Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership Celebrates Progress and Honors Local Leaders at 2025 Annual Meeting

The Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership hosted its 2025 Annual Meeting on Thursday morning, welcoming 135 attendees to Tiffin University’s Marion Center. The event highlighted a year of momentum and collaboration across Seneca County. Following organizational updates from the TSEP team, the spotlight turned to five award recipients whose stories reflect the values of innovation, service, and community commitment.

2025 TSEP Award Recipients:

TPC Food Service, Inc. was recognized with the 2025 Economic Development Award for its transformational investment and growth in 2024. Under the leadership of Tom, Kevin, and Scott Maiberger, the company consolidated operations into a newly developed 265,000-square-foot facility on Wall Street in Tiffin. The expansion not only unified previously separate functions but also improved efficiency and positioned the business for continued innovation and job creation. With deep family roots and a long-standing commitment to the community, Tiffin Paper Company exemplifies the principles of sustainable economic development.

Kendra’s Cakes received the 2025 Entrepreneurial Spirit Award in recognition of its inspiring journey from a home-based bakery to a thriving retail storefront in Bascom. Founded by Kendra Foos and operated alongside her husband Scott, the business has become a local favorite for custom cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and other sweet treats. Known for its creativity, attention to detail, and customer-first approach, Kendra’s Cakes is a testament to how hard work, passion, and community support can bring entrepreneurial visions to life.

Hempy Water was honored with the 2025 Outstanding Business Award for its decades of exceptional service and commitment to the region. Founded in 1952 and serving the Tiffin area for the past 20 years, the company has grown to cover 40 counties across Ohio. Under the leadership of Jeff Knedler, Hempy Water continues to uphold the values of quality, integrity, and community engagement. From delivering trusted water solutions to supporting local initiatives, Hempy Water remains a cornerstone of business excellence in Seneca County.

Tiffin Tomorrow received the 2025 Special Recognition Award for its foundational role in the revitalization of Downtown Tiffin. Established in 2011 and integrated into TSEP in 2014 as the Downtown Development Board, Tiffin Tomorrow served as the driving force behind the city’s resurgence. The organization played a key role in securing Tiffin’s designation as a Main Street Community through Heritage Ohio in 2015. Its efforts continue to influence ongoing downtown growth and vibrancy, leaving a legacy on the community’s landscape.

Brent Howard was presented with the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of his 28 years of dedicated service as Tiffin’s Law Director. Appointed in 1995 and later elected unopposed for seven consecutive terms, Howard provided legal counsel to multiple city administrations and helped shape more than 3,700 pieces of legislation. Respected for his thoughtful approach, accessibility, and steady leadership, Howard’s contributions have had a profound impact on the City of Tiffin. Although recently retired from public office, he continues to serve the community through his private legal practice.

About Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership (TSEP):

Started in 1983 as the Seneca Industrial and Economic Development Corp. (SIEDC), the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership is a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to driving positive economic, downtown, and community development in Tiffin and Seneca County, Ohio, which consistently ranks among the top communities nationally for economic development. Learn more about the great things going on in Tiffin and Seneca County at www.tiffinseneca.org.