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.

​Due to COVID-19, many people have had to adjust to a new way of living – staying at home. With infection rates still high, many people are choosing to continue social distancing in their home. These safety precautions are necessary, but isolation at home can take a heavy toll on your mental and physical health. That’s why it’s extra important to find ways to stay on top of your health and wellness routines.

On Feb. 26, as a student in the Export Success class of 2021, you'll join a team of business professionals in ready-to-export, new-to-export and longtime export businesses. Not only is this class built to help you grow your business by expanding into new international markets through classes on export law, cross-cultural communications and building an export plan, it's also designed to train your brightest and newest employees how to carry on your exporting efforts as they rise within your company. But the class isn't just unique in its variety of classmates; its expert mentors will help you get the most out of your export plans. Let's meet two of our newest mentors in the class of 2021.

The overall health of your business is a priority, so you require a health insurance plan that keeps your employees safe and healthy. It’s important to choose a carrier that offers the products, access and benefits you’re looking for, who also looks out for you. That’s why the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce (TRCC) and COSE have partnered with Medical Mutual to offer the multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) to help small businesses receive the big-business benefits they deserve.

​By Sabrina D'Onofrio, CGBP, CBA

The Export Assistance Network has a plethora of means to help you and your business export effectively. We have a network of resources and partners throughout the state of Ohio here to help you and your business excel in the complex world of exporting. So, how can you get help?

Are you interested in serving your community on a board or commission? The Chamber receives requests from local government officials for recommendations of individuals to serve in these capacities. These bodies exist for a variety of functions and consist of local leaders who use their expertise to make or inform decisions that impact the community. Many of these boards and commissions have a direct impact on the region’s business climate and it is important that the business community’s perspective be considered. 

​The overall health of your business is a priority, so you require a health insurance plan that keeps your employees safe and healthy. It’s important to choose a carrier that offers the products, access and benefits you’re looking for, who also looks out for you. That’s why The Toledo Regional Chamber has partnered with the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) and Medical Mutual to offer the multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) to help small businesses receive the big-business benefits they deserve.

It's news to no one that right now, running a business is unstable and we're working through unprecedented times. That means, in order to succeed, you must take risks as a business owner in order to continue your business and move forward. Part of that risk-taking process means actively exploring every opportunity available so you can perform effectively, efficiently and safely. Embracing new tools and technology is just one way to continue to evolve, adapt and even grow your business during today's challenging business environment. But if you don't know where your business stands, it's impossible to know where it can go.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses here in the Toledo Region and around the world have been hit hard. However, northwest Ohio organizations have been working hard to support the community. One such organization is the United Way of Greater Toledo and its new iPledge program, focused on spreading the word about local small businesses and driving consumers to their doors – and websites.