Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development

10/12/2026

You've read about the projects. Now come see them.

Rooted & Rising: Discover Richland's Food Economy Tour is Friday, Nov. 6. Get a sneak peek at Grow by NECIC before its grand opening, walk the future Hearth & Forge Hotel, and meet the makers behind Milk & Honey, Idea Works Kitchen, Ohio Shine Co. and The Phoenix Brewing Company. Samples and tastings all day.

One bus. Limited seats.

Register: https://portal.richlandareachamber.com/events/details/discover-richland-tour-rooted-rising-6452

10/09/2026

Our Leadership Unlimited Class of 2027 discovered Richland County’s hidden gems.

We started the day with an Adaptive Leadership lesson and project team check-ins, then hit the road for a scavenger hunt across Richland County. Teams followed clues to some of our area’s lesser known attractions and historic sites, meeting the people who care for them and learning the stories that make each community special.

Thank you to every host who welcomed our class, shared a bit of history, and showed what makes their corner of the county worth discovering. Richland County is full of surprises, and this class got to see a few of them up close.

We wrapped up the day with a tour of the Renaissance Theatre and a happy hour in the Ghostlight Lounge, a great way to swap stories and celebrate a day well spent together.

A big thank you to Hamilton Insurance Group, Inc., our Presenting Sponsor, and to Richland Source, our Program Day Sponsor, for supporting Leadership Unlimited and making days like this possible.

Congratulations to our Class of 2027 on a great day of learning, teamwork, and exploring

10/08/2026

What a way to kick off the 2026–27 Young Leaders Institute!

On Wednesday, 32 Richland County sophomores spent Day 1 at Schmidt Total Protection learning “How to Be a Great Teammate.”

They spent the day:
*Learning the first three of BetterCulture’s 20 Tenets of Culture: Coachable, Helpful and Assume Positive Intent
*Touring Schmidt’s facility and meeting the team
*Hearing from a panel of Schmidt professionals over lunch
*Taking on the “Protect the Building” team challenge, where each team designed a security and fire protection plan for a fictional early learning center

Thank you to Schmidt Total Protection for opening your doors, giving the tour and building a challenge from your real work. And a big thank you to our October sponsor, Roby-Foster-Miller-Earick Insurance (RFME), for sponsoring the day.

Over the rest of the year, students will visit workplaces in customer service, nonprofit, healthcare, local government, advanced manufacturing, and hospitality and area attractions.

YLI is a Richland LEADS program of the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development, supported by the Milliron Foundation and our monthly sponsors.

10/07/2026

Mansfield's aviation history has a new home. The Lahm Aviation Museum, formerly the Frank P. Lahm Aviation Museum downtown in the Soldiers and Sailors Building, has reopened inside the Ohio State Reformatory at 100 Reformatory Rd. in Mansfield, on the west side of the third floor administration area. The collection holds flight suits, aviation pieces, and hundreds of model airplanes, honoring the many Mansfield natives who helped shape our nation's story of flight. Congratulations to the Lahm Aviation Museum, and we wish them continued success preserving this piece of local history.

10/06/2026

Welcome to your new home, SouthernCare Hospice! We helped celebrate the grand reopening of their new Ontario location on September 25. Their compassionate team supports patients and families with around-the-clock care, helping them make the most of every moment together.

10/05/2026

Congratulations to Millstone Manufactured Home Community on their September 25 ribbon cutting in Shelby! We were glad to help celebrate a new 50-unit manufactured housing community built with affordability, comfort, and quality of life in mind. With thoughtfully designed homes, practical amenities, and a welcoming neighborhood feel, Millstone is giving more families an affordable place to call home. Congratulations to the whole team, and welcome to the Richland County business community!

10/04/2026

Congratulations to Buckeye Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Shelby on 20 years in business! On September 23 we were glad to cut the ribbon on their expanded dealership facility, a reflection of their growth and their investment in the Shelby community. Family-owned since 2006, Buckeye has served customers across the region with care, and we are proud to help celebrate this new chapter.

10/03/2026

Congratulations to Schmidt Total Protection on 50 years of protecting our community! On September 23 we helped celebrate this milestone along with the grand opening of their new building addition, which will support their continued growth and expanded service. Fifty years of service is something special, and we are proud to have Schmidt Security Pro in the Richland County business community. Here is to the next 50!

10/02/2026

Early bird tickets for the 10th Annual Savor & Sip are $30 through October 9. After that they move to $40, so now is the time.

One night, tastings from more than 20 local food spots, live music from Avenue Blue, and 100-plus silent auction items to bid on. Open to everyone, so bring your coworkers, family, and friends.

The first 300 to register get a free souvenir pub glass and tote bag.

Thursday, October 22, 5 to 7:30 PM at the Mid-Ohio Conference Center, 890 West Fourth Street, Mansfield.

Register at portal.richlandareachamber.com/events/details/savor-and-sip-auction-and-food-tasting-2026-6379 or call 419-522-3211.

Presented by Medical Mutual.

10th ANNUAL Savor Sip Auction and Food Tasting, presented by Medical Mutual A CELEBRATION OF ALL THINGS CULINARY IN OUR AREA! Enjoy a night of live entertainment, great food, and auction items! How does it work? Sample tastings from our different food vendors, enjoy live music, bid on silent auction...

10/02/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Merris Welge on his induction into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Class of 2026!

If you've attended a Chamber event, chances are you've seen Merris volunteering, greeting guests, lending a hand or sharing his infectious enthusiasm. He serves on several Chamber committees and regularly volunteers at events throughout the year.

Merris has also spent three decades with North Central Ohio SCORE, providing free mentoring, advice and resources to entrepreneurs and small businesses. His commitment to service extends throughout our community, including longtime involvement with Richland Newhope Industries, Third Street Clinic, Richland County Habitat for Humanity and Sertoma.

On September 23, Merris was honored at a ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, joining a distinguished group of Ohioans recognized for their professional accomplishments and lifelong commitment to serving their communities. This statewide recognition adds to a long list of honors, including the 2025 Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year, 2023 Leadership Unlimited Outstanding Alum Award, 2022 Economic Excellence Award and 2021 Chamber Ambassador of the Year.

The Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development is incredibly proud to congratulate Merris on this well-deserved honor. Our community is fortunate to benefit from his generosity, experience and willingness to help others succeed.

Congratulations, Merris! 👏🎉

🎥 Watch the full Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame ceremony: https://ohiochannel.org/series/ohio-senior-citizens-hall-of-fame

For more than four decades, Merris A. Welge has strengthened his community through business development, healthcare access, nonprofit leadership, disability support services, and youth engagement.

He joins seven others in the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

Read more: https://aging.ohio.gov/classof2026