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The Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Bridgemill Private Wealth to Van Wert with a ribbon cutting and grand opening in Van Wert, marking the firm’s official launch as a new resource for personalized financial guidance in the community.
Founded by Van Wert native Gabe Pollock, Bridgemill Private Wealth is dedicated to helping individuals, families, and businesses pursue their long-term financial goals with tailored strategies and attentive service. Pollock is joined by advisors Ryan McCracken and Gavin Cross, who bring extensive experience and a shared commitment to client-focused financial planning.
“We’re excited to open our doors in Van Wert and to invest in a community where we grew up and believe in,” said owner Gabe Pollock. “Our team is passionate about building lasting relationships and helping clients feel confident about their financial futures.”
The ribbon cutting event brought together local leaders, clients, friends, and community members to celebrate the firm’s opening and its commitment to serving Van Wert and the surrounding area.
For more information about Bridgemill Private Wealth or to schedule a consultation, contact Bridgemill Private Wealth 13699 Jennings Road Van Wert, 419.413.4420.
POSTED: 12/04/25 at 9:51 am. FILED UNDER: Business
VW independent staff/submitted information
FOSTORIA — AgCredit, one of northern Ohio’s largest lenders for farmers, rural homeowners and agribusiness, has awarded $135,900 in Mission Fund grants to 14 community organizations, including the Van Wert County Ag Society, in support of their efforts to improve the quality of life in communities primarily within the cooperative’s 18-county service territory.
Now in its eighth year, the Mission Fund supports AgCredit’s commitment to investing in the future of agriculture and positively impacting the quality of life in rural Ohio. Recipients were selected based on their proposals to meet criteria in one or more of four key areas: Education, environment, technology and quality of rural life.
Following are AgCredit’s 2025 Mission Fund grant recipients:
- Bellevue Fire Department, Huron County, $10,000
- Central Lorain County Joint Ambulance District, Lorain County, $10,000
- Fort Jennings Volunteer Fire Department, Putnam County, $8,000
- Lucas County Ag Society, Lucas County, $15,000
- Ottawa Volunteer Fire Department, Putnam County, $2,026.76
- Paulding FFA, Paulding County, $12,600
- Payne Fire Association, Paulding County, $7,500
- Pemberville Freedom Fire Department, Wood County, $5,000
- Portage Fire District Firefighters Association, Ottawa County, $6,000
- Putnam County Rabbit Poultry Committee, Putnam County, $14,850
- Van Wert County Ag Society, Van Wert County, $15,000
- Vermillion FFA, Erie County, $7,500
- Western Reserve Ag Ed Department, Huron County, $7,500
- Wyandot County Ag Society, Wyandot County, $15,000
“As part of our commitment to supporting the agricultural community, we are proud to announce this year’s recipients. These organizations represent the very best of our industry, working to lead positive impact within their communities,” said AgCredit President and CEO Brian Ricker. “Through the Mission Fund, we are honored to help advance their efforts and strengthen the future of agriculture.”
Organizations may apply for Mission Fund grants of up to $15,000 per year. The 2026 application process will begin in March, and funds will be distributed by December 31. For more information about the lending cooperative or the Mission Fund, visit AgCredit.net.
POSTED: 12/02/25 at 7:51 am. FILED UNDER: Business
VW independent staff/submitted information
The Board of Directors of First Federal of Van Wert has announced the promotion of Rhonda Belt to Assistant Vice President-Residential Lending.
Belt joined First Federal in June 2009 as a mortgage loan specialist. She has also served as a loan officer and senior lending officer and is currently the bank’s CRA Officer.
Belt is a graduate of Adams Central High School and the International Business College. She was also a graduate of both the Ohio Bankers League School of Banking and School of Advanced Real Estate Lending. Belt started her banking career as a teller at Van Wert National Bank in 1988. Throughout her banking career, Belt has held many roles including branch manager, retail loan officer, training & development manager, and F&I manager.
Belt and her husband, Russ, reside in Van Wert and are the parents of Makenna. She enjoys scrapbooking and crafting. Belt has been active in the community as she served on the Van Wert area Relay for Life Board, YWCA Board, and was a past member of the Van Wert Service Club.
“Rhonda has done an excellent job at First Federal and in the community. She has built so many strong relationships with customers over the years. Customers appreciate the personal touch as she helps them through the mortgage process,” President & CEO Brian Renner said. “Rhonda is an important part to our team and I’m grateful for the dedication that she shows our customers and community.”
First Federal of Van Wert is a locally owned and operated institution and has been serving the Van Wert community since 1893. First Federal serves the Van Wert community with two locations: 679 Fox Road and 820 N. Washington St.
POSTED: 11/16/25 at 9:56 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
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Ally Buzard recently graduated from a trainee position to that of branch office administrator at the Van Wert office of the financial services firm Edward Jones. Buzard has lived in Van Wert county for 30 years.
Eric Hurless, the firm’s local financial advisor, said Buzard was promoted after successfully completing the firm’s in-depth training program.
“For the past six months, Ally has performed the duties of her job while also working to complete her training and testing requirements,” Hurless said. “This is a well-deserved promotion.”
A branch office administrator is responsible for the daily operation of an Edward Jones office. This includes providing top-notch client service, supporting marketing activities for the office and staying updated on technological advances.
Hurless and Buzard can be reached at 419.232.2058. You may also visit their website at www.edwardjones.com/eric-hurless.
Edward Jones is a leading North American financial services firm with more than 20,000 financial advisors. The firm serves more than 9 million clients with a total of $2.3 trillion in client assets under care as of June 27, 2025.
POSTED: 10/08/25 at 12:17 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
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Citizens National Bank will be hosting a free seminar featuring Economist Robert J. Morgan. Local business owners/managers are invited to hear Mr. Morgan present his economic forecast for 2026. He will discuss current market conditions and what he expects to see regarding unemployment, housing, and the challenges facing business owners in the upcoming year.
The free presentation will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, November 14, at Willow Bend Country Club, Van Wert. Lunch will be served and Morgan will begin speaking at noon.
Morgan is an independent consultant with many years of experience in financial analysis and consulting. He previously served as a senior vice president and chief economist with a multi-billion-dollar regional bank. He works with clients on all aspects of asset/liability and interest rate risk management, investment portfolio management, and other aspects of bank financial performance.
To RSVP to attend, visit www.cnbohio.com/economicforecast/.
With offices in Bluffton, Celina, Defiance, Elida, Findlay, Lima, Springfield, Van Wert, and Toledo, Citizens National Bank has assets totaling more than $1 billion and has been serving the communities of West Central Ohio since 1920.
POSTED: 10/08/25 at 8:54 am. FILED UNDER: Business
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Advanced Insurance Group has teamed up with Goodville Mutual Casualty Company to make a $1,000 donation to a charity of their choice, Community Health Professionals (CHP) Home Care & Hospice.
The Charity of Choice initiative from Goodville Mutual allows agents to direct funds to local non-profit charitable organizations in their community that provide critical services such as food banks, child/family support services, or mental health services.
CHP partners with people, organizations, and businesses to serve the needs of the most fragile; and they rely on the support of our local communities to stay viable. CHP is guided by a board representing communities from throughout our service area. Their caring team of professionals at CHP Home Care & Hospice is dedicated to delivering exceptional care to every patient. The CHP staff is dedicated to the safety and well-being of all their patients. CHP Home Care & Hospice is rooted in our local communities and is a trusted resource for those in need.
“CHP has been a staple in our community for the last 50 years, The staff is passionate about providing exceptional patient care, and you can tell they take their jobs very seriously,” said Aaron Anspach, Managing Partner- Advanced Insurance Group. “If you have had a loved one that has received care from CHP Visiting Nurses & Hospice you know what I’m talking about. We’re extremely grateful to Goodville Mutual for helping us raise awareness of this local organization and allowing us to shine a light on how critical these services are that benefit our local community.”
Advanced Insurance Group is a trusted independent insurance agency serving northwest Ohio with offices in Van Wert, Delphos, and Ottoville. With deep local roots and a strong commitment to the communities we serve, the agency provides personalized insurance solutions for individuals, families, and businesses.
Goodville Mutual, founded in 1926 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Goodville Mutual insures; homes, autos, farms, commercial businesses, and churches across eight states. Members can obtain a Goodville Mutual quote through its network of experienced independent insurance agents. Its headquarters are in New Holland, Pennsylvania, with a second location in Napoleon, Ohio. AM Best has awarded Goodville an “A” (Excellent) rating for its financial strength and stability and earned its position in the Ward’s 50 Property & Casualty companies in the country. Visit www.goodville.com for more information.
POSTED: 09/24/25 at 8:58 am. FILED UNDER: Business
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Area residents and businesses are invited to a Customer Appreciation Day celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, September 26, at the Van Wert office, 1199 Westwood Dr. Free lunch, including pulled pork, brats, chips, and ice cream will be provided. Attendees may also enter to win a variety of door prizes.
This is an annual event that the office hosts to show appreciation for its customers. With the convenience of online banking and drive-thru services, many customers don’t visit the office throughout the year.
“We really enjoy taking the time to mingle with our customers in person and show our appreciation for the trust they place in us,” said Al Saylor, Van Wert Market President.
Citizens National Bank is a community bank with a special focus on small business and agriculture. Learn more about CNB’s products and services at cnbohio.com or follow them on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn to be notified about special events and promotions.
POSTED: 09/22/25 at 12:45 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
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Tsunami Express Car Wash announced on Tuesday it has closed the acquisition of 53 Take 5 Car Wash locations, including one in Van Wert, from Whistle Express Car Wash, marking a major step forward in Tsunami’s Midwest expansion strategy. With this acquisition, Tsunami Express grows its operations to 74 locations across nine states: Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin.
“These locations are a strong fit for our growth strategy,” said Chris Schuldt, CEO of Tsunami Express Car Wash. “They expand our footprint into high‑priority markets and allow us to quickly introduce our premium Tsunami experience to new communities.”
As part of the acquisition, Tsunami Express will rebrand all acquired locations and invest in its signature Tsunami CleanTech experience including best-in-class equipment, premium amenities and enhanced member experience.
POSTED: 09/09/25 at 10:49 am. FILED UNDER: Business
VW independent staff/submitted information
Leland Smith Insurance Services has teamed up with Goodville Mutual Casualty Company to make a $1,000 donation to a charity of their choice, Westwood Behavioral Health Center, in recognition and support of the ongoing and significant efforts of Westwood Behavioral to make a positive, lasting impact on the health and well-being of families in the Van Wert, Mercer, and Paulding counties.
Westwood Behavioral Health Center, is a private, non-profit whose mission is to provide a comprehensive continuum of behavioral health care services. These are provided through prevention, intervention, counseling, case management and referrals to appropriate levels of service in a client-centered environment, in a manner that enhances the quality of life and promotes human dignity.
“We believe that some of the conditions we address are preventable and that all are treatable with the appropriate support services and support systems,” Leland Smith Insurance Services said in a press release. “The Center continuously strivesto evaluate, improve, and maintain the quality of client care, in anticipation of changing community needs.”
We’re grateful to Goodville for helping us raise awareness of this local, charitable organization and shine a light on how these critical services benefit our local community,” said Randy Myers, Agency Founder, Leland Smith Insurance Services.
Established in 1984, Leland Smith Insurance Services has grown from a single entity to a large agency with small agency values comprising many branches. Based in Ohio, our operating license also covers insurance services in Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. At Leland Smith offers a wide range of insurance services covering home, auto, life, farm, business, senior products, long-term care, and disability.
Founded in 1926 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Goodville Mutual insures homes, autos, farms, commercial businesses, and churches in eight states. Goodville Mutual makes its products available to members through professional independent insurance agents.
POSTED: 09/05/25 at 2:16 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
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Van Wert Counseling Offices is pleased to welcome Megan Chiles, MSW, LISW, to its clinical team.
Megan began her career in social work in 2021 and has been providing therapy services since, working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings, including schools, crisis intervention, and outpatient care.
Megan uses a warm, empathetic, and strengths-based approach. She believes in creating a safe and collaborative therapeutic space where healing, growth, and insight can flourish. Her clinical practice integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness strategies, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)—a trauma-informed modality designed to help clients process and resolve distressing experiences quickly and effectively.
Megan holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Huntington University and a Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University. She is passionate about helping others build stronger relationships and develop tools for long-term emotional wellness.
Van Wert Counseling Offices looks forward to the positive impact Megan will have on clients and the local community.
POSTED: 08/13/25 at 9:07 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
