Lake Township Chamber outlines new projects, growth plans for 2026

The Lake Township Chamber of Commerce kicked off 2026 with its first Morning Connections meeting at Consumers National Bank, 1215 W. Maple St. in Hartville, on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. After introductions and general information, Chamber President Chip Weisel gave the featured presentation, recapping a busy 2025.

Weisel said the chamber’s mission is to support businesses in the Hartville, Uniontown and Greentown areas, a role it has filled since 1988. That support includes marketing and visibility, networking and relationships, information and credibility, education and professional development, support for local businesses, and economic and community development.

The current board was introduced by Weisel, with photos used for members not in attendance. Board members include Weisel, president; Carl Witt, chair; Natalie Johnson, vice chair; Jeff Breit, treasurer; Emily Duius, secretary; and board members Crista Kozy, Gary Sommers, Alyson Oser, Clark Swisher, Angie Chapman, Stacy Crawford, Andy Eicher and Randy Gross. Ex officio members are Hartville Mayor Cindy Billings and Lake Township Fiscal Officer Matthew Erb.

Weisel highlighted the many ribbon cuttings held during the year, noting, “I know these really happened because they were featured in The Hartville News.” Ribbon cuttings were held for Hartville Elevator with Christian Ramsburg; RE/MAX Trends Realty with Greg and Stacie Stearn; The Compassion Center at the Christ Foundation; The French Rooster with Stephanie Byler; Get Branded with Sheila and Brian Eves; CFP Designs with Christine Pilato; The Howard and Sarah Miller Commons at Hartville Christian School; and Lake Township FISH at its new facilities with Kelsey Wood and Melody McGaha.

The Lake Chamber Awards Dinner, held in February 2024, recognized several individuals and organizations associated with ribbon-cutting activities. Greg and Stacie Stearn of RE/MAX Realty received the Outstanding Business Professionals Award, Stephanie Byler of The French Rooster received the Community Betterment Award, Love Our Community received the Community Impact Award for the Little Elk development, Lisa Robertson of Hope Bridge received the Outstanding Young Professional Award, and Vernon Sommers Jr. of Hartville Kitchen Restaurant, Shops and Bakery received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

A new division of the Lake Township Chamber of Commerce, Discover Hartville, was launched in 2025 and currently highlights 18 area attractions. The site promotes family-friendly experiences and the small-town charm of Hartville and surrounding Lake Township.

Within Discover Hartville, the Hartville Antique and Thrift Trail has taken on increased prominence, featuring 14 locations offering reclaimed, vintage and secondhand goods. The trail encourages visitors to spend a day or more exploring antique, thrift and consignment shops, with a printable map available to guide shoppers to furniture, home decor, clothing, accessories, memorabilia and more.

The chamber, in association with Forever Green, provided training for chamber business owners and leaders at various times throughout 2025.

Leading up to the November 2025 election, the chamber sponsored and hosted three candidate forums covering the Hartville Village Council, Lake Township trustees and the Lake Local School District Board of Education.

Other events highlighted included Art in the Park, a First Responders luncheon in association with Ramsburg Insurance in Uniontown, the 720 Market in the Ville, Christmas in the Ville, the Lake Chamber Christmas Party and the Gateway Project.

The Gateway Project is being completed through Hartville/Lake Community Development, a partner organization. The first phase is nearing completion and includes the design and creation of a gateway marker in historic downtown Hartville at 110 N. Prospect Ave. The Heritage Gateway aims to transform an underutilized space into a welcoming and memorable landmark.

The Heritage Gateway design was developed in collaboration with Rothschild Doyno Collaborative, Each+Every, Tanya McInerney Landscape Design and architect Jonathan Paul Fleming. Funding was secured through a tourism grant from Visit Canton/Explore Stark, along with donations from the Hartville Area Community Charitable Trust Fund at Stark Community Foundation and the Village of Hartville. A limited number of commemorative bricks remain available for purchase through the chamber office.

The meeting concluded with an update on the Quail Hollow Connector Trail project, which has received $473,000 from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Construction is expected to begin this summer and will connect Lake Middle/High School to Hartville Memorial Park. The planned 1.5-mile bike and pedestrian trail will pass a Stark Parks wetland and the GentleBrook senior and disability living center, with a second phase planned to connect to Quail Hollow Park.