Chamber News & Events
 

Chamber & DMRC Spring Spruce-Up ~ May 15, 2010

Each year the chamber of commerce and DMRC co-host a spring spruce-up. Volunteers spent the morning edging and sweeping sidewalks, washing windows, pulling weeds and doing various “spruce-up” tasks.

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2010 Scholarship Recipients

The Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce scholarship committee members Dorothy Caldwell and Paulette Nichols reported having a difficult time choosing two applicants from the 16 applications received. After much thought and consideration, chosen to receive a $1,000 scholarship each were Broc Benner and Grace Baran - Congratulations scholarship recipients! The Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Paulette Nichols and Dorothy Caldwell for their hard work and dedication the Chamber’s scholarship program.

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Chamber Hosts Holiday Gathering

Members of the Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce gathered at the Mantua Township Civic Center on Monday, December 14th for their annual “Holiday Gathering”. Those in attendance enjoyed a buffet style dinner featuring BBQ ribs from Comfort Cafe, Sauerkraut Balls from Jake’s, pierogies from Zagursky’s Pierogies and pizza from Teresa’s Pizza as well as many appetizers, side dishes and desserts brought by members. Thank you to Marie Stehli, Mayor Hawkins, Roger Hawkins, Paulette Nichols for decorating the hall. A great time was had by all!

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Santa’s Arrives at the Mini Park

On Friday, December 4th, Santa and Mrs. Claus stopped to visit at the Mantua Mini Park. Upon arrival he was greeted by a large group of children eager to see Santa! Everyone was encouraged to bring an ornament to place on the community Christmas tree, a tradition started in 2008 by Donna Hawkins, Mantua Village Mayor. Santa passed out candy canes, donated by Haylett’s Foods on Main Street in Mantua to all of the children. Carolers could be heard singing old-fashioned Christmas carols as children visited with Santa. This annual tradition, sponsored by the Mantua-Shalersville Chamber of Commerce and organzied by Paulette Nichols was a great evening, enjoyed by all.

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Make a Child’s Holiday Bright! MSACC “Giving Tree” Program Now Underway

The Mantua-Shalersville Chamber of Commerce has placed “Giving Trees” at local businesses, decorated with ornaments representing a lessfortunate child in our community.
You can be a part of this wonderful gift of giving by taking an ornament and purchasing a gift for either a boy or a girl of the age specified.
In addition to the trees at local businesses, a “traveling tree” will make the rounds at the craft shows and holiday events now through the end of November.
The Mantua-Shalersville Chamber of Commerce is very grateful for the participation of the above businesses and the generosity of those who give.

Congratulations Becky Newell, MSACC “2009 Bright Star”

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Chamber of Commerce “Bright Stars for 2009” were recognized on Thursday, October 29th the semi-annual board meeting of the Northern Ohio Area Chambers of Commerce (NOACC) at the Cadillac Ranch on Public Square in Cleveland, Ohio.

NOACC invited Chambers of Commerce from across northern Ohio to nominate someone as their “Bright Star” in order to recognize a chamber member who has “made a significant impact on the chamber through membership, retention, sponsorship, economic development, operations and/or education.” Each Bright Star is an active chamber member for no less than two years and is likely to be an unsung hero or a dedicated behind-the-scenes volunteer. Jessica Forsythe, Bright Star Chair and Chairman of the Western Lake County Area Chamber of Commerce introduced 30 Bright Star award-winners at the semi-annual meeting, each of whom has given freely of his/her time, working hard for their chambers without any expectations.

This is the second year for the Bright Star Awards, and again has given an opportunity to recognize these volunteers among their peer groups, as chamber representatives, board members and spouses were also in attendance. The Chamber Bright Stars received a plaque and trophy in addition to this public recognition. Kathy Berkshire, NOACC Chairman was pleased that this opportunity allowed the chambers and their communities to give these “Bright Stars” the thanks they deserve for everything they do to help their chambers succeed.

Becky Newell, membership chairperson for the Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce was nominated by current Chamber officers; Joan Sweet, Treasurer; Christine Pitsinger, Vice President; and Melissa Lyle, Secretary. Chamber President Marie Stehli and member Michelle Barnauskas of Business Image Solutions were in attendance to see Ms. Newell receive her award.

In addition to member billing and communications, Ms. Newell was instrumental in obtaining a Chamber presence in Mantua Village. She secured a site for the Chamber office compliments of local property owner Lydia Keefer and then proceeded to locate furniture donations to create a pleasant environment for meetings and public visits, all at no cost to the Chamber or the community.

Ms. Newell was one of five community members to reactivate the Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce in 2002, serving as Secretary for two years and as membership-chair for the past five years. She has been involved in organizing annual Chamber events such as Oktoberfest and Spring Spruce-Up Day throughout her tenure as a volunteer.

Chamber Hosts Steak Fry

The Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual “Steak Fry” at Benner’s Main Street Place on Monday, October 5th.

Over 70 members of the community enjoyed a delicious steak dinner prepared by Jason Pitsinger and Mark Tibbs which included a New York strip steak, baked potato, salad, dessert and beverages.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by Matt Coates and Diane Harris. A 50/50 raffle also took place with proceeds to benefit the chamber’s scholarship fund. William Nome, candidate for Portage County Judge was the lucky winner, who generously gave back his winnings to the scholarship fund. 

Chamber President, Marie Stehli thanked Jeff and Edie Benner for generously allowing the chamber use of their facility, fellow chamber officers, Christine Pitsinger, Joan Sweet and Missy Lyle for planning the event, as well as all in attendance. She also added that the steaks were purchased locally at K&K Meats as was the cider which was purchased at Monroe Orchard and Farm Market.

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Chamber of Commerce Purchases Banners

Each year the Chamber of Commerce purchases flower baskets for Mantua Village, Mantua Township and Shalersville Township. New this year, instead of baskets in the village, the chamber decided to hang banners. Pictured with the new banner (left to right) are Christine Pitsinger, vice president; Missy Lyle, chamber secretary, Ed Trego,Mantua Village administrator; Donna Hawkins, Mantua Village mayor; Joan Sweet, chamber treasurer and chamber president, Marie Stehli.

Mantua Rotary/Chamber Picnic at Camp Hi

Each year in August, the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Mantua have a picnic at Camp Hi. Hosted by the Rotary Club, members enjoy a picnic style dinner under the pavilion with everyone bringing a dish to pass. Helen Hazlett offered canoe trips to those interested. About 20 of us, spent the afternoon on the Cuyahoga River before returning for dinner.

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Chamber Hosts Networking Luncheon

On Wednesday, July 15th, the Chamber of Commerce hosted a “Networking Luncheon” at Benner’s Main Street Place. Chamber members and individuals from the community mingled and networked as they enjoyed an “old fashioned picnic style” lunch of hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, watermelon and more! Thank you to chamber officers, Marie Stehli, Christine Pitsinger, Joan Sweet and Missy Lyle for sponsoring the event and to Jeff and Edie Benner for the use of their beautiful facility!

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Chamber Scholarship Golf Outing held June 27th

The Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Scholarship Golf Outing on Saturday, June 27th at Ravenswood Golf Course.

Teams of four played the 18 hole course with winning teams being awarded various prizes donated by local merchants. Golfers enjoyed a steak dinner as they mingled following the game.

Funds raised at the outing go toward the 2 - $1,000 scholarships given to Crestwood Seniors each year. Receiving scholarships in 2009 were Nicole Brugmann and Joseph Schrecengost.

Outing organizers, Graham Harmon and Joann Vance would like to thank the following Hole Sponsors: Stamm Contracting, Marsilio For Judge, David Brode For Judge, Kepich Ford, Graphic Design & Sign, API & PPG Industries, Napa Mantua Auto Parts, Perfect Choice Auto, Preston Motors Inc., Footprints, The Community Journal, Cortland Bank, F&S Automotive, Advanced Rehab, Wintergreen Tree Farm/ Marie Stehli CPA, Middlefield Bank, Industrial Connections, Wolf & Phlaum, Info Spec Computers & More, and Shirley Schuster CPA.

Thank you also to the following for their monetary or door prize donations: Footprints, McDonald’s, Graphic Design & Sign - Sierra Inc., Ravenwood Golf Course, Stamm Contracting, Arts & Flowers, 3M, Grandview Golf Course and Windmill Lakes.

Announcement of 2009 Scholarship Recipients

The Mantua-Shalersville Area of Chamber of Commerce scholarship committee members Dorothy Caldwell and Paulette Nichols reported having a difficult time choosing two applicants from the dozen or so received. After much thought and consideration, chosen to receive a $1,000 scholarship each were Nicole Brugmann and Joseph Schrecengost - Congratulations scholarship recipients!

The Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Paulette Nichols and Dorothy Caldwell for their hard work and dedication the Chamber’s scholarship program.

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Chamber & DMRC 2009 Spring Spruce-Up

On Saturday, May 9th, about 2 dozen residents and business owners met at the Mini Park at 9AM to participate in the Chamber and DMRC’s (Downtown Mantua Revitalization Corporation) 4th annual “Spring Spruce Up”. The group worked all morning giving Mantua a “fresh and clean spring look”. Volunteers swept and edged sidewalks, washed windows, picked up litter, pulled weeds along with other various “spruce up” tasks in the village of Mantua.

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In attendance were: Austin Anderson, Rick Custer, Steve Heintzelman, Christine Pitsinger, Brandon Pitsinger, Becky Newell, Ellie Stamm, Eileen Doyle, Linda Elhert, Nick Elhert, Wendy Connair, Lisa Zameznik, MichelleBarnauskas, Edie Benner, Laura Landreth, Ron Landreth and Jim Oster.

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New Chamber-Rotary-DMRC Office Opens

Thanks to the generous offer of Lydia Keefer, the Mantua-Shalersville Chamber of Commerce now has a storefront on Main Street! This office will be used by the Chamber, Rotary and DMRC to promote the area, its events and ammenities. The windows will feature signage to advertise upcoming events. During peak hours, the office will be staffed by volunteers to greet visitors and assist them by providing information about the Chamber and the area’s resources.

After accepting the offer, chamber officer, Becky Newell began to organize the project. Within a few days, the project took shape through the donations of the following individuals: Eric Hummel - desks and chairs, as well as the strong backs of Clive Moats and Brad Harris from Stamm Contracting to deliver and arrange them. Joan Sweet - a computer, monitor and printer. A 10-gallon aquarium stocked with freshwater fish was also donated by Aaron Burnett of Aaron’s Aquatics and window signage from Frank Majni, The Signtist. Once arranged, Becky Newell spent several hours vacuuming, wiping down furnishings and shampooing the chair upholsteries.

This new office will also benefit Chamber members by promoting their products and services through the distribution of flyers, brochures and business cards to those who visit the new office. Members are encouraged to drop off their advertising materials at Advanced Rehabiliation & Health Specialists.

Volunteers are still needed to fill 2-hour time slots to staff the office. Beginning January 9th, the office will be open on Fridays from 4-6PM and on Saturdays from 10AM-12 Noon. Contact Becky at 216-990-5086 or bbjnewell@neohio.twcbc.com to volunteer.

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Chamber of Commerce Thanks 2007-2008 Officers

Chamber president Marie Stehli presents 2007-2008 secretary, Dorothy Caldwell and 2007-2008 treasurer, Paulette Nichols each with a gift card for Teresa’s Pizza as a “Thank You” for their dedication and service to the chamber.

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The MSACC 2009 Member Directory is finished!

This guide lists all paid members’ business or organization name, address, and contact information ina yellow page-style format. Also included are local government contacts and chamber of commerce information. The design and printing of this directory was donated by the Community Journal.

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Holiday Party 2008

The Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Holiday Party was held at the Mantua Township Civic Center on Monday, December 15th. A buffet-style dinner included pizza, wings, vegetable and cheese trays as well as appetizers and desserts. Christmas songs played as nearly 50 members and their guests mingled and enjoyed the evening.

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Again this year, the Mantua-Shalersville Chamber of Commerce placed “Giving Trees” at local businesses, decorated with ornaments representing a less-fortunate child in our community. Community members purchased, wrapped and returned their gift. Older children received gift cards purchased through donations from local businesses and individuals. On Friday, December 12th, Marie Stehli, Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce President and Betsy Woolf, Mantua-Shalersville Fire Department Clerk, sorted the gifts at the Fire Department. The Mantua-Shalersville Chamber of Commerce is very grateful for the generosity of those who donated to this worhty cause.

Visit From Santa - 2008

On Friday, December 5th, Santa and Mrs. Claus stopped for a visit at the Mantua Mini Park, brought a-top a Mantua-Shalersville Fire Department fire engine. Upon arrival he was greeted by a large group of children eager to see Santa! New this year was the decorating of a Community Christmas Tree, donated by Wintergreen Tree Farm. Donna Hawkins, Mantua Village Mayor started this tradition by inviting those in attendance to bring an ornament to place on the tree. Santa passed out candy canes, donated by Haylett’s Corner Store to all of the children. Carolers could be heard singing old-fashioned Christmas carols as children visited with Santa. This annual tradition, sponsored by the Mantua-Shalersville Chamber of Commerce and organzied by Paulette Nichols was a great evening, enjoyed by all.

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2008 Scholarship Golf Outing

Thank you to the following businesses for their sponsorship of our 2008 Scholarship Golf Outing...

Accurate Auto Glass Advanced Rehabilitation & Health Specialists Aetna Plastics API & PPG The Community Journal Cortland Banks F & S Automotive Ferrara Electric Co Graphic Sign & Design Industrial Connections Info Spec Computers & More J&M Construction & Snow Plowing Kepich Ford L.M. Kohn & Company

Lakeside Sand & Gravel Main Street Grille & Brewing Company Mantua Village Tavern Marie Louise Stehli, CPA The Middlefield Banking Company Napa Mantua Auto Parts Perfect Choice Auto Preston Chevy Cadillac Shalersville Township Shirley Schuster CPA Stamm Contracting Wolf & Pflaum Metro Motorcycle & ATV

2008 Scholarship Recipients Named

Each year the Mantua-Shalersville Chamber of Commerce presents scholarships to two outstanding Crestwood seniors. Chosen to receive these scholarships are Bethany Guegold and Laurel Cope. Bethany was a member of the National Honor Society, serving as the organization’s president her junior and senior years, and graduated with a prestigious grade point average of 4.18. Bethany will be attending the University of Akron. Laurel graduated with a grade point average of 3.63 and was a member of the National Honor Society, marching band and Science Club. She also volunteered with the Appalachia Service Project which helped rebuild homes in Biloxi Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. Laurel will be attending the University of Maine. Congratulations to these outstanding young women. They are wished only the best as they continue their education and pursue their chosen careers! 7/2008

	Front Row: Susan Skrovan, Chamber President and Mantua Township Fiscal Officer Marie Stehli, June Ruehr, JoAnn Solak. Second row: Owner Darin Kelly, Betsy Woolf, Chamber Vice President and Shalersville Township Fiscal Officer Dorothy Caldwell, Mantua Village Mayor Donna Hawkins Shalersville Township Trustee Frank Ruehr

Chamber of Commerce Donates Township & Village Flower Baskets

For the past 4 years the Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce has donated the hanging baskets for Mantua Township, Mantua Village and Shalersville Township. This spring project started with six baskets for each community, with two added this year, the first at the Mantua-Shalersville Fire Department and the second hanging down by the river. In attendance were Marie Stehli, Chamber President and Mantua Township Fiscal Officer; Dorothy Caldwell, Shalersville Fiscal Officer, and Chamber Vice-President; Mantua Donna Hawkins, Mantua Village Mayor; Darin Kelly, Owner of Mantua Gardens; Betsy Woolf, Fiscal Officer of the Mantua-Shalersville Fire Department; Joann Solack; June Ruehr; Sue Skrovan; and Frank Ruehr, Shalersville Township Trustee; met at Mantua Gardens to plant the baskets.Seeking advice from Sue Skrovan of Mantua Township who did such a wonderful job in planting the township’s 2007 baskets and Darin Kelley owner of Mantua Gardens, the group got busy and planted until the project was completed. 5/2008

2008 Mantua Village Spring Spruce Up / Clean Up
For the past 3 years the Downtown Mantua Revitalization Committee and the Mantua-Shalersville Chamber of Commerce have organized a spring clean up in the Village of Mantua. This year the event slated to take place on May 3rd was rescheduled to the following Saturday due to rainy weather. Despite the cancellation, several individuals still came out and braved the rainy weather and began what would be a two weekend spring cleanup event. The event brought residents, students, elected officials and business owners from all parts of the village and adjoining townships with shovels and rakes in hand. This group worked busily from 9AM until 1PM giving Mantua a “fresh and clean spring look”. Volunteers swept and edged sidewalks, washed windows, picked up litter, pulled weeds along with other various “spruce up” tasks.

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Mantua-Shalersville Chamber of Commerce Spring Cleanup Day

For the second year, volunteers from the Chamber gathered early on May 5 to spruce the Village up for summer. Store windows were washed, sidewalks swept & weeds pulled. Volunteers from left to right include: Joan Sweet, Becky Newell, Lisa Zamecnik, Broc Benner, Michelle Barnauskas, Edie Benner, Ellie Stamm, Bob MacLearie, John Smith.

Thanks to the group & also to local merchants who offered coffee, water & cleaning supplies.
 

Mantua-Shalersville Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing 2007

On September 4, 2007, the Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual Golf Outing at the Aurora Country Club. Pictured is the winning foursome, Jerry Szell, Jerry Rosa, Chuck Collins and Jeff Twitt. These shot a 10 under par 62 for the course.

The Golf Outing had 50 golfers participating, and raised over $1500 in scholarship money for two Crestwood area seniors. There were 28 hole sponsors that contributed $100 each, and 15 businesses contributed door prizes.

A wonderful prime rib dinner was enjoyed by all after the outing, and several non-golfers joined the fun. The Chamber thanks the Aurora Country Club and members Graham Harmon and JoAnn Vance for putting together a top notch outing.

Thanks also go to the following hole donors:
Accurate Auto Glass, Advanced Rehabilation and Health Specialists, API & PPG, Approved Statewide Title Agency, Aurora Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Inc, Congressman Steve LaTourette, Cortland Banks, David M. Benjamin, F & S Automotive, Ferrara Electric Co, Graphic Design & Sign, Industrial Connections, Info Spec Computers & More, J&M Construction & Snow Plowing, Kepich Ford, Lakeside Sand & Gravel, Mantua Village Tavern, Marie Louise Stehli, CPA & Wintergreen Tree Farm, McDonalds, Middlefield Bank, Napa Mantua Auto Parts, Perfect Choice Auto Collision, Portage Fire Equipment, Preston Chevy Cadillac, Stamm Contracting, TL Service Center, Wild Rides Inc Metro Motorcycle & ATV and Wolf & Pflaum.

Also a big thanks to the following businesses for providing door prizes: Aflac, Art N' Flowers, Best Little Hair Hut in Mantua, Better Bumper, Carlton Harley Davidson, Chase Bank, Cortland Banks, Eagle Creek Growers, Flower Nook, Grandview Golf Club, Mantua Station Drug, Middlefield Bank, Singleton Reels, Weiskopf Industries, and Windmill Lakes Golf Club. 

More Photos

Oktoberfest
Once again, over 80 business owners and area residents enjoyed an authentic German feast, cocktails by a cozy fire, lots of friendly conversation, and great guitar entertainment by local resident, Steve Vanderink during the 3rd Annual Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce Oktoberfest held at Main Street Place Patio & Gardens. Click here to see pictures from the event.