Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours

About This Event:

The Mansfield-Richland Area Chamber has developed an excellent reputation for serving its members and communities as an advocate and catalyst for economic and business success in the Mansfield, OH and Richland County Area. The Mansfield-Richland Area Chamber strengthens the region's business climate by supporting programs that enhance small business, professional leadership, education and workforce development. The Chamber has a staff of 5, plus over 30 board members and numerous others volunteering their time to make Mansfield, OH and the entire Richland County area a better place to live, work and invest.

The Renaissance last hosted the December meeting in 2008, featuring the Race Band.  It was a party that Mansfield is still talking about.  This year's event promises to be even better with a full 2 hour concert by Mansfield's own Ohio Express following the Chamber hours.  For more information on the Ohio Express concert, click here.

About the Two Week Gala:

A thrilling new chapter in the history of the Renaissance Theatre will unfold today when the new grand lobby is opened to the public for the first time. Renaissance CEO, Terri Bergman, credits the many donors and supporters of "The Ren" for making the dream a reality. "It is exciting to see a group of people with a common goal unite and change the life of an organization. The past year in the life of the Renaissance has done just that."

The premiere showplace for the arts in North Central Ohio, the Renaissance began its life in the late 1920s as the Ohio Theatre, a grand "movie palace". After years of neglect, the theatre was refurbished in the early 1980s by a group of dedicated citizens. "This 80-year old ‘crown jewel' of a theatre has seen many changes over the years, but nothing like this!" says General Manager Brandon Smith. The home of the Mansfield Symphony, Neos Dance Theatre and a wide variety of original and national touring productions, the renowned performing arts facility will almost double in size when the new addition opens in early 2010. "This is a dream that began many years ago," states Bergman, "and it's now our privilege to reveal that dream."

Visitors to the new facility will discover a significant increase in restroom facilities with special emphasis on the needs of handicapped, senior patrons and parents with small children. Defined work areas and expanded offices will provide optimum working space for the administration staff. In addition, the original heating system has been replaced with a high energy efficient HVAC System. "One of the most exciting components of the new building will be the elevator," says Bergman. "It will allow total accessibility to all areas of the theatre for the first time in the building's history." The new lobby also features a glass bridge, expanded box office and concession areas, a coat check and conference and meeting rooms. "The new addition, along with the renovated façade of the entire building, will benefit and delight audiences for years to come," adds Bergman.