Founded in 2004Main Street Oberlin, Inc. received 501c3 status from the IRS on February 18, 2004. Oberlin community members chose the Main Street approach to improve an aging downtown and develop programs and services dedicated to retaining and expanding the local business base. In late 2010, Main Street Oberlin and the Oberlin Area Chamber of Commerce merged to form a stronger organization and eliminate duplication of services and competition for resources. In 2012, the Main Street–Chamber Board of Trustees voted to change the dba name to the Oberlin Business Partnership (OBP) to highlight the partnership role that OBP seeks in order to impact the overall economic prosperity of the entire community. OBP is a unique, hybrid organization which promotes increased flexibility and strength, enabling OBP to address multiple areas of need.
