​At the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce (TRCC), we believe that legislative advocacy is vital to fostering a pro-business environment that encourages job creation in the Toledo Region. At last Friday’s Summer Legislative Reception, presented by Charter Communications, over 120 attendees enjoyed a beautiful morning at the National Museum of the Great Lakes getting face-to-face time to ask questions of our elected officials and learn more about the issues that might affect their businesses. This event helps strengthen the relationships between our private and public leaders with the goal of promoting economic growth and prosperity throughout our region.

​The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce congratulates the 34 individuals who have completed their public service and leadership training as a part of the 2023 Institute for Leadership & Advocacy, presented by Huntington. The 2023 cohort is the largest cohort the program has ever seen. With the completion of the 22nd year, the Institute is the longest running program of its kind in the state of Ohio. The participants join an alumni network of more than 500. The graduates were honored for their accomplishments at a ceremony on April 3 at the Glass City Pavilion with a keynote address from State Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson.
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​We believe that effective leadership in our businesses and communities is as important as ever for the region to succeed. Registration is now open for the 22nd edition of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Leadership & Advocacy. The Institute is designed to build and strengthen our region’s leaders and future advocates. It is the longest-running program of its kind in the state which to date includes an alumni community of nearly 500 leaders.

​The Leadership Fund, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce's political action committee, was formed in 2001. The purpose is to promote candidates in Toledo and its surrounding communities who understand and work to preserve a pro-business climate in our region. The fund supports candidates at the local and state level and does not endorse candidates for federal office.

As part of the endorsement process, all candidates from selected races who will appear on the Nov. 8 General Election ballot were invited to interview with members of The Leadership Fund Board. Candidates were evaluated on a set of criteria, which is below.

The Leadership Fund has voted to endorse: 

Ohio Senate, District 11

• Paula Hicks-Hudson

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Ohio House of Representatives, District 41 

• Joshua Williams

Ohio House of Representatives, District 43 

• Wendi Hendricks

Ohio House of Representatives, District 44 

• Elgin Rogers

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Ohio House of Representatives, District 75 

• Representative Haraz Ghanbari

Lucas County Commissioner

• Lisa Sobecki

The Leadership Fund, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce's political action committee, was formed in 2001. The purpose is to promote candidates in Toledo and its surrounding communities who understand and work to preserve a pro-business climate in our region. The fund supports candidates at the local and state level and does not endorse candidates for federal office.

 As part of the endorsement process, all candidates from selected races who will appear on the Nov. 8 General Election ballot were invited to interview with members of The Leadership Fund Board. Candidates were evaluated on a set of criteria, which is below.

The Leadership Fund has voted to endorse: 
 
Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court 

• Justice Sharon Kennedy

 
Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court 

• Justice Pat DeWine
• Justice Pat Fischer​

​The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) officially broke ground on the new 20A/I-475 interchange on June 29. Construction on the interchange and widening of I-475 is expected to be completed in December 2024. This has been a long time priority for the Chamber and our partners in the region to support economic development and improve access to existing and future businesses. More information about the project is available on ODOT’s project website and will be updated as the project progresses.

​Senate Bill 225 was signed by Governor Mike DeWine on June 14. The Chamber advocated for language that increases the amount of nonrefundable Opportunity Zone credits that may be issued, to $75 million in the July 2021-June 2023 biennium, up from $50 million. There are more than 20 Opportunity Zones located in Lucas County. 

Like others in the region, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce was encouraged by the announcement of the creation of the Route 23 Connect Initiative a year ago. This initiative of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), along with regional partners at the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) and Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG), was designed to determine the feasibility of a free-flowing connection between the Columbus and Toledo regions. Improving the connection has been a long-standing priority for the Chamber, TMACOG and others.

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

​We believe that your perspective as a business leader is essential to help guide decision-making in the Toledo region. The Chamber often receives requests from area officials for recommendations to serve on local government boards and commissions. It is vital that these bodies include the expertise of our business community to inform decisions that impact our residents and overall business climate.

The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce congratulates the 32 individuals who recently completed their public service leadership training as part of the 2022 Institute for Leadership & Advocacy, the longest-running program of its kind in the state. Graduates were recognized for their accomplishment at a ceremony on March 21 at Glass City Metropark featuring an address by The Honorable Myron Duhart, Presiding Judge for the Ohio Sixth District Court of Appeals. The graduates are among the more than 460 leaders to date that have completed this course.