Fourteen Years of Empowering Entrepreneurs and Strengthening Our Region This week, we proudly celebrate Sabrina Easterwood, CGBP, CBA®, on her 14-year Chamber-versary with the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce. As a Financial Counselor with the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC), Sabrina has spent more than a decade walking alongside entrepreneurs — helping businesses-owners access capital, secure certification, pursue contracts, and build sustainable futures. Her journey at the Chamber is one defined by growth, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the people behind the businesses.

“In all these roles, I had a unique opportunity to see and experience all different sides and worlds of business,” she says. “This has given me a very well-rounded background and the ability to connect with business owners at all stages.”

“I help businesses find a path to funding, and if there is something in the way of that path, we work with you to remove it and keep pressing forward.”

​“Entrepreneurship is not for the weak.”

​“There was a time when clients would come in with a shoebox of receipts for financial projections,” she recalls.

“I’ve learned to really value my ability to communicate with all walks of life and maintain compassion.”

“I’m proud,” Sabrina says simply. “I get a unique opportunity to hear about changes coming from Columbus that will impact our business community. I have a direct line of communication to area bankers, lenders, and business resources to serve our community. If I don’t know the answer, I can connect you with someone who does. That makes me proud to serve this region and to continuing to show up and support my community. ​”

​Eight Years of Stewardship, Strategy, and Impact This week, we’re proud to celebrate Tom Walsh, CFO, on his eight-year Chamber-versary. Since joining the Chamber in 2018, Tom has played a critical role in ensuring the financial strength and sustainability of the organization — providing the foundation that allows our team to connect, advocate, and deliver resources that help businesses solve challenges and maximize opportunities.

​“I’ve lived here all my life. I think that it is a great place to live,” Tom says. “The opportunity to join a team working to positively impact the region was very appealing to me.”

​“We have replaced all our financial software systems, gaining increased automation and extensive use of AI,” he explains. “It saves on transaction processing time and allows for more planning and analysis.”

“It ensures that the Chamber has the resources that it needs to do the important work for the community, now and in the future,” he says. “It is second only to people in importance.”

“What happens here likely happens no other place in the region,” Tom says. “Business, education, and government all intersect here to work on improving the region.”

​“Change is constant. It sounds like a cliché, but you really see it when you’re here for any length of time.”

“It has great potential. The new bridge to Canada and a direct route to Columbus will add to the many strengths that it already has.”

​​“I’m proud to say that I’m from Toledo, and proud to say that I’m part of a team here at the Chamber that has been doing great work for the region long before I joined and will continue doing so long after I leave.”

A Legacy of Growth & Innovation The Gerding family’s story in Northwest Ohio dates back to 1911, when Gerding Ditching was founded as a farm drainage operation. Now a fourth-generation, family-owned business, the company has steadily evolved—expanding into directional drilling, excavation (commercial and residential), and large-scale drainage projects serving agricultural, municipal, county, city, and rural clients. Today, that legacy continues through American Trenchless, which delivers modern trenchless Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) solutions to address aging underground systems across residential, commercial, and municipal sectors.

​“Don’t be afraid to adapt and change. The industry is evolving, and the people who succeed are the ones willing to learn new methods, embrace new technology, and grow with it. Stay open-minded, stay curious, and don’t get stuck in ‘this is how it’s always been done.’”

A Splash of Inspiration What started as a simple question—why should dogs only get to swim once a year at the Pooch Plunge?—turned into one of West Toledo’s most unique new businesses. After years of loving the annual Labor Day tradition in Sylvania, owner Millie Hopes saw an opportunity to bring year-round aquatic enrichment to dogs in the Toledo Region. The result is Caninballz, an indoor dog daycare and waterpark designed to support dogs’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

​“Thirty minutes of swimming equals a two-hour walk for dogs,” Millie explains. “It’s incredible for their health—and watching them have fun in the water never gets old.”

Owner: Millie Hopes Established in the Toledo Region: November 4, 2025 (Opening Day!) Number of Employees: 11​ What Motivates Millie  “The love of dogs,” she says without hesitation. “Swimming with them and watching their joy is the best part of my day. And honestly, overcoming the daily challenges of small business ownership keeps me motivated to push forward.”

Company Culture As a small business owner, Millie believes culture starts with people. Caninballz is built around four core pillars: - Reliability - Dependability - Communication - Ownership “A positive work environment and excellent customer service are everything,” she says. Did You Know? Caninballz offers 10% discounts for service dogs and senior dogs. Senior dogs, in particular, benefit from swimming as a gentle, therapeutic activity—and Millie is proud to honor their loyalty and service. What Caninballz Offers Caninballz is an all-weather destination for dogs and their owners, especially valuable during Northwest Ohio’s extreme temperatures. Services include: Indoor Dog Daycare Swimming & Aquatic Enrichment Special Events & Private Parties Self-Serve Dog Bath Spa Monthly Breed Meet-Ups Monthly Pup’s Party in the Park Coming Soon: Grooming and Training Classes ​Millie intentionally located the business in West Toledo, an area with limited pet daycare options, and partners with local veterinarians, pet-focused businesses, and nonprofits to strengthen the regional pet community. Challenges & Real Talk Like many entrepreneurs, Millie admits that marketing and finance keep her up at night. “Everything is digital—passwords, algorithms, social media—and it can feel overwhelming. Balancing a budget while expenses keep rising isn’t easy.” Life Outside the Business When she’s not at Caninballz, you’ll find Millie golfing in a weekly summer league, camping across Ohio and Michigan, or enjoying nature walks in the Toledo Region’s Metroparks. Advice for Fellow Entrepreneurs Millie self-funded her business and jumped in quickly—something she now reflects on with honesty. “Slow down,” she advises. “Talk to multiple advisors and mentors. It’s easy to get excited and run with an idea, but understanding the long-term pros and cons is critical. The struggle is real—but hindsight is powerful.”

Jeff Lonsbrough’s Chamber journey started three years ago, fittingly, with a relationship. While exploring his next career move, Jeff reached out to longtime friend and Chamber board member Matt Yarder—someone he originally met through EPIC Toledo. That conversation led him to the VP of Membership role, and as Jeff learned more about the Chamber’s reach and regional impact, the opportunity quickly clicked.

​“I’ve always loved Toledo—especially during its current upswing. Being part of the region’s continued growth and resurgence was something I couldn’t pass up.”

“Members consistently tell me they value the Chamber for the connections it creates.”

“Long-term value comes from consistently showing up, building trust, and strengthening connections over time,” Jeff says. 

“The Chamber has a real impact on businesses and the region—and the team and leadership are genuinely supportive, collaborative, and passionate about Toledo.”

“Toledo has so much to offer. Being able to help businesses succeed here, while raising my family in a region that continues to grow and evolve, makes this work incredibly rewarding.”

Last week, Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel joined regional leaders in Toledo for the latest stop of his statewide WorkOhio Kickoff Tour. WorkOhio is a new statewide workforce initiative designed to make it easier for Ohioans to connect with in-demand jobs—and for employers to connect with the talent they need to grow. ​ The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to serve as the Northwest Ohio Regional Job Hub for WorkOhio, a role that builds naturally on the Chamber’s long-standing leadership at the intersection of business, education, workforce development, and community partnership.

“Northwest Ohio has a deep bench of employers, educators, and workforce leaders who are committed to helping people in their communities succeed,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “WorkOhio brings all that expertise together in a simple, personal way – connecting Ohioans with local job experts who understand the opportunities and resources available in this region, and who are ready to help people take their next step, find meaningful work, and reach their full potential.”

“Northwest Ohio has a strong workforce network, and WorkOhio gives us a powerful way to connect those partners around the people we serve,” said Wendy Gramza, President and CEO of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber is pleased to serve as the regional hub and work alongside our existing workforce, education, and community partners to guide Ohioans toward opportunity. We commend Lt. Governor Jim Tressel for leading a collaborative, regionally driven approach that recognizes local strengths and helps more Ohioans find meaningful, in-demand careers.”

“This program doesn’t replace what’s already working in our region,” Gramza added. “It amplifies it—strengthening coordination, reducing barriers, and ensuring that no one has to navigate their job search alone.”