​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.

By: Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

​At its regular meeting at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, Toledo City Council is expected to vote on Ordinance 385-18 which would transfer the city’s ownership of the 52-unit Uptown Arts Apartments complex at 336 14th Street to developer Uptown Place, LLC at a cost of $175,000. Adams Street Limited Partnership, LLC, the current lease owner, owns improvements that it had made on the property due to an existing development agreement with the city. Adams Street Limited Partnership also intends to sell its ownership interests to Uptown Place. Rent restrictions are included in the sale agreement in consideration of current rent affordability requirements attached to funding previously used to develop the property.
 
Other legislation expected to be voted on include the following:

Man·u·fac·ture
/ man(y)Ə’fak(t)SH Ər/
Verb :: to make, invent or fabricate

We’re making it in Toledo. Smart things like solar panels and biotech. Iconic things like Jeep® brand SUVs and Libbey glass. Best of all, we’re making it together, thanks to our dynamic culture built upon a heritage of hard work and a can-do attitude.
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In the Toledo Region, It Matters Where You Make It ®. Which is why, when the US Census Bureau announces Manufacturing Week and the 7th annual observance of Manufacturing Day, we have major cause to celebrate. Many of our region’s top employers and a significant share of small businesses have a major manufacturing component and a giant impact on the local economy.

​​The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce together with the RGP Northwest Ohio, United Parcel Service (UPS) and the U.S. Commercial Service successfully launched the Export Success program last week. This year's Export Success class is comprised of 10 company representatives and 11 mentors. Each company participating is at a different stage in the exporting process. Some have been exporting for years, while others have only sold domestically. One of the participating companies is a service provider which dispels the myth that only companies that have a good can export.

By: Tim Schneider

​At its regular session at 4:00 p.m. today, Toledo City Council is expected to vote on Ordinance 361-18 which would repeal the prohibition on A-frame signs, commonly referred to as sandwich board signs, and allow them in various commercial districts in the city. The signs must be limited to one per occupant, not exceed 42 inches in height nor three feet in width, and be constructed of material that presents a professional appearance. The signs would be required to be placed within five feet of the establishment, not be secured or attached to public objects or obstruct pedestrian access, and be displayed only during business hours. The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce advocated for amendments to the ordinance including allowing the signs downtown.
 
Other legislation expected to be voted on include the following: