BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Crawford County Chamber of Commerce continues to strengthen businesses across Crawford County by building relationships, creating opportunities, and encouraging active engagement within the local business community.
With nearly 400 members, the Chamber supports businesses at every stage — from new startups to long-established companies. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, leadership prioritizes meeting members where they are and providing meaningful support tailored to their specific needs.
That support can take many forms, including networking events, sponsorship opportunities, advocacy, promotional visibility through the Chamber’s monthly newsletter and community calendar, and direct connections with other business owners and community leaders. For small and family-owned businesses, especially, those relationships often lead to greater exposure and long-term growth.
The Chamber also provides access to health insurance options for members — an important benefit that can significantly reduce costs for small employers.
In addition to serving current members, the Chamber works proactively throughout the county. Leadership meets monthly with city officials in Bucyrus, Galion, and Crestline to stay informed about development and new business activity. While there has not been a formal meeting with the Mayor of New Washington, the Chamber continues to engage with and support businesses in that community through ongoing outreach and communication.
When a new business opens, the Chamber reaches out to coordinate a ribbon-cutting and offer support. These ribbon cuttings are provided at no cost — even to non-members — as a way to welcome new businesses and introduce them to the community.
For businesses considering membership, attending an event first is encouraged. Participating in a networking event or program provides an opportunity to experience the value of involvement before making a commitment.
However, engagement is not meant to be one-sided. Chamber leadership emphasizes that communication from businesses is essential.
“We don’t know what we don’t know,” leadership shared. Businesses are encouraged to send event details, milestones, promotions, and announcements directly to the Chamber so they can be shared through available communication channels. Simply joining is not the end — active participation helps businesses maximize the benefits of membership.
Creative initiatives like “T-Shirt Tuesday” provide additional visibility for members. Each Tuesday, Chamber staff wear a member business’s shirt throughout the day as they connect across the community.
Members are also highlighted through Where Are We At Wednesday and Member Monday, which showcase businesses, share updates, and increase engagement by promoting member activity across digital platforms.