Fulton County Ohio Media

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On Friday afternoon, the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce held its 2026 Annual Luncheon in the Benfield Wines Banquet Room on Main Street in Swanton.  Chamber Executive Director, Delray Busch, now in her third year of leading the organization, gave her State of the Chamber Address, focusing on the importance and impact of the Chamber on the Swanton community and surrounding area.  Excerpts of her speech are below:

“When you look at this year’s report, a few numbers stand out right away. 127 businesses. 27 events. And more than 770,000 people reached through our messaging. Those numbers matter, but to me, what matters even more is what they represent. The 127 businesses represent people. People who are building something, serving this community, creating jobs, taking risks, and showing up every day with a lot on their shoulders. The 27 events represent connection. They represent handshakes, conversations, ribbon cuttings, learning opportunities, partnerships, and the kind of face-to-face time that still matters so much in a community like ours. And that 770,000 plus reach represents visibility. It means the stories of Swanton’s businesses, events, and momentum are not staying quiet.

People are seeing what is happening here. They are seeing growth, activity, and a community that continues to show up for its businesses. So yes, those numbers are important. But behind every one of them is a person, a business, a conversation, or a moment that helped move this community forward. That is the work of the Chamber. To connect people, support businesses, and help move Swanton forward together. To me, membership is never just a list of names. It is people who get up every day carrying a lot of responsibility. They are running businesses that support their families, their employees, and in many cases, our community as a whole.

One of the most meaningful parts of this role is getting to hear the stories that do not always make it into a Facebook post or a ribbon cutting photo. Stories like the business leader who came to me completely exhausted. The kind of exhausted that comes from lying awake at night trying to figure out a problem you never saw coming. Through the Chamber, we were able to connect that person with a regional resource they did not know was available. And just like that, there was a little relief. There was someone to call. Someone who could help. And a reminder that they did not have to carry all of it alone.

I also hear stories of businesses adapting, finding their footing again, and realizing they are not alone. And honestly, some of my favorite stories are the ones that start with hope. The person who spent years saying, ‘someday I want to open a business.’ And then one day, they do it. They sign the lease. They order the sign. They unlock the door. And that thing they carried around in their head for years suddenly becomes real and becomes part of this community. They are people willing to take risks, work hard, and build something here.

Over the past year, the Chamber has focused on creating more opportunities for those people to connect with each other. Through networking events, block parties, ribbon cuttings, and partnerships across the region, we are helping businesses meet, learn from one another, and support one another. Financially, the Chamber is in a strong and stable position. Through careful management and intentional planning, we have continued building reserves and working to make sure this organization stays sustainable for years to come.

But being stable is not the finish line. The goal is growth. Looking ahead, we will continue focusing on growing membership, strengthening regional partnerships, increasing sponsorship opportunities, and exploring the creation of a nonprofit Chamber Foundation that could support community projects, workforce development, and economic growth here in our region. We are also beginning conversations around succession planning and long-term sustainability, so we can make sure the Chamber remains strong for the next generation of business leaders too.

Before we move on, I want to take a moment to thank the sponsors who made today’s Annual Meeting possible. Thank you to Tomahawk Printing, F&M Bank, the University of Toledo Family Business Center, Benfield Wines, Kim Bradford & Associates, and Soaring Software Solutions for helping make today possible and for supporting the business community here in Swanton. Tomahawk Printing donated our annual reports today. F&M Bank, Kim Bradford & Associates, and Soaring Software Solutions were meal sponsors. The University of Toledo Family Business Center provided today’s speakers. Benfield Wines once again allowed us to use this beautiful venue. And thank you to Tano’s for catering today’s meal.

Next, as part of our annual meeting business, we need to conduct the election of officers for the coming year. First, I want to recognize two incredible women who are coming off the board this spring. DaNetra Smith, owner of Level Fitness, thank you for your support, your encouragement, and the way you welcomed me into this role from the very beginning. I truly appreciate it, and I wish you all the best in this next chapter. Shelly Keifer, manager of First Fed Delta, thank you for being such a strong supporter of the Chamber, of Swanton, of our schools, and of this community. I am very grateful for your support as I stepped into this position. Thank you.

I would also like to recognize the rest of our current Board of Directors for the time, leadership, and support they give to this organization and to our business community. Bill O’Connell of Swanton Sports Center, Jennifer Knapp of F&M Bank, Sheena Baker of Oncore Brewing, Eric Fessenden of Fessenden’s Hardware, Robert Benfield of Benfield Wines, Julia Benfield of Benfield Wines, Mandi Gineman of Sew Beyond Blessed. 

Our Board of Directors has recommended the following slate of incoming officers: Rebecca Padilla of Swanton Valley Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center and Donovan Cooley of Tri County Block and Brick.  Thank you, and congratulations to our officers and board members who continue to serve and lead this organization.”

Following the address, attending members heard from featured speakers Stephen Hardy, Program Manager of Membership at the UT Family Business Center, and Dan Skilliter, owner of Skillful Strategies.  Both individuals took questions during their talk and stayed after the meeting to meet with other Chamber members.

Click on the link above to access photos from the event. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded and shared for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Julia Benfield, Swanton Chamber Board of Director member and luncheon host