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Behind the Business: Susanna Tanner Photography – More Than a Portrait

11/3/2025

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Behind the Business Logo
Susanna Tanner, owner of Susanna Tanner Photography in Richmond, Indiana, smiling in her photography studio
For Susanna Tanner, every photograph is more than a portrait, it’s a reflection of who someone truly is. Her Richmond-based studio has become a place where people show up not just to take pictures, but to be seen.

Her journey to photography started in a very different world. After college, Susanna worked in videography and television, taking internships and jobs at stations in Kansas City, Indianapolis, and Lexington. The work was fast-paced and demanding, but over time, the weight of constantly covering difficult stories began to take its toll. “I was really tired of chasing fire trucks and reporting on things that were always more negative than positive,” she recalls. “I wanted to focus on the good, on people’s real lives.”
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When she returned home to Richmond, there wasn’t a similar opportunity waiting, so she decided to pivot. Using the skills she’d developed behind the camera; Susanna began experimenting with still photography. She took workshops, studied under other photographers, and over time built a business that blended her technical expertise with her love of storytelling. She formalized her studio as an LLC and balanced it alongside her marketing work until 2020, when she decided to take the leap and make photography her full-time career.


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Behind the Business: Opti-Vise IT – Empowering Local Businesses Through Technology

10/2/2025

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In the heart of Eaton, Ohio, Opti-Vise IT has been transforming the way small and medium-sized businesses manage their technology. Founded in 2007, Opti-Vise began with a simple but powerful mission: to empower businesses with reliable, forward-thinking technological support that allows them to focus on growth and success.

Led by its dedicated leadership team — Kelly McQueen (Vice President & Chief Development Officer), Kent Hamilton (CFO), and Kyle Hamilton (President & CEO)— Opti-Vise has steadily grown, serving over 70 businesses across the Greater Dayton region. With a focus on proactive IT management, the company provides network security, cloud solutions, help desk services, and strategic consulting, positioning itself as more than just a service provider, but as a long-term partner for business success.

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In 2024, Opti-Vise acquired a new office at 231 E. Main Street in Eaton and is currently in renovation mode, preparing the space to better serve clients and the local business community.
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“We felt like we were always one step behind when it came to technology. After hiring Opti-Vise, we feel like we are now one step ahead.”
— Brad VanVleet, VanVleet Insurance


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Behind the Business: Instant Web Tools Builds Websites and a Better World

6/2/2025

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Wayne County entrepreneurs Dennis and Emily of Instant Web Tools

When Dennis first moved to the United States, he was looking for more than just a job, he was searching for purpose. It didn’t take long to realize that a typical 9-to-5 wouldn’t fulfill his deeper goals: supporting his family, doing meaningful work, and using his technical skills to make a difference. That’s when the vision for Instant Web Tools (IWT) began to take shape.

Founded in 2018, Instant Web Tools is a full-service web development and digital marketing company that helps businesses, nonprofits, and churches grow and thrive online. From custom websites and secure hosting to SEO and digital strategy, IWT offers a wide range of services designed to build strong digital identities. But what truly sets them apart is their commitment to combining professional expertise with a bigger purpose.

Dennis and Emily happily posing with their son
​Starting the business was a leap of faith. Dennis and his wife Emily began small, with big hearts and a shared mission to serve others. As the company grew, Emily left her career in management and youth development to join Dennis full-time. Today, they run the company together while raising their son and building a life that reflects their values, both in business and in their community.

For IWT, it’s never been just about helping people get online, it’s about helping them bring their dreams to life. Whether it’s a local entrepreneur launching their first business or a nonprofit raising awareness for their cause, they walk alongside their clients every step of the way. And that dedication goes far beyond web design.
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Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce.  All Rights Reserved.
 33 South 7th Street, Suite 2 | Richmond, Indiana 47374​
Phone:(765) 962-1511 |
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