BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—A new organization is now heading up efforts to promote the growth and development of the business climate in Crawford County.

The Crawford County Chamber of Commerce (CCCC), formerly the Bucyrus and Galion-Crestline Chambers, was officially established in January with Casie Grau named as the group’s executive director.

“Things have been going great,” said Grau, the Bucyrus Chamber director prior to the merger.  “We’ve really been focused on getting membership dues in with a clean slate.  We did a great job of retaining members from both chambers.”

Embracing the “Opportunity Lives Here” logo, the Crawford County Chamber is retaining both the Galion and Bucyrus “brick and mortar” locations for the time being, Grau said.  It is also overseeing the Bucyrus Tourism Bureau.

The rebranded organization has three other staff members, Grau said, along with a 24-member blended board of directors who are committed to focusing on member benefit packages as well as new and exciting events for 2025.

One of them is a familiar event – the Chamber’s annual Business Forecast & Economic Development Breakfast.  The “Forecast Breakfast” is Feb. 25 at 7:30 a.m. at The Loft at Pickwick Place in Bucyrus.

Plans are also underway for a new event – Women in Business – which will debut April 17 at the Crawford County Art Center’s new location on Sandusky Avenue in Bucyrus.  The expo will wrap up with an art class for participants, Grau said.

A Health & Wellness Fair is scheduled for March 20 at the Real Life Naz in Galion.  Chamber Chats, First and Third Friday events during the summer, and a Holiday Open House are some of the other networking events on tap this year, Grau said.

The merger, she said, has not only signaled a transition period for the association and its 383 members, but also a new structure governed by three divisions – Economic Development, Investor Benefits, and Advocacy.

Becky Lutz is serving as assistant director for the CCCC, with additional responsibilities for tourism, Grau said, while Heather Martin is the Chamber’s event and marketing assistant.  Jessica Karcher is the administrative assistant.

The CCCC has also launched a new website and Facebook page.  Down the road, Grau said, another goal of the organization is to beef up its presence in Crestline and communities like New Washington.

“We’re trying to be intentional and inclusive, so people don’t feel they were lost in the mix.  I think the new thing is trying to get to the members at their locations this year.  We want to be sure we listen to their voice to guide us as we go forward.”