Chamber Launches Shop Small, Shop Local Campaign

If you don’t shop local, we won’t have local!

Small businesses are the heart of our community.

For every dollar spent locally $2 to $3.50 circulate around the community, helping boosting our economy through taxes which help our schools, safety forces, parks and neighborhoods.  Statistics show that 90% of small business owners donate money to charity while 70% donate time & money.  They are invested in our community and our community needs to invest in them.

The Chamber is launching a campaign to help raise awareness of who and what the small businesses are in our community and to help drive business their way.  It is a grassroots social media campaign designed to show the community the faces behind our local small businesses-the people you see at the grocery store, at school sporting events, at church and on the street- the business and individuals supporting our community non-profits and United Way, sponsoring your kids little league team and riding on a float in the holiday parade. You will begin seeing posts on our social media platforms and on our Shop Small, Shop Local tab on our web site featuring a local small business owner holding a red sign that says, “I AM SMALL BUSINESS” with the #ShopFostoria and #ThinkFostoria.  When you see these posts, please share them.  They only have an impact if we all share it, build awareness and take action by shifting our shopping.

So as you travel around town, you will begin to see red signs like this

in the windows of small businesses who are actively participating in the campaign.  Stop in and let them know you’ve seen their sign and will be sharing it on Social Media.

For the business it is free to participate.  They can complete a form on the Chamber website, www.fostoriaohio.org and we will send them free printables with the Shop Small Shop Local logo as well as thank you cards they can hand to customers that contain the #.  Once the business signs on I will stop out, get their photo holding the sign and post on Social media.

Small business invest in our community, let’s invest in them!  Shop Small, Shop Local Fostoria.

Savvy Hair Expressions to Host Open House & Ribbon Cutting

On Tuesday, October 10,  Savvy Hair Expressions will host a Chamber Ribbon Cutting at 4 p.m. followed by an open house until 6 p.m.  Savvy Hair Expressions is located at 319 Perry Street and offers quality and affordability in hair, nail and skin care services for children to seniors, bringing a big city feel to their small studio salon–spa.

The open house and ribbon cutting is to celebrate three years in business and the salon’s new floor to ceiling facelift.  In addition, Savvy Hair Expressions received a Downtown Facade Enhancement Grant from the Community Improvement Corporation which allowed owner, Joy Walters to remove and replace unsightly and inefficient storefront windows as well as update signage.

The open house will have light refreshments and a raffle to win products and services.  Special guest, Tristan Thibodeau, of Honest To Goodness Health LLC, Scottsdale AZ. Masters in Science of Nutrition and Dietetics and Certified Holistic Health Coach will be on site sharing her unique specialties as well as participating in our raffle with the chance to win Free Personal Health, Nutrition and Wellness Consultations. All are invited to attend and help Savvy Hair Expressions as they celebrate three years, thank their existing customers, welcome new customers and show off their new and improved salon and spa.

Event Invitation

Thibodeau Seneca Lanes Announces Grand Re-Opening

FOSTORIA, OH- Thibodeau Seneca Lanes has undergone many new renovations and will celebrate with a Chamber Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, September 7 at 4:30 p.m.  The family fun center, located at 1090 U.S. 23, has added new signage and interior updates, improved machine operation, new ceilings and scoring monitors, big-screen TV’s and lane graphics. Traditional style leagues for seasoned bowlers will continue and more contemporary formats have been added for new bowlers.

Seneca Lanes has been managed by a member of the Thibodeau family for over 55 years.  Herb Thibodeau was recruited by Don Carter Lanes, Inc. and moved from Portland, Maine to Fostoria, Ohio in 1962 to manage Seneca Lanes, formerly on Route 18 (Columbus Avenue). Bowling was so popular in the 60’s a larger bowling center was soon needed. Ground was broken in 1974 for the new center on U.S. 23. An additional 8 lanes were added to make a 24-lane bowling center. Seneca Lanes opened at the current address in 1976. Herb managed Seneca Lanes until 2014 when he fell ill. At that time, Cas Anez filled in as manager. Upon his death, Herb’s wife Jan Thibodeau took over management of the bowling center.

Jan and the Thibodeau family wish to continue the legacy of service to customers in a family atmosphere for which Herb was so well-known. The two Assistant Managers, Jen Anez and Paula Sander have been committed to the operation since the 70’s. This was made possible when the opportunity to buy out corporate partners was recently presented.

Herb was best known for his dedication to his customers. Friends and family have said, “Herb wrote the book on customer service.” This is the legacy the Thibodeau family will use as a cornerstone moving forward.

The Thibodeau Family is very excited about the initial investment made this summer. Herb was a firm believer in investing in Fostoria and keeping his money local. There are more investments and enhancements planned.  The family invites the community to come out and see what’s new and happening and they welcome the opportunity to serve Fostoria and the surrounding communities in their premier entertainment center.

Event Invitation

For more information email Sarah@FostoriaChamber.com .