 | What does the Ohio Attorney General, the Director of ODOT, and the Director of the Ohio EPA all have in common? If you said they are public officials, you would be right… but there is a better answer. They were all featured speakers at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce’s recent Capitol Conversations event in Columbus and they all spoke about the need to streamline the regulatory process and be responsive to the needs of the business community. Capitol Conversations is the Chamber’s annual trip to Columbus to meet with elected officials to share our needs, our opportunities, and influence the direction of public policy impacting the region’s business community. Nearly 70 members participated in this year’s event to bring attention to our region’s needs. |
Attendees heard an update from the US Chamber of Commerce about our collective efforts on issues like permitting reform and pushing back against overburdensome regulations like the recent non-compete clauses and overtime rules. The Toledo Chamber was recognized as one of their “go to” organizations to advocate on behalf of the business community and serve as a mentor to other chambers of commerce across the country.
Intel provided an update on their more than $28B (an increase from the initially announced $20B) investment in Ohio. Some of that is benefiting local businesses as one of their key suppliers is in Toledo. Intel continues to make investments to bolster the Ohio supply chain, but also to partner on critical workforce development and sustainability efforts.
Ohio EPA Director Vogel engaged participants about ways to both promote business activities and protect the environment. She also discussed programs designed to help businesses navigate the regulatory environment.
ODOT Director Marchbanks provided an update on the effort to examine ways to improve the transportation infrastructure across Ohio, with a particular focus on the connection between northwest and central Ohio. As one of our other speakers mentioned, “I can get to Youngtown faster than I can get to Toledo.”
Attorney General Yost emphasized that not all regulations are bad, but they need to be created with an understanding of what impact they will have on both individuals and businesses. He also discussed the need of political will when making difficult decisions that may not be popular with all constituency groups.
It is important that we continue to make our voice heard with our elected officials. We heard firsthand the results of keeping our issues top of mind when they are making decisions. We hope that you will join us in Columbus next year!
Special thank you to our sponsors who helped make this event successful:
• Gold Sponsor: Cenovus Energy
• Silver Sponsor: Rudolph Libbe Group
• Bronze Sponsors: TARTA, Destination Toledo, & Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority
• Small Business Sponsor: Peak Electric
• Venue Sponsor: Bricker Graydon
Intel provided an update on their more than $28B (an increase from the initially announced $20B) investment in Ohio. Some of that is benefiting local businesses as one of their key suppliers is in Toledo. Intel continues to make investments to bolster the Ohio supply chain, but also to partner on critical workforce development and sustainability efforts.
Ohio EPA Director Vogel engaged participants about ways to both promote business activities and protect the environment. She also discussed programs designed to help businesses navigate the regulatory environment.
ODOT Director Marchbanks provided an update on the effort to examine ways to improve the transportation infrastructure across Ohio, with a particular focus on the connection between northwest and central Ohio. As one of our other speakers mentioned, “I can get to Youngtown faster than I can get to Toledo.”
Attorney General Yost emphasized that not all regulations are bad, but they need to be created with an understanding of what impact they will have on both individuals and businesses. He also discussed the need of political will when making difficult decisions that may not be popular with all constituency groups.
It is important that we continue to make our voice heard with our elected officials. We heard firsthand the results of keeping our issues top of mind when they are making decisions. We hope that you will join us in Columbus next year!
Special thank you to our sponsors who helped make this event successful:
• Gold Sponsor: Cenovus Energy
• Silver Sponsor: Rudolph Libbe Group
• Bronze Sponsors: TARTA, Destination Toledo, & Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority
• Small Business Sponsor: Peak Electric
• Venue Sponsor: Bricker Graydon
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