HISTORY
In 1986, Larry Paulozzi created the first Town Planner for a several communities in Cleveland, Ohio. The calendar became a tool that allowed the families in a community to have a one stop resource guide to all the information and events that occur daily. The creation also allowed business owners more direct access to families and offered them a chance to have their message or offer be on display for 365 days a year at a cost of pennies per household. This concept has continued to grow over the years building the Town Planner brand. Today the Town Planner publishers distribute the Town Planner community calendar to over 4,000,000 households nationwide.
WHO WE ARE
Steve Nelson
Publisher Visit Mountain Maryland Destination guide
In 2003 Steve Nelson purchased the license to produce the Town Planner in MD, WV and PA. In 2023 the Town Planner portion of the business was sold to Westernport MD resident Stacy Wassell.
Steve Nelson publishes the Visit Mountain Maryland Destination Guide
Steve Nelson’s community service includes Past Board Chairman of the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce where he still serves as chair of the membership committee, Past President of the Rotary Club of Cumberland where he still serves on their board of directors, and is Past President of the Cumberland YMCA. He is the Vice President of the Potomac District of Boy Scouts and troop 9 Cresaptown Scoutmaster, Board of Directors First Peoples Community Credit Union, Board of Directors Tri County Council of Western Maryland, Mountain Maryland Trails board of directors, Bowling Green Citizens Committee, and serves on The C&O Canal National Historic Park Federal advisory board.
Nelson attended Allegany College, Frostburg State University and has a BS from Geneva College.
Nelson is a past honoree of the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce outstanding business award for his community service. He resides in Bowling Green with his wife Cheryl, a Family Nurse practioner who is a Professor and Director of the Nurse Managed Wellness Clinic at Allegany College of Maryland.
In addition to their civic activities the couple are avid bike riders, snow skiers, and participants in other outdoor recreational opportunities found in the region.
Stacy Wassell
Owner & Publisher
Town Planner
Hello! My name is Stacy Wassell and I am excited to be the new owner and publisher of the
Town Planner. I have worked at Frostburg State University for over 20 years in various
capacities, with the most recent being named Director of the Remote Work Center and the
Business Legacy Transition Program. Prior to that I taught multiple business courses at FSU.
Having roots in higher education and working with the Small Business Development Center has led to the desire to seek entrepreneurship and economic growth in the western region. The goal of the Legacy Program specifically is to see successful small businesses continue to thrive,
contribute, and sustain in our region. Hence, how I became the new owner of this business.
I am privileged to have been born, raised, worked, and lived within the tri-state area. Our family enjoys all the wonderful outdoor activities that our region allows. From biking to hiking, boating, fishing, skiing, camping, geocaching, and motor-cycle riding—we enjoy every opportunity to get outside.
I hold a Bachelor of Science and Master’s Degree in Business Administration from FSU and
completed my Doctor of Management from University of Maryland Global Campus. I am a
Certified Health Coach for Adults and Seniors thus endorsing my passion of a healthy lifestyle
focusing on exercise, nutrition, and attitude. I also enjoy volunteering as a Wellness Ambassador for UPMC Western Maryland.
I am excited and grateful to have the opportunity to help your business grow through the Town Planner.