April is National Autism Awareness Month, and here in Toledo, we have many organizations dedicated to not only raising awareness of autism, but also to helping and supporting the individuals and families impacted by autism. We sat down with Toledo Chamber member Avenues for Autism and Executive Director Stacy Harper to discuss what autism means, how you can support local families impacted by autism and how northwest Ohio as a whole is better thanks to the work that Avenues for Autism does.

Spring is upon us and warmer days are finally here. But warmer days are just one of the many things in the Toledo Region that we get to celebrate! With new ribbon cuttings and businesses opening around us, fabulous Toledo Chamber and member events headed your way, and the efforts to get Ohioans vaccinated so our business community can thrive underway, it's an exciting time to be here in northwest Ohio. But before we talk about what's to come throughout April, let's first celebrate the new Toledo Chamber members who joined us in March 2021!

​​By Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

At its regular meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 30, Toledo City Council is expected to give first reading to Ordinance 154-21 which would amend local preference requirements for evaluating bids for city contracts. Currently in the municipal code: 

Digital marketing has always been an important piece of business' outreach efforts, but in the last few years, digital marketing has become more accessible than ever. Thanks to the boom in social media outlets and the increase in awareness of the purpose of digital marketing, many businesses both small and large are working to increase their digital presence and spread awareness of their product or service. However, even if you know the importance of digital marketing and know its definition, you may not know where to start. We sat down with Tommy Salazar, Digital Sales Specialist for Buckeye Broadband, to ask his advice on getting started on your digital marketing journey.

With all the uncertainties and stress that the population as a whole is experiencing, your mental health can take a large toll. That’s why it’s important to try to live in the present moment to help you better connect to yourself and others. Developing a simple daily routine can also benefit your physical health and overall wellbeing.  

​​By Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce congratulates the 32 individuals who recently completed 10 sessions of public service leadership training as part of the 2021 Institute for Leadership & Advocacy. These graduates join the more than 400 leaders to date that have completed this course, of whom more than 40 have gone on to serve as elected officials and on public sector boards and commissions. This year the Institute celebrates its 20th year preparing area leaders and continues as the longest running program of its kind in the state.

​​By Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

At its regular meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16, Toledo City Council is expected to vote on two ordinances that would facilitate a new office for the Toledo Police Federal Credit Union on a portion of the former Clarion Hotel site at 2340 South Reynolds Road. Ordinance 137-21 would approve a 15-year, 100 percent Community Reinvestment Area property tax exemption for taxes that would otherwise be generated due to the increase in assessed valuation of property at the site. Ordinance 138-21 would approve sale of the property for $289,000. According to the city, the project would involve investment of $1,250,000 and the retention and creation of up to 14 jobs.

Each year here at the Toledo Chamber following our Annual Meeting, we launch our Year in Review publication, recapping and commemorating the previous year’s biggest moments, events and news. The year 2020 was like no other, so, of course, the 2020 Year in Review is like no other.

​​By Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

An ordinance that would establish a new Department of Parks, Recreation, Youth Services and Educational Engagement is on the agenda for Toledo City Council’s regular meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 2. The new department created by Ordinance 42-21 would have responsibility for the operation of city parks and recreational facilities currently under the Division of Parks, Recreation and Forestry within the Department of Public Service. The ordinance would also establish three divisions within the new department and direct them to develop various community programs, and appropriate an additional $2.5 million for services and operations. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz has encouraged Council to delay a vote on this proposal to provide adequate time to determine the need for this proposal. 

Happy start to March, Toledo! We're looking forward to the warmer weather as spring approaches and, hopefully, the beginning of the return to normalcy. Though we're still meeting, connecting and serving our members virtually in the pandemic, we look forward to in-person events and gathering with you to network and engage with one another as soon as it's safe. That said, why don't we take a moment to look back at our new members to the Toledo Chamber who joined in February 2021? Then, we'll discuss some of our events coming up this month that you don't want to miss.