2019 marks the 125th year since our organization became a Chamber of Commerce. There were precursor organizations…the Citizens Board of Trade which existed from 1888 to 1892 was replaced by the Toledo Manufacturers Association in 1893 which merged into the Toledo Chamber of Commerce in 1894.

The Chamber’s first president was John S. Craig (pictured left), owner of a shipbuilding company. There were 392 members after a year and dues were $10. Office hours were six days a week and any employee accepting a tip was subject to immediate dismissal. Toledo had 95 miles of streetcar tracks and five daily newspapers. And while things have certainly changed in the last 125 years, there are still many elements of today’s Chamber deeply rooted in our history.

​By: Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

​At its regular meeting at 4:00 p.m. today, Toledo City Council is expected to vote on Ordinance 501-18 which would approve a $50,000 contribution for a talent alignment strategy study being led by the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce. The study will analyze the availability of talent and 21st Century skills in the Toledo region to ensure education and workforce efforts are aligned with the economy. This evaluation will allow the development of strategies to better fill the needs of the region’s talent pipeline. Partners in the initiative include Lucas County, the Wood County Economic Development Commission, the Fulton County Economic Development Corporation, The University of Toledo, Bowling Green State University, the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, and the Toledo Community Foundation.

The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce thanks our local leaders who recently joined us in recognizing November 24th as Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday was founded in 2010 as an annual shopping tradition dedicated to supporting small businesses in communities across the nation.
 
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are more than 44,700 businesses with fewer than 100 employees in Northwest Ohio. These small businesses comprise 92 percent of all firms in the region.

​By: Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

​At its regular meeting at 4:00 p.m. today, Toledo City Council is expected to vote on Resolution 482-18 recognizing November 24 as Small Business Saturday. The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce will be joined by Chamber member Frank Viviano of Bartz Viviano Flowers & Gifts as part of the recognition. Small Business Saturday is an annual shopping tradition dedicated to supporting small businesses in communities across the nation. Nearly 80 percent of the Chamber’s membership is small businesses. Chamber services to small businesses include representation though the Toledo Area Small Business Association and hosting the Small Business Development Center for the region.

​Registration is now open for the 18th edition of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce’s public service leadership program which is set to begin in January. 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. More than 300 leaders from around the Toledo Region have graduated from the program.

​At its regular meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Toledo City Council is expected to vote on Ordinance 417-18 which would approve amending a Joint Economic Development District (JEDD) agreement with Troy Township, Wood County in order to add 512 acres of undeveloped land into the district. The request comes from the East Ohio Gas Company which is the owner of the property. NSG Pilkington North America is planning to construct a 511,000 square foot plant on the JEDD site for production of specialty sheet glass for the solar panel manufacturing industry.
 
Council is also expected to vote on Ordinance 465-18 which would authorize $30,000 to the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG) for a Toledo-Detroit Rail Ridership Feasibility & Cost Estimate Study. The total cost of the study is $50,000 of which TMACOG is contributing the remaining $20,000.

​The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Lucas County, has signed a contract with Avalanche Consulting and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) to conduct a Talent Alignment Study.

The research will analyze the availability of talent and 21st Century skills in the Toledo Region.  The goal of this study is to develop data-based strategies that will ensure education and workforce efforts are aligned with the local economy.
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Multiple partners have signed on to support this strategic initiative including Bowling Green State University, Fulton County Economic Development, the Toledo Community Foundation, the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, the University of Toledo and Wood County Economic Development.
The bulk of the research and data collection will take place between July and September 2018.  Initial data findings will be presented in late fall, and the final strategic recommendations are scheduled to be announced in February 2019.

By: Brian Dicken, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

Due to the $13.7 billion economic impact the defense industry has on our state, the Chamber and its leadership are actively engaged in discussions and advocacy at the state and federal level. Chamber President and CEO Wendy Gramza currently serves on the Chief of Staff of the Air Force’s Civic Leader Program and Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy was recently asked to join the opening panel at the 2018 Ohio Defense Forum.
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The Toledo Region is fortunate to have diversity in its military units. While the Ohio Air National Guard’s 180th Fighter Wing is often the most recognized unit in the region, there are also components of the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Coast Guard and other federal assets that provide service to our region and nation. These units are comprised of several thousand members and contribute tens of millions of dollars to our local economy. The Chamber supports these efforts by coordinating the Northwest Ohio Military Affairs Committee. The committee meets regularly to discuss the needs and opportunities to support these units in the region. It is comprised of the units, service organizations, key employers and elected officials.

​At its regular meeting at 4:00 p.m. today, Toledo City Council is expected to vote on Ordinance 413-18 which would approve $7.7 million in water bond proceeds to renew an existing contract with URS Corporation for professional construction management and program support services for ongoing capital improvements to the Collins Park Water Treatment Plant. The city is in the process of making $500 million in needed improvements to facilities to ensure uninterrupted supply of water and to meet requirements of the Ohio EPA. The contact with URS Corporation would be for an additional two years.
 
Other legislation expected to be voted on include the following:

​The 18th edition of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce’s public service leadership program is set to begin in January. 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. More than 300 leaders from around the Toledo Region have graduated from the program.
 
The Institute for Leadership & Advocacy is a 10-week course designed to prepare emerging leaders to effectively serve their communities and work with public officials. Participants engage in discussions about the issues, requirements and expectations associated with public service. Sessions are taught by highly experienced professionals comprised of public officials and other regional leaders. The Institute includes year-long engagement in activities and events.