By: Bob Savage, Savage Consulting 

This Friday, business members and educators will get together and learn more about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion rates among our students and what impact that has on our community. As we gear up to learn and get ready to host Randy Gardner, Chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education, there are a few things about FAFSA you should know:

​Here at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, everything we do ties back to one thing: fostering economic growth and supporting a thriving business culture throughout the region. We advocate for a successful and progressive business environment and we lead the charge in talent and workforce by attracting talent to the region and helping our members to retain that talent. Finally, we provide various series and resources to our members in order to connect them with opportunities for growth.

This Saturday, Nov. 30, you might still be feeling full from too much turkey or pie, and you might be feeling exhausted by the bombardment of international retailers as they tempt you into buying something you may or may not need. However, with American Express' Shop Small Saturday, you can feel good about purchasing from local small businesses.

The owners of Fowl and Fodder, Adams Street Cafe, and Poco Piatti teamed up to bring free driver service, the Lunch Limo Loop, to drive hungry downtown workers to the Adams Street Business District. The service began Oct. 7.

On Sept. 24 at United Way of Greater Toledo, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce and esteemed panelists discussed the benefits, barriers and difficulties surrounding fair chance hiring.
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The ReEntry Development Initiative discussion, as part of the Chamber U Diversity & Inclusion Series, was paneled by Jeffrey D. Korzenik, senior vice president and chief investment strategist for Fifth Third Bank; Sarah Pawlicki, attorney for Eastman & Smith Ltd.; Lisa Bloomfield, president of Credit Adjustments, Inc.; and Matt Grafton, regional director for A Renewed Mind. The TRCC’s own Brian Dicken, MOD, IOM, vice president of advocacy and public policy, moderated the discussion.

​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.”