Well, this interview has certainly been a long time coming! And she's possibly our most reluctant guest, yet.Ashley Barger has been the woman behind the scenes of this podcast since it began in February of 2022. We've relied on her to capture each and every moment, but just this once we wanted to share her with you.Ashley is a Northwest Ohio native and a graduate of The Ohio State University where she studied Strategic Communications. She's mainly worked in public relations, event planning, and marketing for organizations such as the Columbus Rotary Club, Coachtressel.com, the 2nd & Seven Foundation, the Arnold Sports Festival, Cancer Patient Services, Your Perfect Day, and FriendsOffice. But in 2020, she took the leap and opened up her own marketing consulting agency: Do Some Good Marketing.Ashley has seen first-hand the many organizations and people who come together in our community to help make Fostoria a better place. If you want the #bts look, she's your girl. Thanks for allowing this interview to happen, Ashley!Get to know us ...And, find us on Apple to leave us a review!Or, listen to our favorite songs ; -)

Whoopsies… it’s been a minute! Hello, 2024! Sarah and Renee revisit and recap their annual meeting which took place last month and encompassed the collective results of their economic development, chamber of commerce, and convention + visitor’s bureau offices. This year, the meeting addressed more of the organizational challenges that have led to recent changes within their team and also showcased all of the success Fostoria experienced in 2023. In light of all of these changes and in listening to those who have taken part in any or all of the offered programs,  there's been some personnel changes and there are more tweaks being made for the coming year. For example, there are advancements coming to fruition in residential housing and we’re also planning a small business summit for the fall.Additional highlights include: The Fostoria Learning Center served 1,000+ more YOY and increased offerings to 65 certifications; it’s truly become a more regional resource beyond the tri-county area$4.7 million in grant dollars flowed through our collective offices and were secured for Fostoria, OhioRenee puts out a prediction… “2024 will exceed 2023 in all numbers and across the board.” Listen-in to learn how this year is shaping up to be a BIG ONE! Get to know us ...And, find us on Apple to leave us a review!Or, listen to our favorite songs ; -)

We're sharing Fostoria Economic Development Corporation's video podcast series, ℝ𝕚𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝔸𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕕 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 ℝ𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕖. In each episode you’ll meet some of the business leaders from the area. Join the adventure as Renee Smith, President of the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation, meets up with a weekly guest for a drive in a Reineke Family Dealerships vehicle. Katie Six is a beloved manager and long-time employee for Charter Steel. The girls just take a drive and get to the heart of things.Built in 2000, Charter Steel opened a processing and distribution facility in Fostoria, Ohio. The full-service facility is equipped with a chemical cleaning line, mechanical descaling, annealing furnaces and wire-drawing equipment to clean, anneal, draw, coat and distribute hot-rolled coils from Charter Steel's rolling mills.To watch this episode: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJdYaoTnyOkgcPuL7xrLRH_4aq1F_FjtZ&si=irTo8MdhRfzfxQG_Get to know us ...And, find us on Apple to leave us a review!Or, listen to our favorite songs ; -)

We're sharing Fostoria Economic Development Corporation's video podcast series, ℝ𝕚𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝔸𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕕 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 ℝ𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕖. In each episode you’ll meet some of the business leaders from the area. Join the adventure as Renee Smith, President of the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation, meets up with a weekly guest for a drive in a Reineke Family Dealerships vehicle. Renee gets driven around by a long-time Fostoria entrepreneur and investor, Ron Burns, in this episode. Ron has served on the board of Fostoria Economic Development Corporation since before Renee's time with the organization. She sees him as a mentor and certainly an advocate for Fostoria's growth and development.Will there be shenanigans while these two are driving around town? You'll have to listen-in or watch to find out! To watch this episode: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJdYaoTnyOkgcPuL7xrLRH_4aq1F_FjtZ&si=irTo8MdhRfzfxQG_Get to know us ...And, find us on Apple to leave us a review!Or, listen to our favorite songs ; -)

We're sharing Fostoria Economic Development Corporation's video podcast series, ℝ𝕚𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝔸𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕕 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 ℝ𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕖. In each episode you’ll meet some of the business leaders from the area. Join the adventure as Renee Smith, President of the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation, meets up with a weekly guest for a drive in a Reineke Family Dealerships vehicle. Renee lands in Pull-Town USA for the annual tractor pulls in Bowling Green, Ohio where Callie's Performance Products is on-site to support it's clients and its products. Callie's has been manufacturing high performance crankshafts in Fostoria since 1989. And in case you aren't sure what those are: Crankshafts convert reciprocative motion to rotational motion. It contains counter weights to smoothen the engine revolutions. They're used in tractors and race cars.Just wait until Renee tests out one of these giant engines in this episode!To watch this episode: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJdYaoTnyOkgcPuL7xrLRH_4aq1F_FjtZ&si=irTo8MdhRfzfxQG_Get to know us ...And, find us on Apple to leave us a review!Or, listen to our favorite songs ; -)

We're sharing Fostoria Economic Development Corporation's video podcast series, ℝ𝕚𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝔸𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕕 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 ℝ𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕖. In each episode you’ll meet some of the business leaders from the area. Join the adventure as Renee Smith, President of the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation, meets up with a weekly guest for a drive in a Reineke Family Dealerships vehicle. Bruce Shook has had a rewarding experience as project manager for Clouse Construction especially with some of these bigger projects. If Bruce is worried about having his boss and the company CEO, Lenny Clouse, along with him on this little cruise, he doesn't show it!Clouse Construction is a leading design-build general contractor in Northwest Ohio based out of Seneca County. Clouse specializes in steel erection construction, green projects (LEED certified), construction management and building restoration.Bruce, Lenny, and Renee make a pit stop at a local favorite ice cream shop mid-way through their ride.To watch this episode: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJdYaoTnyOkgcPuL7xrLRH_4aq1F_FjtZ&si=irTo8MdhRfzfxQG_Get to know us ...And, find us on Apple to leave us a review!Or, listen to our favorite songs ; -)

We're sharing Fostoria Economic Development Corporation's video podcast series, ℝ𝕚𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝔸𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕕 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 ℝ𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕖. In each episode you’ll meet some of the business leaders from the area. Join the adventure as Renee Smith, President of the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation, meets up with a weekly guest for a drive in a Reineke Family Dealerships vehicle. Bridgett Mundy (was formerly) the Director of Residential Care for Independence House. Independence House is a long-term care facility that's been in Fostoria since 1991 and includes a 3,900 square foot rehabilitation wing with an indoor swimming pool, green house, and garden. It's been family-run for most of its existence and is managed by Blanchard Valley Health System.Bridgett and Renee dive into the local facility's history in the community, but Renee is sure to highlight a lot of Bridgett's career there. They make a quick stop at a local coffee shop before heading back.To watch this episode: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJdYaoTnyOkgcPuL7xrLRH_4aq1F_FjtZ&si=irTo8MdhRfzfxQG_Get to know us ...And, find us on Apple to leave us a review!Or, listen to our favorite songs ; -)

We're sharing Fostoria Economic Development Corporation's video podcast series, ℝ𝕚𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝔸𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕕 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 ℝ𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕖. In each episode you’ll meet some of the business leaders from the area. Join the adventure as Renee Smith, President of the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation, meets up with a weekly guest for a drive in a Reineke Family Dealerships vehicle. Ford Mennel is fifth generation leadership for The Mennel Milling Company. Since 1886, Mennel has been family-owned with the help of the hearts and hands of more than 600 dedicated employees, many of them Fostoria born and raised. Mennel operates from 30 sites in six states and its facilities include state-of-the-art flour mills, country grain elevators, bakery mix facilities, and transportation & logistics. Renee picks Ford up from Mennel's Fostoria location and they hit the streets in their super nice ride. Towards the end, they hit a local hot spot for a donut; the flour used is provided by Mennel Milling.To watch this episode: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJdYaoTnyOkgcPuL7xrLRH_4aq1F_FjtZ&si=irTo8MdhRfzfxQG_Get to know us ...And, find us on Apple to leave us a review!Or, listen to our favorite songs ; -)

We came, we laughed, and we closed a chapter. At the same token, we introduced a new chapter for our community. "Former Mr. Mayor meet the NEW Mr. Mayor!"It's true, our time on the couch with Eric Keckler is officially coming to a close. There were so many projects he saw to fruition during his twelve years as Mayor of Fostoria. From infrastructure improvements to establishing Snow Queens, he's supported us all... So, the next time you see him buying bacon at Kroger, you can just walk up to him and say, "Hey Eric! Nice bacon."And then there's Don... It will be such a big change for many of us to work alongside Don Mennel, but he brings an entirely new expertise to the role. There are big things coming up quickly for Fostoria and we definitely feel Don is the right man to facilitate and execute each item on our collective agenda.Get to know us ...And, find us on Apple to leave us a review!Or, listen to our favorite songs ; -)

For this episode, we had the sincere pleasure of hosting Ryan Wichman, meteorologist for WTOL11 (Toledo), who is also the founder of Wood County Plays. Wood County Plays is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that designs, fundraisers, and builds fully inclusive play spaces that allow children of all abilities to play side by side. Spoiler alert: Fostoria, Ohio is earmarked as an inclusive playground site in 2025! It will be next to our new splash pad, also in City Park.Ryan gives us some heartwarming background about the organization as well as more details about how each inclusive playground build goes from start to finish.  Plus, if you're interested in getting involved, he has the deets.Get to know us ...And, find us on Apple to leave us a review!Or, listen to our favorite songs ; -)

Fostoria, Ohio Mayor, Eric Keckler, has made another appearance on the couch for Episode 32. This may, in fact, be one of his last-hoorahs as mayor, and so he gets right down to business by sharing more about details his capstone project: the Splash Pad. Eric confirms the splash pad's location, discusses the evolution of its many parts, and reveals some pretty cool elements that are sure to be the highlight of summer for kids of all ages and abilities!!Get to know us ...And, find us on Apple to leave us a review!Or, listen to our favorite songs ; -)

Michele Cochran is the Executive Director of the Greater Fostoria Community Foundation. She wears a multitude of hats in her role and in her community, but today we're talking about the direct impact she's both seen and had on Fostoria.Michele is a recurring guest on the podcast and has met us (and our microphone) in the Parkette, at our local coffee shop (Java's), and now she's officially on the couch with us. She is a huge proponent of the arts, community growth initiatives, and capitol improvements.  Since 1998, the growth she's seen and overseen has continuously improved the quality of life in Fostoria, Ohio. Listen now to learn more about the programs you can support and benefit from in thanks to the Greater Fostoria Community Foundation and Michele.Get to know us ...And, find us on Apple to leave us a review!Or, listen to our favorite songs ; -)

A new day, a new era...Jocelyn Reinhart grew up in Fostoria, did some of her college work in the city and then settled back in with the family business before recently getting married. And on August 1st, she started her new position as chamber director after having been appointed to the position by the chamber's board of directors.The ladies welcome her to the couch, the role, and their quick witted banter, and this girl takes it all in stride! Maybe it's too soon to tell, but it appears like she'll fit in just fine.Get to know us ...And, find us on Apple to leave us a review!Or, listen to our favorite songs ; -)

If you thought Sarah&Renee were the most dynamic of duos, just wait til you hear from Chase Eikenbary, V.P. of Project Management for Regional Growth Partnership of Ohio. You will instantly see she's a necessary component to the team and, dare we say, accomplice to this triple-threat in local female prowess.Chase dives right in by sharing slightly embarrassing Renee-stories from their years of working together. She also challenges the way these ladies typically run their episodes and recommends a multitude of future guests. But most of all, she showcases her unending talent and unique savvy in community growth initiatives and economic development within her region and for the state of Ohio."Go where the energy goes," Chase repeats multiple times throughout this episode and even decides in the end that energy is such a superpower, every community would do well to harness it.And as her last order of business... Did you know you can get real-time product availability notices at your local liquor store via OHLQ.com? Listen now to find out how this even came up in conversation.In the end, Renee declares a creed: "I don’t care if you’re a large manufacturer or small business, reach out to us! Even if we can’t assist you through Regional Growth Partnership or JobsOhio we can connect you to other resources." Learn more about Chase and RGP Ohio.Get to know us ...And, find us on Apple to leave us a review!Or, listen to our favorite songs ; -)

You've heard it from us multiple times on this podcast and we're finally interviewing the lady who got us hooked on the program! Please help us welcome Rebekah Marr, CO.STARTERS to our virtual couch!CO.STARTERS is a 10-week accelerator program that takes idea-stage entrepreneurs through business basics, laying a strong foundation for their ventures’ sustainable launch and growth. We've been fortunate to help 40 Fostorians bring their business ideas to life through this program, and we were thrilled to finally sit down with Rebekah and let her know how thankful we are for her faith in our community and in us.“When you are able to change individual lives, you have an opportunity to transform the communities around them," explains Rebekah. "I’m excited to see what the future holds."We hope you enjoy learning more about Rebekah Marr and CO.STARTERS here.Get to know us ...And, find us on Apple to leave us a review!Or, listen to our favorite songs ; -)

Our guest, Roberta Streiffert, joins us on the couch to give us some background on her role as Sr. Rural Development Specialist for the Great Lakes Community Action Partnership, as well as more details on the road that led her to this role. At times, she's been one of Fostoria, Ohio's greatest advocates and has worked alongside Sarah&Renee in supporting advancements for our community.Roberta currently works with nearly a dozen local communities in Ohio who all face similar issues. She's an expert at providing specific opportunities and resources that catapult them towards success.Learn more about community advancement programs and how to partner with GLCAP.Get to know us ...And, find us on Apple to leave us a review!Or, listen to our favorite songs ; -)

This is a very vulnerable and enlightened episode because it showcases one small town story that truly has impacted dozens of lives and will impact so many more lives in the years to come!It was our pleasure to meet with Ashley Reinhart and learn more about all of the amazing ways she supports students with special needs in Fostoria, Ohio. She opened up to us about the small business she started to benefit her students' lives and she goes into detail on how her students provide services to organizations like Tri-County Dental, the Fostoria Kiwanis Club, and more. Ashley and her team's goal through their programs is to meet each student wherever they are and help them develop life skills, job skills, and better understand how to live independently.We had the unique opportunity to actually interview some of Ashley's students on this episode! We hope you enjoy each of their unique personalities and sweet souls as much as we did.Get to know us ...And, find us on Apple to leave us a review!Or, listen to our favorite songs ; -)

Do you feel like the art of communication is lacking in 2023? Are you a target for negativity because of your work or job role? How do you deal with it, or not deal with it? Sarah&Renee discuss their ‘Facebook diet’ and the disheartening fact that those who ‘poke holes’ behind the wall of social media are not necessarily the ones coming forth and having change-making discussions. The biggest take-aways from this more serious discussion:  build your tribe of advocates it’s ok to walk away and not engage understand not everyone is your people offer an open door We still stumble and make mistakes every day, but the key is to learn from them and come out stronger on the other side.  This is an ongoing issue that’s not going away - social media is here to stay - if nothing else we hope that you realize if you’re dealing with this, too, then you’re not alone. Reach out to us - call, text, email, stop in!"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it’s the only thing that ever has."  - Margaret Mead Get to know us ...And, find us on Apple to leave us a review!Or, listen to our favorite songs ; -)

Turn-about is fair play... Our 2022 guests joined us for our first birthday party where THEY got to ask US all the questions.  And, we kept the mic hot through all the anecdotes in between.Some questions were exact replicas of what we had asked our guests and others turned out to be super philosophical! All-in-all, it was a really fun way to head down memory lane and celebrate this wild ride we're calling our podcast.We'd like to give special thanks to Java's Enchanted Bean, LTD in downtown Fostoria, OH. for hosting our recording space and to Kendra's Cakes in Bascom, OH. for creating the most perfect, yummy cake for us to share. Get to know us ...And, find us on Apple to leave us a review!Or, listen to our favorite songs ; -)

There's so much to say as we kick-off 2023 ... And it's time for us to start hitting on the bigger issues: Workforce is potentially an international issue that we focus on daily.  How do we support our community by, essentially,  ‘creating more people’ without teleportation and cloning?Jason Yoakam joins us on the couch to chat about the creative ways in which his company, JYoakam Communications, has assisted Fostoria in telling their story so that the community attracts and retains those who live, work, and play in Fostoria, Ohio.The truth of the matter is, there are a lot of great stories to tell and communities who can be creative and think outside the box are 'where it’s at' right now because you have to get the attention of the people in your community and the kids in your districts. Jason concludes, "If you live [here] and you’re working outside this community, there’s a significant savings to work local." Join Sarah&Renee in this episode to learn more!Get to know us ...And, find us on Apple to leave us a review!Or, listen to our favorite songs ; -)