Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce | Toledo, OH - Blog

New Member Spotlight: Toledo Elevator

5/8/2026

For more than 90 years, Toledo Elevator has helped keep the Toledo Region moving—quite literally. Founded in 1934, the company has grown into one of the area’s most trusted names in vertical transportation, providing dependable elevator service, modernization, repair, and installation throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.

Today, under the leadership of President Ryan Papp, Toledo Elevator continues to build on that legacy with a customer-first approach and a commitment to quality service. With a team of 23 employees, the company has become the largest independent elevator company in the Toledo metro area.

Welcome to the TRCC Team: Natalie Dickinson, CPA, VP of Finance

5/5/2026

We’re excited to welcome Natalie Dickinson, CPA, as the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce’s new Vice President of Finance—a seasoned financial leader with a passion for people, community, and impact.

Originally from Columbus, Natalie came to Northwest Ohio to attend the University of Toledo, where she earned her accounting degree and met her husband, Steve. What began as a college experience quickly turned into a lifelong connection to the region. Today, she and her family proudly call Toledo home—and are enthusiastic advocates for all it has to offer.

Natalie brings a wealth of experience as a CPA in industry, having worked on the commercial side with organizations such as Owens Corning, La-Z-Boy, and most recently in the banking sector. Her career has been grounded in collaboration, strategic insight, and a strong appreciation for the people behind the numbers.

Welcome New April Members!

5/5/2026

The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome the following businesses and organizations that joined in April. From innovative manufacturers and essential service providers to community organizations and growing small businesses, these members reflect the momentum, resilience, and opportunity defining the Toledo Region today.

Each new member strengthens our collective impact—bringing new ideas, expanding networks, and creating pathways for growth. We invite you to explore these organizations, learn about their work, and discover opportunities to connect, collaborate, and do business together.

Let's learn a little more about them!

Chamber-versary Spotlight: Sara Swisher

4/28/2026

Thirteen Years of Building Talent, Strengthening Connections, and Shaping the Region’s Future

This year, we proudly celebrate Sara Swisher, Vice President of Talent & Workforce, on her 13-year Chamber-versary with the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Since joining the Chamber in 2013, Sara has helped shape how the organization supports one of the most critical issues facing businesses today — talent. Through her leadership, the Chamber has expanded its role from program provider to strategic partner, aligning employers, educators, and community leaders around long-term workforce solutions.

Celebrating Growth, Strategy, and Success: Art of Scale Up Cohort Graduates

4/27/2026

The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the graduation of our 6th The Art of Scale Up cohort—a dynamic group of entrepreneurs who have committed to growing their businesses with intention, strategy, and confidence.

Hosted through the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC), The Art of Scale Up is more than a class—it’s a transformational experience designed for business owners who are ready to move beyond day-to-day operations and into sustainable, strategic growth.

Protect What You’ve Built: Why Intellectual Property Matters for Your Business

4/27/2026

Innovation is at the heart of every successful business—but without the right protections in place, your ideas, products, and brand identity can be at risk.

As part of National Small Business Week, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Ohio Small Business Development Center to bring this critical conversation to Northwest Ohio.

Inspiring the Next Generation: “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?” Celebrates Northwest Ohio Students

4/21/2026

Last week, students, educators, and industry leaders gathered at the Imagination Station to celebrate the creativity, curiosity, and innovation showcased through the “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?” student video contest—an initiative helping shape the future of Northwest Ohio’s workforce.

Produced locally by the Northwest Ohio Manufacturing Alliance (NOMA), a program of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, this year’s contest brought together middle school students and regional manufacturers to tell powerful stories about modern manufacturing careers.

Chamber-versary Spotlight: Debbie Flores, CBA®

4/21/2026

Connecting Entrepreneurs to Opportunity, One Business at a Time

This month, we’re proud to celebrate Debbie Flores, CBA®, on her three-year Chamber-versary with the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce.

As a Certified Business Advisor® with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Debbie plays a vital role in helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into action — connecting them to the tools, resources, and guidance they need to build strong, sustainable businesses

Welcome to the Team: Veronica Gonzalez, Member Relationship Manager

4/13/2026

The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Veronica Gonzalez to our team as Member Relationship Manager. Veronica brings a passion for people, community, and connection—making her a natural fit for our mission to support and strengthen the business community across the Toledo region.

Originally from Bowling Green, Veronica returns to Northwest Ohio after spending the past eight years in Columbus and College Park, Maryland. Her professional background spans the retail industry and ecommerce warehouse operations, where she developed a strong foundation in customer experience and operational excellence. Driven to align her career with her passion for community impact, she made the decision to return home and pursue a new path—one that led her to the Chamber.

Partnership in Action: TRCC Annual Meeting, presented by Fifth Third, Celebrates Regional Impact and a Bold Vision for Tomorrow

4/2/2026

Nearly 600 business and community leaders gathered at the Glass City Center for the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, presented by Fifth Third Bank, to celebrate progress across the Toledo region and look ahead to what comes next.

Framed by the theme “Celebrating 250 Years of American Opportunity and a Bold Vision for Tomorrow,” this year’s event highlighted the power of partnership in driving economic growth, strengthening the workforce, and creating opportunity throughout the region.