An additional special thank you to Imagination Station for the Solar Pop making station. It was out-of-this world! Did you know that on Monday April 8th, and the weekend leading up to it, the population of the Toledo region is expected to nearly double? This is because our region will be in the path of totality for the 2024 total solar eclipse. At the February Focus on Business Member Luncheon, presented by KeyBank, attendees had the opportunity to hear from our three keynote speakers on the economic and business impact this once in a lifetime event will have on our region.
Our thanks goes out to Lance Woodworth, President & CEO of Destination Toledo (above, far right), Jordan Westgate, Operations Officer, Lucas County Emergency Management Agency (above, far left) and Lori Hauser, CEO of Imagination Station (above, second from left) for sharing their expertise with us. (Shown with Wendy Gramza, President and CEO, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, above, second from right).
In case you missed it, here are a few of the things your business should take into consideration:
Our thanks goes out to Lance Woodworth, President & CEO of Destination Toledo (above, far right), Jordan Westgate, Operations Officer, Lucas County Emergency Management Agency (above, far left) and Lori Hauser, CEO of Imagination Station (above, second from left) for sharing their expertise with us. (Shown with Wendy Gramza, President and CEO, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, above, second from right).
In case you missed it, here are a few of the things your business should take into consideration:
Key Takeaways:
This is an incredible opportunity for the Toledo Region. In South Carolina and Nebraska, the 2017 total solar eclipse was reported as the largest single tourism event on record, bringing hundreds of millions of business sales to those states as well as millions of travelers, many who said they would return again. There is no reason our region cannot see the same impressive results. And who knows, after they experience all of the great things our region has to offer, maybe the next time some of them return here it won’t be for just a long weekend, but to stay as our newest employees and residents. That kind of impact lasts much longer that 1 minute and 54 seconds!
- Prepare your employees.
- Where do they live?
- Will their travel to work be impacted by an increase in population and traffic?
- Determine essential services and/or operations.
- Consider remote work, skeleton staffing, or limited hours (if applicable).
- Develop a communications plan.
- Internal
- Employees off site
- Customers and partners
- Where do they live?
- Assess your ability to maintain operations during the eclipse time frame.
- Will you be able to maintain services at normal day-to-day levels?
- Ensure adequate fuel and supplies on site.
- Limit travel for employees and transporting goods/services.
- Will you be able to maintain services at normal day-to-day levels?
- Secure your site (people will be looking for anywhere to park and watch).
- Include: property, access, parking, restricted areas, enough space to maintain operations such as semi maneuverability.
- Attempt to identify what your neighbors are doing that may impact your facility and/or operations.
- But it’s not all serious…Have FUN with it! Remember this is a once in a lifetime event!
- Host an activity, event or viewing party (before & after)
- Ex. Space trivia, time capsule, memory book activity, art display/exhibition
- And encourage and accommodate people to ARRIVE EARLY and STAY LATE to avoid the traffic
- Temporarily rename items at your business for the eclipse or create a specialty menu
- Ex. Solar Sipper, Dark Sky Daiquiri, Lunar Lemon Bars, Moonlit Macarons
- Make eclipse-friendly signage on your property
- Ex. “Welcome Eclipse Visitors!” or a Solar Eclipse photo backdrop
- Host an activity, event or viewing party (before & after)
- Toledo’s partial eclipse begins at 1:56pm on April 8, 2024
- Total eclipse begins: 3:12pm
- Total eclipse lasts: 1 minute 54 seconds
- Toledo’s partial eclipse ends: 4:26pm
- Get your eclipse glasses early! Several of Toledo's attractions will have approved glasses for viewing the event safely.
- Visit toledoeclipse.org to learn more and check out the Featured Eclipse Events or have your own added.
This is an incredible opportunity for the Toledo Region. In South Carolina and Nebraska, the 2017 total solar eclipse was reported as the largest single tourism event on record, bringing hundreds of millions of business sales to those states as well as millions of travelers, many who said they would return again. There is no reason our region cannot see the same impressive results. And who knows, after they experience all of the great things our region has to offer, maybe the next time some of them return here it won’t be for just a long weekend, but to stay as our newest employees and residents. That kind of impact lasts much longer that 1 minute and 54 seconds!
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