By: Tim Schneider

​At its regular session at 4:00 p.m. today, Toledo City Council is expected to vote on Ordinance 361-18 which would repeal the prohibition on A-frame signs, commonly referred to as sandwich board signs, and allow them in various commercial districts in the city. The signs must be limited to one per occupant, not exceed 42 inches in height nor three feet in width, and be constructed of material that presents a professional appearance. The signs would be required to be placed within five feet of the establishment, not be secured or attached to public objects or obstruct pedestrian access, and be displayed only during business hours. The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce advocated for amendments to the ordinance including allowing the signs downtown.
 
Other legislation expected to be voted on include the following:

​Energy Market Update
Bring on college football and pumpkin spice lattes, we’re ready for Fall!  After a sweltering summer, many are welcoming the cooler temperatures.  The natural gas and electric markets continue to present pricing opportunities for many consumers, so if you have not reviewed your electric purchasing strategy recently, please reach out to your CES representative as winter weather can create market volatility!
CES Program Energy consultant:   Emilie Snider 419 491-1017

By: Emily Dammeyer, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

​Over the course of three days during our membership event, we welcomed 324 new members to the Chamber. It was a marathon event, with short shift sprints scattered throughout each day. This type of event wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated and energetic commitment of our volunteers. More than 300 community leaders came together to share our message and mission.
Our theme for the event was “All In”, inspired by the DC Marvel comic strip The Justice League. Dressed in capes, staff greeted all four shifts with a cheer and a high five. You can see on Facebook and Twitter how our volunteers embraced the energy and had a lot of fun with the event. It was their passion and excitement that gave us so many introductions to new members.

Why did 300+ businesses become members in two days? For two reasons – first, because of our awesome volunteers, and second, because they believe in the work that we do. As a Chamber, with more than 2,000 businesses, we recognize the importance of economic development to moving the region forward. We are committed to lobbying for business, creating opportunities for jobs and workforce development, and recruiting a talented workforce to the area. ​Thank you to everyone who volunteered to make this event a success.

​By: Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

At its regular meeting at 4:00 p.m. today, Toledo City Council is expected to vote on two ordinances authorizing funding for previously planned projects under the city’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Ordinance 362-18 would authorize $750,000 from the CIP fund for the District Improvement Program which would allot $125,000 for capital projects in each of the six council districts. Applications for the funding from community-based groups and organizations would be reviewed by a to-be-formed three member committee. Council is also expected to vote on Ordinance 368-18 which would authorize $500,000 from the CIP fund for phase 1 of improvements to Levis Square including walks, stairs, landscaping, drainage structures and conduits, utility connections, and other updates.
 
Other legislation expected to be voted on include the following: