Month: February 2022

The Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau in partnership with Mayor Eric Keckler are working to propose a DORA, Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, in downtown Fostoria.  We believe a DORA will be a positive economic driver for the continued growth and development of downtown Fostoria.    

Results of the downtown survey from last spring, indicated a strong desire to pursue a DORA in downtown Fostoria. The feedback from the surveys, conversations with business owners as well as the increased number of events in downtown have led us to believe the time is right to move forward with this initiative.

We have compiled general information about a DORA, a map of the proposed DORA boundaries, as well as FAQs for  business/property owners and qualifying liquor permit holders located within the proposed area.  The proposed DORA hours of operation are Thursdays 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. 

We presented our proposal to City Council on February 15. Click here to view the presentation. Please keep in mind, the current state of the map and local DORA rules is merely a draft and a working document.

We encourage you to read through the information and please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns.  All questions may be directed to Sarah Stephens Krupp, Chamber/Small Business Director, Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau (sarah@fostoriachamber.com) or Mayor Eric Keckler, City of Fostoria (admin@fostoriaohio.gov).

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FOSTORIA,OH- The Fostoria Area Safety Council will award a $1,000 scholarship to a high school senior living in the 44830 zip code, wishing to pursue a degree in a safety related field. 

Eligible students must be a U.S. Citizen and enrolled full-time at the senior level, reside in the 44830 zip code, must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in the field of Occupational Safety and Health, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Science, Risk Management, Civil and Emergency Services (e.g. Law Enforcement, Fire Fighter, EMT), Occupational Rehabilitation or a related field. In addition applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above.  Applications are available at the Chamber office, 342 Perry Street, on the Chamber web site at www.fostoriaohistg.wpengine.com/safetycouncil

or through the school counselor and on Fostoria Community schools web site on the scholarship page.  All completed applications must be received by April 15 to be eligible.

The Fostoria Area Safety Council is a facilitated through a partnership between the Ohio BWC and the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce.  The Fostoria Area Safety Council is a resource for local businesses to examine and resolve safety issues in the workplace, study reliable techniques and learn about safety related topics with the goal of creating and maintaining safe work environments.  For more information about Fostoria Area Safety Council visit www.fostoriaohio.org/fostoria-area-safety-council or call 419-435-0486.

FOSTORIA,OH- The Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce and the Fostoria Learning Center area launching an entrepreneur program for youth.  The Chamber and the Learning Center have successful run CO.STARTERS, which is a 10-week program for adults with a business idea or are running a small business and are seeking to grow since 2020.  The youth entrepreneur program, CO.STARTERS Generator is designed for youth ages 11-17 who have a business idea or are seeking to turn a hobby into a money making venture. 

CO.STARTERS Generator is a 12 week program and will begin March 7.  The classes will be held at the Fostoria Learning Center on Mondays from 4-5:15 p.m.  There is not cost to participate as the program is sponsored by The Fostoria United Way. 

Applications for Generator will be accepted through March 1 and more information and application may be found at  www.fostoriaohio.org/generator/

CO.STARTERS Generator will be facilitated by Renee Smith, President of Fostoria Economic Development Corporation and Sarah Stephens Krupp, Chamber/Small Business Director for the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce.  In addition to the facilitators 8 of the 10 weeks will feature guest speakers who are fellow entrepreneurs or experts in their field. 

“We have seen great success with our CO.STARTERS program for adults and we are excited to extend the program to a younger audience. The Generator program is an opportunity for young people to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and experience the business startup process,” said Sarah Stephens Krupp.

For more information about Fostoria CO.STARTERS Generator visit the Fostoria Chamber website, www.fostoriaohio.org/generator/ or call 419-435-0846. 

The Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce and the Fostoria Learning Center are currently accepting applications for those wanting to participate in CO.STARTERS, a 10-week program which draws from the experience of start up veterans to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with insights, relationships and tools needed to turn their ideas into action. 

Applications will be accepted until the maximum of 12 applicants are received or until March 2.  Classes will take place Mondays days at the Fostoria Learning Center from 6:00-9:00 p.m.  More information and applications are available at www.fostoriaohio.org/co-starters

CO.STARTERS will be facilitated by Renee Smith, President of Fostoria Economic Development Corporation and Sarah Stephens Krupp, Chamber/Small Business Director for the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce.  In addition to the facilitators 8 of the 10 weeks will feature guest speakers who are fellow entrepreneurs or experts in their field. 

“CO.STARTERS is a great opportunity for those with a brand new idea to take 10 weeks to focus on and refine it in a collaborative, small group environment.  It is also a great opportunity for those already in an established business who want to ensure they are making the best possible decisions to make their business sustainable,” said Sarah Stephens Krupp.

The CO.STARTERS program offered in Fostoria makes Fostoria the only CO.STARTER community in Ohio.  Fostoria launched the first 10-week program in the fall of 2020 with 14 participants and the current class will be the fourth offered to date.  The participants in the first course ranged from entrepreneurs who simply had an idea to seasoned entrepreneurs looking to refine their current business model and the feedback on the program was fantastic from participants, facilitators and guest speakers.

For more information about Fostoria CO.STARTERS visit the Fostoria Chamber website, fostoriaohio.org/co-starters or call 419-435-0846. 

February 2022 Fostoria Area Business Newsletter