Downtown Tiffin holds Main Street Summit

TIFFIN — Downtown Tiffin celebrated 10 years of National Main Street Accreditation on Wednesday at their annual Main Street Summit, where several business owners and individuals were recognized for their efforts to revitalize the community they live and work in. Several awards were given at the event to individuals and businesses involved with revitalization efforts. The event also featured a panel discussion with Aaron Montz, Amy Reinhart and David Zak, who spoke about the origins of the Main Street program in Tiffin and the original decision to join Heritage Ohio. Several statistics were shared at the event from the last decade, with Downtown Tiffin Main Street Manager Donna Gross noting a total of 150 facade projects taking place for a total of over $4,000,000 and 116 New Businesses opened. "Over the past year, there have been 12 new businesses– whether it be expansions, transfers, or relocations," noted Gross. Gross also spoke in regards to the economic impact the events hosted by Downtown Tiffin have had over the past few years, noting an inbound $600,000 over the last two years alone. Awards The 2025 Developmental Award was presented to JVC Properties/Wild Bunch Wellness Bar, owned by Lacie Pace. The 2025 Entrepreneurial Award was presented to The Turntable, owned by Brittany and Rob Malone. Upon accepting the award, Malone shared he was grateful to the community for the support he has received. "Running a small business … It isn't always easy as many of you likely know," Rob said. He expressed several thank yous to people throughout the room, but Malone noted he was most grateful for the support of his wife Brittany. "I had to close the restaurant tonight to be here, so this is a nice consolation prize," joked Rob. The 2025 Business Legacy Award was presented to Ralph's Joy of Living, owned by Ralph and Julie Smothers. Now in its second generation of the family business, Ralph's is more than just an appliance store– it is a place to "escape from grouchy" as their slogan proudly proclaims. Upon accepting the award, Julie shared an anecdote about previous family disagreements with the direction they were taking the store by computerizing things, saying "I know they would be proud of us today." The 2025 Main Street Director Award was presented to the City of Tiffin, with Mayor Lee Wilkinson accepting the award on behalf of the city. The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Cindy and Andrew Kalnow for their many contributions over the years. The 2025 Golden Broom Award was presented to Reclaim It, an upcycled resale store with the mission of improving the lives of children in the Tiffin community. Accepting the award was building owner Karen Klepper and program manager Sue Riedy. Additionally at the event, Jeff Weber, representative of Tiffin Boutique Hotel Group LLC, delivered a presentation on the upcoming renovations of The Gibson Hotel, unveiling renderings that showcase the vision for the revitalization project. According to Weber, the project began roughly 6-7 years ago with some major assessments to be made. The building contains a number of historical features, from a full tin ceiling on the first floor to a grand spiral staircase up to the fourth. "The building was built originally in 1879 as a hotel, and I am proud to share today that it is to remain a hotel– with thirty rooms," said Weber. "There also will be a breakfast area available to both guests and open to the public." If construction continues as anticipated, Weber hopes The Gibson will be open around the third quarter of 2026.