EPIC: When did you first attend the EPIC Toledo Summit?
Nicole Candle (NC): 2014
 
EPIC: What was the biggest take away from that event?
NC: As a new Toledoan, I was so impressed by the caliber of young professionals in the room. It was a  great networking opportunity and the presentations by local leaders were top notch.
 
EPIC: How has your career grown since then?
NC: I have since transitioned to a development position at The University of Toledo.
 
EPIC: What has your involvement been with EPIC since then?
NC: I joined the planning committee and have since joined the advisory board.
 
EPIC: What is your advice to young professionals that will be attending the 2016 EPIC Toledo Leadership Summit?
NC: Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and engage with the presenters so that you can get the most out of each session.

Discover speaker bios, read additional Summit Spotlights, buy tickets and more on the 2016 EPIC Toledo Leadership Summit Event Website.

By: Colleen Kardasz, Director, Ohio SBDC Export Assistance Network

To no one’s surprise, running a small business requires money. When that business also sells products or services internationally the investment generally increases. For Ohio exporters there is some relief in the form of the IMAGE grant. The Ohio International Market Access Grant for Exporters (IMAGE)[1], funded by the state of Ohio and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), is designed to increase exports and create jobs. The IMAGE grant offers financial assistance for small businesses to promote their products and services in international markets. The grant provides a 50 percent reimbursement up to $10,000 per fiscal year for qualifying activities. Qualifying activities can include attending international trade shows or trade missions, international advertising, website development and more. For last year’s grant eleven companies across the Northwest Ohio region of the Ohio SBDC Export Assistance Network [2]received reimbursements through IMAGE. This year’s grant process is now open and interested companies can submit an online application [3]to have their activities pre-approved prior to commencement. All grant eligible activities must be completed by September 29, 2017. Northwest Ohio companies who want to explore the IMAGE grant or other export services should contact the Chamber at 419-243-8191 or email Colleen Kardasz, Director, Export Assistance Network.​

Attend Events is an event design, management, and hosting firm located in the Toledo Area. They promise to plan and design your corporate, nonprofit or social event with excellence.

Clinton Oliver Longenecker, is an award winning educator, is one of “America’s leaders in the area of rapid performance improvement” and is a Distinguished University Professor and the Director of the Center for Leadership and Organizational Excellence in The College of Business and Innovation at The University of Toledo. His teaching, research and consulting interests are in high performance leadership and creating great organizations. He has been the recipient of over fifty (50) outstanding teaching, service and research awards and numerous industry awards including the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Toastmaster International Leadership Award, and The Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service, and numerous “Best Professor” recognitions. In addition, he has also been recently recognized by The Economist as one of the Top Fifteen Business Professors in the World.

The EPIC Toledo Board Fair connects our members with nonprofits seeking board members. We partner with 20 Under 40 and Leadership Toledo at the Toledo Club to give our members access to nearly 40 nonprofits! 

Why should you attend the 2016 EPIC Toledo Leadership Summit? We had the opportunity to interview Melissa Freeman,  Assistant Vice President, Fifth Third Commercial Bank about her experience with the Summit.

EPIC: When did you first attend the EPIC Toledo Summit?
Melissa Freeman (MF): 2012 - This will be my 5th Summit and I could not be more excited. 
 
EPIC: What was the biggest take away from that event?
MF:  My biggest take away from my first Summit was no matter your age you can make anything happen and be successful in your career with the resources this city/region offers.  You are in charge of your future and if you want to get something done or further your career you have all you need right here in Toledo.  I remember leaving the Summit feeling so excited that Toledo had a group that was so willing to help me grow in my career and as a citizen of Toledo.  I immediately dug right in to EPIC and got really involved.  I also learned that the support and involvement of Toledo’s senior leaders is not something you will find in any other city.

Kristi K. Hoffman, M.S., is an award-winning television host and producer, past PBS-TV media personality, author, businesswoman and keynote speaker. As CEO and Founder of Total Package Global, a leading professional and personal development corporation, Kristi develops success tools for pre-teen and teenage girls and boys, young professionals, as well as seasoned executives to assist them in reaching their life and business goals.