 | Celebrating 13 Years of Advocacy & Impact at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce After nearly 15 years in federal and state government roles, Brian Dicken brought his experience—and deep regional roots—back home to Toledo. Motivated by a desire to put his policy knowledge and relationships to work for the region’s business community, Brian joined the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2013 with a clear purpose: ensure the voice of business is heard where decisions are made. |
Evolving with the Chamber
While advocacy for the Chamber’s 2,000 member businesses remains central to his role, Brian’s work has expanded over time. Today, he is also more involved in membership development and engagement, supporting the Chamber’s Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) and Small Business Development Center (SBDC) services—giving him a broader, firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing employers across the region.
While advocacy for the Chamber’s 2,000 member businesses remains central to his role, Brian’s work has expanded over time. Today, he is also more involved in membership development and engagement, supporting the Chamber’s Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) and Small Business Development Center (SBDC) services—giving him a broader, firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing employers across the region.
Advocacy That Makes a Difference
Over the past 13 years, Brian has led or played a key role in advocacy efforts tied to some of the region’s most complex and impactful issues, including regional water, transportation and highway connectivity, fair-chance hiring through the Re-Entry Development Initiative, support for the 180th Fighter Wing, and workforce access.
One initiative stands out most: the Benefits Bridge pilot program with Lucas County.
Over the past 13 years, Brian has led or played a key role in advocacy efforts tied to some of the region’s most complex and impactful issues, including regional water, transportation and highway connectivity, fair-chance hiring through the Re-Entry Development Initiative, support for the 180th Fighter Wing, and workforce access.
One initiative stands out most: the Benefits Bridge pilot program with Lucas County.
“This work allows me to help both our businesses and individuals and their families,” Brian shared. “By breaking down artificial barriers to employment, we’re helping people move forward while ensuring employers have access to the skilled talent they need. Early successes are already emerging—and the long-term impact is just beginning.”
Turning Advocacy into Real-World Solutions
Brian’s advocacy often starts with a single member call. When a business shared concerns about employees struggling to reach the Westwinds Business Park due to limited transportation options, Brian convened leaders from Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority and affected employers to find a solution. The result: an expansion of TARTA Flex service to better support both workers and businesses.
Brian’s advocacy often starts with a single member call. When a business shared concerns about employees struggling to reach the Westwinds Business Park due to limited transportation options, Brian convened leaders from Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority and affected employers to find a solution. The result: an expansion of TARTA Flex service to better support both workers and businesses.
“Advocacy works best when it’s practical, responsive, and rooted in real employer needs.”
What Makes the Chamber Unique
For Brian, the Chamber’s work is never routine—and that’s exactly what makes it meaningful.
For Brian, the Chamber’s work is never routine—and that’s exactly what makes it meaningful.
“Every day is different. That gives us the opportunity to work on a wide range of issues impacting the region and to be a true advocate for growth.”
One lesson he’s learned along the way? Never accept “it can’t be done.”
“If someone tells us something can’t be done, we’ll find a creative way to at least make it better.”
Lightning Round ⚡
- Favorite Toledo spot: Fallen Timbers Battlefield
- Favorite local eats: Tony Packo's Cafe and Mr. Spots
- One word to describe the Chamber: Dynamic
- Weekends usually include: Watching or coaching his kids on the athletic field
Final Reflection
Serving the Toledo region through the Chamber is something Brian doesn’t take lightly.
Serving the Toledo region through the Chamber is something Brian doesn’t take lightly.
“It’s a privilege. The relationships built and the issues we work on can shape this region for years to come. I’m grateful for the trust placed in me—and I look forward to many more years of supporting our region.”
Thank you, Brian, for 13 years of leadership, persistence, and advocacy on behalf of Toledo’s business community.
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