By Paula Pyzik Scott

The February 2024 meeting of Ada Area Chamber of Commerce members featured presentations on current and future Ada resources.

Director Carol Turchick gave an overview of services available at ONU’s Center for Corporate Engagement and Troy Erickson gave an update on Old Route 69 Brewery. Ohio Northern University hosted the meeting at the Wishing Well in MacIntosh Center. 

CENTER FOR CORPORATE ENGAGEMENT
The Center for Corporate Engagement (CCE) is an initiative of ONU President Melissa Baumann. Turchick explained that it provides professional development and micro credentials for organizations of all sizes. (See the Spring 2024 schedule HERE.) Examples are Managing Conflict, Social Media Strategy for Smaller Businesses and Finance for the Non-Financial Professional. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are also available, such as the April 4 Surveyor’s Workshop. 

CCE facilitators can bring private programs to companies or host them at the Inn at ONU. Open Enrollment programs are available for individuals and small groups; these include single-day events and multiple-day certificate programs. There are also 90-minute live virtual programs for ONU alumni who are considering a career change. 

Turchick described the programs as “very experiential, you are interacting with others.” The CCE director has an office in The Inn and can be reached at 419-772-3552 or [email protected].

OLD ROUTE 69 BREWERY
Ada entrepreneur Troy Erickson brought chamber members up to speed on developments at Old Route 69 Brewery, which he is developing with fellow Ada High School grad Billy Watterson. The 2-year project took a major detour with the purchase of the historic Ada Armory, which is next to the former Cole Motors Ford dealership on East Buckeye. Updating the Armory and its established restaurant facilities will be more cost effective than repurposing the dealership.

The combined properties will provide seating for up to 200 and outdoor space for a beer garden. In addition to developing a flagship lager, Old Route 69 will have extensive entertainment features including a stage for live performances, duckpin bowling, pickleball, curling and dining igloos. 

Erickson called the project “a hometown investment dream” and noted that he grew up in a family that struggled financially. He looks forward to providing Ada with this regional destination.

The next meeting of the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Wednesday, March 20. For more information, visit https://www.adaareachamber.org/

PHOTO McIntosh Center by Ada Icon