​Due to COVID-19, many people have had to adjust to a new way of living – staying at home. With infection rates still high, many people are choosing to continue social distancing in their home. These safety precautions are necessary, but isolation at home can take a heavy toll on your mental and physical health. That’s why it’s extra important to find ways to stay on top of your health and wellness routines.

​​By Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

​At its rescheduled regular meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17, Toledo City Council is expected to vote on three ordinances that would facilitate the sale and development of the former North Towne Square Mall site currently owned by the city. Ordinance 66-21 would amend an agreement that contains a purchase option with the original mall owners to allow the city to sell an 11.2 acre portion of the site and address the release of access easements that have been a barrier to development. Ordinance 67-21 would approve the sale of the 11.2 acre portion to Development 2002, which owns the adjacent property that houses Super Fitness, for $10 an acre. Ordinance 68-21 would establish a tax increment financing area for the remaining 58 acre portion of the site that would allow a future property owner to make service payments in lieu of property taxes to fund nearby roadway improvements.

On Feb. 26, as a student in the Export Success class of 2021, you'll join a team of business professionals in ready-to-export, new-to-export and longtime export businesses. Not only is this class built to help you grow your business by expanding into new international markets through classes on export law, cross-cultural communications and building an export plan, it's also designed to train your brightest and newest employees how to carry on your exporting efforts as they rise within your company. But the class isn't just unique in its variety of classmates; its expert mentors will help you get the most out of your export plans. Let's meet two of our newest mentors in the class of 2021.

The overall health of your business is a priority, so you require a health insurance plan that keeps your employees safe and healthy. It’s important to choose a carrier that offers the products, access and benefits you’re looking for, who also looks out for you. That’s why the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce (TRCC) and COSE have partnered with Medical Mutual to offer the multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) to help small businesses receive the big-business benefits they deserve.

​​By Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

​Ordinance 42-21 which would establish a new Department of Parks, Recreation, Youth Services and Educational Engagement is on the agenda for Toledo City Council’s regular meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 2. The new department would have responsibility for the operation of city parks and recreational facilities currently under the Division of Parks, Recreation and Forestry within the Department of Public Service. The ordinance would also establish three divisions within the new department and direct them to develop various community programs, and appropriate an additional $2.5 million for services under the new department. The ordinance is expected to receive first reading and be referred to committee for further discussion.

The first month of 2021 is behind us, so let's kick off the month as we always do: by celebrating our new members! By joining the Toledo Chamber, businesses in the region are supporting our efforts to uplift and empower businesses in the Toledo Region through advocacy with elected officials, talent and workforce initiatives to keep your employees here and to bring new talent into the region, young professional development programs, and more. Let's start February off right – by welcoming our newest members who joined the Toledo Chamber in January 2021!