Wayne County Fair Collaboration is a Win for Orrville Area Chamber Members

Blog originally published by The Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce,  September, 2021

Staffing shortages have stretched local employers to their limits in recent months as they try to maintain business operations. So, when the opportunity to display at the Wayne County Fair became available it posed a difficult choice. Staff their business or staff a fair booth. 

Booths in the commercial buildings, typically in high demand for the visibility exhibiting provides, simply were not this year. The Wayne County Convention and Visitors Bureau was approached by the Fair Board to double their exhibit space to help fill the empty spaces. 

We welcomed the opportunity for a double exhibit space, commented Marty Starkey, Wayne County Convention and Visitors Bureau (WCCVB). “Our challenge was finding volunteers to staff the booth throughout Fair week.” 

WCCVB partnered with Wayne Center for the Arts, Main Street Wooster, and Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce (OACC) to share the expense and staffing responsibilities for the double exhibit space. 

“Collaborating with three community partners was a win for all of us.” Remarked Lori Reinbolt, OACC president. “It would not have been possible for any of our organizations to provide coverage for the entire week of the Fair. Sharing the responsibility allowed volunteers from each organization to highlight their businesses for a manageable amount of time while also representing the best of Wayne County. 

 OACC members had positive experiences volunteering at the booth. 

Becca Porter and Heather Ogi, represented Spherion Mid-Ohio at the booth on School Day, Monday, September 13. “It was a hot day,” commented Ogi. “But we were able to connect with so many young people and share career exploration information with them. It was a great community outreach event for us.” 

Thank you so much for offering this opportunity! I have always wanted to be at the Fair but could never commit to the entire week,” remarked Dee Black, Flex Yoga. “I was able to talk to A LOT of people in a short amount of time.”   

“We enjoyed handing out Wayne County Farm Tour programs and lots of our company tablets!” commented Sue Orr, Orr Construction. “We would do it another year. Thanks for the opportunity!”  

The Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce is an essential resource for our members and community. By promoting active engagement, the Chamber’s network empowers our members to achieve their goals. To learn more about the Chamber, visit www.orrvillechamber.com.