​​Just thirty minutes outside of Toledo is a unique restaurant in Grand Rapids, Ohio. LaRoe’s of Grand Rapids, opened by Dave LaRoe, has been serving delicious cuisine in both a casual and formal atmosphere for forty years.  

​​Early this fall, a delegation including thirteen representatives from eight area firms took the new American Airlines’ nonstop service to Charlotte, North Carolina out of Toledo Express Airport for an intercity visit. The visit was organized by the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, as an opportunity for our members to learn about the economic prosperity of Charlotte and generate new ideas for our area.
 
Charlotte was of particular interest for many reasons but most of all to showcase the new direct route from Toledo Express to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which opens the business community in the Toledo Region to many exciting opportunities. The city was also chosen because of existing relationships between the Charlotte and Toledo Chambers of Commerce and between Toledo Region businesses with those in the Charlotte area.  These relationships played a crucial role in securing the new route and this trip was the next step in strengthening those relationships and creating new ones.

Knight Insurance Group has been insuring the Toledo Region for more than 150 years! Headquartered on Erie Street in Downtown Toledo, the agency has big plans for 2018.

In mid-2017, the firm announced its plan to acquire the Denver Wholesale Florist shop located next to its current office. It is a win-win for both businesses. In a sweeping plan to renovate, Knight will xpand its  office next door, create loft- style living on the top floor, and beautified parking lot  that is a focal point as visitors enter downtown Toledo from the interstate. These renovation plans will help Knight continue itslegacy of excellence as the acquisition provides  the necessary space to expand its personal Private Client Group and middle-market business department.
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The expansion also shows Knight’s commitment to the Warehouse District, a bustling and rejuvenated neighborhood within the downtown.  Knight has long supported the Toledo Warehouse District Association, with Diane Keil-Hipp, COO, as its president for the last ten years, and Ken Knight as a long-time board member.  Knight has been the major sponsor of Wander the Warehouse District, the annual open house tour, for 15 years.

​Owners: Cheryl and Elissa Schmidt
Established: 1988 (mother/daughter)
Location: Levis Commons, Perrysburg

Taste of Toledo is owned by mother-daughter duo Cheryl and Elissa Schmidt. It was created as a corporate gift basket service. Celebrating 30 years in 2018, the company was started to inspire businesses in Toledo to shop local instead of ordering from out of town gift services.
 
Three years ago the Schmidts made the decision to move their store from Holland to Perrysburg. They now carry gifts for all occasions, including Ohio wines, gourmet wine baskets and a large selection of unique gifts. Their primary focus continues to be gift baskets filled with Toledo and Ohio foods.
 
Offering both local and nationwide delivery, Taste of Toledo is a perfect option for everyone on your list this holiday season.

By: ​Leslie Bailey, The Pinnacle

​The Pinnacle is proud to announce its twentieth year as the leading special events venue in Northwest Ohio. In an era when hospitality companies come and go, The Pinnacle has achieved two decades of innovation and steady growth. The company will commemorate the occasion with specials for all events booked for 2018.
 
The Pinnacle began operations in December of 1997 when Tom Thees first opened the doors. Tom’s nephew Mark Thees and his wife Liz, purchased The Pinnacle in 2004. This makes The Pinnacle a locally owned and operated family business. When you consider the Management Staff and their loyal Team Members, they have over 200 years experience providing the perfect destination and atmosphere for the Toledo community to receive the highest level attention to detail for events and special occasions.