Webinar: Growing Global: Over a Century of the Formica Brand
Wednesday, April 30th – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Description
Founded in Cincinnati, Ohio, the Formica company has evolved alongside global changes, both reflecting and influencing consumer perceptions of homes, workplaces, and entertainment spaces. Since 1913, Formica’s modern ‘insulating’ material has adapted to technological advancements in the automotive, radio, and airplane industries, ultimately focusing on the decorative aspects that shape interiors worldwide. This presentation will provide a visual overview, decade by decade, of how the Formica brand has kept pace with societal changes over the past 12 decades.
This webinar has been approved for 1.00 AIA LU continuing education credits.
Our Presenter

With over four decades in the international design industry, Renee began her career in product design at Kohler Co. She spent the past 36 years at Formica Group, ultimately leading design development teams across five continents.
Renee directed the global efforts for the company’s 100th anniversary in 2013 and acts as the brand historian, collaborating with museums and publications. A recent project was to document all products produced and marketed by Formica Corporation for a major donation to The National Building Museum in Washington DC.
Renee holds a degree in architecture from UW-Milwaukee and a master’s in industrial design from The Ohio State University. A strong advocate for education, she serves on the Dean’s Advisory Boards at both OSU and the University of Minnesota. A member of Color Marketing Group since 1986, she expanded international activities during her Board tenure, earning the President’s Award in 2008. Renee now supports the organization as Secretary. In 2018, Interior Design magazine recognized her for a ‘Lifetime of HiPness.’

What’s Happening on Main Street – September 2017
Recurring Events
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Ohio Oktoberfest Festivals
This September, celebrate the beginning of fall with a bit of German heritage and a beer.
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Ohio Main Street Program Farmers’ Markets
This summer, explore the unique downtowns and find tonight’s dinner at a farmers’ market in a Ohio Main Street & Downtown Affiliate community.
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Take a Hike – Cleveland
Take a Hike offers five (FREE!) guided walking tours of distinct neighborhoods in downtown Cleveland! Weekly tours explore the Gateway District, Warehouse District, Civic Center, Playhouse Square neighborhood and Canal Basin Park in the Flats. Each tour lasts approximately one and a half hours in length, and features actors and actresses portraying historic figures from Cleveland’s past. Check the website for the full schedule of tours.
September 1
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First Friday: 6th Annual Pet Walk – Delaware
Main Street Delaware’s Sept. 1 First Friday celebration features the sixth annual downtown pet walk and a hands-on display of public works equipment.
Registration is available now for the pet walk. The cost is $10 per pet, which nets the pets (and their parents) a treasure map to downtown businesses providing special treats along with a doggie bag to collect their loot. Pet walk registration will be limited to the first 100 animals.
As they check-in, registered pets will be photographed for posting in a Main Street Delaware Facebook album. The pet receiving the most “likes” will be named the “Furry Marshal” of Main Street Delaware’s Dec. 3 Christmas Parade. Pets are encouraged to dress up for a secondary prize, “Geekiest Pet.” The costumed pet receiving the most online votes will win a prize basket, provided by Delaware County District Library. -
First Friday: Theater on Third – Greenville
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, family, and friends for an outdoor movie night! Theater on Third is an outdoor movie experience and will be located in the city parking lot behind Bach to Rock. The movie will be projected onto the Nature’s Heart Yoga building (120 W. Third St.). The event is free and open to all.
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Front Porch Concert Series – Lakewood
Come hear legendary jazz musician Ernie Krivda! Attendees are encouraging to bring their family, friends, blankets, chairs and snacks for an entertaining evening at this open-air venue.
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First Friday: Bring Forth a Pioneer – Marietta
With about 22 restaurants and 40 active retailers, plus two hotels and a number of venues for night life, historic downtown Marietta is a destination for everyone and anyone to enjoy a night out on the town. A popular program in many Main Street communities, First Fridays are a celebration of small business, community, art, music, and all that makes downtown Marietta special.
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First Friday: Dog Day Downtown – Middletown
Downtown Middletown is going to the dogs, again! Join us in downtown Middletown for the Third Annual First Friday: Dog Day Downtown! An evening all about you and your best friend! Bring your BFFFF’s to downtown Middletown to enjoy loads of free treats, free vaccinations, $20 Microchipping, explore multiple animal rescues and more!
Check-in with us at Governors Square (corner of Central Ave & Broad St) to grab your Doggie Bag and guide for the evening. From there, you can collect free dog treats and goodies from local businesses downtown. -
First Friday: Live Music & Classic Car Cruise-In – Mount Vernon
Enjoy a wonderful evening in downtown Mount Vernon with dozens of classic cars from yesteryear.
September 2
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Street Art Saturday – Portsmouth
Shop, eat, and stroll down the street to see local art and hear music that reflects our community the first Saturday of summer months.
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Home Grown Tomato Fest – Tipp City
Join us downtown at Canal Lock Park as we kick off the first annual Home Grown Tomato Fest, sponsored by Tip Top Canning, where tomatoes are the center of attention and all activities are BYOT (bring your own tomato).
Local bartenders will be facing off as we see who will be known for having the Best Bloody Mary. This adults only portion of the fest will take place inside the historic Roller Mill. Purchase your tickets to sample and vote. Along with drinks, there will be food trucks offering tomato inspired eats.
Free activities include a contest to see who can throw and make the LARGEST SPLAT with a tomato (BYOT), a FAMILY TOMATO TOSS where teams face off to see who ends up with the farthest successful toss to their teammate (BYOT), and see who will have the LARGEST HOME GROWN TOMATO! For the grand finale, the fest will end with a giant TOMATO FIGHT (BYOT) amongst any who want in on the battle grounds.
Clean up and complete your day by heading over to the Tipp City Eagles Park for Tippapalooza with live music beginning at 6pm!
September 3
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YOLO Festival of Races – Greenville
Head to downtown Greenville for the 4th Annual YOLO Festival of Races. Pick your race distance:
5K (3.1 miles)
15K (9.5 miles)
Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
Tour the historic sites of Greenville, Ohio as you walk or run the course.
Register today at: www.YOLOorg.com
September 8
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Front Porch Concert Series – Lakewood
Come hear The Havana Nights Orchestra, which will heat up the summer evening with Cuban flair and salsa-style music! Attendees are encouraging to bring their family, friends, blankets, chairs and snacks for an entertaining evening at this open-air venue.
September 9
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Second Saturday: Hike, Bike, or Trike – Chardon
Get moving and explore scenic downtown Chardon and Geauga County on bike or on foot.
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Fall Cruise-In Car Show – Greenville
Check out classic cars in historic Downtown Greenville.
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Run the World 5K – Kent
The new Run the World Race Series is a collaborative effort between the colleges and regional campuses within Kent State University and the Office of Global Education to raise money for study abroad student scholarships. The inaugural Series will consist of the third annual Run the World 5K held on Kent State’s Kent Campus.
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Kent International Festival -Kent
Head downtown for fun festivities in downtown Kent. All are welcome! Run the World 5K participants, visitors and community members are invited to downtown Kent to explore the businesses on the Passport Excursion, or to just enjoy free, live multicultural performances and fun photo opportunities at the Dan Smith Community Park.
For just $5, get a passport at “Customs” in the Dan Smith Community Park and go out to explore eleven downtown businesses, each themed a different country with special decorations and displays, and offering special discounts, food and drink samples for passport holders. Get your passport stamped at each location and return it to “Customs;” the first 200 people to return a completed passport will receive a Kent International Festival glass. -
Amish Country Challenge – Millersburg
The ride will begin at the Trail Depot in Historic Downtown Millersburg for the Amish Country Challenge. This organized bike ride, touring Amish County in Scenic Holmes and surroundings counties, showcases the beauty and charm of the area. Choose between a relaxed 25 mile routs, a challenging metric century, or step up to the 5000 feet plus vertical gain of the full century. Century riders enjoy lunch and aid stations hosted by local Amish families and businesses in addition to a post-ride authentic Amish meal.
September 10
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8th Annual Paul Johnson Memorial Fund Soiree – Portsmouth
The 8th Annual Paul E. Johnson Memorial Fund Soiree will be held on Sunday, September 10 at the home of Barry & Jean Carlson (3026 North Hill Road). Admission is $30 at noon and the event will run until 3 p.m. This Champagne Brunch will feature a tasty brunch and wine, Mimosas and more. In addition, there will be a silent auction of fine wines and other items.
The Paul E. Johnson Fund is managed and utilized by Main Street Portsmouth for the sole purpose of beautifying downtown Portsmouth with flowers, plants, trees and much more. Residents and visitors to Portsmouth see, as they walk about, beautification “Hot Spots” around town with signs noting that the beautification was provided for by Paul’s fund, Main Street Portsmouth and the City of Portsmouth. To date, Paul’s fund has raised nearly $70,000 dedicated to downtown beautification.
September 11
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Cash Mob Monday: Speed Mob – Marietta
Show your support for local downtown businesses by coming out for Cash Mob Monday: Speed Mob! This month, three different business will be selected as our destinations. Once inside each shop, cash mobbers must commit to spending at least $10 inside the store. What makes it so fun? Not only do you get to pal around downtown with your friends and neighbors, but you won’t know the shop locations of the Cash Mob until you show up!
Speed Mob participants will receive fun giveaways, get to visit at least (3) different downtown shops, and enjoy a ride on the trolley to each destination!
September 12
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Websites Worth Their Weight in Gold Workshop – Marietta
This seminar will discuss why all companies need a website today. From there, we’ll talk about what makes an effective website and how to make your website really work for you.
September 14
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Knowing Your Home: Plumbing 101 – Lakewood
Join LakewoodAlive for our Inaugural plumbing workshop. We will focus on:
– plumbing as a system;
– how the system works;
– what types of materials plumbing is made out of;
– common problems and repairs;
– updating and what that means;
– water-saving options.
Our discussion will be led by our good friend, Fred Cortright. Please feel free to bring questions and photos with you. Knowing Your Home is an educational series focused on best sustainability and home maintenance practices empowering residents to tackle necessary repairs and improvements.
September 15
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Front Porch Concert Series – Lakewood
The final week of the 2017 series is a Kids Concert with Rock On Band featuring Nance Sias! Attendees are encouraging to bring their family, friends, blankets, chairs and snacks for an entertaining evening at this open-air venue.
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Piqua Bike Fest – Piqua
In downtown Piqua, check out bikes, delicious food, vendors, motorcycle stunts, and live entertainment from Clark Manson, The Classic Rock Experience, SkipperGrace, Ithika, ReFlektion, Latter, Hollow – Alice In Chains Tribute, Strategy, Animal Grace, Come Hell or High Water, High South, Desert Star, Barstool Brown, Seth Canan & The Carriers, The Roadhouse Mafia, ThunderTaker & MORE!!!
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Rock The Bike Music Festival – Troy
Live music, food, wine, and beer, all in the heart of Historic Downtown Troy, Ohio!
September 16
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Piqua Bike Fest – Piqua
In downtown Piqua, check out bikes, delicious food, vendors, motorcycle stunts, and live entertainment from Clark Manson, The Classic Rock Experience, SkipperGrace, Ithika, ReFlektion, Latter, Hollow – Alice In Chains Tribute, Strategy, Animal Grace, Come Hell or High Water, High South, Desert Star, Barstool Brown, Seth Canan & The Carriers, The Roadhouse Mafia, ThunderTaker & MORE!!!
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Vermilion Tour of Homes – Vermilion
Spend a day in beautiful Vermilion touring some of most beautiful homes and places of interest in our lakeside community.
It’s easy to order your tickets on line. You can also buy them in person at Main Street Vermilion, 685 Main Street or by calling 440.963.0772. Tickets are also sold at Brummer’s Chocolates at 672 Main Street in Vermilion. -
Wooster Art Jazz Fest – Wooster
In its 14th year, the Wooster Arts Jazz Fest will feature over 50 artists, along with children’s activities — including a Kids Creative Station and Balloon twisting by Noah Sholl — music, and gourmet food. This free festival, which draws visitors from throughout the Northeast Ohio region, will take place on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, from 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. in historic downtown Wooster.
September 23
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A Day of Harvest – Greenville
Fall has arrived in downtown Greenville with the annual A Day of Harvest event.
Overflow your senses with fall favorites found in downtown Greenville! Be sure to check out all of the fall inspired items in the quaint shops and restaurants; including unique home decor, cozy fall fashions, and delicious autumn flavors!
An array of activities are planned to tempt everyone’s interest.
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Kent Oktoberfest – Kent
The 4th annual Kent Oktoberfest will take place on Franklin Ave., between Main St. and Erie St., featuring German food, seasonal beers, polka music & dancing, and other great local bands thoughout the evening. Entry to the event is free. Delicious food will be available for purchase from: Erie Street Kitchen & Brimfield Bread Oven, Pierogi Joe’s, Grazers, Popped!, Ray’s Place Kent, and Scratch, free range food. Commemorative beer mugs and beer tickets will also be available for purchase.
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Groovy Gourd Bike Tour – Piqua
The 5th Annual Groovy Gourd Bike Tour makes its way through beautiful Miami County!
Join us for a Bike Tour beginning and ending in downtown Piqua. Take a 25, or 50-mile bike ride through the rolling fields of Southwestern Ohio.
September 24
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Dog Fest Walk’N Roll – Medina
Celebrate the community of people and dogs that make it possible for Canine Companions to show that the most advanced technology capable of transforming the lives of people with disabilities has a cold nose and a warm heart.
Spend your afternoon with local graduates, volunteer puppy raisers and supporters from the Cleveland area and help us raise funds for Canine Companions in Ohio and around the country.
September 29
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Mid-Ohio Valley Entrepreneurship Expo – Marietta
Are you a business owner looking for new ideas & inspiration?
Are you eager to share your expertise or promote your services or products?
Are you thinking about starting or expanding your business?
Are you interested in obtaining tools and resources to help solve business challenges?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, please attend the Mid-Ohio Valley Entrepreneurship Expo -
1st Annual Downtown Troy Chocolate Walk – Troy
Enjoy chocolate bites, wine tastings and dessert samples at each of the 15 sweet stops along the walk. Troy’s Downtown Merchants are opening their doors for you to enjoy sweet treats while browsing their shops.
Ticket will go on sale soon.