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GreaterFindlayInc. History
With great success following the area's former Findlay•Hancock County Chamber of Commerce and its partners, efforts to streamline and increase efficiency among The Chamber and its associates began in 2005 by Chamber and CDF management teams, the Board of Directors, and local government and civic officials.
The final result came in January 2007 with the launch of GreaterFindlayInc. (GFI), a public-private partnership whose primary purpose is to help develop the wealth and prosperity of the Greater Findlay region through the growth of existing and new businesses.
GreaterFindlayInc. is a collection of organizations that include the former Chamber and CDF, the CVB, Hancock Leadership, the organization’s specialty retail development effort, emerging technology infrastructure, special events, the Small Business Development Center and The Chamber Foundation. The North Central Campus for Emerging Technologies (NCC-ET) is also a product of this effort and is closely aligned with GFI.
With an overall mission to help the Greater Findlay region to grow and prosper, GFI aims to strengthen the community’s tax base, act as the community’s chief marketing arm, serve as the area’s economic development leader, provide support and service to its members, and position the Greater Findlay area among the best micropolitan communities in the United States.
In an effort to increase economic development in the Greater Findlay region, GFI markets towards new business investors and tourists as well as growing families, businesses and opportunities. Though development efforts are strong, GreaterFindlayInc. continues to stand behind the needs of the community and small businesses, which make up nearly 90 percent of its membership, by providing educational opportunities, healthcare and other services essential to the growth of the already established Greater Findlay region.
GreaterFindlayInc. is dedicated to honoring the past while continuing to ensure a solid future, making the Greater Findlay region a great place to live and work.
Greater Findlay Chamber
Established in 1887, the Findlay Chamber of Commerce was formed by business leaders as a volunteer organization designed to serve as a business association and marketing organization for the Findlay and Hancock County area. Serving as the representative business organization for the city of Findlay, The Chamber’s mission was dedicated to developing and promoting the economic and educational climate, prosperity and quality of life in the Hancock County region.
In 1988, The Findlay Chamber of Commerce became known as the Findlay•Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, reflecting their role as a business advocate not only for the city of Findlay but for all of Hancock County.
The late 1990s brought expansion with new Chamber programs, specialized services, greater membership involvement and developing partnerships. A decade later The Chamber merged with the Findlay•Hancock County Community Development Foundation (CDF), an organization aimed at marketing the Findlay-Hancock County area. The newly formed team was able to capitalize on efficiencies, strengthen the community’s presence and create a unified voice for businesses.
Through the years, Chamber programs along with the Hancock County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), The Chamber Foundation and Hancock Leadership programs have brought great success and prosperity to the area.
With membership reaching nearly 1,000 in 2006, The Chamber proudly reflects on providing nearly 120 years of quality service to the Greater Findlay region.