​A new Lott! For more than 60 years Lott Industries has been a vital community partner and resource to businesses in the Toledo region while offering employment to adults with developmental disabilities. Currently undergoing a powerful transformation, Lott is expanding services and programming to assist more people with disabilities and barriers to employment. Broadening habilitation and employment services to provide a more comprehensive approach that assist individuals to reach their full potential, the new mission of Lott has a fresh, integrated approach.  What does this look like? Tim Menke, CEO of Lott, explains, “Our new mission is to empower people with barriers to employment, transform businesses, and enhance our community. With our new mission in mind, we are excited to expand services and our network of partners in the Toledo business community and surrounding region.” Lott has helped countless businesses reach their goals by filling their workforce and production needs, while also removing barriers to employment for thousands of adults with developmental disabilities.

​In 2007, Becky Ohm and her husband opened the doors of the Flying Joe, originally known as the Flying Bean, in Levis Commons. Both former fighter pilots, they knew they wanted the look and feel of the shop to reflect their personalities and also be a place where people could "meet their neighbors." Having been in the air force for years, the two were looking for a place to call home.

​​The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is actively working to support workforce development efforts and career opportunities as part of the overall strategy to attract and retain talent in the Toledo Region. That’s why we host Morning Access: Education & Workforce every year, to provide an opportunity for business and education leaders to connect directly in a relaxed business setting, leading to mutually beneficial conversation and opportunities for the community.

​Along airport highway in Monclova, Ohio stands a new countertop fabrication facility. While the showroom and fabrication facility are new and state-of-the-art, the business has been operating in the region for 28 years. The Countertop Shop at 9300 Airport Highway in Monclova, Ohio has the answers to your dream kitchen or home remodel.

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​Contributors: Matt Yarder, Yarder Manufacturing, Emily Dammeyer, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

Four generations of Yarders have intentionally chosen to make it in Toledo. The Yarder Manufacturing Company is a four generation family business specializing in sheet metal fabrication for B2B manufacturing needs. Headquartered on Philips Avenue in Toledo, the company has thrived for nearly 100 years. Across 50,000 square feet, 65 talented engineers, welders, and skilled workers collaborate to “make metal matter.”

Quality Tool Company was established more than sixty years ago in the Toledo Region. The family owned, mid-sized manufacturing company provides cost effective manufacturing for their customers across various industries. With 40,000 square feet of production space and an 8,000 sq. foot tool room, the company is one of the few companies that can stamp, machine and weld assemblies, all in the same facility.
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They provide specialized close tolerance metal stampings, including emergency brakes, tailgate latches, and seat lock bars. Their production equipment consists of mechanical presses that run up to 400 Tons, ABB Robotic Production MIG Welding Cell, A CNC Swiss Style Lathe for production turning, a spot/resistance welder, spin riveters, and tapping equipment.

​National Manufacturing Day is this Friday, October 6th! Manufacturing Day is a “celebration of modern manufacturing meant to inspire the next generation of manufacturers.” (Manufacturing Day Website) The Toledo Region has a rich history of manufacturing, and modern manufacturing is booming in our community.
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With more than 50 members in the Manufacturing Industry, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce offers multiple resources specifically targeted toward the industry, including a monthly meeting called the Manufacturers Roundtable. Led by Bill Wersell, Vice President of Business Development Services at the Chamber, the group meets monthly to discuss industry-wide trends and challenges.

​Doug Farren
Managing Director, National Center for the Middle Market
Fisher College of Business, The Ohio State University

​Doug Farren, Managing Director of the National Center for the Middle Market at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business is confirmed to speak at the Chamber's Morning Access: Education and Workforce Development breakfast on October 13, 2017. This breakfast provides an opportunity for business and education leaders to connect directly in a relaxed business setting.  

​Are you interested in obtaining capital to start your dream business? Prepare for lending conversations with expert Charlie Chambers.
 
Obstacle 1: Proof of Experience
“As an advisor with the Small Business Development Center, I see a number of small businesses who come to us because they went to their local bank and said simply ‘I want a loan to start a business,’” says Chambers. The bank will want to see proof of experience in the industry that they are planning to start their venture.