The Toledo Chamber is excited to announce the recent hire of Ash Layman as our new events manager. In her new role, Ash will head up all of our events here at the Chamber. If you haven't yet met Ash, we look forward to introducing her formally at one of our upcoming events in 2022. Before then, however, we invite you to get to know Ash a little bit better through this Q&A. If you have any questions or would like to formally introduce yourself, please feel free to reach out to Ash Layman, events manager, at ash.layman@toledochamber.com. Enjoy! |
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am from the small town of Gibsonburg, Ohio. I studied art history at Terra State and received my Bachelor of Science degree from BGSU. I moved to Columbus after college and opened a new Anthropologie in the Short North Arts District. This is when I discovered my passion for getting involved in the community and helping local businesses. I moved back to Toledo in 2016 and became a part of the opening team at Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel. As the lead navigator and social media marketing manager, I helped add local flair to the property by incorporating art events, socials, chef’s table dinners and collaborated with local organizations to build programming at the hotel. From that role, I moved onto working for Destination Toledo, where I helped promote our region in many ways. I have experience bringing social influencers to our city to promote local businesses and attractions as well as creating dynamic events for members.
What brought you to the Chamber? What inspired you to pursue the job?
I have a passion for being a part of an organization that can positively impact our region, making it a better place for visitors, employees and local businesses. I moved back to Toledo when the development momentum was just starting, and now I’m excited to be a part of the big changes that are taking shape!
What do you hope to accomplish in your role at the Chamber?
I have a chance to create unique events for members, build relationships with community leaders and put a spotlight on some of our hidden gems. I look forward to working with the energetic team at the TRCC to create new networking and educational events for members so they feel supported and can grow and thrive in our community.
What is your proudest career achievement?
My proudest career achievement thus far was knowing that I played an important role in promoting Toledo to visitors in Scotland at the 2019 Solheim Cup. I nourished the relationships that I made with fans in Europe and had the opportunity to plan their trips to Northwest Ohio for the 2021 Solheim Cup Tournament that was hosted in Toledo. I was able to tell our story and get thousands of people to understand how amazing our community is. Witnessing them see it during Fan Fest was truly the most rewarding achievement.
And now some personal questions...
Tell us a fun fact about yourself, or tell us about a unique talent you have.
I received my bachelor’s degree in fashion design. I designed a line of clothing that was produced in Bulgaria my senior year of college. I love finding vintage dresses and repurposing them in my free time.
What is your favorite book or movie?
I love every Wes Anderson film ever created.
What is your favorite meal or food?
I will swim across oceans for instant mashed potatoes. When I’m not eating pouches of starch, I enjoy dinners at Kengo.
Tell us about some of your favorite hobbies or things you’re passionate about.
I absolutely love hiking with my two dogs, Penny (a youthful pointer) and Dolly Parton (an elderly Pomeranian/Chihuahua mix), painting, shopping at estate sales and cycling. I am passionate about the Toledo art scene; I volunteer with the Arts Commission and assist with partnership collaboration for Momentum, our local arts festival held in the fall.