August is now behind us, and though our warm temperatures and beautiful sunny skies don't show it, fall is nearing in the Toledo Region. The Toledo Chamber has plenty to look back on and celebrate during the start of September, and we've got even more to look forward to as the year continues on. But before we get into the exciting and important events on the schedule this month, let's highlight and celebrate our newest members who joined in August 2021.

On July 13, 2021, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose joined the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce and a group of business leaders to discuss important issues that impact our region and our state’s businesses.

Summer is here and we couldn't be happier to see sunshine and excitement downtown and throughout the Toledo Region. But that's not all we're excited about this summer – the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Toledo Small Business Development Center welcome five summer interns to our team. These interns are providing incredible services to you, our Chamber member community, but until you can meet them in person at one of our fabulous upcoming events, please enjoy this Q&A to get to know a little bit about our interns.

By Brian Dicken, Vice President of Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives

May is Military Appreciation Month and the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is recognizing the many contributions of our service members and veterans to our community. You may have seen some of the profiles of veteran-owned companies in our region, but there is so much more.

By Megan Stretavski, ​Workforce Initiatives Manager

​Why take a chance on hiring a returning citizen? If  lower turnover rates, lower absenteeism, higher retention rates and being more loyal than the general workforce don’t have you convinced, there are several programs in the Toledo area that “coach up” this population. On April 30, 2021, during the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Re-Entry Development Initiative (REDI) Lunch and Learn, we discussed the ways in which attendees could get their organization started on their own second chance hiring journey.

Over the last year, it’s undeniable that every facet of our lives has changed. Whether by the state-mandated shutdowns, the shortage of goods like toilet paper or by the major shift to working from home, the last 12 months have challenged us in unexpected ways.

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.

The first month of 2021 is behind us, so let's kick off the month as we always do: by celebrating our new members! By joining the Toledo Chamber, businesses in the region are supporting our efforts to uplift and empower businesses in the Toledo Region through advocacy with elected officials, talent and workforce initiatives to keep your employees here and to bring new talent into the region, young professional development programs, and more. Let's start February off right – by welcoming our newest members who joined the Toledo Chamber in January 2021!