Author: Donna Gross

TIFFIN, OHIO – September 11, 2025 – The 2025 Main Street Celebration and Downtown Summit was held on Wednesday evening, September 10 at the Chandelier Community Event Center.

The event included a panel discussion featuring Aaron Montz, Amy Reinhart, and David Zak, who spoke about the origins of the Main Street program in Tiffin and the decision to join the coordinating program, Heritage Ohio ten years ago.

Donna Gross, Downtown Tiffin Main Street Manager, provided remarks on Downtown Tiffin’s recognition as a Nationally Accredited Main Street Program for the past decade. In addition, Jeff Weber delivered a presentation on the upcoming renovations of The Gibson Hotel, unveiling renderings that showcase the vision for the revitalization project.

The summit also recognized community members, building owners, business owners, and volunteers who have contributed to the revitalization of Downtown Tiffin. The 2025 Downtown Tiffin Main Street Award recipients were:

• JVC Properties/Wild Bunch Wellness Bar – Development Award 
• The Turntable – Entrepreneurial Award 
• Ralph’s Joy of Living – Business Legacy Award 
• City of Tiffin – Main Street Director Award 
• Andrew and Cindy Kalnow – Lifetime Achievement Award
  
• Reclaim It – Golden Broom Award

Downtown Tiffin will participate in the Heritage Ohio Main Street Awards Ceremony at the annual Heritage Ohio Preservation and Revitalization Conference, scheduled for October 15, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. Downtown Tiffin has been named a finalist in the following categories: Best Main Street Committee Project, Main Street Volunteer of the Year, Young Preservationist of the Year, and Main Street Business of the Year.

Downtown Tiffin 10 Year Celebration Video. 

[Pictured from left to right: Ralph Smothers, Lucy Smothers, Andrew Kalnow, Rob Malone, Julie Smothers, Sue Riedy, Karen, Klepper, Lee Wilkinson]

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About Downtown Tiffin 

The revitalization of Downtown Tiffin began in 2011 with the formation of Tiffin Tomorrow, a grassroots initiative led by community members dedicated to promoting economic development and ensuring the long-term prosperity of the downtown district. In 2014, the City of Tiffin partnered with the Seneca Industrial and Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) to serve as the official downtown organization. Tiffin Tomorrow was incorporated into SIEDC, which later evolved into the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership (TSEP), and now operates under the Seneca County Collaborative as the Downtown Development Board—the governing body for downtown revitalization efforts. Since 2015, Downtown Tiffin has proudly participated in Heritage Ohio’s Main Street Program, further strengthening its commitment to historic preservation, economic vitality, and community engagement. For more information, click here. 

About Heritage Ohio 

Heritage Ohio promotes economic growth through the preservation and revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods across Ohio. Heritage Ohio is the coordinating agency for the Ohio Main Street Program and is the designated statewide Ohio preservation partner with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Through saving the places that matter we can all build a community and live better. Learn more about how to become involved by visiting www.heritageohio.org. 

About Main Street America 

Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Our network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Since 1980, communities participating in the program have generated more than $101.58 billion in new public and private investment, generated 168,693 net new businesses and 746,897 net new jobs, rehabilitated more than 325,119 buildings, and levered over 33.7 million volunteer hours. Main Street America is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit mainstreet.org. 

TIFFIN, OHIO – September 10, 2025 – The Downtown Tiffin Pizza Party returns on Thursday, September 18, 2025, as part of the ongoing Third Thursday series, inviting residents and visitors to enjoy a night of food, fun, and community support.

The event will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 PM along Washington Street and in City Lots 5 and 7. The whole event is located within Downtown Tiffin’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA).

Participants can sample pizza-inspired creations from a wide variety of local vendors while enjoying music, drinks, and the vibrant energy of downtown Tiffin.

Tickets are $2 each (cash only) and will be available at the event or can be purchased in advance starting Thursday, September 11 at the following locations:

• Pan Yan Bookstore – 144 South Washington Street
• Ralph’s Joy of Living – 33 North Washington Street
• Simply Susan’s – 70 South Washington Street
• The Renaissance of Tiffin – 129 South Washington Street

Tickets will also be sold the evening of the event in City Lot 5, City Lot 7, and from volunteers on foot walking along South Washington Street

Half of all proceeds from ticket sales will benefit FACT (Financial Assistance for Cancer Treatment), a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has supported Seneca County residents battling cancer since 1990. FACT helps cover out-of-pocket costs, transportation, and other critical needs not typically covered by insurance. All FACT services are provided by volunteers, allowing nearly every dollar raised to go directly to the patients.

In addition, The Bagel Buggy will be in City Lot 5 and Penn Station East Coast Subs will be in City Lot 7, with both vendors serving their famous fresh-squeezed lemonade. All proceeds from lemonade sales will be donated to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation in honor of Connor Whaley, a Bascom native currently facing his second battle with childhood leukemia.

Connor, who inspired the community as Grand Marshal of the 2023 Tiffin-Seneca Heritage Festival Parade, originally rang the bell in May 2023 after nearly 800 days of treatment. Earlier this summer, his family shared the heartbreaking news that his cancer had returned.

This year’s entertainment lineup will feature T-Town DJ spinning music in City Lot 5 and No Eileen in City Lot 7, creating an upbeat, family-friendly atmosphere throughout the event.

Participating vendors include: Domino’s Pizza, The Empire, Fort Ball Pizza Palace, FroZone Tiffin, Heavenly Pizza of Tiffin, Jac & Do’s, Kendra’s Cakes, Marco’s Pizza, Napoli Pizza, Parkhurst Dining, Penn Station East Coast Subs, Reino’s Pizza & Pasta, Simply Susan’s, and The Bagel Buggy.

“Tiffin is a community that shows up for each other,” said Mayor Lee Wilkinson. “Events like the Downtown Tiffin Pizza Party highlight the best of our city. We support our local businesses, spend time together as neighbors, and rally behind families in need. It’s something we can all be proud of.”

Attendees are encouraged to grab a beverage from a participating DORA vendor, explore downtown shops, and enjoy an evening of community spirit, all while making a positive impact.

About Downtown Tiffin 

The revitalization of Downtown Tiffin began in 2011 with the formation of Tiffin Tomorrow, a grassroots initiative led by community members dedicated to promoting economic development and ensuring the long-term prosperity of the downtown district. In 2014, the City of Tiffin partnered with the Seneca Industrial and Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) to serve as the official downtown organization. Tiffin Tomorrow was incorporated into SIEDC, which later evolved into the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership (TSEP), and now operates under the Seneca County Collaborative as the Downtown Development Board—the governing body for downtown revitalization efforts. Since 2015, Downtown Tiffin has proudly participated in Heritage Ohio’s Main Street Program, further strengthening its commitment to historic preservation, economic vitality, and community engagement. For more information, click here. 

About Heritage Ohio 

Heritage Ohio promotes economic growth through the preservation and revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods across Ohio. Heritage Ohio is the coordinating agency for the Ohio Main Street Program and is the designated statewide Ohio preservation partner with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Through saving the places that matter we can all build a community and live better. Learn more about how to become involved by visiting www.heritageohio.org. 

About Main Street America 

Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Our network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Since 1980, communities participating in the program have generated more than $101.58 billion in new public and private investment, generated 168,693 net new businesses and 746,897 net new jobs, rehabilitated more than 325,119 buildings, and levered over 33.7 million volunteer hours. Main Street America is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.

TIFFIN, OHIO – September 2, 2025 – Downtown Tiffin, in partnership with Heritage Ohio, the statewide Main Street coordinating program, is conducting a short survey to gather feedback from the community. The goal is to ensure that the voices of those who live, work, and invest in Tiffin are heard as the organization looks to the future.

The survey is expected to take approximately 10 minutes to complete, and responses will help identify community priorities and guide the future direction of Downtown Tiffin. To protect participants’ privacy, Heritage Ohio is collecting responses on behalf of Downtown Tiffin. Results will be reviewed by the Downtown Tiffin Board of Trustees and staff during a strategic planning session later this month.

“This is an important opportunity for the community to share its perspective,” said Donna Gross, Downtown Tiffin Main Street Manager. “Whether you are a resident, business owner, employee, or investor, your feedback will help shape the vision for our downtown.”

The survey will remain open until Friday, September 12. Community members are encouraged to participate by visiting: tinyurl.com/DowntownTiffinSurvey.

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About Downtown Tiffin 

The revitalization of Downtown Tiffin began in 2011 with the formation of Tiffin Tomorrow, a grassroots initiative led by community members dedicated to promoting economic development and ensuring the long-term prosperity of the downtown district. In 2014, the City of Tiffin partnered with the Seneca Industrial and Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) to serve as the official downtown organization. Tiffin Tomorrow was incorporated into SIEDC, which later evolved into the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership (TSEP), and now operates under the Seneca County Collaborative as the Downtown Development Board—the governing body for downtown revitalization efforts. Since 2015, Downtown Tiffin has proudly participated in Heritage Ohio’s Main Street Program, further strengthening its commitment to historic preservation, economic vitality, and community engagement. For more information, click here.

About Heritage Ohio 

Heritage Ohio promotes economic growth through the preservation and revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods across Ohio. Heritage Ohio is the coordinating agency for the Ohio Main Street Program and is the designated statewide Ohio preservation partner with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Through saving the places that matter we can all build a community and live better. Learn more about how to become involved by visiting www.heritageohio.org.

About Main Street America 

Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Our network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Since 1980, communities participating in the program have generated more than $101.58 billion in new public and private investment, generated 168,693 net new businesses and 746,897 net new jobs, rehabilitated more than 325,119 buildings, and levered over 33.7 million volunteer hours. Main Street America is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.

This year, Downtown Tiffin is represented in the following categories:

• Best Main Street Committee Project: The Best Foot Forward Project has been named one of three finalists. This award highlights a Main Street program committee (Economic Vitality, Design, Organization, Promotion) that has planned, implemented, and completed a transformative project in their district.

• Main Street Business of the Year: MST Pub & Grub has been selected as a finalist for its innovative business strategies, strong community engagement, and support of downtown revitalization.

• Main Street Volunteer of the Year: Vickie Wilkins is a finalist in recognition of her contributions of time, energy, and expertise in support of Downtown Tiffin’s growth and success.

The award ceremony will take place Wednesday, October 15, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Canton Palace Theatre, as part of the Heritage Ohio Annual Conference in downtown Canton. The ceremony is free and open to the public.

Heritage Ohio promotes economic growth through the preservation and revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods across Ohio. Heritage Ohio is the designated statewide Ohio preservation partnership with Main Street America. Through saving the places that matter, we can build community and live better. Learn more about the Heritage Ohio annual conference at www.heritageohioconference.com. More information on Heritage Ohio can be found by visiting www.heritageohio.org.

[pictured: 2024 award recipients, Reineke/Reinbolt Families]

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About Downtown Tiffin

The revitalization of Downtown Tiffin began in 2011 with the formation of Tiffin Tomorrow, a grassroots initiative led by community members dedicated to promoting economic development and ensuring the long-term prosperity of the downtown district. In 2014, the City of Tiffin partnered with the Seneca Industrial and Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) to serve as the official downtown organization. Tiffin Tomorrow was incorporated into SIEDC, which later evolved into the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership (TSEP), and now operates under the Seneca County Collaborative as the Downtown Development Board—the governing body for downtown revitalization efforts. Since 2015, Downtown Tiffin has proudly participated in Heritage Ohio’s Main Street Program, further strengthening its commitment to historic preservation, economic vitality, and community engagement. For more information, click here.

About Heritage Ohio

Heritage Ohio promotes economic growth through the preservation and revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods across Ohio. Heritage Ohio is the coordinating agency for the Ohio Main Street Program and is the designated statewide Ohio preservation partner with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Through saving the places that matter we can all build a community and live better. Learn more about how to become involved by visiting www.heritageohio.org.

About Main Street America

Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Our network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Since 1980, communities participating in the program have generated more than $101.58 billion in new public and private investment, generated 168,693 net new businesses and 746,897 net new jobs, rehabilitated more than 325,119 buildings, and levered over 33.7 million volunteer hours. Main Street America is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.

TIFFIN, OHIO – August 21, 2025 – The annual Taste in Downtown Tiffin will take place on Thursday, August 28th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., featuring a variety of menu samples from local eateries. The event will be held at National Corner, the Public Library parking lot, and Jefferson Street.

Attendees will have the opportunity to sample different dishes from local Tiffin eateries including The Chandelier Community Event Center, Simply Susan’s, Golda’s YUMobile, Heavenly Pizza, Hunan King, Jolly’s, Parkhurst Dining, MST Street Grub, Carmie’s BBQ & Grill, Baked by Bells, Reino’s, The Bagel Buggy, Clover Club, The Empire 138, Fort Ball Pizza, and more.

Tickets for the Taste in Downtown Tiffin can be purchased at the event or in advance at Pan Yan Bookstore and Simply Susan’s, starting Thursday, August 21st. A pack of 5 tickets is available for $5, while a pack of 20 tickets can be purchased for $20. Most food items will be priced between 1-3 tickets, allowing attendees to enjoy multiple offerings without committing to a full meal.

Adjacent to the event, the Tiffin City Parks & Recreation Department will host its annual “Band Bash” at the Frost-Kalnow Amphitheater on the East Green from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The concert will feature performances by marching bands from local high schools and universities.

Mayor Lee Wilkinson commented, “Taste in Downtown Tiffin is one of my favorite traditions because it truly showcases the best of our community—local flavors, local talent, and neighbors coming together. I encourage everyone to come downtown, enjoy great food, and cheer on our talented student musicians.”

For more information about the event, visit  www.downtowntiffin.org or Facebook 

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About Downtown Tiffin

The revitalization of Downtown Tiffin began in 2011 with the formation of Tiffin Tomorrow, a grassroots initiative led by community members dedicated to promoting economic development and ensuring the long-term prosperity of the downtown district. In 2014, the City of Tiffin partnered with the Seneca Industrial and Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) to serve as the official downtown organization. Tiffin Tomorrow was incorporated into SIEDC, which later evolved into the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership (TSEP), and now operates under the Seneca County Collaborative as the Downtown Development Board—the governing body for downtown revitalization efforts. Since 2015, Downtown Tiffin has proudly participated in Heritage Ohio’s Main Street Program, further strengthening its commitment to historic preservation, economic vitality, and community engagement. For more information, click here.

About Heritage Ohio

Heritage Ohio promotes economic growth through the preservation and revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods across Ohio. Heritage Ohio is the coordinating agency for the Ohio Main Street Program and is the designated statewide Ohio preservation partner with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Through saving the places that matter we can all build a community and live better. Learn more about how to become involved by visiting www.heritageohio.org.

About Main Street America

Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Our network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Since 1980, communities participating in the program have generated more than $101.58 billion in new public and private investment, generated 168,693 net new businesses and 746,897 net new jobs, rehabilitated more than 325,119 buildings, and levered over 33.7 million volunteer hours. Main Street America is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.