VW independent/submitted information
The Van Wert Heartland Patriots will hold their March meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 551 Center St. in Van Wert.
The featured speaker for the evening will be Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Stacy Adam, who will provide an overview of the organization, which works with existing businesses to help them meet their needs through workforce development, financing tools, and grant programs.
The VWAEDC also includes the Revolving Loan Fund, Van Wert Land Revitalization Corporation (land bank), PACE financing, the Business Advisory Council, Community Development Block Grants, and the CHIP program.
DAVE MOSIER/
independent editor
Van Wert City Council heard about some economic development highlights from 2020 several of which will continue into this year while also receiving an end-of-year report on city finances during a brief meeting held to open the new year’s legislative activity.
Van Wert County Economic Development Director Stacy Adam provides a recap of 2020 economic development activity during Monday’s City Council meeting.
photos by Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Stacy Adam provided an overview of 2020 economic activity, citing a number of projects that will come to fruition this year.
VW independent/submitted information
The Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce will present its 2021 annual Chamber Awards as a two-week event beginning Monday, February 15.
Awards will be presented to businesses based on performance, events, and milestones in 2020. If you are a member of the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce, please review the award categories to see if your business is eligible, or if you would like to nominate another Chamber member business or individual for an award.
Chamber Award Series
Vancrest Health Care Centers President Mark White speaks after receiving the 2020 Ray Miller Award.
Ray Miller: Recipient must be a Van Wert County resident that is affiliated with the Chamber or a Chamber member business who has shown a strong commitment to the community through volunteer work, participation in community organizations, and outstanding service to the community in 2020. Past winners include Mark White, Jacque Welch, Eric McCracken, and Gary Taylor.
DAVE MOSIER/
independent editor
Although COVID-19 caused some delays and changes in this year’s Business Plan Challenge, sponsored by the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation, Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Van Wert, and Wright State Lake Campus’ Business Development Center, the 2020 event now has a winner.
Audra Zinn, owner of ReLife Holistic Services, was named this year’s winner Thursday after a process that organizers expected to end in March or April, but, like so many other community events and activities, was derailed and delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
ReLife owner Audra Zinn holds the certificate she received for winning the 2020 Business Plan Challenge sponsored by local development organizations. She also received $2,000 in reimbursement funds to pay for business expenses.