Member Spotlight
The Arts Partnership
618 S. Main St., Findlay
419.422.46.24
www.artspartnership.com
Organization History:
In 1979, The Findlay Area Arts Council (as it was formerly known) was founded by a group of 10 individuals whose purpose was “to encourage and stimulate the practice and appreciation of the fine arts among the people of the City of Findlay, the County of Hancock, and the State of Ohio.” And 33 years later, they are still going strong, providing arts, education and entertainment.
Mission:
Educate: The Arts Partnership’s “Arts in Education” programs allow students in the area to participate in workshops, performances and camps, building relationship skills and gaining first-hand experience in theater and the arts. Students and teachers can also experience day-time entertainment through their “School Day Performances.”
Enrich: Through personal/professional enrichment development programs and classes, teachers and caregivers alike can broaden their horizons inside and outside of the classroom. Programs are centered around non-conventional teaching methods, encouraging students by means not found in a traditional classroom.
Entertain: The Arts Partnership strives to provide Hancock and surrounding counties with quality entertainment year round. From their pillar summer events (KidsFest, Boogie on Main, Riverside Wine Festival, RibOff and ArtWalk) To their performing arts series beginning every autumn, they make sure that there is always something to do in Findlay.
How has Chamber membership benefited your organization?:
“Being a Chamber member has allowed us wonderful opportunities for networking and community exposure. Having a face in our community if vital to our survival and our Chamber provides the support we need!,” said Arts Partnership Director, Leigh Esper. “We have participated in many programs including the Business Fair and Fresh Brewed Business.”
For more information about the Member Spotlight program, contact Laurie Poland at 419.422.3313 or email lpoland@findlayhancockalliance.com.
First Federal Bank
301 S. Main Street, Findlay
419.424.1616
www.first-fed.com
First Federal Bank was established in 1920 in Defiance, Ohio as Northwest Savings & Loan. The first Findlay office was opened in 1998.
First Federal Bank offers a wide variety of financial products and services for both personal and business customers. They take pride in offering personalized, experienced customer service from dedicated, trusted advisors.
First Federal Bank has three offices in Findlay: 301 S. Main Street, 1300 N. Main Street, and 7591 Patriot Drive and one in McComb: 124 E. Main Street.
Awards & Recognition:
Rod Walton-Distinguished Leadership Award in 2011. Greg Allen-Alliance Board Chairman in 2011. United Way Community Partner Award-2010.
Chamber Benefits and Involvement:
First Federal’s Chamber membership ties them more closely to the community by helping them with creative advertising and informing them of important community updates. First Federal Bank’s employees serve on non-profit boards and committees, attend ribbon cuttings and are sponsors of various Chamber events.
For more information about the Member Spotlight program, contact Laurie Poland at 419.422.3313 or email
lpoland@findlayhancockalliance.com.
Prudential Chaslo Realty, Inc.
2103 Tiffin Ave., Findlay
(419) 424-1813
www.prudentialchaslorealty.com
Established in 1980, Chaslo Realty joined the Prudential Network in 1987. The company specializes in residential real estate sales, commercial real estate sales and leasing and subdivision lot and land sales.
With their caring philosophy and knowledge of the real estate market, Prudential Chaslo Realty, Inc. provides the quality service that their customers expect and deserve. Their employees are dedicated to providing conscientious service through experience, integrity and commitment. While market conditions are ever changing, they are prepared to help you meet the conditions of any real estate market. Their awareness of what is occurring in real estate today, plus their ability to help forecast the best moves in the future, are valuable assets that they put to work for their clients. At The Prudential Chaslo Realty, Inc. they "pay attention to details so you don't have to."
Awards and Recognition:
Prudential Chaslo Realty was named one of the “Top 3 Offices” within a 15 state Midwest region from Prudential for residential units sold. The group also has received Leading Edge and Honor Society awards, and is a Chairman’s Circle Awards winner.
Chamber involvement:
Prudential Chaslo Realty, Inc. is the sponsor for “Rally in the Alley” on June 17. This fun-filled event will feature live entertainment from “On the Beach” and delicious food provided by Waldo Peppers. Join them 5-8p.m. in Latham Courtyard – Don’t miss it!
For more information about the Member Spotlight program, contact Laurie Poland at 419.422.3313 or email lpoland@findlayhancockalliance.com.
Friends Business Source
2300 Bright Rd.
Findlay, OH 45840
800.427.1704
http://www.friendsoffice.com/
Friends was established in 1945 in Wapakoneta, Ohio by a gentleman by the name of “Don Friend”. Ken Schroeder, now CEO and President, purchased the organization with business partner, Dale Alt (current Senior VP of Operations) in 1991 and moved the headquarters to Findlay, Ohio. Friends has been successfully operating and growing for the past 20 years in the local community, as well as within Toledo, Columbus, and Cleveland, Ohio. The company recently purchased fellow independent office supplier, Hicks Office Plus, of Hermitage, PA. Hicks Office Plus is a wholly owned subsidiary of Friends and offers an additional 12 percent in company growth with 58 years of service within its own local community.
Friend’s specializes in office supplies, office furniture and office design, promotional products, branded apparel, variable print forms, janitorial and breakroom supplies and machines, coffee supplies and Keurig machines, Educational supplies, Mimio SmartBoard technology, etc.
Recent Awards & Recognition:
Dale Alt: Featured in “Dealer Spotlight” within OPI Special Publications Magazine the May 2011 issue, Independent Stationers National Board member, United Gold Star Dealer 1995, University of Findlay Athletics Sponsor Recognition 1998-1999,_ISSA “Experts on Cleaning and Maintenance” Award 2001, Hancock County Commissioners Special Project Recognition 2003, The Courier “Newspapers in Education” Recognition 2004. Ken Schroeder: Small Business Person of the Year 2005, “Elite Dealer” from Action Emco 2007, Commendation from Springfield Local Schools in 2009.
How has your Chamber membership benefited your organization?:
Ken Schroeder, CEO and President said, “Our membership with the Chamber has truly benefitted Friends by allowing us to directly connect with and impact our customer base. Networking and maintaining a solid relationship with our community, customers, and friends is extremely important to our organization. The Chamber itself is a strong customer of ours, as they buy into our wide array of product lines and offer local testimonials for our business.”
Friends is involved in the Chamber through Rally in the Ally Sponsorship, as a Sponsor and attendee of Fresh Brewed Business, Annual Chamber Golf Outing participant and sponsor, Current web-sponsor (over a year of participation), participants in monthly Chamber programs and workshops, supporter during Chamber ribbon cutting ceremonies, etc.
Remember to visit Rally in the Alley on Friday, June 10th at Latham Courtyard in Downtown Findlay – Say hello to Friends, enjoy great food from the Rocking U and live music from “Willful Blindness”!
For more information about the Member Spotlight program, contact Rachael Rahrig at 419.422.3313 or email
rrahrig@findlayhancockalliance.com.
The Feasel Group
2330 Bright Road
Findlay, OH 45840
Phone: (419) 423-4223 Email: info@feasels.com
Store Hours: Mon. - Sat. 8am - 6pm and Sun. 11am - 4pm
http://www.feasels.com/
In 1997, Greg and Joyce Feasel started the business doing lawn mowing and ground maintenance serves. In 2009, they purchased the former Village Green Landscaping, and have expanded their services to include landscaping and a retail garden center. In 2011, they expanded again to add a property management division.
Now, Feasel’s Garden Center is a full-line retail operation that includes nursery, greenhouse, garden supplies, fertilizers & chemicals, mulches, soils, seeds, organic products and garden décor. Their landscaping services feature design and installation including landscape lighting, water features, irrigation systems, and more!
Recent recognition:
Feasel’s was featured in the Toledo Business Journal in January of 2010, and in the Northwest Ohio Business Journal in March of 2011.
How has your Chamber membership benefited your organization?:
The company said The Chamber has provided valuable contributions throughout the purchasing process, through the official ribbon cutting of their new facility in April of 2010. The Chamber also was there for continued availability to help with any questions or needs they might have, and encouraged community support of the organization.
How is your organization involved in Chamber activities and events?:
The Fresh Brewed Business program provided Feasel’s the opportunity to present their new business to other area businesses, and to network. The company also plans to participate in The 3/50 Project small business campaign.
For more information about the Member Spotlight program, contact Rachael Rahrig at 419.422.3313 or email
rrahrig@findlayhancockalliance.com.
Hancock County Red Cross
125 Fair St.
Findlay, OH 45840
(419) 422-9322
www.hancockredcross.org
Since its founding in 1881 by visionary leader Clara Barton, the American Red Cross has been the nation's premier emergency response organization. As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services, always with the aim of preventing and relieving suffering.
Today, in addition to domestic disaster relief, the American Red Cross offers compassionate services in five other areas: community services that help the needy; support and comfort for military members and their families; the collection, processing and distribution of lifesaving blood and blood products; educational programs that promote health and safety; and international relief and development programs.
The American Red Cross is where people mobilize to help their neighbors—across the street, across the country, and across the world—in emergencies. Each year, in communities large and small, victims of some 70,000 disasters turn to neighbors familiar and new—the more than half a million volunteers and 35,000 employees of the Red Cross. Through over 700 locally supported chapters, more than 15 million people gain the skills they need to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their homes, communities and world.
Some four million people give blood—the gift of life—through the Red Cross, making it the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. And the Red Cross helps thousands of U.S. service members separated from their families by military duty stay connected. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a global network of 186 national societies, the Red Cross helps restore hope and dignity to the world's most vulnerable people.
An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.
Locally, The Hancock County Chapter of the American Red Cross was chartered on April 12, 1917. The Hancock County Chapter provides Preparedness training, Health and Safety training, Service to the Armed Forces and Military Families, Blood Services. Learn more about their current programming and schedule of events at
www.hancockredcross.org.
How has your Chamber membership benefited your organization?: Todd James, Executive Director, said, “As a non-profit organization, it’s important for us to have good relationships with the business community in Hancock County and to promote and support a strong business community. Chamber membership gives us the opportunity to network with local businesses and business leaders, form partnerships with local businesses and extend our training and services to local businesses. We participate in Chamber events on a regular basis, including Fresh Brewed Business, Business 2 Business, utilizing the Chamber E-newsletter and consulting with Chamber officials on our programs.”
For more information about the Member Spotlight program, contact Rachael Rahrig at 419.422.3313 or email
rrahrig@findlayhancockalliance.com.
Smart Sites Imaging
820 N. Main Street
Suite 7
Findlay, OH 45840
567-525-4090
www.smartsitesimaging.com
Smart Sites Imaging is owned by Kendra Saldana, and was established in 2005 under the name Smart Sites by Kendra. It was changed to Smart Sites Imaging in 2009.
Smart Sites Imaging is a full service marketing firm. They specialize in working with small businesses to form a marketing plan/budget. This consists of a website, print materials and all advertising to create one consistent message. The Smart Sites team can then take that message a step farther - to the internet - through their website, website optimization, FaceBook, Twitter, newsletters, and email marketing.
Recent awards or recognition:
- Corporate Volunteer of the Year, Chopin Hall – 2009
- Young Entrepreneur of The Year, Small Business – 2009
- Corporate Volunteer of the Year, Harvest of Hope – 2010
How has your Chamber membership benefited your organization?:
Owner Kendra Saldana is very involved in the Chamber, and is the co-chair of the Chamber Ambassadors, co-chair of the Center for Entrepreneurship Advisory Council and member of the Fresh Brewed Business Committee.” Saldana has found value in her membership with the Chamber, and said that, “Smart Sites has met so many new businesses through Fresh Brewed Business, Business 2 Business Networking, and joining committees with the
chamber and that has allowed me to grow my business.”
Join Smart Sites on April 5 for a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting at their NEW location at 2:30p.m. !
For more information about the Member Spotlight program, contact Rachael Rahrig at 419.422.3313 or email
rrahrig@findlayhancockalliance.com.
American Red Cross Blood Services
Western Lake Erie Region
1111 Research Drive
Toledo, Ohio 43614
www.redcrossblood.org/westernlakeerie
Findlay Blood Donor Center
1100 Croy Drive
Findlay, OH 45840
1-800-RED CROSS -1-800-733-2767
American Red Cross Biomedical Services will fulfill the needs of the American people for the safest, most reliable and cost-effective blood services through voluntary donations. The Western Lake Erie Regions services 24 hospitals in Northwest Ohio and Southeaster Michigan, and has a donor office in Findlay.
March is Red Cross Month
Volunteers thanked, public encouraged to donate blood
For the American Red Cross, March is a time to say thank you to the countless volunteers and blood donors across the state and nation who help change lives by giving of themselves. It’s also a time to encourage individuals to get involved through the 130-year-old organization.
March is Red Cross Month and has been since 1942 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared the month of March 1943 as “Red Cross Month.” Every spring since then, the U.S. President has issued a proclamation that declares March as Red Cross Month, and encourages people to support and volunteer through the Red Cross.
Today, Red Cross Month celebrates the more than 500,000 Red Cross volunteers at 650 Chapters, working in areas like disaster relief, health and safety training, and support to military members and their families. Nearly 4 million people, too, roll up their sleeves to donate blood through Red Cross blood drives coordinated through a network of 36 Blood Regions.
“Chances are, wherever you live or wherever you go, you’re likely to encounter someone whose life has been touched by the American Red Cross,” said Annie Marckel, Communications Manager for the Western Lake Erie Region of the American Red Cross. “We’re proud to be an organization of people who band together to help their neighbors—be they next door or around the world.”
Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.
Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information on blood donation and donating blood through the American Red Cross. You can also check out social media and join the conversation at facebook.com/redcrossblood.
Recent Recognition:
The American Red Cross Biomedical Services is comprised of 36 Blood Regions;
In 2009 the Western Lake Erie Region was named “Region of the Year”.
How has your Chamber membership benefited your organization?:
Marckel said, “The Chamber has allowed us to be involved in community functions that we would not otherwise be apart of. We have hosted a B2B event at our Findlay Blood Donor Center. We have also been given the opportunities to speak at some of the other events the Chamber holds in the community with business professionals.“
Read more about the history of Red Cross
here.
For more information about the Member Spotlight program, contact Rachael Rahrig at 419.422.3313 or email
rrahrig@findlayhancockalliance.com.
Reineke Ford Lincoln
12000 CR 99
Findlay, OH 45840
419.422.1661
http://reinekeflm.dealerconnection.com/
On August 26th, 1960, William F. Reineke Sr. opened his first dealership, which was on 130 East Tiffin Street in Fostoria, Ohio, called Reineke Buick Oldsmobile. Today, more than 50 years later, the Reineke family dealerships are still going strong. Reineke Ford Lincoln opened its Findlay location in 2009, and provides a full line of sales and service. They sell new and used Ford and Lincoln vehicles, as well as parts and accessories. They also service all makes and models, and offer body shop service.
How has your Chamber membership benefited your organization?:
A members of The Findlay•Hancock County Chamber of Commerce since 1975, Reineke is very involved in the community, including events such as “Car Tunes on Main”, and utilizes Chamber programs to network and build local relationships. The family was also awarded the “Excellence in Family Business Award” in 2010, and inducted into the “Entrepreneurial Business Hall of Fame” in Maumee.
For more information about the Member Spotlight program, contact Rachael Rahrig at 419.422.3313 or email
rrahrig@findlayhancockalliance.com.
Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. / Hancor, Inc.
North Campus Corporate Office:
401 Olive Street, Findlay
Hantec Manufacturing Facility:
433 Olive Street, Findlay
South Plant Manufacturing:
12370 Co. Rd. 172
Founded in 1887, Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (ADS)/Hancor, Inc. is the world’s largest manufacturer of high density polyethylene drainage pipe. A total solutions provider offering a total system for cost-effective water management, ADS/Hancor produces pipe in 3" to 60" diameters plus a complete line of fittings, and accessories. ADS/Hancor serves the world through a global network of 48 domestic and international manufacturing plants, more than 22 distribution centers, and over 4,000 independent distributors and addresses the needs for sub-surface, storm sewer, sanitary, agriculture and septic drainage. ADS employs 215 locally.
Recent Awards & Recocnition
ADS has been a member of the Findlay•Hancock County Chamber of Commerce since 1977, and was named the 2008 Small Business Exporter of the Year in Hancock County.
For more information about the Member Spotlight program, contact Rachael Rahrig at 419.422.3313 or email
rrahrig@findlayhancockalliance.com.
Kumon Math and Reading Center
2020 Tiffin Ave.
#2
Findlay, OH 45840
567-208-5287
Founded in Japan in 1958, the Kumon learning method uses an individualized approach that helps children develop a solid command of math and reading skills. Through daily practice and mastery of materials, students increase confidence, improve concentration and develop better study skills. Kumon has 26,000 centers in 46 countries and more than four million students studying worldwide. In US, there are over 1900 learning centers, 90 of them in MI, OH & KY.
Kumon is an after-school math and reading enrichment program that unlocks the potential of children so they can achieve more on their own. Kumon believes that all children have the ability to reach and perform at their highest ability — that with Kumon, they can succeed both in and out of the classroom.
Vidya, Director of Kumon Findlay has an extensive educational background. She firmly believes in Kumon principles and is passionate about helping children reach their potential. She is very excited to be part of our community as an educator.
Whatever your children’s current level or grade, she will design individualized math (Pre K thru high school) and reading (basic phonics up through advanced comprehension) program based on their performance in a free “Placement test”.
The emphasis on individualized custom program, allows children to advance at their own pace; whether they are currently struggling at studies or under-challenged.
Discover the great benefits that Kumon has to offer and see how the Kumon program gives your children the confidence and motivation to achieve more than they ever thought possible.
Recent awards and recognition:
Kumon was recognized as the No.1 franchise in the tutoring industry by Entrepreneur magazine's annual "Franchise 500" issue for the 10th consecutive year.
How has your Chamber membership benefited your organization?:
Vidya Khasbardar, the director, said that “Chamber membership has helped me connect with other members of our community thru various networking activities.” Vidya also plans to use Chamber platforms to market and network.
Kumon Findlay will have a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for its new facility on March 4, 2011 at 4:00p.m. – Join us in welcoming them to our community!
For more information about the Member Spotlight program, contact Rachael Rahrig at 419.422.3313 or email
rrahrig@findlayhancockalliance.com.
Findlay Town Money Saver 
419-957-2399
The Town Money Saver is headquartered in Lucas, Ohio, and is now operating in their 20th year, serving 156 markets throughout Ohio and South Eastern Michigan. Town Money Saver is the largest monthly direct mailer in Ohio, and the local Findlay Town Money Saver has been serving the Findlay market since May of 2004.
The Findlay Town Money Saver is a 100% saturation monthly direct mailer, delivering money saving offers from local merchants to every home and business in Findlay. Circulation is guaranteed to 24,991 homes and businesses in the 45839 and 45840 zip codes. In addition, they also provide solo direct mailing as well as insert capabilities.
The Money Saver was ranked in the top 10 for the 5th year in a row for best performing Northern Ohio company by the Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management in 2010. Their mission: To offer the highest return of investment of any local advertising. In addition, it is their mission to be considered the standard of all local advertising, by which all competitors are measured. Every action they take reflects these long-term intentions.
From Anne Cole, Local TMS Representative: “As an Ambassador of the Findlay Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, and the local representative of Town Money Saver, I am provided many opportunities to meet , network with and serve many other Chamber members. Also as an Ambassador, I am provided the opportunity to meet new business owners who may be future customers of TMS, and to serve many other business owners who are currently or have been customers of TMS in the past. The Chamber also affords me the opportunity to stay on top of the comings and goings of businesses within our community.”
For more information about the Member Spotlight program, contact Rachael Rahrig at 419.422.3313 or email
Eric mentors photographers and business leaders across the U.S., and has been asked to speak at several conventions. Keepsake’s photographers have won awards for photographic contributions, and Eric was recently selected by CURE to photograph cancer survivors and their medical support team for inclusion in their nationally distributed publication.
Taylor House provides assisted living accommodations in a unique, intimate, home-like atmosphere. They promote safety and extend their residents the chance to cultivate personal interests and lasting friendships – it’s truly a wonderful place to call home.
Taylor House Assisted Living was built in 1997. The property is owned and operated by Assisted Living concepts, Inc., a corporation that manages over 200 assisted living communities throughout the United States.
The Taylor House enjoys participating in events such as Business 2 Business and Fresh Brewed Business, and is looking to become more involved in Chamber activities in the future.
For more information about the Member Spotlight program, contact Rachael Rahrig at 419.422.3313 or email
Locally owned and operated, Feasel’s is dedicated to the Findlay-Hancock County community, and recently donated labor and supplies to the Findlay Service League for its Habitat for Humanity landscaping project. Feasel’s Garden Center & Grounds Maintenance truly is "The Team You Can Depend On, The Garden Center You Can Trust. Growing Together One Seed At A Time."
A Chamber member since 2001, Feasel’s held a grand opening ribbon cutting for their new facility on April 16 of this year.
For more information about the Member Spotlight program, contact Rachael Rahrig at 419.422.3313 or email
Diamond Window Cleaning has been a member of the Findlay•Hancock County Chamber of Commerce since 2004.
For more information about the Member Spotlight program, contact Rachael Rahrig at 419.422.3313 or email
10300 W. 224
Rettig Brothers Furniture opened in 1981 in a small 3000 sq. ft. storefront on N. Main St. in Findlay, OH. In 1982, the company purchased a vacant 10,000 sq. ft. grocery store, completely renovated it, and enjoyed a steady business there until it moved again in 1991. It's next location was originally built as a lumber supply company, and with over 19,000 sq. ft. of showroom, it provided Rettig Brothers the opportunity to expand its offerings greatly.
In December 2001, Rettig Brothers completed construction of their new 60,000 sq. ft. facility located just a quarter mile from their old location. Their new showroom offers their greatest full line furniture selection yet, with in-store galleries from famous furniture makers like England, Flexsteel, Broyhill and Lane. Rettig Brothers looks forward to celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2011.
For more information about the Member Spotlight program, contact Rachael Rahrig at 419.422.3313 or email
In 2010, Blanchard Valley Health System was ranked in the top 5% in the U.S. for Patient Safety, and received the Joint Replacement Excellence Award. BVHS is also the largest employer in Hancock County, with more than 1,600 associates.
521 S. Main St.