During their regular meeting Thursday, Sept. 4, the Ontario Growth Association heard from local library staff and shared updates on upcoming community events including the final Concert in the Parks series.
Chris May, administrator of branch services at the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library and Matt Bachelder, manager of the Ontario Branch Library, opened the meeting by sharing the many business resources that are available at the local libraries.
May discussed a variety of resources that are offered, including business plans, industry/company data, books/eBooks/magazines/journals, small business assistance, financial analysis, and leadership ideas. All of these resources are free as long as one has a library card.
He highlighted library databases, which can be especially useful in obtaining material, rather than using a Google search, he said.
Bachelder noted that the library offers more just books and movies, adding, “We’re trying to offer more with bigger variety—particularly at Ontario, where we’re trying to do more business-related programming.” For example, on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 6 p.m., the Ontario library will host a business resources workshop, in which people can learn how to use the Library’s Business Gateway, suite of business resources such as Business Source Premier, Demographics Now, Small Business Reference Center and more.
The growth association discussed a number of community events, including the final concert with the Concerts in the Park series at Marshall Park. Project 116, a Christian rock group, will perform Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. The concert is free.
Ontario Mayor Randy Hutchinson noted that they would like to have more concerts next year, possibly including open mic nights and karaoke.
The ninth annual food drive for Make a Difference Day will be held Oct. 24 and 25 at Graham Automall. Last year’s drive helped raise 24,173 food items, said Doc Stumbo, Graham’s public relations director.
Richland Mall is hosting a job fair in response to the increase in office visits about employment opportunities in and around the area. The job fair will be held Sept. 6 from 2 – 5 p.m. in the center court.
The Hard Hat Gala Monte Carlo Night will be held Saturday, Oct. 25 at Deer Ridge Golf Course at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $25 and all of the proceeds benefit Richland County Habitat for Humanity.
Additionally, the Ontario Lions Club will be holding its pancake breakfast on Oct. 11 at the Ontario High School, starting at 6 a.m.
The mayor shared a brief update on community happenings, noting that the construction of the FedEx building in the industrial park is moving along, as well as the re-paving of West Fourth Street.
He noted that he has been sending letters to various businesses to try to fill up the empty spaces within the city.
He also said that Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. looked at potentially moving into the former site of the General Motors plant; however, the company has decided to go elsewhere, he said, adding, “but that could change.”
