​​​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.

Here at the Toledo Chamber, we're proud to house the Toledo Small Business Development Center, which every day oversees the important task of supporting our region's small business community. Recently, Financial Counselor Paula Avila-Palomares joined the team, ready to provide financial guidance and her expertise to the backbone of the Toledo Region: small businesses. While we hope you meet Paula at one of our many upcoming events, you can get to know her a little bit through this Q&A.

It's always exciting to welcome a new member to the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce community, and it's doubly exciting to get to celebrate that member's ribbon cutting! We were lucky enough to get to do both for new Chamber member YogaSix, who joined us in the beginning of 2021 and whose ribbon cutting we took part in on June 26. In this New Member Spotlight, learn a little more about YogaSix and what they do.

August is now behind us, and though our warm temperatures and beautiful sunny skies don't show it, fall is nearing in the Toledo Region. The Toledo Chamber has plenty to look back on and celebrate during the start of September, and we've got even more to look forward to as the year continues on. But before we get into the exciting and important events on the schedule this month, let's highlight and celebrate our newest members who joined in August 2021.

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.

​It’s August here in the Toledo Region, and we could not be happier to welcome in the blue skies, hot weather and incredible upcoming events. Whether you’re a northwest Ohio resident or a visitor, this month has an incredible lineup of summertime events including Toledo Jeep Fest and the 2021 Solheim Cup – and those are just some of our partners’ events! But before we discuss what’s to come in August, let’s take a moment to celebrate our newest Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce members who joined in July 2021. Next time you’re around one of these fabulous businesses, don’t forget to give them your congratulations and welcome them to the Chamber community.

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.

Please join us in welcoming Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio to the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce member community! Big Brothers Big Sisters matches youth with adults in our community to create positive relationships that support the young people in our region. Did you know that the average Big/Little match lasts for more than two and a half years? Learn more in this New Member Spotlight questionnaire with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio!

Happy July, northwest Ohio! We certainly have a lot to celebrate this month. Between our upcoming Clambake 2021 presented by PNC and EPIC Toledo T-Town Dash, we can't wait to see you in person and celebrate just like we have in years past. As we always do at the start of a new month, we also want to take a moment to recognize our newest members who joined us in June 2021. Next time you pass by one of these businesses, please stop in and say hello and wish them a congratulations on joining the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce member community!

​​As another Toledo spring winds down, Buff City Soap demonstrated the resilience of Toledo natives and the pull-together attitude of our residents.