By Gary Ogle
gogle@wbcowqel.com

The ribbon was cut on a new business in the Bucyrus downtown district Friday morning, but the business isn’t exactly new and certainly the owner isn’t new to the business.

“I’ve been operating out of my house for the last year,” said Tonya Willow, owner of The Sign Shop at 118 W. Warren St. Willow noted she’s been making Volkswagen logos that are marketed online since 2006.

She says moving downtown meets one goal of getting the word out about her business.

“Increased exposure so people know I’m doing this,” Willow said about what motivated the move. “I just want everybody to know I can do signs for them.”

For Mayor Roger Moore and city leaders, Willow’s new store fills a goal for them as well.

“It’s very vital to keep an active downtown and this is another step in doing so,” Moore said, noting small shops and large enterprises were equally appreciated and welcome. “We’re excited to see another storefront filled.”

As Willows explains it, there’s not much she can’t do when it comes to signs.

“Window lettering for business, vehicle graphics truck drivers, race car drivers, people that have home businesses that need vinyl for their cars and their businesses,” Willow said. “The ladies that like to decorate their home interiors is really big, I can do any vinyl for homes. And I can do large scale signs like sand blasted signs and free standing signs. If you need a sign of any sort, I can make it.”

For right now Willow will be doing the bulk of the work herself with some help from a friend, Tracy McAdams. But it is her goal to grow the business as quickly as possible to bring McAdams on in a full-time role, and hopefully outgrow her new business location as quickly as she did her home office space.

Director Deb Pinion was certainly excited about the newest member of the Bucyrus Area Chamber of Commerce.

“I want to thank Tonya and her family for being a part of the community,” Pinion said. “They are a real asset.”

The Sign Shop is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, and by appointment. The phone number is 419-571-8078.