By: Tim Schneider, Manager - Local Government Advocacy, TRCC

​Graduates of the 2018 Institute for Leadership & Advocacy program joined members of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce for its annual Legislative Day in Ohio’s capital on April 18. This event was an opportunity for those in attendance to have lunch with our region’s state legislators and receive updates from key agency leaders.
 
The luncheon, held at The Athletic Club of Columbus near the Ohio Statehouse featured speakers Andrea Boxill, Director, Governor’s Opiate Action Team, and Joe Testa, Tax Commissioner, Ohio Department of Taxation. Ms. Boxill spoke about the national opiate epidemic’s impact on the workforce and societal challenges that exist in addressing the problem. Mr. Testa spoke about recent tax changes at the state level and implications for Ohio businesses.

The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce congratulates the 30 emerging leaders who graduated from the 2018 Institute for Leadership & Advocacy. These graduates join the more than 300 leaders who have completed this training and are prepared to effectively serve their communities and engage in the government decision-making process.
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The graduation ceremony took place March 26, 2018 at the Fallen Timbers Battlefield Metropark Visitor Center in Maumee. The ceremony included opening remarks from program facilitator Tim Schneider, Manager, Local Government Advocacy for the Chamber, and Ben Brown, Vice President, USI Insurance Services, and Chairman of The Leadership Fund PAC.

​Regional water – it’s a topic that has headlined every major news outlet in the region in the recent weeks. But what does it really mean for you, your family and your business?
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Regional water is our opportunity to ensure that clean, AFFORDABLE water continues to flow from our taps for generations to come. Collaboration among multiple communities like the proposed Toledo Area Water Authority, or TAWA, is unprecedented – we can make positive, national headlines for setting history, borders and politics aside to protect our residents and our water source – before we hit crisis mode.

Get informed on the proposed regional water plan by visiting the TAWA website at ToledoWater.org.

The benefits of TAWA are numerous. Watch this quick video to learn more or read our previous article, Why TAWA. Beyond keeping rates affordable, TAWA has the opportunity to establish a low-income assistance and lead line replacement programs to maintain safe, affordable water supply. It also a commitment to establish additional water sources, so that in emergency situations our residents still have access to water.

​​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.

​​The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is actively working to support workforce development efforts and career opportunities as part of the overall strategy to attract and retain talent in the Toledo Region. That’s why we host Morning Access: Education & Workforce every year, to provide an opportunity for business and education leaders to connect directly in a relaxed business setting, leading to mutually beneficial conversation and opportunities for the community.

​Contributors: Matt Yarder, Yarder Manufacturing, Emily Dammeyer, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

Four generations of Yarders have intentionally chosen to make it in Toledo. The Yarder Manufacturing Company is a four generation family business specializing in sheet metal fabrication for B2B manufacturing needs. Headquartered on Philips Avenue in Toledo, the company has thrived for nearly 100 years. Across 50,000 square feet, 65 talented engineers, welders, and skilled workers collaborate to “make metal matter.”

​National Manufacturing Day is this Friday, October 6th! Manufacturing Day is a “celebration of modern manufacturing meant to inspire the next generation of manufacturers.” (Manufacturing Day Website) The Toledo Region has a rich history of manufacturing, and modern manufacturing is booming in our community.
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With more than 50 members in the Manufacturing Industry, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce offers multiple resources specifically targeted toward the industry, including a monthly meeting called the Manufacturers Roundtable. Led by Bill Wersell, Vice President of Business Development Services at the Chamber, the group meets monthly to discuss industry-wide trends and challenges.

​Doug Farren
Managing Director, National Center for the Middle Market
Fisher College of Business, The Ohio State University

​Doug Farren, Managing Director of the National Center for the Middle Market at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business is confirmed to speak at the Chamber's Morning Access: Education and Workforce Development breakfast on October 13, 2017. This breakfast provides an opportunity for business and education leaders to connect directly in a relaxed business setting.  

The 17th edition of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce’s public service leadership program is set to begin in January 2018. Every year, the program graduates individuals representing a cross-section of the area who go on to improve the region and advance their own professional goals. The program is the longest running of its kind in the state. To date, more than 300 leaders from around the Toledo Region have graduated from the program.

​Ohio is having a sales tax holiday this weekend beginning Friday, August 4, 2017 at 12:00 a.m. and ending Sunday, August 6, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. This means that an item of clothing priced at $75 or less, schools supplies priced at $20 or less per item or an item of school instructional material priced at $20 or less will all be exempt from sales and use tax.
 
Get prepped for the upcoming school year and support local businesses as you enjoy a tax free weekend. Franklin Park Mall has been a member of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce for nearly 50 years and they are looking forward to a successful weekend.