Submitted information
First Federal of Van Wert is pleased to announce that Brian Renner, President and Chief Executive Officer, has been nominated to serve as a director on the Ohio Bankers League (OBL) Board of Directors.
Renner’s nomination recognizes more than three decades of experience in banking and outstanding leadership in the Van Wert community. OBL Board service is widely regarded as a significant professional distinction and an opportunity to help shape the future of Ohio’s banking industry.
A lifelong Van Wert County resident, Renner is a 1990 graduate of Lincolnview High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Bluffton College in 1994 and began his banking career with First Federal of Van Wert in August of that same year.
During his career at First Federal, Renner has held numerous positions, including bookkeeper, staff accountant, controller and chief financial officer. In January, 2010, he was elected to the First Federal of Van Wert Board of Directors. He was promoted to President and CEO on September 1, 2011, continuing a career that has been closely connected to the growth and success of the community bank.
Renner has also continued his professional education and leadership development. He graduated from the Leadership Program of the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce in 1995-96 and completed the Academy of Financial Executives through The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business in 2001.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Renner has been actively involved in organizations throughout Van Wert County. His community service has included the United Way of Van Wert County, Sertoma of Van Wert, Van Wert Service Club, Middle Point Ballpark Board, Van Wert Community Improvement Corporation Board, Van Wert Port Authority Board, Van Wert County Tax Incentive Review Council, and the Van Wert County Foundation Board.
(more…)POSTED: 10/11/26 at 7:49 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
VW independent staff/submitted information
Advanced Insurance Group has teamed up with Goodville Mutual Casualty Company to make a $1,000 donation to a charity of their choice, Crisis Care Line of Van Wert.
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.
Advanced Insurance Group’s charity of choice, Crisis Care Line, is committed to providing hope, support, and resources to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. Domestic violence can affect people from every background and circumstance. For someone experiencing abuse, reaching out for help can be an incredibly difficult step. Crisis Care Line offers a listening ear, compassionate support, safety planning, advocacy, and connections to resources that can help individuals move toward safety and stability.
“Crisis Care Line of Van Wert has been a resource for victims of domestic violence in our community for over 40 years,” said Advanced Insurance Group Managing Partner Aaron Anspach. “With October being Domestic Violence Awareness month it seems very fitting to honor their services with this donation. 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 they serve, the agency provides personalized insurance solutions for individuals, families, and businesses.
Goodville Mutual, founded in 1926 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, insures homes, autos, farms, commercial businesses, and churches across eight states.
POSTED: 10/10/26 at 12:21 am. FILED UNDER: Business
Submitted information
Eric Hurless, an Edward Jones financial advisor in Van Wert, has accepted an invitation to increase his limited partner holdings in The Jones Financial Companies, L.L.L.P., the holding company for the St. Louis-based financial services firm.
“I am honored to be invited to increase my ownership in the firm,” Hurless said. “I value working at a firm with such a strong sense of purpose — to make a positive difference for our clients, colleagues and community.”
Hurless joined Edward Jones in 2017 and has served investors in Van Wert for the past nine years.
Edward Jones currently employs 50,000 associates throughout the United States and through its affiliate in Canada. This is the firm’s 18th limited partnership offering in its 100-year history.
The Jones Financial Companies, L.L.L.P. was created in 1987 to enable the firm to expand into new business areas while allowing it to remain a partnership. The Jones Financial Companies, L.L.L.P. owns Edward D. Jones & Companies, L.L.L.P., which operates under the trade name Edward Jones, as well as other affiliates including the Edward Jones Trust Company, Olive Street Investment Advisors, LLC, Edward Jones SBL, LLC, and an international financial services subsidiary in Canada, Edward Jones (an Ontario limited partnership).
Edward Jones is a leading financial services firm serving clients across North America, with operations in the United States and Canada.
POSTED: 10/10/26 at 12:20 am. FILED UNDER: Business
VW independent staff/submitted information
COLUMBUS — Ohio’s minimum wage will go up on New Year’s Day.
The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Industrial Compliance’s Bureau of Wage and Hour Administration has announced that Ohio’s minimum wage will officially increase to $11.40 per hour for non-tipped employees and $5.70 per hour for tipped employees, The increase represents a 3.5 percent increase from the current rates of $11 for non-tipped employees and $5.50 for tipped employees.
The change reflects the mandate of a constitutional amendment passed by Ohio voters in November 2006, which states Ohio’s minimum wage shall increase on January 1 each year by the rate of inflation.
In addition to the wage rate adjustment, the threshold for business applicability will also change. Effective January 1, 2027, the Ohio minimum wage will apply to businesses with annual gross receipts of more than $420,000, which is an increase from the current $405,000 threshold.
For employees at businesses with annual gross receipts of $420,000 or less per year after January 1, 2027, and for 14- and 15-year-old workers, the state minimum wage remains tied to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Any changes to this rate would require an act of the U.S. Congress and the President’s signature.
To ensure compliance, employers are required to display the official 2027 Minimum Wage poster, which is available on the Division of Industrial Compliance website.
Shelter Insurance agent Tony Heffner has received the Rising Star award, which recognizes new agents excelling in life insurance sales early in their career as an agent with the company. Heffner said he’s thrilled to have earned the award and noted that life insurance is about protecting loved ones. Heffner’s office is located at 1198 Westwood Drive, Suite D in Van Wert. Photo submitted
POSTED: 09/27/26 at 7:08 am. FILED UNDER: Business
Submitted information
First Federal of Van Wert will celebrate the customers and community members who have made the bank a part of Van Wert County for more than 130 years with Customer Appreciation Day.
The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, August 21, at both locations, 679 Fox Rd. and 820 N. Washington St. and will provide an opportunity for First Federal employees to thank customers for their continued trust and support.
“Customer Appreciation Day is our way of saying thank you to the people who have supported First Federal throughout the years,” said Brian Renner, President/CEO. “As a community bank, our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We’re proud to serve our community and look forward to celebrating with the people who make Van Wert such a special place.”
Guests can enjoy lunch with sandwiches from Collins Fine Foods, ice cream from Rocky Top Frozen Treats, mini cupcakes to celebrate the one year anniversary of the 820 N. Washington St. location being open and the opportunity to win a golden ticket to redeem for a prize. Customers are encouraged to stop by, as food is first come first served until gone, and visit with the First Federal team while enjoying the celebration.
POSTED: 08/19/26 at 9:48 am. FILED UNDER: Business
Submitted information
First Federal of Van Wert has announce the hiring of Sean LaFontaine, who will be joining the bank as a vice president of commercial banking, overseeing the bank’s Commercial lending and deposit functions.
LaFontaine is a 2007 graduate of Crestview High School and a 2011 graduate of Huntington University, with a bachelor’s degree in business management. LaFontaine and his wife, Courtney, reside in northern Van Wert County and have two children, Lyla, and Leo. He is active in coaching area youth sports. Outside of work, Sean enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and watching college football, especially Notre Dame.
LaFontaine began his banking career in 2012, focusing on credit underwriting. He has spent the last 11 years in treasury management, most recently as director of treasury management for State Bank in Defiance. LaFontaine received his Certified Treasury Professional certification in January of this year. This certification is a nationally recognized credential that demonstrates expertise in cash flow management, liquidity, and treasury solutions. LaFontaine will utilize this expertise to assist businesses with aligning their business strategies.
“We are excited to have Sean join our team at First Federal. Sean is a community-minded individual who is looking forward to assisting area businesses with their commercial lending and deposit needs,” said Brian Renner, President of First Federal. “With his banking experience and his treasury management expertise, Sean will be a great addition to the bank but also to the Van Wert business community. He aligns with our mission, which is helping the Van Wert community thrive.”
First Federal of Van Wert is a locally owned and operated institution serving the Van Wert community since 1893. As an independent community bank, First Federal takes immense pride in supporting the Van Wert community.
POSTED: 07/31/26 at 7:26 pm. FILED UNDER: Business
D&D Ingredients of Delphos celebrated 50 years of business on Saturday. The celebration at the Kill Rd. facility included music, food, speakers, tours and more. D&D Ingredients was founded in 1976 by Doc and Dorothy Miller with a vision to serve the animal feed and pet food industries with quality, reliability, and care. It has grown into a full-service ingredient manufacturer and distributor reaching customers in 45 states and 42 countries. Today, D&D Ingredients employs 160 people, operates more than 500,000 square feet of warehouse space, and maintains an ingredient inventory of over 900 items. Photos courtesy of Kirk Berryman
POSTED: 07/29/26 at 9:11 am. FILED UNDER: Business
The Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a Chamber Coffee at Walnut & Main Event Space in downtown Van Wert. Attendees enjoyed coffee provided by ConvoyRoad Coffee Roasters and items provided by Truly Divine Bread Co. The group spent most of their time connecting with each other, the event ended with a brief presentation and tour of the facility by owner Amy Covey. Chamber CEO Mark Verville said the Chamber is excited to host Covey her husband Chris with their second event space in Van Wert. They also the Warehouse event space. To learn more about the Chamber and how they can support your business through events, programs and benefits, call 419.238.4390 or email chamber@vanwertchamber.com.
VW independent staff/submitted information
Ridi Stores has completed the purchase of three gas stations from Lassus Brothers Oil, including the Van Wert Lassus Handy Dandy location. That gas station, along with Lassus gas stations in Delta and Napoleon, are now part of the Ridi Stores family.
The stores will continue serving customers throughout the transition, which begins today. The store and pumps were shut down this morning but a company spokesperson said will re-open later today. Over the next several weeks, they’ll be updated with Ridi Stores branding, and customers will also see improvements, including a new loyalty program and other store enhancements.
“We’re happy to welcome these locations to Ridi Stores,” said Loui Ridi, President of Ridi Stores. “Lassus has been serving these communities for many years, and we appreciate the foundation they’ve built. Our goal is simple: take care of our customers, keep our stores clean, offer quality fuel, and continue earning the trust of the communities we serve.”
Founded in 1999, Ridi Stores is a locally owned company headquartered in Toledo. With these acquisitions the company now operates 27 locations, including gas stations and Express Car Washes across Ohio, Indiana, and southern Michigan.
According to a press release, Ridi Stores offers quality fuel, fresh food, beverages, and everyday convenience items, and is committed to providing friendly service, clean, well-maintained locations, and supporting the communities it serves.
