Local United Way merger

TIFFIN — A merger has been announced between Tiffin-Seneca United Way and United Way of North Central Ohio. According to a press release, "The boards of directors for United Way of North Central Ohio (UWNCO) and Tiffin-Seneca United Way (TSUW) have jointly announced a merger of the two non-profit organizations." The merger, which was effective July 1, "formalizes the consultancy partnership in effect since early 2023," the release states. Laura Weir, marketing and communications director for UWNCO, said the organizations' alliance since 2023 revealed a number of shared interests, and formalizing the partnership "just made sense." The merger, Weir said, will allow Nikki Distel, development director of TSUW, to focus more strongly on building United Way's relationships and network in the community. While Distel will remain at TSUW's office at 201 S. Washington St., Tiffin, TSUW's office operations, marketing efforts, bookkeeping and other day-to-day responsibilities will be handled by staff at UWNCO, she said. "Our hope is that we will be stronger than ever," Weir said. While TSUW will now be under the umbrella of UWNCO, Weir said the local organization will keep its brand identity as TSUW due to the strength of its support system in the community. TSUW will have more autonomy than other United Way divisions that are not as well established, she said. In addition, Weir said the merger would not impact Seneca County's funding. All funds raised in Seneca County will stay in Seneca County, she said. In the release, Amber Wertman, CEO of UWNCO, said, "We are committed to maintaining a local presence and increasing local funding and support for nonprofit agencies working in Tiffin and Seneca County." The merger, Wertman said, will allow UWNCO "to lead the organization's expanding impact in Crawford, Marion, Morrow, and Wyandot counties, and Tiffin-Seneca United Way." David Stover, former president of TSUW's board of directors, said, "The merger will combine resources and streamline processes so that we can expand our presence in the community and help more people." According to the press release, TSUW's website, social media platforms, communication channels, and accounting and campaign processes will be modified in the coming weeks to reflect the merger. In addition, the former TSUW board of directors has transitioned to an advisory council and three members have taken seats on the UWNCO governing board, the release states.