News

Chamber Member Spotlight: FASTSIGNS

This month, we're excited to shine a spotlight on FASTSIGNS North Olmsted, a local leader in visual communications. Whether you’re a small business, a school, or a nonprofit, Fastsigns is committed to providing custom solutions that help businesses engage with their customers through impactful signage and visual media.

About FASTSIGNS North Olmsted

FASTSIGNS North Olmsted is a full-service visual communications solutions provider. They specialize in helping organizations of all sizes—businesses, charitable groups, school systems, and government entities—connect with their communities through effective signage. Their extensive range of services includes:

• Wide-format printing

• Custom interior and exterior signage

• Self-adhesive graphics for walls, floors, vehicles, and more—both installed and ready-to-apply

• Custom ADA and Wayfinding signage

• Trade show graphics and displays

What Makes FASTSIGNS Unique?

Fastsigns stands out in the community because of their exceptional customer service. Their sales team takes a consultative approach, focusing on understanding each customer's unique needs, goals, and budget. From there, they provide tailored solutions that best fit each client’s specific situation, ensuring that every project meets their exact expectations.

Exciting Recent Projects

One of the company’s recent standout projects was partnering with the Cleveland Lutheran High School Association to provide interior signage for the expansion of Lutheran West. The project spanned over 18 months and included everything from temporary signage during construction to permanent wayfinding, room identification, donor recognition, and branding for the new and renovated spaces. It’s a perfect example of how Fastsigns’ expertise can help bring a cohesive, professional look to large-scale projects.

Benefits of Chamber Membership

As a Chamber member, Fastsigns has enjoyed the opportunity to connect with other local businesses and engage with the broader community. The Membership Resource Monday newsletter is particularly valuable for staying updated on local news and learning about other businesses in the North Olmsted area. These resources have helped Fastsigns grow and expand their network within the community.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for FASTSIGNS?

As we enter event season, FASTSIGNS is gearing up to assist with signage for events of all sizes. They offer a large fleet of display equipment available for rent, making it a more affordable option for those needing high-quality signage without the expense of purchasing hardware. Fastsigns works closely with clients right up until the event, ensuring late additions like sponsor recognition are seamlessly incorporated.

If you’re planning an event or looking for signage solutions for your business, FASTSIGNS North Olmsted is ready to assist with all your visual communication needs.

Thank you for being a valued Chamber member, Fastsigns! We look forward to seeing more of your impressive work in the community!

VISIT FASTSIGNS

Pending Items Impacting Local Businesses
As of March 25, 2025

Lorain Road Resurfacing

Contracts for resurfacing Lorain Road from Sterns Road to Canterbury Road are scheduled for 2025. While no specific timeline has been established yet, the project may include bike paths, median strips, and other improvements aimed at enhancing the street’s appeal to cyclists and beautifying the area. It is expected that water and sewer work will not be part of the project. However, businesses along the route may experience disruptions due to access issues during construction.

Ordinance 2024-94 – 1st Reading, in Committee

This ordinance aims to regulate food trucks within the city. Key provisions include establishing specific days and time limits for food trucks to operate at designated locations, as well as clarifying which products food trucks are prohibited from selling. The city council is taking a balanced approach to onsite regulations to accommodate the diverse purposes food trucks serve in different areas.

Ordinance 2024-121 – Passed

This ordinance authorizes cooperation between the city and the county to resurface Dover Center Road from Butternut Ridge Road to Mill Road. Details on potential sewer and water line work remain unclear, but businesses in the affected area can expect disruptions to access. Additionally, the city plans to resurface Dover Center Road from Mill Road to the Westlake city line, which will impact businesses from Mill Road to Brookpark Extension.

Ordinance 2025-08 – Passed

This ordinance allows the city to secure a cash or security bond for a Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan, covering 100% of the cost of stormwater control measures. These measures include stormwater storage and water quality management facilities, or 10% of the total project cost.

Ordinance 2025-17 – 1st Reading, in Committee

This ordinance approves and adopts the 2025 Comprehensive Plan (Master Plan). The plan, developed by an independent committee, is reviewed and updated every five years to guide the city’s growth and development.

Ordinance 2025-21 – 1st Reading, Public Hearing

This ordinance proposes the creation of a new zoning overlay district for the mall area. The overlay will apply to newly constructed buildings, expansions of over 3,000 sq. ft., or any changes in the principal use of properties within the designated district. The design requirements for the overlay are modeled after the development style of Crocker Park. Seven parcels are included in the proposed district area.

Chamber Member Spotlight: Horizon Education Center

We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on Horizon Education Center this month – a long-standing leader in high-quality early care and education. For over 46 years, Horizon has been dedicated to serving children and families, preparing them for life through innovative and supportive educational programs.

A Legacy of Care and Education

Founded in 1978 by Mary Smith, Horizon Education Center began with a simple yet powerful mission: to provide a safe and engaging environment for children who were left unsupervised after school. What started as Horizon Activities has since grown into a thriving nonprofit organization, now serving children aged 6 weeks to 14 years across 16 locations in Lorain and Cuyahoga Counties. Horizon offers a variety of programs, including preschool, a robust Kindergarten Readiness curriculum, early care, and after-school educational programs.

As a mission-driven nonprofit, Horizon ensures that all families—regardless of income or location—have access to the highest quality care and education. With partnerships spanning organizations like the Lorain County United Way Collaborative, Constellation Schools, Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD), and Pre4Cle, Horizon is committed to making a lasting impact on the community and its future leaders.

Key Initiatives and Accomplishments

• Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP): Horizon participates in this federal initiative, ensuring that eligible children enrolled in their programs receive nutritious meals and snacks, contributing to their health and development.

• 2025 Goals: Horizon’s commitment to excellence continues as they aim to provide the best programs for low- and moderate-income families, rebuild their workforce, improve services, and maintain financial stability.

Summer Camp Registration Now Open!

We are excited to announce that registration for the 2025 Summer Camp Program is now open! This fun and educational 10-week program will run from June 9th to August 15th, offering a variety of project-based learning activities, field trips, and themed weeks. This year's theme is "Super Heroes in Training!", making it a great opportunity for children to learn, grow, and have fun in a supportive environment.

How You Can Get Involved

Horizon Education Center is open Monday through Friday, from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. For more information or to learn about enrollment, please contact their administration office at (440) 779-1930 or visit their website at horizoneducationcenters.org.

We encourage you to support Horizon's mission and learn more about the incredible work they are doing to serve our community’s children.

Thank you for being a part of our Chamber, and let’s continue to uplift and celebrate organizations like Horizon Education Center that make a difference every day

Register Now

2025 NATR Flyer_.pdf

Come join us for an exclusive Open House at Superior Spine Care on February 19th! ️

Bring a friend, relax, and discover how we can support your spine health.

RSVP today to reserve your spot! [RSVP link]

We can't wait to see you there!

#SuperiorSpineCare #OpenHouse #HealthAndWellness #SpineHealth #RelaxAndRejuvenate

Pending Items That Affect Businesses

As of January 7, 2025

Lorain Road Resurfacing

Contracts for resurfacing Lorain Road from Sterns Road to Canterbury Road will be made in 2025. No time table is currently established for the work. The project may include bike paths, median strips and other innovations that are intended to make the street inviting to bicycle enthusiasts and to beautify the road. I do not know if water and/or sewer work is included. Business access problems will occur.

Ordinance 2024-62 - Passed

This ordinance creates a new zoning category called Planned Development. The new zoning district can be used for parcels currently zoned single residential and/or residential office. It would allow greater flexibility from current restrictions imposed by the current Code.

Ordinance 2024-94 - 1st reading, in committee

This ordinance will regulate food trucks. The primary purpose is to establish the days and the length of time a food truck can be on site and to better define what products a food truck may not sell. Council is taking a realistic approach to the on-site regulations as there are many different purposes for a food truck to be on a particular site.

Ordinance 2024-121 - 3rd reading

This ordinance authorizes the cooperation of the City with the County to resurface Dover Center Rd from Butternut Ridge Rd to Mill Rd. I do not know if the City wants to include sewer and/or water line work. Business access problems will occur.

On December 3, 2024, join us in celebrating Giving Tuesday by supporting Horizon Education Centers. We’re dedicated to providing young children with safe spaces to grow, learn, and thrive, and we’re proud to have the support of volunteers and partner companies who help enhance our facilities. A key part of our mission is offering scholarships to qualified students, making early education accessible to all.

This Giving Tuesday, take a moment to donate to the Mary Smith Scholarship Fund. Your contribution is tax-deductible and directly transforms a child's life.

Thank you for your generosity and for supporting Horizon Education Centers. We wish you and your family a joyful, healthy holiday season!

Donate Today

In light of the recent storm and its impact on our community, we understand that many of our local businesses are facing new challenges. To support you in navigating these hurdles and preparing for future disruptions, we’re excited to share a valuable resource from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Introducing the "Small Business Readiness for Resiliency" guide, a comprehensive toolkit designed to help businesses like yours build resilience and recover more swiftly from unexpected events. This guide offers practical strategies and actionable insights tailored to strengthen your business operations and safeguard against potential disruptions.

We encourage you to explore this guide and integrate its recommendations into your business practices. Preparedness is key to resilience, and this resource is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate challenges effectively.

You can access the "Small Business Readiness for Resiliency" guide directly through the following link: Readiness for Resiliency Program

Thank you for being an integral part of our Chamber community.

From the Office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost:

I am resending our publication on recovering from a natural disaster and how to protect yourself at a vulnerable time.

https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Files/Publications-Files/Publications-for-Consumers/Disaster-Recovery-Flyer

Our hearts are with you and your communities. Please stay safe.