Local soap maker plans expansion
Project will add space, jobs VERMILION — Defense Soap owner Guy Sako is preparing to expand the company’s Liberty Avenue facility as continued growth pushes its existing space to capacity. The project will add 8,000 square feet to the back of the company’s current 12,000-square-foot building on Liberty Avenue. Sako Continue Reading
Young entrepreneur receives inaugural grant
Second grader runs candy venture By Sandra Coe, Executive director of the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce VERMILION — A 7-year-old local entrepreneur has received the Vermilion Chamber Foundation’s inaugural Young Entrepreneur Grant for developing a candy vending machine business. Luca Cammarata, who will enter second grade at Vermilion Elementary School, Continue Reading
From Dining Room Sales to Downtown Vermilion: Dollhouse Boutique Builds Community Through Fashion
From online sales to Main Street VERMILION — What started as online clothing sales from a dining room table has grown into a nationwide customer community and a downtown Vermilion boutique focused on helping women feel confident, comfortable and included. Kimberly Parsons, owner of Dollhouse Boutique at 630 Main St., Continue Reading
Free bowling program brings families back to Lake Erie Lanes
VERMILION — A local bowling alley is opening its doors to families this summer and doing it in a way that owners say is about more than just business. At Lake Erie Lanes, Sandy and Brian Piwinski are participating in the national Kids Bowl Free program, allowing children to bowl Continue Reading
From Online Brand to Main Street, Vermilion Business Owner Builds Regional Success
VERMILION — Step inside Main Street Threads on Main Street and one of the first things that stands out is a patriotic display built around America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Red, white and blue apparel, locally designed graphics and a growing line of products set the tone for a shop that Continue Reading
JAM Auto Repair Now Open on Liberty Avenue in Vermilion
Sponsored Business Feature VERMILION — JAM Auto Repair is now open at 3723 Liberty Ave. in Vermilion, offering general auto repair services for local drivers. This is a sponsored business feature paid for by JAM Auto Repair. Information was provided by the business. The shop is owned by John “JD” Continue Reading
Pancake breakfast set to support local mechanic’s cancer recovery
VERMILION — A Vermilion mechanic known for helping others is now receiving that same support back from the community. Joe Pongallo, who is currently recovering from throat cancer treatment, is beginning to regain strength following a difficult stretch of chemotherapy and radiation. “He’s getting stronger day by day,” said his Continue Reading
Apex Strength Club Project Shifts to New Liberty Avenue Site
VERMILION — Plans for a new Apex Strength Club facility are moving forward at a new Liberty Avenue location after the project shifted from a previously proposed site to a larger parcel farther down the road. The project, led by owner John Decker, received preliminary site plan approval during the Continue Reading
Proposed Linwood Landing Food Truck Park Moves Forward; Timeline Still Unclear
VERMILION — A proposed food truck and vendor park near Linwood Park is moving forward, but several steps remain before construction can begin, leaving the opening timeline uncertain. The project, known as Linwood Landing Vendor Park, received support from the Vermilion Planning Commission during its April 1 meeting and is Continue Reading
Woodstock Cafe Strikes a New Chord Under New Ownership
VERMILION — A new chapter is underway at Woodstock Cafe, where Vermilion siblings Jonathan and Haley Bellis have taken the lead at the longtime Main Street business, a family-backed venture entering its next chapter in downtown Vermilion. After years under previous owner Jim Lowder, Woodstock Cafe remains a familiar part Continue Reading