Author: Bryce Riggs

TIFFIN, OHIO – April 30, 2024  MLAD, Graphic Design Services, LLC, located at 185 Jefferson St. in Tiffin, OH, announces its recent $50,000 investment in a Xanté high-resolution printer. The new printer allows them to print on various flat materials, including metal, plastic, and wood, to produce high-quality signs, posters, and promotional materials of sizes up to 24×36″.

The Xanté printer uses a UV light system, for immediate ink curing, resulting in efficient production timelines. Features include ink layering, full bleed capabilities, and the ability to produce photo and fine art quality prints, all facilitated by its titanium vacuum bed. Manufactured in the USA by Xanté, located in Mobile, AL, the printer utilizes an Epson 2 head inkjet, enhancing its precision and output quality.

Mark Levans, Owner of MLAD, Graphic Design Services, LLC, shared two primary reasons for choosing this particular machine: “Firstly, the state-of-the-art software it offers aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering top-notch quality and efficiency to our clients. Secondly, supporting American manufacturing was a significant factor in our decision-making process.”

Mayor Wilkinson, expressed his support for MLAD’s investment, stating, “Mark’s investment in his business is an investment in Tiffin. With this newest machine, MLAD can produce and deliver products to other local businesses and individuals faster and at a lower cost. It was amazing to get a tour of MLAD and to see the machines in operation. MLAD also recently acquired a computerized cutter that will enable them to create precise cut mats, automated production for high-speed cutting of decals and labels. Thank you, Mark Levans, for your investment in our community.”

For further information, please contact: mlevans@mlad.com or call 419-447-6523.

[pictured, Nate Ott and Mark Levans]

TIFFIN, OHIO – April 29, 2024  Erin Henschke Photography, a locally owned and operated photography business, is moving to Downtown Tiffin. Since its inception in November 2021, owner Erin Henschke has decided to set up shop on the third-floor loft at 190 S. Washington St.

Specializing in a range of photography services such as family portraits, newborn sessions, milestone celebrations, senior portraits, business branding, engagements, weddings, and more, the studio offers personalized experiences tailored to each client’s preferences.

Erin stated, “Since I embarked on my photography journey in 2021, I’ve seen tremendous growth in my art, and it continues to flourish. Now, I’m thrilled to offer studio sessions in the heart of downtown Tiffin. It’s an exciting opportunity to immerse myself in the vibrant community and collaborate with its incredible businesses and residents. I look forward to contributing to the dynamics of downtown Tiffin, capturing its essence through my lens, and building lasting connections along the way.”

Mayor Wilkinson remarked, “If you need photos for a special occasion, Erin has an indoor studio and has the creativity to set up outdoors to get that special photo of yourself, your family, or other special event. Many small businesses start out as a hobby, and you never know where it will take you. We look forward to seeing what Erin Henschke Photography will evolve into. Thank you, Erin, for choosing Downtown Tiffin.”

To schedule appointments, clients can reach out to Erin via Facebook messaging, email, or by calling/texting 567-207-7479 | erinhenschkephotography@gmail.com.

For more information about Erin Henschke Photography and to view samples of her work, please visit www.facebook.com/erinhenschkephotography.

TIFFIN, OHIO – April 26, 2024  Restore Balance Massage Therapy, a new wellness establishment specializing in custom massage therapy, has officially opened its doors in the historic Laird Building at 120 1/2 S. Washington St. Suite 206. Owned and operated by Kerri Bedio, a licensed massage therapist with 21 years of experience, Restore Balance Massage Therapy provides a range of therapeutic services bespoke to individual needs.

Kerri Bedio’s expertise includes a variety of massage techniques, including Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, deep tissue massage, therapeutic massage, chair massage, and assisted stretching. Additionally, she plans to introduce hot stone massage to the menu of services in the near future. Restore Balance operates Monday through Saturday by appointment only.

Kerri Bedio remarked about joining the community, “The Laird Building gives an inviting, warm, and friendly atmosphere that makes me feel at home. I am thrilled to be a part of this growing downtown community and look forward to providing exceptional massage therapy services to my clients.”

Seneca County Commissioner, Bill Frankart, stated, “On behalf of the Seneca County Commissioners, we would like to welcome Kerri Bedio and her new business Restore Balance Massage Therapy to Seneca County and Downtown Tiffin. This is great news as our goal is to have more options for our community to do more business and shop locally. I believe with Kim’s experience her business will flourish.”

For appointments and inquiries, individuals are encouraged to contact Restore Balance Massage Therapy at (419) 455-0603 or (419) 934-1222. Additional information can be found on the business website at https://relaxnrestore191.amtamembers.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kbLMTrelaxation/.

TIFFIN, OHIO – April 12, 2024  A new nail salon has opened its doors in the Watchtower Building at 60 Madison St., in Downtown Tiffin. Sculpted, owned by Maycie Goddard, focuses on providing acrylic nails, nail art, and customer service with a one-week guarantee.

Maycie Goddard, a certified nail technician and esthetician through Sentinel Career & Technology Center, brings four years of experience to the salon. Cali Wilson, with six years of experience, also joins Sculpted as a nail technician specializing in movie character nail art. Together, they offer a unique, colorful, and lively atmosphere to the new salon.

Maycie Goddard expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “Growing up here, I love how Downtown Tiffin has grown and become so beautiful. It’s a place I love to walk around with my friends and feels like home.”

Tyler Shuff, Seneca County Commissioner, and owner of Shuff Consulting, stated, “I’m proud to live in a community that incubates and develops so many young entrepreneurs.”

Appointments are available at Sculpted through their online booking sites: mayciegoddard.glossgenius.com and calistawilson.glossgenius.com. For more information, follow on Facebook or call (567) 268-3297.

TIFFIN, OHIO – April 11, 2024 – The Downtown Tiffin Third Thursday Artist Stroll is an annual event set for April 18th from 5 to 8 p.m. Local artists will display their works at 20 participating downtown merchants. The art includes vintage, custom, and steampunk jewelry, as well as watercolor, acrylic, and oil paintings, stained glass, custom folded books, glass ornaments, face painting, crocheted goods, and handmade crafts.

New this year, the Tiffin Municipal Arts Commission (TMAC) presents “We Need to Chalk!” Artists will create chalk drawings on 20×30 boards coated with chalkboard paint before the Artist Stroll. These creations will be displayed at various Downtown Tiffin locations, and viewers can vote for their favorite by donating a dollar. Every dollar donated equals one vote. After the Artist Stroll, all artworks will be exhibited at the Tiffin-Seneca Public Library during the month of May.

“This is a great collaboration between the City of Tiffin and Downtown Tiffin. It is exciting to see everyone come together and showcase local artists and their creative skill sets,” said Ryan Poignon, President of Tiffin Municipal Arts Commission.

During the April Artist Stroll, shoppers at participating downtown merchants can enter to win Chamber Cash in a drawing held on Tuesday, April 23rd.

Inside the Laird Arcade Building, children can enjoy artist-themed coloring pages and participate in a coloring contest. There will also be a children’s scavenger hunt at local participating businesses. Children can find hidden art-themed images at each merchant and be entered into a drawing for an art-themed prize. The winner will be drawn on Tuesday, April 23rd.

“As Mayor, I am thrilled to see the collaboration between Downtown Tiffin and the Tiffin Municipal Arts Council for the Artist Stroll on this Third Thursday Event. This partnership not only celebrates our vibrant arts community but also fosters a sense of unity and creativity within our city. Let us embrace this opportunity to support local businesses and local artists as we explore the rich cultural tapestry of Tiffin together,” said Mayor Lee Wilkinson.

3rd Thursdays are sponsored by UIS Insurance & Investments, Reineke Family Dealerships, and Destination Seneca County. For more information visit www.downtowntiffin.org/events or on Facebook here.

TIFFIN, OHIO – April 5, 2024 – During a meeting on Tuesday, April 2nd, the City of Tiffin Architectural Board of Review (ABR) approved façade grants for two different buildings in Downtown Tiffin.

The ABR approved a $10,000 Façade Enhancement Grant for the American Legion at 280 S. Washington St. to resurface and restore an exterior wall in preparation for a future mural. The grant will also help fund new gutters and downspouts on the building. The $27,939 project was approved for the maximum grant amount.

Behm & Henry LLC was approved for a $3,344 Façade Enhancement Grant at 187-189 S. Washington St. to repair and restore the metal roof coating. This $10,850 project was allocated the remainder of the 2024 Façade Enhancement Grant funds.

The 2024 Façade Enhancement Program continues to be successful with 6 building project approvals for an investment of $196,645 which shows a $4 to $1 return on investment for downtown building restoration.

Columbus OH – April 4, 2024 Heritage Ohio is proud to announce the 2023 certification of Downtown Tiffin as a National Main Street Community.  Tiffin became a member of the Ohio Main Street program in 2015.

During a full-day evaluation visit, the board of Downtown Tiffin exhibited evidence of a robust program working toward measurable outcomes in downtown revitalization. To qualify for Accreditation status, communities must meet a set of rigorous standards that include commitments to building grassroots revitalization programs, fostering strong public-private partnerships, nurturing economic opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and actively preserving historic places, spaces, and cultural assets. This prestigious designation is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the Downtown Tiffin Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers.

Greg Dell, Board Chair of the Downtown Development Committee, expressed his gratitude, “Thank you to the many folks that support downtown Tiffin! This accreditation reflects the synergy in place to make Tiffin a destination year after year!”

Heritage Ohio helps people to save the places that matter, build community, and live better. As Ohio’s official historic preservation and Main Street Organization, Heritage Ohio fosters economic development and sustainability through preservation of historic buildings, revitalization of downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts, and promotion of cultural tourism. Since 1998, Heritage Ohio has contracted with the National Main Street Center as Ohio’s state coordinating agency for the Main Street Program™. Learn more about how to get involved by visiting www.HeritageOhio.org.

TIFFIN, OHIO – April 3, 2024 The Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership is pleased to announce a workshop focused on “Financial Tools & Incentives for Downtown Revitalization,” scheduled for Monday, May 20, 2024, at The Chandelier Community Event Center in Tiffin, Ohio. The event will provide practical guidance for communities, property owners, and developers interested in revitalizing downtown areas.

In collaboration with Heritage Ohio, a statewide preservation and revitalization nonprofit organization, this workshop will feature expert insights on community development and historic preservation. Heritage Ohio will discuss the importance of preservation and the Main Street approach in building thriving communities.

Topics will include Federal and State Historic Preservation Tax Credit programs for historic building rehabilitation, Certified Local Governments (CLG), and the benefits of being listed on the National Register for Historic Places. Presentations will be given by staff members from the Ohio Department of Development and the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).

“We are looking forward to offering this workshop in collaboration with Heritage Ohio and the Tiffin Historic Trust to support our downtown revitalization efforts,” said Aaron Montz, CEO of the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership. “By providing insights into financial tools and incentives, we are able to empower local leaders and stakeholders with the resources needed to drive impactful revitalization initiatives.”

The workshop will take place at The Chandelier Community Event Center, 151 S. Washington St., Tiffin, OH 44883, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration costs $10, which includes lunch. The event is generously presented by Heritage Ohio, Tiffin Historic Trust, and the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership.

To register for the workshop, please visit: Eventbrite Registration Link

TIFFIN, OHIO – March 15, 2024, Cassie’s Canine Cuts announces the opening of its new location in Downtown Tiffin. After a successful start in September 2023 from her home, founder Cassie Halcomb, a certified pet groomer through Penn Foster, has decided to expand to 16 East Market Street to better accommodate her growing clientele.

Cassie’s journey into professional dog grooming began with grooming her own pets and then extended to friends and family. With a lifelong love for animals, especially dogs, Cassie decided to turn her hobby into a full-time career.

“I have always loved animals, especially dogs. Even while growing up as a small child, I found it interesting to learn about dog breeds and their history,” shared Cassie Halcomb.

Cassie’s Canine Cuts offers a range of services, from nail trimming to deshedding and full grooming sessions to meet the needs of each dog. Cassie is excited about the opportunity for growth in Downtown Tiffin, a place she knows well having grown up locally and where she looks forward to serving clients she has known for years.

“I am looking forward to expanding my business in Downtown Tiffin because it is full of opportunity for growth. I grew up locally and love seeing clients that I have known for years,” Cassie added.

Mayor Wilkinson stated, “The entrepreneurial spirit lives on in Tiffin. It takes passion to turn a part-time hobby into a full-fledged downtown business, and I wish Cassie the best of luck and success in her new location.”

For more information about Cassie’s Canine Cuts, please contact:

Email: caninecuts111@gmail.com

Phone: (567) 230-2623

Facebook: Cassie’s Canine Cuts

TIFFIN, OHIO – March 6, 2024 A new event, Third Thursday: Get Lucky in Downtown Tiffin, will take place on March 21st in Downtown Tiffin. The event encourages community members and visitors to support local businesses by shopping and dining. Upon making a purchase, customers will receive a Downtown Tiffin scratch-off lottery ticket for a chance to win prizes.

Instant winners will be selected during the event, and all participants can drop off their tickets in the ‘Get Lucky’ box at the TSEP/Chamber Welcome Center, located at 96 S. Washington St., until Friday, March 22 at 5 p.m. Raffle winners will be announced thereafter.

Participating merchants: FroZone, Simply Susan’s, 22mkrt Records, Social Cigar, The LAB, Bailiwicks, Tom Rodgers Flowers, Washington Street Outfitters, Wild Bunch Wellness Bar, and more. Business hours for 3rd Thursday vary by location.

“Third Thursday: Get Lucky in Downtown Tiffin promises an exciting opportunity for our community to rally behind our local businesses while enjoying an evening of fun!” – Mayor Wilkinson

Downtown Tiffin 3rd Thursdays are made possible through the generous support of Destination Seneca County, Reineke Family Dealerships, and UIS Insurance & Investments.  Their commitment to the community and love for Downtown Tiffin have helped make these events a success.  For more information, visit https://www.downtowntiffin.org/events or the Facebook event.

TIFFIN, OHIO – February 28, 2024 – The Downtown Tiffin Design Committee announces its scheduled clean-up dates for 2024, inviting all community members to participate in revitalizing the downtown area.  The clean-up events will take place on April 13, June 15, August 17, September 28, with a special leaf clean-up on November 30. Participants will gather at Cherry Alley promptly at 9 am, concluding at 11 am.

The Downtown Tiffin committee will provide trash bags, brooms, dust pans, and rakes. Additionally, volunteers will receive a free snack coupon redeemable at various downtown businesses such as Jolly’s, FroZone, and others.

Groups of volunteers are encouraged to join a “Litter League” team competition, a community-wide effort dedicated to promoting litter cleanup and beautification. The Litter League is a baseball-themed approach and aims to ‘strike out’ litter in Downtown Tiffin. Teams may consist of businesses, neighborhood groups, faith-based organizations, private clubs, school groups, sports teams, civic organizations, and individuals alike.

The Downtown Development Committee Chair, Greg Dell, stated, “We appreciate those who help with the downtown clean-ups throughout the year.” In 2023, over 164 volunteers collected over 900 lbs. of trash along with over 95 bags of leaves during the Downtown Tiffin clean-ups.

For more information, visit https://www.downtowntiffin.org/events. To sign up as a volunteer for any of the clean-up dates, visit: SignUpGenius.

TIFFIN, OHIO – February 27, 2024 – During the month of February, the City of Tiffin’s Architectural Board of Review (ABR) approved façade grants for two different buildings in Downtown Tiffin. The project investments total $67,782 which shows a $4 to $1 return on investment for downtown building restoration.

The ABR approved a $10,000 Façade Enhancement Grant for 92 S. Washington St. to restore both balconies, windows, door trims, wood cornice, and exterior paint. The $54,470 project was approved for the maximum grant amount. This will be the fourth renovation project to the building by owners, Killian Family Properties LLC.

Rose Kahler was approved for a $6,656 Façade Enhancement Grant at 210 S. Washington St. to repair siding, replace an exterior door and railing on the second-floor balcony.

Mayor Wilkinson commented about the positive impact of the Façade Enhancement Grant stating,” I am happy to see that the facade program continues to spur the investment in Tiffin.”

The Façade Enhancement Program continues to be successful with 13 building project approvals in 2023 for an investment of more than $240,359. Since the Façade Enhancement Program’s inception in 2014, 118 projects have been approved for a total downtown investment of more than $2.7 million.