This Saturday, Nov. 30, you might still be feeling full from too much turkey or pie, and you might be feeling exhausted by the bombardment of international retailers as they tempt you into buying something you may or may not need. However, with American Express' Shop Small Saturday, you can feel good about purchasing from local small businesses.

At its regular meeting at 4:00 p.m. on November 26, Toledo City Council is expected to refer to committee Ordinances 543-19 and 544-19 regarding Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz’s request to submit for the March 17 ballot an increase of the city’s temporary income tax from 0.75 to 1.25 percent. If ultimately approved by Toledo voters the tax would be for a period of 10 years and bring the city’s total income tax rate to 2.75 percent effective July 2020. The proposal would allocate 40 percent of the revenue for capital spending and 60 percent for operations, and would eliminate the ability to transfer the capital portion of that revenue for operating expenses. A hearing on the ordinances will take place before Council’s Committee of the Whole at 4:00 p.m. on December 3. Council must act by December 18 in order for the issue to be placed on the March ballot.

By Amanda DePerro

​On Nov. 14, 2019, the Small Business Development Centers of Ohio celebrated its Ohio 2019 Recognition Award Program, where the Ohio Small Business Development Center at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce took home three awards for the phenomenal work it does for small businesses throughout the Toledo Region.

By Amanda DePerro, communications manager, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

​On Sept. 25, 1916, 160 acres in the Toledo Region were transformed into what is now the Sylvania Country Club. It is the site of many families’ memories; enthralling pieces of history, like when Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer met for the first time; and has helped the region expand, evolve and thrive.
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By becoming a member of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Sylvania Country Club demonstrates its dedication to the growth of the region and to its members and employees. We sat down with Roger Parker, general manager for the club, to discuss the club’s history and how the organization has changed over the course of more than a century.

​As we honor and celebrate the achievements and sacrifices of our nation’s veterans this week, did you know that the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce has a military affairs committee?

​​​By: Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

Registration is now open for the 19th edition of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce’s public service leadership program which begins in January. The Institute for Leadership & Advocacy provides individuals with the tools needed for addressing regional issues and achieving an understanding of the operations of government. To date, more than 350 leaders from the Toledo Region have graduated from the program.

At its regular meeting at 4 p.m. on Nov. 12, Toledo City Council is expected to vote on Ordinance 381-19, which would repeal the city’s current lead-safe housing law and enact a new one. The ordinance would designate the Department of Neighborhoods & Business Development, instead of the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department, as the enforcing entity. It would also expand residential rental properties included in enforcement to those with one or more units, instead of only those with up to four units. An amendment is expected to be offered that would create a Division of Rental Registration and Lead Safety within the department, and require registration of rental properties with the Lucas County Auditor’s office, among other provisions.

On November 6, the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC) approved funding for the widening of I-475 and the construction of a new interchange at U.S. 20A. TRAC approved $79M towards the nearly $100M construction project. The remaining funding is being provided by local project partners including TMACOG and local governments. This was the largest of the 20 projects TRAC approved for funding. A complete list of the funded projects can be found here.

The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is known to have access to comprehensive employee health plans. But what you may not know is we also offer dental, vision, and life and disability coverage for companies just like yours through Medical Mutual. With an all-inclusive benefits package, you can attract and retain talent while keeping your employees – and bottom line – healthy. 

On Oct. 29, 20 Under 40 celebrated its 2019 award winners at the Valentine Theatre. The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce and EPIC Toledo are proud of our affiliation with four of the 20 recipients this year.

Annually since 1996, 20 Under 40 has recognized a group of local young professionals and community leaders in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan who show outstanding dedication and commitment to the region. The organization’s mission aligns perfectly with the goals of both the TRCC and EPIC, which aim to uplift business leaders and young professionals, supporting the growth and success of the Toledo Region.
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Click here for more information about 20 Under 40.