Minutes of the January 22, 2026 meeting

Attendance

Those present: Tim Byers, Lydia Carter, David Foltz, Adale Grimes, Sue Henwood, Mary Hoffman, Jacqueline Howard, Rich Lines, Jessica Martinez, Lynn McCandlish and guest Leanne Hart, Rick McCandlish, Ray Meese, Dee Mowry, Terriann Mullett, Kristy Peck, Sue Schmitz, Ken Shofter, Linda Ward, and Heather Yontz

Program

The chamber met at the Bremen Area Historical Society. President Rich Lines called the meeting to order, welcoming guests and leading the group in the pledge of allegiance. Pastor Linda Ward gave the invocation. Lunches from the Falcon’s Nest were distributed, and Ken Shofter gave an up-date on the Historical Society’s growth. They are adding 500 square feet of space, paid for by donations; this will allow archived materials to be viewed.

Display boards have been moved to the walls, new ones added, and table displays highlight changes in Bremen’s churches, schools and commercial spaces. The Historical Society is open May through October, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Rental information is available by contacting Lynn McCandlish at 740-503-4347. Society membership is growing and currently is between 168-170. Chamber members were invited to view the museum wing following the business meeting.

Business meeting

In the business meeting, the secretary gave a verbal summary of the December visit to Bremen Elementary to share in the Christmas program put on for the students by the high school Assembly Singers. The treasurer reported the following account balances:

Treasurer’s report — account balances

checking	$1 575.65
Money Market	4 677.79
CD	13 580.32
CD	15 028.58
CD	5 548.59

She also announced three new members: ACHOICE Training, LLC with Rick and Mary Hoffman; Fairfield County ADAMH Board with Jackie Howard; Custom Foam Products, Inc from Fort Loraine, Ohio. Thank you notes were read from Michael Schultz for the chamber’s purchasing his County Fair animal and from the Bremen Area Food Pantry for our donation.

Dee Mowry moved to receive the report, seconded by David Foltz; motion carried.

Chamber sign at routes 664 and 37

David also reported on the executive board’s discussion of the sign now at the corner of routes 664 and 37, whose annual business plaque rentals are the income for the Community Fund.

Among the problems: the ground it’s on is not owned by the chamber; plaques are illegible at the current distance from the road; the plaque provider is difficult to contact and to work with.

Suggestions were offered:

1. to investigate moving the sign into Bremen along Broad Street on village land;
2. to change sign materials for greater visibility and perhaps include lights;
3. to use a different sign company (2 alternatives given).

Ray Meese proposed considering the Rushville Lions Club land for a sign directed toward Bremen. Discussion was tabled to the February meeting.

Facebook page

There has been some interest in a Facebook page for the chamber; questions to be answered: who would act as administrator to manage comments; what would be the limits on who could add posts; could it be included in our WebChick contract. Following discussion, Tim Byers moved we use WebChick for a trial, Dave Foltz seconded the motion and it was carried.

Announcements and adjournment

Announcement was made that the Independence Day parade in Bremen will be held on July 5 at noon; details to follow. Dee Mowry moved to adjourn the meeting; motion seconded by Heather Yontz and carried.

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Respectfully submitted,
Sue Schmitz, secretary