July 23, 2025: Supporting the Brumback Library Levy by Investing in its Legacy and Future

At the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce, we believe strong communities are built on shared values, informed citizens, and access to opportunity. That's why we're proud to support the Brumback Library system and the upcoming 0.5-mill replacement tax levy that voters will decide on this November. This permanent, continuing levy would provide stable, long-term funding for library operations without requiring future renewal votes, allowing our libraries to focus on serving the community rather than repeatedly seeking funding.

Libraries today are dynamic community hubs that power economic growth and community development. From downtown Van Wert to surrounding townships, the Brumback Library system offers critical services that impact every corner of our region — helping students discover a love of reading, job seekers build résumés, small business owners access online tools, and families gather for learning and connection. For local businesses and employers, libraries help build the future workforce by improving literacy and digital skills, provide technology access that bridges the digital divide, and foster entrepreneurship through research and networking resources. Rising costs for staffing, utilities, and materials make it increasingly difficult for libraries to meet demand under existing funding levels, making this levy essential for maintaining current services.

This levy is not just about books — it's about investing in our people, our workforce, and our shared future. It's about ensuring that everyone in Van Wert County has equal access to knowledge, technology, and opportunity. As the voice of business in our region, the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce encourages residents to learn more about the 0.5-mill replacement levy and consider the far-reaching impact of their vote. Together, let's keep the Brumback Library system strong — and Van Wert thriving.

See what the Brumback Library has to offer here

 

July 7, 2025: YWCA of Van Wert County Capital Campaign

The YWCA of Van Wert County is on the brink of something truly exciting, and we at the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce couldn't be more thrilled to support them! Their announcement of a new facility has lit a spark of inspiration that promises to serve the community like never before.

Picture this: a state-of-the-art, $14 million building springing up on land generously donated by the Marsh Foundation, right across the street from its historic site. While the current 109-year-old YWCA building holds cherished memories and historic significance, this new structure is set to revolutionize their ability to support Van Wert County for the next hundred years.

Kimberly Laudick, the President and CEO of YWCA Van Wert County, shared that the new facility will provide a more dignified and suitable environment for residents to heal and expand youth programming. It's about creating a space that truly uplifts and empowers every person who walks through its doors.

That's not all—enter Mercy Health, an incredible partner in this journey. They're weaving family medicine, specialty care, and behavioral health services into the fabric of this new facility. Think of it as a holistic hub where social and medical care come together seamlessly to make sure everyone's needs are met with the utmost care and compassion.

You know, the numbers really speak for themselves. Just last year, the YWCA provided over 5,852 free meals through their Summer Food Program and positively impacted the lives of over 600 children through their youth development initiatives. These efforts are at the heart of the YWCA’s mission and mirror their relentless commitment to serving the underserved.

This new chapter is more than a capital campaign; it's a call to action for us all. As Dr. Matt Owens, Chief Clinical Officer of Mercy Health - Lima so aptly put it, the partnership with the YWCA is a "perfect marriage." It's about ensuring that the resources crucial to making a difference in our community are not just available but abundant and accessible to everyone.

We invite you all to join us in supporting the YWCA’s capital campaign. Together, we can help bring this vision to life, investing in a future that is inclusive, empowering, and filled with hope. Let's make this dream a reality, because when our community thrives, we all thrive!

To see the vision for yourself, visit their website here.