​By: ​Sabrina D'Onofrio, CGBP, CBA

​The staff of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Export Assistance Network (EAN) at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce recently went through the process of Accreditation for all of the SBDC’s in the State of Ohio. Accreditation is done every 5 years to make sure that every SBDC is following the Strategic Plan of the Ohio SBDC Lead Center. 

​Sue Wright, Financial Counselor with the SBDC, recently completed the CBA (Certified Business Advisor) program through Kent State University.  This certification is required by the State of Ohio for all of their financial counselors.  It provides assurance to clients that business advisors have the business skills, competency and knowledge to effectively counsel, guide and inform entrepreneurs.  It basically serves as a review of knowledge obtained through education and experiences. The program is essentially an on-demand, self-paced eLearning certification program specially designed for professionals who advise small business owners. The modules consist of Human Resources, Accounting and Finance and Marketing and all modules are ideally completed within a 6 month time frame. 
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Congratulations on your accomplishments, Sue!

By: ​Sabrina D'Onofrio, CGBP, CBA

​The Export Assistance Network Director, Sabrina D'Onofrio, CGBP, CBA was proud to have a company in her territory that stretches 18 counties in Northwest Ohio, be featured at the Ohio Export Internship Program Summit in Columbus this month. The company, 50 Strong is located in Lima, Ohio. 50 Strong creates and manufactures water bottles right here in Northwest Ohio. 

​By: Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

​At its regular meeting scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on August 20, Toledo City Council is expected to vote on Ordinance 395-19 which would authorize sale of more than 50 acres in the Triad Business Park located in the Maumee-Monclova-Toledo Joint Economic Development Zone. Midland Agency of Northwest Ohio, Inc. would purchase the site for $1,050,000 on behalf of an anonymous Michigan-based company considering relocation of its headquarters, fulfillment, and manufacturing operations. The prospective company could invest $28 million to construct an up to 225,000 square foot facility and employ as many as 200 individuals should the site ultimately be selected.

Welcome to the following new members who joined the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce in July:

​Armada Logistics
Blessed Home Health Care
Color Concepts by Byrne
Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate Diocese of Ohio, Michigan and Indiana
Faithful Owl LLC
Frayt Technologies, Inc.
Hite Concrete Equipment, LTD
Jerusalem City
Kay Toledo Tag, Inc.
Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities
MCK Construction, LLC
Pulaski Township
Rimer Enterprises, Inc.
Super C Repairs & Service
T. Davis Contractors

​Have you heard of the COSE multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA), but you aren’t convinced this is the right health plan for your small business? Here five reasons why you may want to consider it:

​By: Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

​At its regular meeting scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on August 6, Toledo City Council is expected to vote on Ordinance 343-19 which would approve $50,000 to JumpStart Inc. for assistance aimed at supporting local entrepreneurs who historically are disconnected from services. The program includes outreach events, one-on-one consulting, mentoring, and a 12-week accelerator class. JumpStart is also establishing a collaborative to support other area providers serving local entrepreneurs. Council had delayed voting on the ordinance at its previous voting session to allow more time for council members to review the program.

The Toledo Area Small Business Association (TASBA) is the Chamber’s small-business division, working to enhance and promote a favorable business climate for small businesses (150 or fewer employees) in Northwest Ohio. A board of directors, which represents a cross-section of the chamber’s small-business members, sets TASBA’s activities and policies.

We want you to have the opportunity to learn more about our TASBA board. Each month, we will highlight board members and their experiences with the Chamber through a series called TASBA Talk. Learn more about TASBA board member Jill Kegler and her work with the Chamber below.