​​​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.

​​By Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

At its regular meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 27, Toledo City Council is expected to refer Ordinance 234-21 to its Committee of the Whole for further review. The ordinance would establish new regulations for small box discount stores, also known as dollar stores, by requiring them to obtain special use permits and be subject to annual reviews, and new locations to be at least one mile away from existing stores. The proposal was forwarded to the full City Council without recommendation after being previously reviewed by Council’s Zoning & Planning Committee. The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce opposes the measure as it would add unnecessary layers of regulation and potentially discourage business development in the city.

​​By Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

At its regular meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 30, Toledo City Council is expected to give first reading to Ordinance 154-21 which would amend local preference requirements for evaluating bids for city contracts. Currently in the municipal code: 

​​By Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce congratulates the 32 individuals who recently completed 10 sessions of public service leadership training as part of the 2021 Institute for Leadership & Advocacy. These graduates join the more than 400 leaders to date that have completed this course, of whom more than 40 have gone on to serve as elected officials and on public sector boards and commissions. This year the Institute celebrates its 20th year preparing area leaders and continues as the longest running program of its kind in the state.