By: Bill O’Connell
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
The Swanton Chamber of Commerce (SCC) recently held its annual luncheon at Swanton Health Care as members gathered to celebrate the successes of the previous year, set new goals and elect, or as it turned out, re-elect board members.
Neil Toeppe, Executive Director, welcomed guests and members and gave a “State of the Chamber” report listing some of the major accomplishments with a look ahead to the next twelve months. On the financial side of things, Mr. Toeppe reported that the Chamber was in very good shape and has not had to increase dues since 2009. In fact, non-dues revenue have now exceeded dues revenue.
The major non-dues revenue generators are the golf outing, the community calendar, the community directory and the Swanton Fine Arts Exhibit. The Fine Arts Exhibit, which will be held for the third time this coming October, has been rapidly growing and will include art work from six school districts this year along with adult works from around Northwest Ohio. Significant prize money and college scholarships will be awarded as well as proclamations from Governor John Kasich and US Representative Robert Latta.
It was also reported that the SCC offers its member more benefit/discount programs than any chamber of commerce in Fulton County.
There were three Board of Director terms expiring and all three, Angie Rose, Patty Carroll and Janet Taylor were eligible to serve another three-year term. All three were re-elected unanimously.
Bill O’Connell may be reached at
publisher@thevillagereporter.com