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

At its meeting on September 21 at 2:00 p.m., Toledo City Council will review establishing a Job Creation Incentive (JCI) program aimed at promoting economic development within a tax-sharing zone in Troy Township, Wood County. The program is meant to encourage businesses to invest in the Joint Economic Development District (JEDD) by offering them grants tied to expected creation of jobs and payroll.

At its meeting on August 10 at 2:00 p.m. Toledo City Council will review a proposal aimed at making it easier to close down locations that are deemed a public nuisance and operating illegally. The proposal would amend Toledo Municipal Code by removing the requirement that a criminal conviction is needed in order for a nuisance abatement order to be issued. The proposal is being introduced in response to nuisance activity at certain after-hours bars and other locations in the city.

The city currently investigates nuisance complaints and sends owners and operators of such properties letters outlining violations that need addressed. If violations remain unaddressed the city can file an action in Toledo Municipal Housing & Environmental Court to stop activity at the property. Under current city law an abatement order to prevent activity at the location cannot be issued by the Court without a criminal conviction against the owner or operator of the property.

The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce will continue to review and monitor the status of this ordinance given its potential impact on the rights of business owners and the conduct of legal business activity in the city. All council meetings are held in Council Chambers on the first floor of One Government Center located on Jackson Boulevard in downtown Toledo and can also be viewed via video on the city’s website at https://toledo.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx.

On July 13, 2021, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose joined the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce and a group of business leaders to discuss important issues that impact our region and our state’s businesses.

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

​The City of Toledo has scheduled two virtual public meetings to allow for feedback as part of its comprehensive disparity study to advise improvements with regard to City contract opportunities for disadvantaged businesses. The sessions will allow participants to make recommendations and share experiences with doing business, or attempting to do business, with the City. Those interested in helping to inform the study can register for either of the two sessions:

• Session 1: Wednesday, June 30 at 5:00 p.m.
• Session 2: Thursday, July 1 at noon

Stakeholder meeting to be held June 24 at noon.

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has begun a study to evaluate different options for improvements between Waldo in Marion County and I-270 in Franklin County. The Route 23 Connect: Delaware Regional Connection Study will determine the feasibility of creating a free-flow connection between Columbus and Toledo. ​

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

​Toledo City Council has scheduled a public hearing on a proposal that would require permits for the operation of short-term rental units in the city. The hearing on Ordinance 267-21 will take place at an in-person meeting before Council’s Regional Growth, Development & Small Business Enterprise Committee on Wednesday, June 23 at 3:00 p.m.

​​By Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

​At its meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 25, Toledo City Council is expected to vote on Ordinance 268-21 which would establish a Veteran-Friendly Business Enterprise (VFBE) certification to support city contract opportunities for these businesses. Under the ordinance, if a business is currently certified by the State of Ohio as a VFBE, full-reciprocity would be granted to that business to be certified as a VFBE by the city. If a business is not currently certified by the state as a VFBE, it may become certified by the city upon meeting the same requirements established by the state. The ordinance is strongly supported by the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce as it would help to recognize the many contributions of our veterans and veteran businesses.

Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bills 108 and 109 on May 17, both will become effective in 90 days.

​An ordinance has been introduced in Toledo City Council by At-Large Councilwoman Katie Moline which would create a Veteran-Friendly Business Enterprise (VFBE) certification to support city contract opportunities for these businesses. Under the ordinance, if a business is currently certified by the State of Ohio as a VFBE, full reciprocity would be granted to that business to be certified as a VFBE by the city. If a business is not currently certified by the state as a VFBE, it may become certified by the city upon meeting the same requirements established by the state. This legislation is being introduced during the month of May which is National Military Appreciation Month.

By Brian Dicken, Vice President of Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives

May is Military Appreciation Month and the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is recognizing the many contributions of our service members and veterans to our community. You may have seen some of the profiles of veteran-owned companies in our region, but there is so much more.