Difference between revisions of "Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce"

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{{Current Contact Information
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{{Organization
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| address=377 W. Liberty St.
+
|Organization name=Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce
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| city=Wooster
+
|Logo=WACC 2016 LOGO.png
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| state=Ohio
+
|Industries={{Industry
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| zip=44691
+
|Industry sector=Other Services
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| phone=Phone: (330) 262-5735
+
|Sub-Industry=Religious / Grantmaking / Civil / Profession and Similar Organizations
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| contact=Michelle {{Surname|Rothgery}}
+
}}
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| title=Administrative Assistant
+
|Services=Chamber; Networking; Advocacy; Visibility; Professional Development; Opportunities; Credibility
−
| email=
+
|Month Start=June
−
| updated=2020-11
+
|Day Start=10
 +
|Year Start=1893
 +
|Founded in city=Wooster
 +
|Founded in state=Ohio
 +
|Status=Active
 +
|Predecessors=Wooster Board of Trade
 +
|Parent organizations=Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce
 +
|Locations={{Location
 +
|Is primary=Yes
 +
|Building number=377
 +
|Street=W. Liberty St.
 +
|City=Wooster
 +
|Township=Wooster
 +
|County=Wayne
 +
|State=Ohio
 +
|Zipcode=44691
 +
|Country=United States of America
 +
|Is time bound=No
 
}}
 
}}
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{{Infobox company
 
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| name            = {{FULLPAGENAME}}
 
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| logo            = File:WACC 2016 LOGO.png
 
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| logo_caption    = 300px
 
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| image            =
 
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| image_size      =
 
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| image_caption    =
 
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| trading_name    =
 
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| native_name      =
 
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| native_name_lang = <!-- Use ISO 639-1 code, e.g. "fr" for French. Enter multiple names in different languages using {{tl|lang}}, instead. -->
 
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| romanized_name  =
 
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| former_name      =
 
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| former type      =
 
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| type            = Chamber of Commerce
 
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| traded_as        =
 
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| industry        = Other Services
 
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| fate            = Active
 
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| predecessor      = [[Wooster Board of Trade]]; [[Wooster Chamber of Commerce]]
 
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| successor        =
 
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| foundation      = [[Wooster, Ohio]] ({{Start date|1908}})
 
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| founder          =
 
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| defunct          = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} Please KEEP this total field-->
 
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| location_city    = [[Wooster, Ohio]]
 
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| location_country = United States
 
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| locations        = [[W Liberty St|377 W Liberty St.]], [[Wooster, Ohio]]
 
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| area_served      =
 
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| key_people      = [[Justin Starlin]],  2013-2020; [[Samira Zimmerly]], 2010-Present ; Katie {{Surname|Foster}}; Lauren {{Surname|Behrednsen}}; Michelle {{Surname|Rothgery}}; Angela {{Surname|Withrow-Chenevey}}; Alyssa {{Surname|Cramer}}
 
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| products        =
 
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| brands          =
 
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| production      =
 
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| services        = Networking, Advocacy, Visibility, Professional Development, Opportunities, Credibility
 
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| revenue          =
 
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| operating_income =
 
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| net_income      =
 
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| aum              = <!-- Only for financial services companies -->
 
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| assets          =
 
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| equity          =
 
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| owner            =
 
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| num_employees    =
 
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| parent          =
 
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| divisions        =
 
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| subsid          =
 
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| homepage        = {{URL|Woosterchamber.com}}
 
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| footnotes        =
 
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| intl            =
 
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| bodystyle        =
 
 
}}
 
}}
 +
* [[Wooster Board of Trade]], June 10, 1893-1950, Board voted to change name
 +
* [[Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce]], 1950-Present
  
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==Locations==
+
[[Wooster Board of Trade|Wooster Board of Trade]]
−
*  {{Address | number=377 | street=W. Liberty St. | city=Wooster | state=Ohio | zip=44691 | categorize=true | primary=true | township=Wooster }}
+
In 1900, Walter D. Foss, President of [[Wooster Brush Company, The]] served as the first President of the Wooster Board of Trade.
  
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==City Directories==
+
[[Wooster Board of Trade Band|Wooster Board of Trade Band]]
−
<!-- Ex. YEAR - Name of Directory, p. -->
+
 
−
*
+
[[Wooster Chamber of Commerce|Wooster Chamber of Commerce]]
 +
In 1950, [[Wooster Board of Trade]] members voted to change the name to the Wooster Chamber of Commerce.
 +
 
 +
[[Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce|Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce]]
 +
In 1982, with the scope of activities now being initiated by the [[Wooster Chamber of Commerce]] necessitated the change in name to the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce.
 +
<!-- creates a deck for cards --><div class="portal-content">
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{{Portal card
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|title=[[Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce Media Gallery|Wooster Board of Trade]]
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|tagline=
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|content= Discover logos, letterheads, maps, ads, and photos.
 +
{{cta
 +
|link=Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce Media Gallery
 +
|text=Read more
 +
}}
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|image=Wooster Chamber.png
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}}
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{{Portal card
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|title=[[Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce Media Gallery|Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce]]
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|tagline=
 +
|content= Discover logos, letterheads, maps, ads, and photos.
 +
{{cta
 +
|link=Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce Media Gallery
 +
|text=Read more
 +
}}
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|image=Wooster Chamber.png
 +
}}
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{{Portal card
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|title=[[Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce Media Gallery|Wooster Board of Trade Band]]
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|tagline=
 +
|content= Discover logos, letterheads, maps, ads, and photos.
 +
{{cta
 +
|link=Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce Media Gallery
 +
|text=Read more
 +
}}
 +
|image=Trade band.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Portal card
 +
|title=[[Wooster Area Chamber Presidents & Vice-Presidents|Chamber President's & Vice-President's]]
 +
|tagline=
 +
|content= Discover logos, letterheads, maps, ads, and photos.
 +
{{cta
 +
|link=Wooster Area Chamber Presidents & Vice-Presidents
 +
|text=Read more
 +
}}
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|image=Chamber Leaders.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Portal card
 +
|title=[[Highlights to Wooster Area Chamber Minutes|Highlights to Chamber Minutes]]
 +
|tagline=
 +
|content= Discover logos, letterheads, maps, ads, and photos.
 +
{{cta
 +
|link=Highlights to Wooster Area Chamber Minutes
 +
|text=Read more
 +
}}
 +
|image=Business Awards (1).png
 +
}}
 +
{{Portal card
 +
|title=[[Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce Media Gallery|Business Awards]]
 +
|tagline=
 +
|content= Discover logos, letterheads, maps, ads, and photos.
 +
{{cta
 +
|link=Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce Media Gallery
 +
|text=Read more
 +
}}
 +
|image=Business Awards.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Portal card
 +
|title=[[Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce Media Gallery|Media Gallery]]
 +
|tagline=
 +
|content= Discover logos, letterheads, maps, ads, and photos.
 +
{{cta
 +
|link=Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce Media Gallery
 +
|text=Read more
 +
}}
 +
|image=Gallery covpic.png
 +
}}
 +
{{Portal card
 +
|title=[[Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce Timeline|Timeline]]
 +
|tagline=
 +
|content= View the timeline of the Wooster Chamber.
 +
{{cta
 +
|link=Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce Timeline
 +
|text=Read more
 +
}}
 +
|image=Timeline Cover Title.png
 +
}}
 +
</div>
 +
==Quick Facts==
 +
* 1892 - The Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station moved from the University of Columbus, to Wooster, Ohio led by proactive lobbying efforts of the [[Wooster Board of Trade]].
 +
* 1900 - [[Wooster Board of Trade]] was organized by [[Walter D. Foss]], as the first President.
 +
* 1908 - December 14, The Wooster Board of Trade is officially founded as an organization. Incorporated in State of Ohio as a not for profit organization.
 +
* 1912 - The [[Wayne County Fair]] Board asked that the businessmen of Wooster close their places of business for two days during the Wayne County Fair.
 +
* 1913 - The Good Roads Committee was successful in securing paved routes through Wooster; now known as The [[Lincoln Highway]] (U.S. Route 30) and State Route 3.
 +
* 1917 - Board of Trade committed to raising one million dollars for the University of Wooster, which would support the expansion of its campus in Wooster.
 +
* 1918 - Contracts are closed by the New Industry Committee with the [[Akron Brass Company]] and the [[Wooster Rubber Company]] ([[Rubbermaid|Rubbermaid]]).
 +
* 1921 - The Board purchases property in the Christmas Run Valley, and retains an architect to design what is now "Christmas Run Park."
 +
* 1928 - 127 acres, on the northeast end of town is purchased by the Board at a cost of $11,500, for the purpose of establishing a County airport.
 +
* 1941 - To alleviate the pressing need for parking spaces in downtown, the Board purchased two lots for business owners to park during business hours.
 +
* 1947 - The Board of Trade established a new railroad sighting that attracted [[Silver Brothers Inc]], the [[Wooster Rubber Company]], [[Gerstenslager Company|Gerstenslagers]], [[Wooster Brass]], [[International Paper Company]], and [[Bauer Manufacturing Company]].
 +
* 1950 - Wooster Board of Trade members voted to change the name to [[Wooster Chamber of Commerce]].
 +
* 1952 - The Chamber was approve by the State of Ohio as one of the first organizations with a recognized Safety Council, formed to support industrial members.
 +
* 1965 - Serious ramifications facing the city, due to lack of income, led to the formation of a Chamber resolution that a city income tax was essential. Voter approval of this issue was due in large measure to the Chamber's efforts.
 +
* 1966 - The board purchased a 45 acre parcel of land on Old Mansfield Road. The land was successfully sold to [[Frito-Lay]], [[Bell and Howell]], and [[Akron Brass Company]].
 +
* 1974 - Wooster Chamber plays an intricate role in securing the All-American City Award for the City of Wooster, by sending a delegation to San Diego, California.
 +
* 1977 - The Chamber strong opposed the city's first flood way zoning ordinance, city the legislation could cause the lost of vital industrial and commercial investments.
 +
* 1978 - The newly created [[Wayne County Community Foundation]] was housed in the Chamber office until it could become self sustaining.
 +
* 1982 - The Wooster Chamber changed its name to the [[Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce]] to better identify the increased involvement and range of projects being undertaken.
 +
* 1983 - Realizing the economic impact of the tourism industry, the Chamber played a major role in the creation of the [[Wayne County Visitor & Conventions Bureau]] to provide ongoing promotion of Wayne County as a tourist destination.
 +
* 1984 - Chamber's Directors named a Downtown Revitalization Committee to address downtown concerns.
 +
* 1986 - The Chamber actively worked with City Officials in extending utilities to Venture Blvd, which assisted the relocation of [[Seaman Corporation]] from Millersburg to Wooster.
 +
* 1988 - Assistance was granted to [[Scot Industries]] of Lone Star, Texas in the construction of a 105,000 sq. ft. facility just west of the Wooster corporation limits.
 +
* 1991 - Chamber led leadership recognized the important of continual and concentrated Economic Development efforts, by founding the [[Wayne County Economic Development Council]], a county wide ED agency for Wayne County.
 +
* 1991 - The City of Wooster purchased the old Wooster AAA building on W. Liberty Street as a deal with the Wayne County Commissioners to bring the Human Services department downtown. The old Wooster AAA building also came with additional property that the city swapped with the county for more acreage on the Kinney property which the city wanted to use for a retention basin. The city was not able to auction off the old Wooster AAA building leaving the 5,700 sq. foot building vacant until the Chamber led by "Team Opportunity" agreed by the later part of 1993 to purchase the building for $190,000 for less than the appriasal value of $280,000. This left $29,500 budget for a building overall.<ref>Daily Record, Wooster, Ohio. 1994 Jul 8.</ref>
 +
* 1992 - Developer Jerry Baker's northend development (now Wooster's large retail area) receives strong public support from the Chamber Board and Membership.
 +
* 1994 - Efforts to secure public support for the new [[Wooster High School]] is successful, as the door to the new facility open to study and public a like.
 +
* 2004 - Expanded efforts in Community and Economic Development are a top priority for the Chamber and City Officials, as the creation of the Community Tax Incentive District is downtown is created.
 +
* 2008 - The demolition and subsequent redevelopment of the [[Freedlander's|Freedlander site]] is realized through strong public support efforts.
 +
* 2014 - Chamber hosts CEO Joe Kanfer of [[Gojo Industries Inc]] and the Chamber's Wayne Economic Forum, such efforts and connections lead to further exploration into the company expanding at the former [[Rubbermaid]] Facility.
 +
* 2016 - Chamber delegation travel to Germany to meet with [[Schaeffler]] Board and Ownership to discuss their long time growth plans for Wooster. The trip secures a significant expansion and develops a closer relation with Wayne County's largest employer.
  
 
==Directory==
 
==Directory==
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==President and Vice President==
 
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{| class="wikitable"
 
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! PHOTO !! YEARS !! PRESIDENT !! VICE PRESIDENT
 
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| [[File:Walter D Foss.png]] || 1900- || Walter D. {{Surname|Foss}} || Example
 
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|      || -Oct 2007 || Mike {{Surname|Lezak}} || Example
 
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|      || May 2008-2012 || Jeff {{Surname|Griffin}} || Example
 
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|      || -1999 || Jack {{Surname|O'Donnell}} || Example
 
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|      || Interm || Daryl {{Surname|Perrine}} || Example
 
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|      || 1999- || Dwight {{Surname|Mathias}} || Example
 
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|      || July 2000- || Al {{Surname|Miller}} || Example
 
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|-
 
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|      || 2013-2020  || Justin {{Surname|Starlin}} || Samira {{Surname|Zimmerly}}
 
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|-
 
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|      || 2020- || Samira {{Surname|Zimmerly}} || Michelle {{Surname|Rothgery}}
 
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|}
 
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==Comprehensive History==
 
−
<!-- Long version of the company history -->
 
−
[[Wooster Board of Trade|Wooster Board of Trade]]
 
−
In 1900, Walter D. {{Surname|Foss}}, President of [[Wooster Brush Company, The]] served as the first President of the Wooster Board of Trade.
 
−
 
−
[[Wooster Board of Trade Band|Wooster Board of Trade Band]]
 
−
 
−
[[Wooster Chamber of Commerce|Wooster Chamber of Commerce]]
 
−
In 1950, [[Wooster Board of Trade]] members voted to change the name to the Wooster Chamber of Commerce.
 
−
 
−
[[Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce|Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce]]
 
−
In 1982, with the scope of activities now being initiated by the [[Wooster Chamber of Commerce]] necessitated the change in name to the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce.
 
−
 
−
==Slogans==
 
−
<!-- Bullet listing with date, EX. 1956 - Slogan title -->
 
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* 
 
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−
==Historical documents==
 
−
<!-- No Images - Business Documents with historical value -->
 
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===Highlights to the Official Minutes===
 
−
*  Excerpts of Minutes from <I>90 Years of Looking to the Future: 1900-1990</I> <ref>90 Years of Looking to the Future: 1900-1990. by Elaine Manges. Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce. 1990.</ref>
 
−
====1950====
 
−
*  Chamber members voted 320 YES, 8 NO to change the name of the Wooster Board of Trade to the Wooster Chamber of Commerce.
 
−
*  A committee composed of Chamber and service club members was appointed to raise money for the July 4th fireworks, "since the Mayor was unable to get clubs to contribute because slot machines are out."
 
−
*  A Truck Rerouting Committee was formed to seek an alternate route around Wooster for through truck traffic.
 
−
*  The Chamber entertained the new teachers on their first day in Wooster, showing them points of interest and taking them to dinner.
 
−
*  The downtown one-way traffic plan, tried during the Christmas season to speed up traffic and provide more parking, worked so well, this Chamber recommended plan was made permanent by city ordinance in February 1951.
 
−
====1951====
 
−
*  Borg-Warner negotiated an option with the property owner for 30 acres of land west of Wooster.
 
−
*  The Courtesy Fund for parking meters began. Police put a nickel in the expired parking meter and an envelope on the car windshield asking return of a nickel to the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber started this fund with $10.00, and after $20.00 was deposited in meters, had $9.50 remaining.
 
−
*  Two hundred thousand seals, commemorating Wooster as "the home of the first Christmas tree," were given to members and the area public. A lighted Christmas tree was placed at the tomb of August Imgard, who erected this "first tree" in Wooster in 1847.
 
−
*  A list of assets indicated the Chamber still owned a total of 80 acres of land in various Wooster locations.
 
−
====1952====
 
−
*  Mr. C. E. McCarley was selected as the next Executive Secretary, following the resignation of Mr. Barker.
 
−
*  The telephone company proposed the installation of a dial telephone system in Wooster, and a substantial rate increase.
 
−
*  Don Noble reported that a Safety Council would soon be formed for the industrial group. The first Safety Council Awards Banquet was held April 25, 1954.
 
−
*  An Annexation Committee was appointed to seek areas that should be annexed, and to encourage such annexation.
 
−
====1953====
 
−
*  Formation of a Tree Commission was recommended to City Council by the Civic Projects Committee. The Chamber donated $500 toward the initial tree survey, and in 1955, when the Tree Commission was established to plan a shade tree planting and replacement program on city owned or controlled land, the Chamber appointed the first members to serve on this commission.
 
−
====1954====
 
−
*  The success of a 6-week adult education course, sponsored by Borg-Warner and the Wooster Rubber Co. in the fall of 1953, led to the Chamber's five-year involvement with Adult Education. The Chamber began by offering, at the College of Wooster, one 13-week course open to the general public. Within five years, this program had grown to 16 different courses with over 350 adults participating. In 1958, feeling this adult education program should become a permanent part of the community, the Chamber so notified the Board of Education, and relinquished sponsorship.
 
−
*  In May, following a short concert at the board meeting by a group of boys ages 16-25, Lee Parker announced the J. C.s would like to sponsor these musicians, and their immediate need was drums. After being given $200 by the Chamber to purchase a sufficient number of drums, the Junior Chamber Community Band was practicing weekly at the radio station.
 
−
*  An October luncheon welcomed executives of the Mardigian Corporation.
 
−
====1955====
 
−
*  The formation of Wooster Parking, Inc. addressed the need for additional downtown parking lots. The majority of $37,000 worth of stock in that corporation was sold for the purchase of suitable downtown properties.
 
−
*  The Chamber gave support to the Arbor Day program which resulted in the planting of over 3,000 dogwood trees in the city, voted to furnish 1st and 2nd prizes for the Soap Box Derby, and decorated downtown for the Miss Ohio Contest.
 
−
*  The Solicitation Committee "kept strict guard on and screening of off-color, out-of-town promoters who strike at our community almost daily."
 
−
====1956====
 
−
*  Following extensive remodeling of the old Straub's Meat Market on the northeast corner of Public Square, the Chamber invited guests to an open house celebration at their new office there in April 1957.
 
−
====1957====
 
−
*  If enough effort was put forth, the board felt that a United Fund for Wooster could be established. The Chamber spearheaded the groundwork to make the United Fund a reality.
 
−
*  At the request of the Manufacturers Association, the Chamber circulated petitions to put the issue of "fast time" on the May ballot.
 
−
*  A committee was appointed to talk to the Mayor regarding the lack of street repair in the city.
 
−
*  The Board of Directors voted favoring a celebration in connection with the city's 150th anniversary. Executive Secretary McCarley was named Vice Chairman of the celebration planning committee.
 
−
====1958====
 
−
*  Projects that needed to have the Chamber's support at once, and were given top priority in the Chamber of Commerce work program, included: parking, airport improvement, and the by-pass.
 
−
*  In July, an option was taken on the Shapiro lot downtown. This lot was to be cleared off immediately and put in shape for Dollar Day.
 
−
*  In December, when the owner of another downtown parking lot property refused an option extension, the Chamber borrowed the money to purchase this property, and held it until repayment could be made by the city.
 
−
====1959====
 
−
*  After assessing the inadequacies of the present airport, Les Gigax, Chairman of the Airport Committee, recommended that a site be secured for a new airport. However, a closed door meeting with city officials produced the decision to, at this time, raise funds to make improvements at the present location.
 
−
*  Under a program being supervised by the State Department, the Chamber was asked by the Bolivian Chamber of Commerce to formally invite some industrialists from La Paz to visit Wooster. Following their visit in March 1960, a letter of appreciation was sent to all of Wooster "who so cordially received the group."
 
−
*  Livingston Furniture Co. was welcomed to Wooster with a reception given by the Chamber.
 
−
====1960====
 
−
*  A house and lot, the first house south of the old Y.M.C.A., was purchased by the Chamber for the city's use.
 
−
*  Twenty-four acres of
 
−
 
−
==Timeline==
 
−
<!-- Bullet listing with date, EX. 1956 - March 6, Brief timeline -->
 
−
*  1892 - The Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station moved from the University of Columbus, to Wooster, Ohio led by proactive lobbying efforts of the [[Wooster Board of Trade]].
 
−
 
−
*  1900 - [[Wooster Board of Trade]] was organized by [[Walter D. Foss]], as the first President.
 
−
 
−
*  1908 - December 14, The Wooster Board of Trade is officially founded as an organization. Incorporated in State of Ohio as a not for profit organization.
 
−
 
−
*  1912 - The [[Wayne County Fair]] Board asked that the businessmen of Wooster close their places of business for two days during the Wayne County Fair.
 
−
 
−
*  1913 - The Good Roads Committee was successful in securing paved routes through Wooster; now known as The [[Lincoln Highway]] (U.S. Route 30) and State Route 3.
 
−
 
−
*  1917 - Board of Trade committed to raising one million dollars for the University of Wooster, which would support the expansion of its campus in Wooster.
 
−
 
−
*  1918 - Contracts are closed by the New Industry Committee with the [[Akron Brass Company]] and the [[Wooster Rubber Company]] ([[Rubbermaid|Rubbermaid]]).
 
−
 
−
*  1921 - The Board purchases property in the Christmas Run Valley, and retains an architect to design what is now "Christmas Run Park."
 
−
 
−
*  1928 - 127 acres, on the northeast end of town is purchased by the Board at a cost of $11,500, for the purpose of establishing a County airport.
 
−
 
−
*  1941 - To alleviate the pressing need for parking spaces in downtown, the Board purchased two lots for business owners to park during business hours.
 
−
 
−
*  1947 - The Board of Trade established a new railroad sighting that attracted [[Silver Brothers Inc]], the [[Wooster Rubber Company]], [[Gerstenslager Company|Gerstenslagers]], [[Wooster Brass]], [[International Paper Company]], and [[Bauer Manufacturing Company]].
 
−
 
−
*  1950 - Wooster Board of Trade members voted to change the name to [[Wooster Chamber of Commerce]].
 
−
 
−
*  1952 - The Chamber was approve by the State of Ohio as one of the first organizations with a recognized Safety Council, formed to support industrial members.
 
−
 
−
*  1965 - Serious ramifications facing the city, due to lack of income, led to the formation of a Chamber resolution that a city income tax was essential. Voter approval of this issue was due in large measure to the Chamber's efforts.
 
−
 
−
*  1966 - The board purchased a 45 acre parcel of land on Old Mansfield Road. The land was successfully sold to [[Frito-Lay]], [[Bell and Howell]], and [[Akron Brass Company]].
 
−
 
−
*  1974 - Wooster Chamber plays an intricate role in securing the All-American City Award for the City of Wooster, by sending a delegation to San Diego, California.
 
−
 
−
*  1977 - The Chamber strong opposed the city's first flood way zoning ordinance, city the legislation could cause the lost of vital industrial and commercial investments.
 
−
 
−
*  1978 - The newly created [[Wayne County Community Foundation]] was housed in the Chamber office until it could become self sustaining.
 
−
 
−
*  1982 - The Wooster Chamber changed its name to the [[Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce]] to better identify the increased involvement and range of projects being undertaken.
 
−
 
−
*  1983 - Realizing the economic impact of the tourism industry, the Chamber played a major role in the creation of the [[Wayne County Visitor & Conventions Bureau]] to provide ongoing promotion of Wayne County as a tourist destination.
 
−
 
−
*  1984 - Chamber's Directors named a Downtown Revitalization Committee to address downtown concerns.
 
−
 
−
*  1986 - The Chamber actively worked with City Officials in extending utilities to Venture Blvd, which assisted the relocation of [[Seaman Corporation]] from Millersburg to Wooster.
 
−
 
−
*  1988 - Assistance was granted to [[Scot Industries]] of Lone Star, Texas in the construction of a 105,000 sq. ft. facility just west of the Wooster corporation limits.
 
−
 
−
*  1991 - Chamber led leadership recognized the important of continual and concentrated Economic Development efforts, by founding the [[Wayne County Economic Development Council]], a county wide ED agency for Wayne County.
 
−
 
−
*  1992 - Developer Jerry Baker's northend development (now Wooster's large retail area) receives strong public support from the Chamber Board and Membership.
 
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*  1994 - Efforts to secure public support for the new [[Wooster High School]] is successful, as the door to the new facility open to study and public a like.
 
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*  2004 - Expanded efforts in Community and Economic Development are a top priority for the Chamber and City Officials, as the creation of the Community Tax Incentive District is downtown is created.
 
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*  2008 - The demolition and subsequent redevelopment of the [[Freedlander's|Freedlander site]] is realized through strong public support efforts.
 
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*  2014 - Chamber hosts CEO Joe Kanfer of [[Gojo Industries Inc]] and the Chamber's Wayne Economic Forum, such efforts and connections lead to further exploration into the company expanding at the former [[Rubbermaid]] Facility.
 
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*  2016 - Chamber delegation travel to Germany to meet with [[Schaeffler]] Board and Ownership to discuss their long time growth plans for Wooster. The trip secures a significant expansion and develops a closer relation with Wayne County's largest employer.
 
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==Gallery==
 
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==References==
 
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==What Links Here==
 
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[[Category:337 W. Liberty St., Wooster, Ohio]]
 
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[[Category:Board of Trade]]
 
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[[Category:Businesses in Wooster, Ohio]]
 
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[[Category:Chamber of Commerce]]
 
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[[Category:Employment Resources in Wayne County]]
 
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[[Category:Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce]]
 
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[[Category:Wooster Board of Trade]]
 

Latest revision as of 12:04, 19 July 2023



. .

WACC 2016 LOGO.png
About
Name
  • Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce
Other Services
  • Religious / Grantmaking / Civil / Profession and Similar Organizations
Services
  • Chamber, Networking, Advocacy, Visibility, Professional Development, Opportunities, Credibility
Facts
Founded
  • June 10,1893
    Wooster,Ohio
Related
Predecessors
Parent organizations
Key Persons
Location
    • 377 W. Liberty St., Wooster, 44691, Ohio

Wooster Board of Trade In 1900, Walter D. Foss, President of Wooster Brush Company, The served as the first President of the Wooster Board of Trade.

Wooster Board of Trade Band

Wooster Chamber of Commerce In 1950, Wooster Board of Trade members voted to change the name to the Wooster Chamber of Commerce.

Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce In 1982, with the scope of activities now being initiated by the Wooster Chamber of Commerce necessitated the change in name to the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Quick Facts

  • 1892 - The Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station moved from the University of Columbus, to Wooster, Ohio led by proactive lobbying efforts of the Wooster Board of Trade.
  • 1900 - Wooster Board of Trade was organized by Walter D. Foss, as the first President.
  • 1908 - December 14, The Wooster Board of Trade is officially founded as an organization. Incorporated in State of Ohio as a not for profit organization.
  • 1912 - The Wayne County Fair Board asked that the businessmen of Wooster close their places of business for two days during the Wayne County Fair.
  • 1913 - The Good Roads Committee was successful in securing paved routes through Wooster; now known as The Lincoln Highway (U.S. Route 30) and State Route 3.
  • 1917 - Board of Trade committed to raising one million dollars for the University of Wooster, which would support the expansion of its campus in Wooster.
  • 1918 - Contracts are closed by the New Industry Committee with the Akron Brass Company and the Wooster Rubber Company (Rubbermaid).
  • 1921 - The Board purchases property in the Christmas Run Valley, and retains an architect to design what is now "Christmas Run Park."
  • 1928 - 127 acres, on the northeast end of town is purchased by the Board at a cost of $11,500, for the purpose of establishing a County airport.
  • 1941 - To alleviate the pressing need for parking spaces in downtown, the Board purchased two lots for business owners to park during business hours.
  • 1947 - The Board of Trade established a new railroad sighting that attracted Silver Brothers Inc, the Wooster Rubber Company, Gerstenslagers, Wooster Brass, International Paper Company, and Bauer Manufacturing Company.
  • 1950 - Wooster Board of Trade members voted to change the name to Wooster Chamber of Commerce.
  • 1952 - The Chamber was approve by the State of Ohio as one of the first organizations with a recognized Safety Council, formed to support industrial members.
  • 1965 - Serious ramifications facing the city, due to lack of income, led to the formation of a Chamber resolution that a city income tax was essential. Voter approval of this issue was due in large measure to the Chamber's efforts.
  • 1966 - The board purchased a 45 acre parcel of land on Old Mansfield Road. The land was successfully sold to Frito-Lay, Bell and Howell, and Akron Brass Company.
  • 1974 - Wooster Chamber plays an intricate role in securing the All-American City Award for the City of Wooster, by sending a delegation to San Diego, California.
  • 1977 - The Chamber strong opposed the city's first flood way zoning ordinance, city the legislation could cause the lost of vital industrial and commercial investments.
  • 1978 - The newly created Wayne County Community Foundation was housed in the Chamber office until it could become self sustaining.
  • 1982 - The Wooster Chamber changed its name to the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce to better identify the increased involvement and range of projects being undertaken.
  • 1983 - Realizing the economic impact of the tourism industry, the Chamber played a major role in the creation of the Wayne County Visitor & Conventions Bureau to provide ongoing promotion of Wayne County as a tourist destination.
  • 1984 - Chamber's Directors named a Downtown Revitalization Committee to address downtown concerns.
  • 1986 - The Chamber actively worked with City Officials in extending utilities to Venture Blvd, which assisted the relocation of Seaman Corporation from Millersburg to Wooster.
  • 1988 - Assistance was granted to Scot Industries of Lone Star, Texas in the construction of a 105,000 sq. ft. facility just west of the Wooster corporation limits.
  • 1991 - Chamber led leadership recognized the important of continual and concentrated Economic Development efforts, by founding the Wayne County Economic Development Council, a county wide ED agency for Wayne County.
  • 1991 - The City of Wooster purchased the old Wooster AAA building on W. Liberty Street as a deal with the Wayne County Commissioners to bring the Human Services department downtown. The old Wooster AAA building also came with additional property that the city swapped with the county for more acreage on the Kinney property which the city wanted to use for a retention basin. The city was not able to auction off the old Wooster AAA building leaving the 5,700 sq. foot building vacant until the Chamber led by "Team Opportunity" agreed by the later part of 1993 to purchase the building for $190,000 for less than the appriasal value of $280,000. This left $29,500 budget for a building overall.[1]
  • 1992 - Developer Jerry Baker's northend development (now Wooster's large retail area) receives strong public support from the Chamber Board and Membership.
  • 1994 - Efforts to secure public support for the new Wooster High School is successful, as the door to the new facility open to study and public a like.
  • 2004 - Expanded efforts in Community and Economic Development are a top priority for the Chamber and City Officials, as the creation of the Community Tax Incentive District is downtown is created.
  • 2008 - The demolition and subsequent redevelopment of the Freedlander site is realized through strong public support efforts.
  • 2014 - Chamber hosts CEO Joe Kanfer of Gojo Industries Inc and the Chamber's Wayne Economic Forum, such efforts and connections lead to further exploration into the company expanding at the former Rubbermaid Facility.
  • 2016 - Chamber delegation travel to Germany to meet with Schaeffler Board and Ownership to discuss their long time growth plans for Wooster. The trip secures a significant expansion and develops a closer relation with Wayne County's largest employer.

Directory


  1. ↑ Daily Record, Wooster, Ohio. 1994 Jul 8.
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