Fostoria Area Chamber Of Commerce

Message from the Chamber

Reflecting on 2009, we can best describe it as a year of transition for the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce. Aside from the adverse effects created by difficult economic times, the Chamber experienced mid-year changes in it leadership with a new executive director and a new board chairman. Despite these changes, however, we continued to work for our investors and our community, providing much-needed information, resources and opportunities.

This past year, the Chamber collaborated with FEDC and other groups to launch the community brand strategy, Fostoria – Find Your Future Here! We’re now working to promote the brand and the community, demonstrating that Fostoria is indeed a great place to live, to work, and to do business. We have continued efforts to serve our investors and the business community by offering networking events, legislative advocacy, and education/information opportunities. We also strengthened partnerships with Fostoria Economic Development Corporation and the City of Fostoria , recognizing that our collective efforts will achieve much more than we can individually.

What the future holds is uncertain, given the current economic conditions. The Chamber, however, will continue to provide our investors with valuable tools to help them remain competitive and knowledgeable in this ever-changing global economy. We will strive to evolve as an organization that can provide you a strong return on your investment. Finally, we understand that financial hardships may continue this year, but we are committed to being your resource for sustainability.

Thank you for your ongoing support and may 2010 be a year of renewed hope and energy for you, your business, and our community.

Sheri L. Fleegle

Executive Director

Board of Directors:
Greg Knestrick, Chair (Peterman & Associates)
Greg Flores, Chair-Elect (Fifth Third Bank)
Patti Essman, Treasurer (First Ohio Credit Union)

Board Members:
Julie Reinhart, Fostoria Community Hospital
Richard Heintschel, Fostoria Community Schools
Jenny Karcher, Perry Corporation
Jon Moyer, Lakeland Golf Course
Pat McCauley, Time Warner Cable
Pratt Robinson, Reineke Ford
Randy Payne, AEP
Pam Shumaker, American Heritage Realty
Ryan Reffner, Edward Jones
Susan Goodman, First Federal Bank
Ryan Smith, Mennel Milling Co.
Jonna Lewis, InterMetro Industries

Ex-Officio:
Mayor John Davoli, City of Fostoria
Joan Reinhard, Fostoria Economic Development Corp.
Marti Frederick, Fostoria Area Visitors Bureau
Bill Auxter, Ohio SBDC

Corporate Members:
AT & T
ACI Construction , Inc.
Caliber Auto Transfer
Fifth Third Bank
Findlay Publishing
First Ohio Credit Union
Fostoria Community Hospital
InterMetro Industries Corp.
Key Bank
Morgan AM & T
SMI Crankshaft
The Mennel Milling Company

Staff:
Sheri Fleegle, Executive Director
Darcy Kidwell, Executive Assistant