Fulton County Ohio Media

For 21 years, up until January of 2024, the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce (SACC) was led by Neil Toeppe, who also began serving his community as the Mayor of Swanton in January of 2020.  When Mr. Toeppe assumed the role of SACC Executive Director, the organization was on the verge of financial collapse.  Under his guidance and tireless efforts, SACC grew the overall membership, created several non-dues revenue generating events, added a number of membership benefits and brought the Swanton Chamber back to financial solvency.

When Neil decided to retire from the Chamber to focus more on his position as Swanton Mayor, there was a great deal of trepidation among the board members over finding a replacement who, hopefully, could step in and build on the accomplishments and advances realized during Neil’s successful tenure.  Several worthy applicants were interviewed and the SACC Board of Directors hired Delray Busch, a wife and mother of three living in Swancreek Township who presented a stellar resume.  Delray, originally from Port Clinton, Ohio, holds a degree in Marketing and Business Law from the University of Toledo and has extensive experience in the corporate and non-profit sector world and currently runs her own business, Delray Busch Social Media and Marketing, LLC.  She has now been on the job for 15 months and has received high praise from not only the Chamber Board but from the Swanton business community and Mayor Toeppe as well.

“When I saw the job posted I thought it was perfect.  Owning my own small business, I saw the need for stronger networking and I thought, not being a native Swantonian, the best way to show my commitment to this community, raising my children here, living here, thriving here, was to find a position just like this one.  I interviewed and thought instantly it would be something I would love to do and love to be a part of,” explained Delray.

Once seated in the Executive Director’s chair, Delray immediately began to see where improvements could be made in terms of technology, cost cutting measures and Chamber outreach methods among others.  “There have been a lot of changes which I know are hard for some people.  I like to say ‘growing pains’ because we’ve grown the number of events we do, number of networking events, number of relationships and the number of members.  So, I’m happy for that,” she said.

The biggest change may have been the selling of the Chamber Building on the corner of Main Street and Zeiter Way which was purchased in 1978.  The sale has provided the Swanton Chamber with a solid financial foundation which will carry it into the future.  Monthly Chamber meetings are now held in a conference room in the Swanton Public Library and Delray’s office is now wherever she sets her laptop. “That is very much the 2025 way,” she declared.

As with any new job, there are challenges, some foreseen an some not.  “This is one of those jobs that require a lot of creativity.  You can’t just do the same event every month and think you’re going to get the same results.  Networking is extremely tricky, especially post-COVID.  People are not attending events like they once were and they are very protective of their time,” said Delray.  One new event is the Chamber Block Party, established by working with the Village Administration, held monthly in the summer which draws hundreds to the Downtown Swanton DORA.  Another is the very popular monthly ‘Coffee & Conversation’ get togethers at CK Sweets.

The Chamber growth has been remarkable.  In her relatively short tenure, the Chamber has added 42 members to reach the 120 mark.  Delray has added online components to the Chamber’s marketing strategy beyond mailers and occasional Facebook posts.  “We’re really pushing what our members are doing, what we’re doing and how they can get involved,” she said.  Of course, we care about our Swanton members but we also have members that may be in surrounding communities but have connections to Swanton.  We have grown by connecting with neighboring Chambers and economic development organizations.  We’re stronger when we’re not competing but we’re joining forces to help area businesses.”

Working with Delray to bring the Chamber to this point has been Mr. Toeppe.  “One of the things that Neil did for me early on was introduce me to some of the key players in Swanton.  And for that I’m so grateful,” she remarked.  “It was easy to come in and be welcomed.  He has embraced the changes with open arms.  He often comes to our events and I love talking with Neil.  I always learn so much when we talk.”

Since moving to the Swanton area from Toledo four years ago with her husband Tracy and daughters Corrigan (10) and Selah (8) and son Truman (5), Delray has completely immersed herself in the community with her involvement with Swanton Schools, her business and most recently her position with the Chamber.  As much as she has already accomplished, she views all aspects of her job as a work in progress.  Stay tuned.

You can contact the Swanton Chamber by visiting their website at swantonohiochamber.com or email at swantoncc@gmail.com or call 419-826-1941 or checkout their Facebook page.

Photo: Delray Busch – Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director