​Thinking about starting, buying or expanding your new business? It can be a scary thought, but there are tools and resources available to help you conquer those fears and chart your course to feeling confident in your adventure towards success. 

​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.

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.

By: Emily Dammeyer, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

​Over the course of three days during our membership event, we welcomed 324 new members to the Chamber. It was a marathon event, with short shift sprints scattered throughout each day. This type of event wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated and energetic commitment of our volunteers. More than 300 community leaders came together to share our message and mission.
Our theme for the event was “All In”, inspired by the DC Marvel comic strip The Justice League. Dressed in capes, staff greeted all four shifts with a cheer and a high five. You can see on Facebook and Twitter how our volunteers embraced the energy and had a lot of fun with the event. It was their passion and excitement that gave us so many introductions to new members.

Why did 300+ businesses become members in two days? For two reasons – first, because of our awesome volunteers, and second, because they believe in the work that we do. As a Chamber, with more than 2,000 businesses, we recognize the importance of economic development to moving the region forward. We are committed to lobbying for business, creating opportunities for jobs and workforce development, and recruiting a talented workforce to the area. ​Thank you to everyone who volunteered to make this event a success.

​TRCC ALL IN will be the phrase celebrated this week by our staff and member volunteers. We are hosting a two-day Membership Campaign with the DC Comic inspired theme of ALL IN. More than 300 volunteers will come together at campaign headquarters over the course of two days to bring in new members to the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce. A huge thanks to the leadership and employees of Buckeye Broadband for hosting us and providing the technology to make this event a success.

The goal of the campaign is to bring our existing members together in a fun, collaborative and competitive atmosphere, while sharing the Chamber story with the region at large. It will create community awareness of the important role of the Toledo Chamber and our mission to connect business with resources and opportunities; advocate for a thriving business environment and lead the charge to promote the assets of the region. 

Please note: Our staff will be off-site at Campaign Headquarters Tuesday, August 28th and Wednesday, August 29th. Chamber offices will be CLOSED for the duration of the event, and reopen at 8:30 am, Thursday, August 30th. For more information about membership or the campaign, please contact Eric Stockard, VP for Membership at the Chamber at 419.344.9626.
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This is the first volunteer driven membership drive the Chamber has embarked on in more than a decade. Sixteen community leaders have stepped-up and agreed to be event Chairs and provide a team. “The response from the business community for this effort has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Wendy Gramza, President and CEO of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce. “This is the perfect time to engage our volunteers to help us share the message of the work the Chamber is doing to move our region forward.”

This week, 30 Chamber members had the opportunity to hear from key officials from Governor John Kasich’s administration and discuss the issues impacting their businesses. Members met with Commissioner Joe Testa, Ohio Department of Taxation, Director David Goodman, Development Services Agency, and Kevin Abrams, Chief Operating Officer of the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. Topics included the Ohio Business Gateway and Modernized eFile, the state’s small business development centers, export assistance for businesses looking to expand into global markets, opportunity zones, and BWC’s 2018 Billion Back and its impact on future rates.
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After the conversation, Brian Dicken, vice president of advocacy & public policy, accepted a ceremonial check from Mr. Abrams representing the $50.5 million made out to the Toledo Region employers for the “More Than A Billion Back Again” campaign. This spring, Governor Kasich and BWC Administrator Sarah Morrison announced a $1.5 billion premium rebate. Since 2011, BWC has returned over $8 billion in worker’s compensation savings back to Ohio’s economy.

Our largest event of the year was a huge success. 700 members enjoyed an atmosphere that can’t be beat and feasted on a buffet full of lobster, clams, mussels and shrimp, followed by chocolate pot de crème and crème brulee.
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Why Clambake? Beyond the great food, Clambake is an opportunity for us to host a mission focused event and reach a significant portion of our members in one evening. Not only does the event allow us to connect business leaders with one another, we get to promote many of the great assets of the region including the Casino, Maumee River and showcase the delicious culinary skills in our community.

​​The Air Force Reserve is delighted to announce the opening of a recruiting office in Toledo, OH.  It is located in the Jesse James Complex at 559 S. Reynolds Rd, Toledo OH 43616.  The Air Force Reserve provides a way to expand experiences and serve your country while being able to choose where you live and work. The unique location of the Toledo Office provides members the ability to choose between Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Youngstown Air Reserve Base or Grissom Air Force Base. 

In June the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce held its Chamber U event on the topic of building and zoning permit processes. This was a forum aimed at helping local businesses better understand these processes and how to avoid project delays or other issues. Conversations on property development and zoning are a part of the Institute for Leadership & Advocacy’s sessions on economic development and planning sustainable communities, and graduates were invited to attend the forum.

​The discussion included a panel of building inspection and zoning officials from local departments who answered questions and covered topics such as permit processing timelines, common issues delaying permit issuance, and improvements underway to improve service. Panel participants included Steven Shrake, City of Toledo Chief Building Official; David Golis, Lucas County Chief Building Official; and Jim Gilmore, City of Oregon Building & Zoning Commissioner.

In a ribbon cutting ceremony this morning, Children’s Discovery Center reopened its downtown Toledo Center. The energy of Toledo’s downtown revitalization has inspired the renovation.

Open House Dates: Tuesday, June 19 and Thursday, June 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
 
Children’s Discovery Center has been serving the greater Toledo Community since 1982 by providing early education and childcare. Their award-winning philosophy —which includes STEAM and Reggio Emilia inspired education— has been nationally recognized. “We are delighted to present the new downtown Children’s Discovery Center to the community,” stated CEO Lois Rosenberry. “Our centers are unique and provide children with award-winning educational programs and parents with the peace of mind that their children are being cared for in a loving and stimulating environment.”