Southwest Auglaize County Chamber Director Discusses Local Business Climate, Upcoming Events

Southwest Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce Director Sara Topp says the business climate in Minster, New Bremen and New Knoxville remains strong, while workforce development continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing area employers.

Topp recently joined WCSM’s Spectrum to discuss the Chamber’s work, the importance of shopping locally and several upcoming programs and events.

Topp has served as Chamber Director since 2020 after spending two years as an administrative assistant with the organization. The Chamber represents businesses and organizations throughout Minster, New Bremen and New Knoxville.

Topp said bringing the three communities together allows businesses to share resources, ideas and opportunities that could be more difficult for one community to accomplish on its own. She described the local business climate as strong and resilient, with companies continuing to look for opportunities to improve and grow.

One ongoing concern is finding and retaining qualified employees. Topp said workforce development remains a challenge across many industries, particularly when employers need workers with specialized skills.

She encouraged high school students and young adults to learn more about local career opportunities, noting that many area businesses welcome students who want to observe their operations or participate in co-op programs.

Topp said attracting workers also involves showing prospective employees what the communities offer beyond a paycheck, including local schools, safe neighborhoods, churches, recreational opportunities and places where remote workers can spend time outside the home.

The Chamber serves a diverse membership that includes major manufacturers, family-owned companies, retailers and nonprofit organizations. Topp said businesses of different sizes often share many of the same goals, including building relationships, finding workers, increasing visibility and contributing to the community.

She said the Chamber is also seeing younger residents showing interest in entrepreneurship, including starting businesses, building side ventures and finding new ways to meet local needs.

For Chamber members, Topp said the benefits extend well beyond having a business listed in a directory. Members can take advantage of networking opportunities, educational programs and several affiliated programs involving areas such as health insurance, workers’ compensation and energy savings.

The Chamber also promotes its members through an e-newsletter, regular radio reports and other outreach efforts.

Topp said shopping locally remains an important way residents can support the communities where they live.

“Every dollar we spend in our local businesses helps support local jobs, their families, and organizations and events to make the community pretty special,” Topp said.

The Chamber’s upcoming calendar includes the Golden Triangle Golf Outing on August 28. Topp said the outing is designed as a fun networking opportunity and a way to thank Chamber members for their involvement throughout the year.

The organization is also working on an informational luncheon later this fall and will begin preparations for its Christmas Tree Festival in November.

Other major Chamber programs include the State of the Villages, where the mayors of Minster, New Bremen and New Knoxville provide community updates, and the Annual Awards Luncheon, which recognizes businesses, organizations and individuals for their contributions to the area.

Topp said residents and businesses interested in learning more about the Southwest Auglaize County Chamber can contact the Chamber office or follow its website and social media pages for upcoming programs and events.

The full interview with Sara Topp can be heard on Spectrum at wcsmradio.com.