Looking for a network of like-minded Appalachian creators and producers to help you grow the reach of your craft? The OWR Makers membership is for you!
This membership is open to individual makers and sole proprietors that produce original art, designs, and products.
Makers include Craft + Visual Artisans + Writers + Graphic Designers + Musicians + Documentarians + Web Developers + Designers + Photographers + Screen Printers + Architects + Sign Makers + Furniture Design + Production Publishing + Distribution of Literature + Blogging + Social Media Content + Embroidery Services + Engravers + Apothecary (health and wellness) + More
THE MEMBERSHIP PROCESS
The OWR Makers member is expected to submit an online application.
When membership is approved, a $25 annual fee will be charged.
- MEMBER REQUIREMENTS, RESPONSIBILITIES + OTHER FINE PRINT:
Ohio’s Winding Road (OWR) is a network of organizations and businesses, with cooperative sales and marketing. OWR is focused on growing and connecting unique place-based businesses, which are vital to creating vibrant, sustainable communities in Appalachian Ohio.
To learn more about Ohio’s Winding Road and our efforts, visit https://ohioswindingroad.org/about/
- RESIDENCY + ELIGIBILITY:
Members of OWR are those place-based businesses that are located in the following region of Morgan, Athens, Perry, Hocking, Fairfield, Vinton, Meigs, Washington, and Muskingum counties. And are in line with Ohio’s Winding Road: Sharing Our Appalachia brand.
To learn more about the OWR brand, visit https://ohioswindingroad.org/sharing-our-appalachia/
- INELIGIBLE BUSINESSES INCLUDE:
- Businesses that do not have a footprint in the Appalachian region that OWR serves
- Large conglomerate corporations that are not unique to the OWR region
- Independent contractors involved in “pyramid scheme” or multi-level marketing efforts on behalf of other brands
- Makers whose work is crafted primarily with items purchased and simply decorated
- Political and or religious organizations
- Businesses that require tobacco or tobacco products licenses to operate
- Businesses that sell products that promote, support, or glorify hatred towards people
- Businesses that sell products that harm people or animals
- Businesses that sell inappropriate or adult products
- Food product businesses that require refrigeration or freezer space
- Businesses that do not follow state and federal requirements
- Businesses that do not align with the OWR Pillars
Businesses/individuals applying must demonstrate that their organization is based in the Appalachian Ohio region by supplying a physical billing address at the time of application and throughout the membership period. Creative Maker members must actively produce and sell work in the OWR region. Further proof of residency and sales may be requested. The OWR region includes Morgan, Athens, Perry, Hocking, Fairfield, Vinton, Meigs, Washington, and Muskingum counties.
- BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS: STATE + FEDERAL:
Ohio’s Winding Road requires all listed partners to comply with the permitting and licensing requirements enforced by the State of Ohio as well as the federal government pertaining to their specific business. By submitting the application, you are acknowledging your compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. It is your responsibility to inform yourself about doing business in Ohio. If you make taxable sales, you are required to obtain an OH Sales Tax License.
Visit https://tax.ohio.gov/business for details.
Entrepreneurs who operate under their own given name as Sole Proprietors, with zero employees, and use their Social Security Number for tax filing, Ohio law does not require them to register with the Secretary of State. However, Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1329 does require business names to be registered with the Secretary of State.
MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES: The program works best for those who make it work for them. You will need to be proactive about promoting your status and selling the unique products and experiences you are known for. We are here to help. Keeping your profile information current will help with your business promotion, and we will ask you to “review” your profile on an annual basis for renewal. Inactive or inaccurate profiles are subject to suspension. If you have any questions, or need assistance, or administrative support we are always happy to help. ohioswindingroad@gmail.com / https://ohioswindingroad.org/contact-us-2/
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the membership benefits?
- OWR will provide media & publicity support through: professional press release creation and distribution, media kit development, social media amplification of member stories
- Member products will be featured at OWR pop-up shop events.
- Members can access event/workshop support through OWR advertising, marketing and promotion.
- Members will have access to OWR technical assistance resources, multimedia services, and workshops. ***Additional cost could occur.
- Members will receive access to the OWR brand guidelines.
- Members can apply to sell products to OWR Marketplace at wholesale prices. ***OWR does not currently work with consignments.
- Members will be listed in the annual OWR buyer’s guide.
What do you mean by the product should align well with other products in the OWR store?
Alignment has to do with representation of the Appalachian culture. We sell products that represent a level of authenticity and originality to the region and culture.
To learn more about the products we sell, please visit: https://ohios-winding-road-marketplace.square.site/