(From the University of Findlay)

University of Findlay’s renowned mini-cultural festival, International Night, is making a grand comeback after more than a year of absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Celebrating its legacy of over 50 years, this event is set to captivate attendees with a vibrant display of diverse cultures and communities.

Scheduled for March 8th, from 5-9 p.m., the free event will unfold its festivities at the Winebrenner Theological Seminary auditorium and lobby. Welcoming both students and members of the local community, International Night promises an enriching experience filled with cultural exploration, culinary delights, and captivating entertainment.

Attendees can look forward to an immersive festival-like atmosphere, providing ample opportunities to forge new connections, sample exotic cuisines, and revel in the captivating performances showcased by students representing various countries. From traditional dances to tantalizing dishes, International Night offers a sensory journey across the globe without leaving the heart of UF. ““Events like International Night are important because they promote the cultural diversity of the University of Findlay and greater Findlay/Hancock County community,” says International Night Committee Chairperson Adelaide Edwudzie-Sagoe.

As International Night returns to University of Findlay, it not only rekindles the spirit of cultural appreciation but also serves as a testament to the resilience and vibrancy of the UF community in overcoming challenges and embracing diversity.

To learn more about the Buford Center at University of Findlay, visit the Buford Center webpage.

(From the Hancock Historical Museum)

Pack a lunch and head to the Hancock Historical Museum for its monthly Brown Bag Lecture Series at 12 p.m. Thursday, March 7 discussing “Police Vehicles Through the Decades” presented by Tom Davis, a third-generation public servant and retired detective sergeant of the Findlay Police Department.

Originally born in Findlay and raised in the Village of Arlington, Davis served a total of 45 years as a Findlay police officer and 53 years in law enforcement. In 1970 while studying criminal justice in college, Davis began as a dispatcher for the Seneca County Sheriff’s Department.

He also served with the United States Army Reserves for six years and became a City of Tiffin police officer in 1973 before transferring to the Findlay PD in 1978. After retiring from full-time duty in 2000, Davis transitioned to auxiliary officer status, worked as the City of Findlay Health Department Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator and became the Director of Risk Management and Safety for the Hancock County Commissioners in 2007.

Though Davis claims he is “now fully, kind of, retired,” he continues to give tours of the Hancock County Courthouse, presents John Hancock reenactments and works part time as a security guard at the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, in addition to volunteer work and playing drums in several local bands.

Public service has flowed through Davis’ family for generations starting with his grandfather Carl Davis, former Mayor and Marshall of the Village of Arlington, and member of the Arlington and Hancock County school boards.

Tom Davis’ father, Raymond Davis, was an inspector and investigator with the State of Ohio Department of Agriculture, retiring as the Chief of Inspectors. An uncle joined the Ohio State Highway Patrol after serving in the Navy in World War II; and another uncle served as a Marine in World War II, to later serve three full terms as Hancock County Sheriff, City of Findlay Street Commissioner and District Deputy with the State of Ohio Highway Department.

Scheduled at noon on the first Thursday of each month featuring a variety of topics relevant to Hancock County and Ohio, the museum’s Brown Bag Lecture Series is free to members and regular museum admission for nonmembers. No registration necessary. For more information, visit Hancockhistoricalmuseum.org or call 419-423-4433.

New Sheriff Auxiliary Car May 8, 1956. Photo courtesy of the Joe Thomas collection donated to the museum in 2001.

(From Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development)

Over the past decade, Findlay’s industrial sector has expanded significantly, contributing to ten consecutive Top Micropolitan wins as measured by Site Selection Magazine. The Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development office’s commitment to stakeholder engagement facilitates a development process not experienced elsewhere.

“Advanced manufacturing expertise and access to a skilled workforce continues to attract capital year after year. The Findlay-Hancock County region with its proximity to major highways and rail brings domestic and global customers right into our front yard.” said Dan Sheaffer, Executive Director Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development.

Site Selection Magazine is the official publication of the Global Foreign Direct Investment Association and the Industrial Asset Management Council. In 2023, Site Selection ranked 543 U.S. micropolitan statistical areas with a population of 10,000 to 50,000. Rankings are measured on industrial projects meeting one or more of three criteria: 1) $1 MM+ invested, 2) 20+ jobs created or 3) 20,000+ square feet constructed. Last year Findlay industry invested $254 MM resulting in 1,068 new employees hired.

“Findlay is literally playing out of its league. Its capital investments for 2023 would have earned it Site Selection’s No.1 ranking among Tier 3 metros, the next class up, and that’s amazing.” – Gary Daughters, Senior Editor, Site Selection Magazine.

“Economic development is an important factor in building a healthy community. These results attest to the efforts of many as it takes significant coordination and collaboration to achieve this level of growth. The City of Findlay is grateful for the recognition of the hard work by the many stakeholders involved.” – Christina Muryn, Mayor, City of Findlay.

For 2024, the Economic Development office will stick to its core purpose of business retention and working with legacy companies as they continue to grow, expand and add jobs. Additionally, an intentional effort is being made to work more closely with county and township leadership regarding future development.

“The synergy between the private and public sector is fundamental to the success of our community. Earning Top Micropolitan for a tenth year is recognition of that synergy and one that will continue to attract investment.” – Bill Bateson, Commissioner, Hancock County.

“The Findlay Decade” capital investment: $2,118,207,694 – net new jobs created: 11,874 – constructed: 4,634,963 sq. ft.