​When you’ve been in business for 140 years, you’ve seen it all: world wars, economic booms and busts, and countless changes in fashion – both in clothing and banking! Citizens Federal Savings and Loan has not only survived but thrived, becoming an integral part of Logan County since 1885.
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It all began on February 13, 1885, when a group of visionaries came together to establish what was then called the Citizens Building & Loan Company. Their mission? To help Logan County residents buy, build, and repair their homes. With local businessman and Civil War hero Captain T.L. Hutchins at the helm as the first president, the Association began its work in a shared office on South Opera Street, paying a humble $4.50 a month in rent.

Why Logan County? The answer is simple: it’s home. The founders of Citizens Federal were deeply invested in the community, and that commitment continues today. Whether it’s helping residents secure mortgages or supporting local initiatives, Citizens Federal remains steadfast in its mission to serve the people of Logan County.
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Their presence extends far beyond banking. Citizens Federal is a strong advocate for local businesses, schools, and organizations, investing in the area to help ensure Logan County continues to flourish. Their impact can be seen in various sponsorships and community involvement efforts, further reinforcing their role as a trusted financial partner and neighbor.

​As a mutual bank, Citizens Federal operates differently from traditional stock banks. Instead of being owned by outside shareholders, they’re owned by their depositors and borrowers. This unique model allows them to focus on offering better rates and lower fees to customers while investing in their employees and the community. From sponsoring local schools’ academic and athletic programs to supporting the United Way of Logan County, Citizens Federal’s impact extends far beyond banking.

By reinvesting in the community, they help ensure that Logan County remains a thriving place to live and work. Their mutual bank model provides the flexibility to prioritize long-term customer relationships over short-term profits, creating a financial institution that is truly built for the people it serves.

Citizens Federal Savings and Loan is celebrating their 140th anniversary this year. A big milestone for the year will be the relaunching of their School Banking program and introducing new youth-focused checking and savings accounts. These initiatives aim to give the next generation strong financial solutions while still receiving the personal service they know and trust.
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As long-time members of the Chamber, Citizens Federal values the Chamber’s advocacy and behind the scenes efforts to support local businesses. Citizens Federal knows that the strength of the Chamber benefits the entire community, helping businesses grow and thrive. Their continued membership is a reflection of their commitment to supporting local economic development and fostering a business-friendly environment for all.

If you accept the Gift with Purpose challenge, here’s how to participate:

• Between November 4 and December 24, buy at least one gift from a small business in Logan County. We think you’ll be amazed at what you can find at local stores!
• Most retailers will have “I Supported Local” tags to fill out with your name to show your community that you support local businesses.
  1. The first 250 tags will be displayed throughout the holiday season at the Chamber office in downtown Bellefontaine – so make your purchase early!
  2. If you include your phone number or email address on the back of the tag, you’ll be entered to win one of our prizes of a Chamber Choice Check. Prize winners will be selected on December 18.
• Our “I Supported Local” frames will be rotating between retailers all season. Take a photo with the frame and your purchase and tag the Chamber for an additional entry into the prize drawing!
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So go ahead – support local and gift with purpose this season!
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Mary Rutan Health is always working to improve access to and quality of healthcare in our community. A great example is how they recently partnered with C&A Benefits, Hickory Medical Direct Primary Care, and Prescription Bliss to help launch the innovative Logan County Health Plan in January of 2024. This plan provides a local medical insurance option for small and mid-size organizations that may not previously have been able to afford the highest quality coverage for their employees. The plan enables access to top tier medical care by leveraging the strength of local healthcare options and bypassing some of the traditional major insurance companies.

Mary Rutan Health is excited about the future, particularly in the area of provider recruitment. 2024 has been a successful year in bringing on board experienced and skilled professionals, including specialists in pain management, primary care, pediatrics, podiatry, orthopedics, cardiology, addiction treatment, and more. In the coming months, the organization looks forward to welcoming additional specialists, further enhancing their comprehensive healthcare services. Mary Rutan Health is always on the lookout for top-notch individuals to join their team. With more than 1,000 team members and endless opportunities for growth and support, they offer the area’s most competitive wages and benefits. Interested candidates can find a complete list of open positions and industry-leading benefits online at www.maryrutan.org/careers.

Mary Rutan Health’s century-long journey is a testament to its unwavering commitment to providing exceptional healthcare. As they continue to evolve and expand, their dedication to the community remains at the forefront of everything they do. With a focus on personalized care, innovative techniques, and community engagement, Mary Rutan Health is poised to continue serving Logan County and beyond for many years to come.
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Please join us in congratulating Mary Rutan Health as the Logan County Chamber of Commerce September 2024 Business of the Month!

For over 16 years, Elle A. Design has been a pillar of creativity and innovation in Logan County. What began as a one-woman operation has blossomed into a thriving design studio known for its unique blend of artistic flair and technical expertise.
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Lindsey McGlone, the Owner and Creative Director of Elle A. Design, discovered her love for art at five years old. This early passion for creativity laid the foundation for what would eventually become a successful design studio. Lindsey always knew she wanted to be an artist, and in 2008, she turned her lifelong dream into a reality by founding Elle A. Design. Initially, Lindsey managed everything on her own, dedicating countless hours to her craft and her clients. Eight years into her journey, she decided to take a leap of faith by hiring a teammate – Chelsea Bray, Lead Designer and Copywriter. This decision marked a turning point for Elle A. Design, as Chelsea’s talent and dedication brought a new dimension to the studio - Lindsey says that Chelsea has become her right-hand girl and that hiring her has been one of the best decisions she has made. The team continued to grow, adding Lane Yoder as a Designer, Photographer and Videographer and most recently, Kate Powell as a Designer. Together, they have transformed Elle A. Design into a full-fledged brick-and-mortar studio, serving hundreds of clients not only in Logan County but across the country.
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Why should I get involved? 
Involvement in your community shows dedication and commitment to your business and the people you serve. Whether you’re a newer business, or your business has been around for a while, it’s never too late to get involved! 

How can I get involved with the community?
There are so many ways to get involved with the community. Think about what you want out of your connections in the community. Do you want to meet new people? Give back to those in need? Offer your expertise to others? Or just have fun and relax? Consider your desired outcome to help guide your next steps. 

• A great way to start – especially if you’d like to volunteer your time – is to reach out to United Way of Logan County. Their volunteer guide has a wealth of information on volunteer opportunities.
• No time to volunteer? Consider donating or sponsoring an event or program in our community. You can also donate food and clothes to places like LCS if you prefer to donate items instead of money.
• Just want to have fun? Take a look at a local events calendar to find fun things to do in Logan County.
• If no events appeal to you, your community benefits when you spend local. Make an effort to buy anything you can from local retailers and service providers. You can even give the gift of shopping local in the form of Chamber Checks!

What are the benefits to getting involved?
By getting involved in the local economy, you are making an impact, whether it would be big or small. Volunteering and getting involved gives your business the chance to give back to the community, while giving you a feeling of gratification. When your business makes a positive impact, you also create a positive image for your brand. Volunteering in the community also opens opportunities to network and make connections with whomever you are volunteering with/for. 

Getting involved won’t harm your business - there are no downsides. Start getting involved to help you and your business expand and grow!

For over seven decades, Lakeside Pro Bass Shop and Mini Golf has been a cherished establishment in Logan County. Founded 76 years ago as Lakeside Landing by Gertrude and Jesse Pittard, this family-owned business has evolved into a beloved community hub for fishing enthusiasts and families alike.
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SERVPRO of Central Auglaize, Hardin & Logan Counties is a well-known leader in water, fire and mold mitigation/restoration and has been a much-needed asset in our community since 2021. The franchise has been active in the Logan County area since the early 1990s, with national headquarters that began in 1969 in Gallatin, Tennessee.
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Scott Huffman, SERVPRO Owner & GM, took over the franchise from Rich and Leah Cottrill, whom Scott was the Operations Manager for. Scott owes thanks and inspiration to the Cottrills for helping him realize his dream of franchise ownership and continuing the SERVPRO legacy of exceptional restoration services. Scott is joined by his wife, Andrea, who is the Marketing/Social Media Director and their team of Connor Macy, Mitigation Supervisor and Terrance Downey II, Mitigation Technician.
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Did you know?! All estimates for Logan County residents are free of charge! SERVPRO maintains a community-centric approach in a few different ways. The company supports many local entities, such as the Parks Department, and has donated fans to the Logan County Fair to use in the horse barns. They are honored to positively give back to the community when asked! The SERVPRO team also strives to make sure homeowners and property owners are well informed by reminding them to check their insurance documents and ensure that their most valuable assets are covered properly if or when situations may happen. By being Chamber members, the team enjoys the opportunity to meet with other business owners and gain priceless knowledge by networking with each of the great businesses in our community.
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​One-Eyed Cookie Lab, nestled in Downtown Bellefontaine, has a delicious history rooted in a long love of cookies. Owner Jennifer Born Rachek says she has been obsessed with cookies since she was a little girl. Her passion traces back to the fond memories of her grandmother’s exceptional baking skills and Jennifer always dreamed of being able to create baked goods of the same caliber. The dream of recreating those delectable treats became a reality during the COVID era, which brought less of a commute, and she was able to spend more time in her “Cookie Lab.”

​Beginning with online preorders, One-Eyed Cookie Lab quickly expanded to being a vendor at the Logan County Farmer’s Market. Jennifer met other bakers there and is thankful for their help and inspiration in her startup. Her love for the Farmer’s Market grew even more after becoming a vendor when she saw how friendly and supportive everyone – from the customers to the vendors to the market management – was. The Farmer’s Market also led to many other new friendships with a plethora of information and ideas and was a step towards getting their first wholesale account with Native Coffee. Eventually, One-Eyed Cookie Lab found its permanent home in Downtown Bellefontaine, where they are located at 118 East Court Avenue. If you are craving some of their ¼ pound cookies and aren’t in Downtown Bellefontaine, you can also find them at Gathering Grounds in Russells Point and The Depot Coffeehouse in Urbana.

Jennifer’s journey hasn’t been a solo endeavor. She extends special appreciation for three key people: her mother, her husband and Haley Thornburg. From packaging and delivering cookies to helping at the Farmer’s Market and eventually working at the store, Jennifer’s mother has played a pivotal role. Her husband’s patience and support when it comes to helping with their five fur babies, and with tasks such as laundry, dishes or even tracking down emergency supplies has been indispensable. Haley, an integral part of the team since before the brick and mortar opened, has been instrumental in the growth of One-Eyed Cookie Lab. Three other employees complete the One-Eyed Cookie Lab team.
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One-Eyed Cookie Lab’s desire was to create something fun with all-natural products for the community that Jennifer calls home. She fell in love with the store front with great views of some of Bellefontaine’s staple buildings – The Holland Theatre, the Veteran’s building and of course, the Courthouse! As the first concrete street (which is where One-Eyed Cookie Lab is located on) is a popular tourist attraction in Logan County, the store has become a loved favorite, as well.
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The West Liberty Business Association held their Annual Dinner on Thursday, January 18, 2024. It began with a social hour and membership drive with music provided by Rise FM.  After that, WLBA President Heather Chamberlain welcomed all the attendees and a prayer was offered by Jeff Vernon.  The meal that followed was prepared by Paul’s Catering.  After dinner, Chamberlain welcomed West Liberty-Salem Band Director Paul Waibel.  Earlier in the year, the WLBA was made aware of a few students that needed some additional funding in order to be able to go to Disney with the WL-S band.  Several members of the WLBA donated money for these students to be able to go on this trip.  Mr. Waibel thanked all of those members for helping to make this trip a reality. 

Some highlights of 2023 for the WLBA are as follows: Increased membership by 45%, finalized their 501c3 status to be recognized as an official non-profit organization, and purchased a trolley along with the Lion’s Club and the Village. 

​The start of Heaven’s Dew was rooted in a collective desire for innovation and a concern for overall health and environmental well-being. Formed amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the founders – guided by a shared vision – crafted a plan to honor God by caring for creation. The name “Heaven’s Dew” was inspired by the blessing that the dew gives the earth, referenced in Genesis 27:28 which says, “May God give you heaven’s dew and earth’s richness – an abundance of grain and new wine.”