Creative Oxygen
–by Linda Szyskowski
PUBLICATION DATE: April 02, 2019
Michelle Sprott knew she wanted to be a part of Sylvania since she was a child growing up in Bedford, so living in Sylvania Township and working here now is a dream come true for her. “I feel so blessed to be able to help promote the city I have admired since childhood,” smiled Michelle. “It’s the people who make this town so wonderful. My family and I have truly found our home here.”
After graduating from Bedford High School, Michelle attended the University of Toledo and graduated with a degree in communications with a focus on television. After UT, she worked at WNWO, Channel 24, for six years; then decided to move on to a position with the American Cancer Society. The 10 years of experience she gained there in fundraising, donor development and corporate relations were key to landing the Chamber position three years ago.
“I was ready for a new challenge,” said Michelle. “And, boy, did I get it!”
Michelle does have one big job as executive director of the Chamber. “I was brought on to fine-tune what was already working and bring in new, fresh ideas,” stated Michelle. “But, I have to say, I’ve also had so much fun since I’ve been here. All the people I work with make my job easy.” In addition to day-to-day duties, there are monthly Chamber luncheons, involvement in other organizations such as the Downtown Sylvania Association and Sylvania Rotary Club, interaction with businesses, government and the Chamber board, who oversees the work of the Chamber, managing the publishing of the Chamber Directory and Visitors’ Guide, along with plenty of planning and brainstorming. Michelle also serves on the boards of SCIC and SCAT.
Then there are the Chamber’s three big annual events—Sylvania Spring Expo, Pizza Palooza, and the Sylvania Fall Festival. The Chamber also chairs Miracle on Main for the holidays, working with DSA and Heritage Sylvania. Pizza Palooza has become the premier summer event in northwest Ohio with attendance of 12-13,000 people over its 2-day run. And the last two years’ crowds for the Fall Festival have been the largest in its history. For 2019, Michelle is excited about “Completing the Street“—additional holiday lighting to be installed on the rest of Main Street between Monroe and Maplewood.
What’s next for Michelle? “My job is a dream come true,” she said. “I hope to be able to do my part to help Sylvania thrive and grow for a very long time.”
Sylvania Advantage, in cooperation with Creative Oxygen, is proud to honor Michelle Sprott and the energy and dynamic personality she brings to our community.