February 2026 Newsletter
- Anna Thomas
- Mar 9
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
From the Board
The Metamora Chamber of Commerce Board would like to thank everyone who attended this year’s annual meeting.
A special thank you goes to the Catholic War Veterans for the use of their hall, D & J Catering for the delicious meal, and Cheryl Geer for serving as guest speaker.
The next Chamber meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 15 at 5:00 PM at the Evergreen Community Library. Dinner will be served, and the cost is $10.
The Board encourages attendance at meetings, as it is difficult to make decisions on behalf of the business community if the business community is not present.
Student Financial Award Opportunity
Awards are available to any high school student in the Evergreen School District, regardless of which school they attend.
Students can earn one entry for each hour of approved community service.
The next volunteer opportunity is the Easter Egg Hunt on March 28 at 10:30 AM at the park.
Breaking News: Chamber Text Program Now Live
The Chamber’s text program is now up and running. All contacts should have received an opt-in text message on January 29.
To receive future text updates from the Chamber, you must reply “Y” to the opt-in message.
The Chamber promises not to overwhelm members with texts. Messages will be sent about once a week, if that.
The Chamber will also continue communicating by email, just not quite as often. Please make sure the correct contact person’s name, phone number, and email address are listed on your membership renewal form so Chamber communications are reaching the right people.
Your Privacy Matters
Your contact information will only be used for official Chamber communications and will not be shared with third parties.
Support Our Community: C.A.S.T.
C.A.S.T. (Caring and Sharing Together) is the local food pantry serving the Evergreen School District.
As many have seen on social media, food banks are struggling to keep up with increased demand, and C.A.S.T. is no exception.
Although C.A.S.T.’s 501(c)(3) status allows them to utilize local food banks such as Toledo Northwest and Seagate, there are still many items that are not available through those sources.
Current Needs
At this time, C.A.S.T. is most in need of canned meats, including:
Chicken
Beef
Spam
Corned Beef Hash
They do not need tuna fish, as that is received from other area food banks.
How to Donate
The Metamora United Methodist Church holds the 501(c)(3), so all C.A.S.T. finances run through the church.
Anyone wishing to make a cash donation should make checks payable to:
Metamora United Methodist ChurchMemo: C.A.S.T.
Donations can be dropped off at:
Metamora State Bank / Bank419
Evergreen Community Library
No matter the size of the contribution, it makes a difference in C.A.S.T.’s ability to provide for the community.
Annual Meeting Highlights
The annual meeting included a variety of updates and important information for Chamber members.
Chamber Updates
Cathy encouraged everyone to stay up to date through the Chamber website, highlighted business spotlight opportunities, introduced the new Chamber newsletter, announced the 2026 meeting schedule, and shared information about openings on Chamber subcommittees and Party in the Park committees.
She also reminded everyone that membership renewals are due each January, and forms were included in the meeting packets.
Financial Review
The Chamber’s 2025 financial reports were reviewed during the meeting.
C.A.S.T. Presentation
Guest speaker Cheryl Geer, representing C.A.S.T., shared information about the local food distribution pantry.
C.A.S.T. is open on the third Wednesday of each month and serves those in the Evergreen School District. The pantry helps approximately 40 families each month and relies heavily on donations.
While some canned fruits, vegetables, soups, tuna fish, and similar items can be obtained from local food banks, C.A.S.T. purchases most:
Paper products
Hygiene products
Fresh meats
Eggs
Drop-off locations for donations are Bank419 and the Evergreen Community Library.
Monetary donations should be made payable to Metamora United Methodist Church, with C.A.S.T. included in the memo line.
Events and Activities Review
Kim Smallman reviewed 2025 Chamber events and activities and previewed upcoming 2026 events and activities.
Open Forum Discussion
The Open Forum included:
A message from Kate Fischer of Bank419 regarding the bank’s name change
Discussion about the Happy Birthday America Parade at this year’s Party in the Park
Information about the first Evergreen All-Class Reunion, which will be held during this year’s Party in the Park event
Community Spotlight: Village Easter Egg Hunt
The Village Annual Easter Egg Hunt will take place on:
March 28 at 1:00 PMRain Date: March 29 at 1:00 PM
The hunt will feature three age groups and hundreds of eggs filled with candy, with plenty of fun for everyone.
There will also be extra prizes, including festive Easter baskets filled with gifts, plus a visit from the Easter Bunny, making it a fun afternoon for the whole family.
Business Spotlight: Metamora State Bank Becomes Bank419
Metamora State Bank is now Bank419.
While change can feel uncomfortable, strong companies grow by adapting before they are forced to. The name has changed, but the foundation has not.
Metamora Bancorp, Inc. remains the holding company, and Bank419 is still locally owned, independent, and community focused.
The new name reflects the bank’s evolution from a single-location institution to three branches serving more communities across northwest Ohio.
As President and CEO Kate Fischer shared, Bank419 better reflects the bank’s regional commitment while staying true to its local roots.
What’s New
Name
Logo
Visual identity
What Hasn’t Changed
Leadership team
Branch locations
Ownership
Customer accounts
Personalized service
This rebrand positions Bank419 for continued growth and allows the bank to better serve communities today and for generations to come.
The message remains clear: it is the same bank it has always been, now with a name that better supports its future.
Community Calendar
February 16 — President’s Day
February 18 — C.A.S.T. Distribution, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
March 8 — Daylight Saving Time Begins
March 18 — C.A.S.T. Distribution, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
March 28 — Village of Metamora Easter Egg Hunt, 1:00 PM at the Park
Visit the Chamber website for more information.
Mission
The Metamora Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to improve and grow the community by bringing together local business owners and residents with the goal of supporting economic growth and creating a better place to work and live.
Contact Information
To become a member, renew your membership, or ask questions, contact the Metamora Chamber of Commerce:
Website: www.metamorachamberofcommerce.com