Fostoria Chamber, economic group to merge

FOSTORIA — The Fostoria Economic Development Corporation and the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau have announced a merger between the two organizations, as stated by an email sent to the Review Times on Tuesday. The FEDC is at the forefront of economic development in the Fostoria area, nurturing existing businesses and industries while also actively seeking opportunities to diversify the local economy, create high-quality employment opportunities and assist industries in their growth and expansion efforts The Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau is a nonprofit business organization that promotes and supports the interests of local businesses. The Chamber offers services and benefits to help businesses of any size including business start-up or expansion resources, or business promotion and cost savings, including health insurance discounts. According to both organizations, this strategic combination will create a single, more powerful organization dedicated to accelerating economic growth, supporting local businesses attracting new investment and strengthening the local community. In preparation for this merger, the organizations are hiring a key leadership position that will play a vital role in the building of the new central organization. The position will involve the opportunity to build and lead a team from the ground up. The new hire and their team will help shape the vision and operations of the new combined organization while also overseeing economic development, business attraction, chamber services, membership growth, workforce initiatives and community engagement. Administration at the Fostoria Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau and FEDC Executive Director Gregory Allen were not available for further questioning regarding the details of this merger by Wednesday deadline.