Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce

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Current Contact Information
Address 377 W. Liberty St.
City, State, Zip Wooster, Ohio 44691
Phone Phone: (330) 262-5735
Contact Person Michelle Rothgery
Contact Title Administrative Assistant
Last updated 2020-11


Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce
Type Chamber of Commerce
Industry Other Services
Fate Active
Predecessor(s) Wooster Board of Trade; Wooster Chamber of Commerce
Founded Wooster, Ohio (1908 (1908))
Headquarters Wooster, Ohio, United States
Number of locations 377 W Liberty St., Wooster, Ohio
Key people Justin Starlin, 2013-2020; Samira Zimmerly, 2010-Present ; Katie Foster; Lauren Behrednsen; Michelle Rothgery; Angela Withrow-Chenevey; Alyssa Cramer
Services Networking, Advocacy, Visibility, Professional Development, Opportunities, Credibility
Website woosterchamber.com

Locations

City Directories

Directory


President and Vice President

PHOTO YEARS PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT
Walter D Foss.png 1900- Walter D. Foss Example
Example Example Example
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150pz Example John Ziegler Example
Example Example Example
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Example Example Example
-Oct 2007 Mike Lezak Example
May 2008-2012 Jeff Griffin Example
-1999 Jack O'Donnell Example
Interm Daryl Perrine Example
1999- Dwight Mathias Example
July 2000- Al Miller Example
2013-2020 Justin Starlin Samira Zimmerly
2020- Samira Zimmerly Michelle Rothgery

Comprehensive History

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.

Slogans

Historical documents

Highlights to the Official Minutes

  • Excerpts of Minutes from 90 Years of Looking to the Future: 1900-1990 [1]

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 Chamber owned land was bought by the State Highway Department for expressway development, leaving at that site 10 acres facing Henry Street and 25 acres to the south bordering Canal Street.
  • Fundraising for the airport improvements was underway. Howard Freeman reported in April that $20,000 had been pledged to date. In May, the Chamber contributed $5,000 to this fund.
  • Twenty acres of land purchased by the Chamber in 1960 from the Ohio Metalsmiths Corporation on S.R. 30 was bought by Astro Fab in 1962 as the site for their new plant.

1961

  • President Gigax reviewed projects completed by the Chamber such as the bond issue for the new municipal building, the bond issue for the by-pass, and additional parking lots.
  • Several special committees were formed. One studied the method in which a Master Plan should be made for the City of Wooster, another reviewed the charter form of government and the city manager form of government in preparation for recommendations.
  • Petitions circulated by the Chamber, following groundwork by the Annexation Committee, placed on the ballot the issue of the annexation of 800 acres adjacent to the city on the east. This annexation was approved by the voters in November.

1962

  • Installing parking meters on the new lots downtown was suggested since the lots were being misused by employees.
  • Executive Vice President McCarley resigned effective April 30. A breakfast for the membership welcomed Fred Neuenschwander to this position in June.
  • Harold Freedlander chaired a committee to revise the Chamber's dues structure. His committee rectified former inequities and established $50.00 as the dues minimum.
  • The Chamber went on record as opposing "certain business interests who were attempting to weaken the Sunday closing law by amending the state constitution in such a manner as to allow more stores to open on Sunday."
  • Downtown redevelopment, parking, traffic flow, and beautification were discussed by the Chamber, City Administration, and City Council so that an area plan would be in place when US 30 and US 250 were re-routed onto the by-pass. A letter from Mayor Lestor got the ball rolling as a Chamber committee met with city officials to plan strategy for the development opportunities offered by Urban Renewal.

1963

  • Fred Neuenschwander's letter of resignation dated May 1, 1963, led to the search for a new Executive Vice President. Patrick J. Fauciglia was selected in June.
  • Amos Buchman began his duties as the first chairman of the Wayne County Community Improvement Corporation, a position he held for 25 years. This corporation was established to stimulate industrial development and approve the issuance of industrial revenue bonds.
  • The Chamber organized a gala ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Wooster expressway, and planned a luncheon to welcome Pentagon Plastics.
  • Daily inquiries were now being received as the Chamber began serving as the area's Better Business Bureau.

1964

  • The first Civic Improvement Awards were presented to recipients during the March annual meeting. The Civic Improvement Committee was formed to stimulate physical improvement and encourage the design and construction of more attractive buildings.
  • A telephone warning system was established by the Retail Division enabling them to quickly alert fellow members about shoplifters and bad checks.
  • In October, the manager of the Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce spoke to interested Wooster citizens discussing the procedures his community followed in constructing a downtown mall.
  • No action was taken on the recommendation to form a separate Downtown Merchants Association for the purpose of promoting downtown which would allow outlying merchants to become members of the Retail Division and yet remain apart from the merchants downtown.
  • Receiving the Chamber's wholehearted support was a request from four Wooster High School seniors to hold a Shakespearean Festival downtown on November 7, to celebrate Shakespeare's 400th birthday.

1965

  • Board President Ralph Jones reviewed the year's top two priorities: industrial development and increased Chamber membership.
  • Serious ramifications facing the city due to a lack of income led to the formation of a special committee to study this problem. The committee's findings resulted in the adoption 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.
  • Bill McNutt, Executive Director of the Farm Bureau Federation, requested the Chamber's cooperation in arranging a business-farm day.
  • A Wayne County advisory board began meeting to discuss the development of a new county airport.
  • In October, T. R. Lugenbeal was selected as the new Executive Vice President following the September resignation of Pat Fauciglia.

1966

  • Chamber support was given to the Wayne County Vocational School proposal and College-Community Day.
  • The board purchased the 45-acre parcel of land on Old Mansfield Road, offered by Frito-Lay, and accepted a 60-day option for 30 of those acres from Premier Corporation to be used as a future site for Akron Brass.
  • The sum of $1,700 was raised by the Chamber to send a Wooster policeman to school for training and handling police dogs.

1967

  • A major role was played by the Chamber in securing the site for the new airport. The old airport property was mortgaged and the Chamber's savings accounts used as collateral to borrow the final amount needed to purchase the land.
  • Assistance was given to Bell & Howell as plans went forward for their new Wooster plant.
  • Displacement of families due to urban renewal led to the Chamber's offer to serve as sponsor in the formation of a corporation to guide the development of necessary housing.
  • More than 1800 people attended the Chamber-sponsored open house for the new post office.

1968

  • Plans were being formulated to establish the old airport property as an industrial park site. Discussions entailed rezoning and the extension of water and sewer lines.
  • Construction of the new Akron Brass plant began.
  • The Chamber offices were redecorated.
  • Unfortunately, the Chamber was not in a position to grant the request from a local author to underwrite the publication costs of his book entitled "A Touch of Italy in Wooster."

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Gallery

Business Letterheads

Business Photos

Newspaper articles

Newspaper full-text articles

Newspaper ads

References

  1. ↑ 90 Years of Looking to the Future: 1900-1990. by Elaine Manges. Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce. 1990.

What Links Here

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