Ashland Connected with Amy Daubenspeck is a podcast that shares information about Ashland business owners, the impact they make in our town, and ways they connect with others to make it happen together. This podcast, brought to you by the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce and Bill Harris Dealerships aims to shine a light on all that is, and all that can be when it comes to doing business in Ashland Ohio.
Ashland's Economic Development: A Conversation with Cameo Carey
Ashland is changing. New housing is going up. Long-vacant buildings are coming back to life. Businesses are investing. But most of us only see the finished project — not the years of planning, grant writing, cleanup, conversations and coordination that had to happen first.
On this episode of the Ashland Connected Podcast, host Amy Daubenspeck, President of Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce (https://ashlandoh.com/) sits down with Cameo Carey, Director of Grow Ashland (https://www.growashland.com), for a look behind the scenes at economic development in Ashland County. Cameo explains the role Grow Ashland plays and how public and private partnerships help turn opportunities into actual projects.
Cameo also shares why developers are paying attention to Ashland, why some economic-development projects have to remain confidential for months or even years, and how new housing and redevelopment are changing the community.
Takeaways
— Economic development happens long before the ribbon cutting. Major projects can take years of planning, funding, remediation and coordination before the public sees the results.
— Grant funding is helping Ashland reclaim properties that have sat vacant or abandoned. Demolition and brownfield grants have supported projects including the Pump House District, Frontier Building and several other properties.
— Developers are paying attention to Ashland. Affordability, quality of life and the community’s growth are helping attract outside investment.
— The Pump House District shows how dramatically redevelopment can change an area. Apartments, a hotel and other projects are transforming a block that once contained vacant and deteriorating property.
— The Frontier Building is moving toward a new life. Plans include a restaurant downstairs and apartments upstairs in one of downtown Ashland’s longest-vacant buildings.
— Workforce development starts before someone begins looking for a job. Programs like Manufacturing Day and Destination Career expose students to modern workplaces and career paths while they’re still in school.
— Supporting existing and startup businesses is part of the equation, too. Tax-abatement programs and the Erie Basin revolving loan fund are among the tools helping businesses invest and grow in the area.
Helpful Links:
Cameo Carey, Director, Grow Ashland: https://www.growashland.com
Amy Daubenspeck, President, Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce: https://ashlandoh.com/
The Ashland Connected Podcast is sponsored by the Bill Harris Dealerships (https://www.billharrisdealerships.com/) in Ashland, your distinctively different dealer, and the Chevy Network
13 Sept 2026
Why Mental Health Matters: A Conversation with David Ross
Mental health touches every part of a community, but many people may not realize how much work is happening locally to make sure help is available when it’s needed. From counseling and crisis services to prevention programs in schools, peer support and community education, Ashland County has built a network designed to support people at every stage of life.
On this episode of the Ashland Connected Podcast, host Amy Daubenspeck, President of Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce (https://ashlandoh.com/) talks with David Ross, Executive Director of the Ashland County Mental Health and Recovery Board (https://www.ashlandmhrb.org/). David explains the role of the board, how local, state and federal funding supports mental health and substance use services, and how organizations including Appleseed Community Mental Health Center, Catholic Charities and ACCADA work together to meet needs throughout Ashland County.
Mental health is ultimately a community issue, and strong communities are built when people know where to turn and know they don’t have to navigate challenges alone. Listen to this episode of Ashland Connected to learn more about the resources available throughout Ashland County and the organizations and people working to keep the community connected.
Takeaways
— Connection is prevention. Strong friendships and community relationships can contribute to mental health and resilience.
— Local funding creates flexibility. Levy dollars allow programs to be designed around specific needs within Ashland County.
— Mental health support is accessible. Local agencies provide options for people regardless of insurance coverage or ability to pay.
— Community partnerships expand the safety net. Appleseed, Catholic Charities and ACCADA provide different but complementary services.
— Prevention begins early. School programs help young people develop relationships, decision-making skills and healthy ways to respond to pressure.
— Lived experience has value. Peer support allows people further along in recovery to help others who are still navigating that journey.
— Mental health extends beyond treatment. Education, awareness, relationships and community-building are important parts of creating a healthier Ashland County.
Helpful Links:
David Ross, CEO, Ashland County Mental Health and Recovery Board: https://www.ashlandmhrb.org/
Amy Daubenspeck, President, Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce: https://ashlandoh.com/
The Ashland Connected Podcast is sponsored by the Bill Harris Dealerships (https://www.billharrisdealerships.com/) in Ashland, your distinctively different dealer, and the Chevy Network
9 Aug 2026
People Helping People for 75 Years in Ashland: A Conversation with Christian Dabney
Seventy-five years is a remarkable milestone for any organization. It represents decades of relationships, trust, and a commitment to serving the people of a community. As your Ashland Community Federal Credit Union celebrates this anniversary, it's also celebrating the members, employees, and neighbors who have been part of that story every step of the way.
On this episode of the Ashland Connected Podcast, host Amy Daubenspeck, President of Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce (https://ashlandoh.com/) welcomes Ashland Community Federal Credit Union CEO Christian Dabney to celebrate the credit union's 75th anniversary.
Christian reflects on his first year leading the organization, explains what makes credit unions different from traditional banks, and shares why member ownership has allowed the credit union to remain a trusted part of the Ashland community for generations.
Takeaways
— Credit union members are owners, giving them a voice in the organization's future.
— Ashland Community Federal Credit Union has served the Ashland community continuously for 75 years.
— Local decision-making allows the credit union to focus on people, not just credit scores.
— Profits are returned to members through better loan and savings rates.
— Supporting local nonprofits is a core part of the credit union's mission.
— Personal relationships and member service remain the credit union's greatest strength.
— The 75th Anniversary celebration honors a rich history while looking confidently toward the future.
Helpful Links:
Christian Dabney, CEO, Ashalnd Community Federal Credit Union: https://ashlandfcu.org
Amy Daubenspeck, President, Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce: https://ashlandoh.com/
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The Ashland Connected Podcast is sponsored by the Bill Harris Dealerships (https://www.billharrisdealerships.com/) in Ashland, your distinctively different dealer, and the Chevy Network
Who has been a guest on Ashland Connected
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Sylvia Radziszewski
Charlene Tolbert
Jared Bates
Podcast Authority Score: 13 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
15
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
27
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Amy Daubenspeck host the show. Published by Amy Daubenspeck.
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