Blog Archives - Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce | Toledo, OH

From Impact to Action: Building The Toledo Region’s Future Together

2/20/2026

At the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, our work is rooted in a simple belief: strong businesses build strong communities.

Our newly released 2025 Annual Impact Report captures what that belief looks like in action—measurable results achieved through partnership, persistence, and a shared commitment to the Toledo region. From unlocking capital for entrepreneurs and advancing major infrastructure projects, to strengthening our workforce pipeline and deepening member engagement, the outcomes tell a powerful story.

Happy Chamber-versary Sabrina Easterwood, MBAC Financial Counselor

2/20/2026

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.

Happy chamber-versary, Tom Walsh, CFO

2/17/2026

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.

New Member Spotlight: American Trenchless

2/17/2026

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.

New Member Spotlight: Canninballz

2/9/2026

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.”

Caninballz is still evolving, with Millie actively listening to customer feedback and refining offerings to meet the community’s needs. The response so far? Dogs—and their humans—are loving it.

Chamber-versary Spotlight: Jeff Lonsbrough, VP of Member Sales & Engagement

2/9/2026

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.”

Welcome New January Members

2/9/2026

As we kick off 2026, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to welcome a diverse group of new members who joined our business community in January. From innovative staffing solutions and advanced manufacturing to financial services, community outreach, and creative enterprises, these organizations represent the entrepreneurial spirit and growth driving our region forward.

Each new member brings unique strengths, fresh ideas, and a shared commitment to building a stronger Toledo region. Please join us in welcoming the following new members to the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce.

WorkOhio Launches in Northwest Ohio: Connecting Talent, Opportunity, and Regional Partnership

2/3/2026

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.”

Chamber-versary Spotlight: Brian Dicken, CCE, VP of Advocacy & Strategic Initiatives

2/3/2026

Celebrating 13 Years of Advocacy & Impact at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

After nearly 15 years in federal and state government roles, Brian Dicken brought his experience—and deep regional roots—back home to Toledo. Motivated by a desire to put his policy knowledge and relationships to work for the region’s business community, Brian joined the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2013 with a clear purpose: ensure the voice of business is heard where decisions are made.

Evolving with the Chamber

While advocacy for the Chamber’s 2,000 member businesses remains central to his role, Brian’s work has expanded over time. Today, he is also more involved in membership development and engagement, supporting the Chamber’s Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) and Small Business Development Center (SBDC) services—giving him a broader, firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing employers across the region.