(From the Fostoria Economic Development Corp.)

Registration is now open for Northwest Ohio’s Ignite419 event, designed to reengage and reignite entrepreneurs, business owners and managers. The event will include a quick, full day of engaging workshops, a keynote speaker and panel discussions with area experts to answer your burning questions on a variety of essential business topics.

Ignite419 will take place on Monday, October 21, at Stacy’s Place in Fostoria. The event is presented by Fostoria Economic Development Corporation (FEDC), in partnership with the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Ignite419 agenda features a morning Wildfire Leadership Training session where attendees will unlock their mission, discover their working genius and learn how to elevate their impact.

Keynote speaker Meg Adams, entrepreneur, professor and TEDx speaker, will speak on how to effectively use storytelling as a means to build community and grow a business.

An afternoon of panel discussions will cover topics ranging from finance and accounting to HR, management, marketing, and social media in an “Ask Me Anything” style – including a “Tell All” panel composed of entrepreneurs and small business owners. Panel discussions will kick off with questions submitted by attendees during registration and continue with live questions from the audience.

The Ignite419 panelists include:

Ashley Barger Founder of Do Some Good Marketing, LLC

Bill Beach

Attorney at Law, RCO Law

Ron Burns

Founder, Corporate One Benefits and Investor

Kyle Elfring Sr. HR Manager / HR Business Partner for Church & Dwight

Steve Dandurand

Auditor, City of Fostoria

Andy Faber, CPA Assistant Professor of Accounting at Tiffin University

Madison Geroski Sole Proprietor of Madison Paul Boutique and Merry by Madison Sarah Foltz Executive Director, Hancock Historical Museum

Marisa Huss Director of Marketing for the Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce and Destination Seneca County

Blair Lane

Senior Commercial Lender, Premier Bank

Les Lipski

Former CFO, Callies Performance Products

Chris Keller Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Findlay Hancock Economic Development Office, Owner/member of Oler’s Bar and Grill, Details Auto Spa and a property investment company

Kate Mennel

Physician Practice Manager, NWO Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Weston Reinbolt President and Investment Consultant at Financial Design Agency of Ohio

Kati Thompson

Economic Development Director, City of Bowling Green, Owner Eden Fashion Boutique

Jason Yoakam President at Yoakam Communications Group

Registration for Ignite419 is Now Open Stoke your professional growth and fan the flames of your potential – register today for Ignite419 to ensure your spot at www.Ignite419.com.

Early bird registration is $115 per person and is open through August 31. Full price registration is open through October 1 and is $125 per person. Registration fee includes all sessions and lunch.

For more information visit Ignite419.com or call the FEDC office at 419-435-7789

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay and Findlay Shade Tree Commission have allocated a total of $100,000 in ARPA funds to utilize for community tree planting in calendar year 2024. The City of Findlay Public Works Department planted over 150 trees during the Spring planting event. If you would like to request a free tree the deadline for the fall planting is Friday, August 16.

Trees can be planted in property owners’ front yards in locations that are compliant with the Findlay Shade Tree Ordinance Chapter 913. The Findlay Public Works Department and Shade Tree Commission members will assist interested property owners in determining location, compliance, and recommended tree species for the location. Trees will be planted by Public Works Department employees during the spring and fall. Requests will be taken on a continual basis.

Residents within City of Findlay limits can request a tree by clicking here which will direct you to the Request a Tree form. The usual fee of $25 will be waived for the 2024 calendar year.

Additionally, volunteers are being requested to canvas neighborhoods and leave Request a Tree door hangars on properties that may be interested. If you are interested in volunteering to walk neighborhoods, please email mayor@findlayohio.gov.

The Findlay Shade Tree Commission was created in 1978 by Findlay City Council to address the need to care for Findlay’s aging urban forest. The Shade Tree Commission’s responsibilities are to provide leadership in selection, promotion, and planting care of trees in public areas like street rights-of-way, parks, cemeteries, and other city properties, as well as hazardous tree removal.

Findlay continues to be a “Tree City USA” community for over 40 years designated by the National Arbor Day Foundation.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

The Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) Board of Trustees is announcing recent changes to its members and officers.

The Board appointed Kirby Overton, Ed.D., dean of the College of Business, University of Findlay, as its newest trustee. In addition to her service as a member of the board, Dr. Overton will also serve as a member of the BVHS Compliance and Audit Committee.

The Board also reappointed Joseph Longo as a voting member of the board and elected him to serve as vice chair. Ginger Jones will continue to serve as board chair. Other members comprising the Executive Committee include Myron D. Lewis, president; Jeffery Shrader, treasurer; James PF Dowling, MD, secretary; Beth Kroetz, at-large member; and William Hopkins, MD, at-large member.

Board members Michael Brough, Dan Kennard, Beth Kroetz, Richard Polder, MD, and Jeffery Shrader were re-elected to serve another three-year term on the board.

Dr. Overton earned a Bachelor of Science in Business in 2006, her MBA in 2008, and Ed.D. in 2018, all from the University of Findlay. Prior to serving as dean of the College of Business, she held a teaching and coaching position at UF. She has also served as associate head coach for cross country and track & field at Wayne State University (Detroit, Michigan), as an adjunct instructor for various institutions, and has worked in the athletic department at Central State University (Wilberforce, Ohio).

Dr. Overton began her career serving as a career consultant and job coach for people with disabilities at Capabilities. She also does consulting work through Clearview Consulting Solutions, LLC, and runs her own small business, EB3: Every Body, Body Butter LLC.

Joseph Longo, Founder of Velosio, has been reappointed to the Board after serving a year in a non-voting capacity because of term limitations. Mr. Longo has served in multiple capacities within BVHS governance since 2005. In addition to his Board and Executive Committee membership, Longo will also serve as a member of the BVHS Finance Committee during the current term.

After serving as a member of BVHS governance since 2011, Trustee Kim Stumpp has retired from the BVHS Board. During her tenure, she was elected to officer positions, including secretary, vice chair, chair, and most recently, immediate past chair. Stumpp served on the Executive Committee, Finance Committee, and the Governance and Nominating Committee. Although her service as a Trustee has ended, Stumpp will continue to serve as a member of the Finance Committee.

Trustee Richard B. States, D.H.Sc., dean of the College of Health Professions, University of Findlay, has also retired from Board service. Dr. States began his service on the BVHS Board in 2019. During his tenure, he also served on the Quality Committee and Compliance and Audit Committee.

“We are pleased to welcome these new members to the Blanchard Valley Health System Board of Trustees,” said Myron D. Lewis, president and chief executive officer of BVHS. “The organization will greatly benefit from their expertise and guidance.”

Lewis also thanked the two outgoing board members for giving generously of their time, energy, and leadership to further the mission of BVHS and improve the health of the community.

“Both Kim Stumpp and Dr. Richard States have made significant contributions to BVHS,” Lewis said. “We are sincerely grateful for their service, and their continuing commitment to BVHS and the community. The organization is stronger for their dedication and passion.”

To learn more about Blanchard Valley Health System and the services the organization offers to the region, please visit bvhealthsystem.org.

(From Garner Trucking)

Garner Trucking, Inc., is pleased to announce that they have once again been named a Top Woman-Owned Business in Transportation by Women In Trucking Association, Inc., (WIT).

This prestigious accolade highlights Garner Trucking’s President & CEO, Sherri Garner Brumbaugh’s, dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for women, driving the industry forward with her leadership and vision.

The Women In Trucking Association, Inc., a nonprofit organization, aims to promote the employment of women in the trucking sector, celebrate their achievements, and address the challenges they face.

The selection criteria for the Top Woman-Owned Business award include majority ownership by a woman, financial stability and growth, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit.

“It’s a privilege for The Women In Trucking Association to honor the 2024 Top Woman-Owned Businesses in Transportation,” said Jennifer Hedrick, President and CEO of WIT.

“These 15 companies exemplify outstanding business practices and innovation and are led by female pioneers in this industry.”

Sherri Garner Brumbaugh, President & CEO of Garner Trucking, Inc., brings over 33 years of industry experience to her role and has been a repeated recipient of this esteemed award.

In March 2024, Garner Brumbaugh was also recognized as a Distinguished Woman in Logistics finalist by Women In Trucking.

“I am proud of once again being named a Top Woman-Owned Business in the trucking industry,” shares Sherri Garner Brumbaugh.

“Women are essential to the fabric of our society on every level and we have a place here at Garner for them!”

Garner Trucking is a family-owned and operated business started in 1960 by Vernon E. Garner and Regina R. Garner, headquartered in Findlay.

The Hancock County Engineer’s Office says the Gibson Street Bridge in Arcadia is now open to traffic.

The bridge is located on Gibson Street between Water and South Street.

“The project replaced an existing bridge whose condition warranted the construction of a new structure meeting current bridge standards,” said County Engineer Doug Cade.

The project was being constructed on behalf of the Village of Arcadia by the Hancock County Engineer crews and Sand Ridge Excavation.  

The project was being funded through local Gas Tax and License Plate Fees by the citizens of Hancock County at a cost of $120,000.

The Ohio Department of Transportation is letting people know that construction of the new roundabout near U.S. 68 and S.R. 15 on the south side of Findlay will begin soon.

ODOT says U.S. 68 and the S.R. 15 and U.S. 68 eastbound ramps will close Monday, August 19, for 75 days.

The suggested detour is listed below.

ODOT’s Cheri Newton explains how the project came about.

ODOT says the project is needed because Township Roads 49 and 77, which currently provide access to U.S. 68, will be removed as part of the Eagle Creek Dry Storage Basin project, one of the projects included in the Flood-Risk Reduction Program currently underway by Hancock County and the Maumee Watershed Conservancy District. 

The project will:

-Remove the current U.S. 68 exit ramp from State Route 15 eastbound.

-Connect Township Road 80 to the ramp to provide access to U.S. 68.

-Construct a new U.S. 68 exit ramp from State Route 15 eastbound.

-Construct a roundabout at the intersection of U.S. 68, the new U.S. 68 exit ramp, and the eastbound State Route 15 entrance ramp.

Get more on the project by clicking here.

Findlay Hockey Day is coming up on Saturday, October 12^th at Findlay High School.

“What better way you kick off the 24-25 FHS Hockey season!! Mark your calendars and join us for a fun filled day!!” Findlay High School Ice Hockey said on its Facebook page.

The fun, community event will include street hockey, shots on net, free food, and much more.

Get more details below.

(ONN) – As Cleveland Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam continue to consider their options for a future stadium, the city has released a comprehensive financing plan to renovate the existing facility on the lakefront.

Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb put forth a $461 million proposal that includes a 30-year lease arrangement.

With the lease on Cleveland Browns stadium set to expire in 2028, the Haslams announced earlier this year that they are down to two options when it comes to their future stadium site: a one billion dollar renovation to the existing stadium or a domed stadium outside of the city at double the cost.

They said they have an option to purchase 176 acres of land in Brook Park, near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

Brook Park City Council has already given its support to the proposal.

(ONN) – Bowling Green State University is seeking to recruit and train poll workers amid a national shortage.

BGSU received a grant for more than $70,000 from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.

It’s aimed at engaging more college students in the electoral process.

The program will place participating students at polls across northwest Ohio this fall.

Program leaders hope students who work the polls this year will continue to do so in other election cycles.

The Findlay Police Department is requesting help from the public in identifying two theft suspects.

Police say the individuals in the surveillance pictures are believed to be responsible for the theft of a large amount of merchandise from Bath and Body Works at the mall.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Findlay Police Department at 419-424-7150, message them on Facebook, or call Crime Stoppers at 419-425-TIPS.

Tipsters may be eligible for a reward.