Findlay Publishing
First Ohio Credit Union
Fostoria Community Hospital
Fostoria Industries
InterMetro Industries, Corp.
Key Bank
Morgan AM & T
Norton Manufacturing
Roppe Corp.
AT & T
The Mennel Milling Company
TK-Atlas, Inc.

Staff:

Sarah Stephens-Krupp, Executive Director
Darcy Jagodzinski, Administrative Assistant

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