​As we honor and celebrate the achievements and sacrifices of our nation’s veterans this week, did you know that the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce has a military affairs committee?

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

Registration is now open for the 19th edition of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce’s public service leadership program which begins in January. The Institute for Leadership & Advocacy provides individuals with the tools needed for addressing regional issues and achieving an understanding of the operations of government. To date, more than 350 leaders from the Toledo Region have graduated from the program.

At its regular meeting at 4 p.m. on Nov. 12, Toledo City Council is expected to vote on Ordinance 381-19, which would repeal the city’s current lead-safe housing law and enact a new one. The ordinance would designate the Department of Neighborhoods & Business Development, instead of the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department, as the enforcing entity. It would also expand residential rental properties included in enforcement to those with one or more units, instead of only those with up to four units. An amendment is expected to be offered that would create a Division of Rental Registration and Lead Safety within the department, and require registration of rental properties with the Lucas County Auditor’s office, among other provisions.

On November 6, the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC) approved funding for the widening of I-475 and the construction of a new interchange at U.S. 20A. TRAC approved $79M towards the nearly $100M construction project. The remaining funding is being provided by local project partners including TMACOG and local governments. This was the largest of the 20 projects TRAC approved for funding. A complete list of the funded projects can be found here.

The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is known to have access to comprehensive employee health plans. But what you may not know is we also offer dental, vision, and life and disability coverage for companies just like yours through Medical Mutual. With an all-inclusive benefits package, you can attract and retain talent while keeping your employees – and bottom line – healthy. 

On Oct. 29, 20 Under 40 celebrated its 2019 award winners at the Valentine Theatre. The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce and EPIC Toledo are proud of our affiliation with four of the 20 recipients this year.

Annually since 1996, 20 Under 40 has recognized a group of local young professionals and community leaders in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan who show outstanding dedication and commitment to the region. The organization’s mission aligns perfectly with the goals of both the TRCC and EPIC, which aim to uplift business leaders and young professionals, supporting the growth and success of the Toledo Region.
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Click here for more information about 20 Under 40. 

Welcome to the newest members of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, who joined in October 2019:

By Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

At its regular meeting at 4:00 p.m. on October 29, Toledo City Council is expected to refer to the plan commission Ordinance 506-19 which would establish a permit process to allow for up to five off-premise poster panel signs on buildings downtown. The proposal is aimed at improving the visual appearance of building exteriors in the business and entertainment areas of the city center. Such signs would generally occupy a minimum of 80 percent of a building wall surface and could be an electronic static or moving image, but could not be located within a 750-foot radius of another poster panel sign.

Around the world, from the U.S. and China to Japan and South Korea, with instability due to Brexit in the EU, global traders are easing off. The International Monetary Fund forecast global growth at 3 percent for 2019, which is the lowest since 2009.

Despite dips in the global trade market, in order to continue to grow the global economy as well as themselves, many economists argue, according to an article by BBC News, business leaders must continue to expand to new markets, uphold brand consistency and continue to export abroad.

By ​Sabrina D'Onofrio, CGBP, CBA​

Tackling export issues can be quite challenging if you aren’t familiar with the process. Export Success at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce (TRCC), together with the Regional Growth Partnership (RGP) Northwest Ohio, United Parcel Service (UPS), and the U.S. Commercial Service can help you and your company get over these hurdles and provide guidance in the world of exporting.