 | Nearly 600 business and community leaders gathered at the Glass City Center for the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, presented by Fifth Third Bank, to celebrate progress across the Toledo region and look ahead to what comes next. Framed by the theme “Celebrating 250 Years of American Opportunity and a Bold Vision for Tomorrow,” this year’s event highlighted the power of partnership in driving economic growth, strengthening the workforce, and creating opportunity throughout the region. |
A Year of Progress, Powered by Partnership
In her remarks, President & CEO Wendy Gramza reflected on the momentum built over the past year—from major infrastructure investments like the I-475/20A interchange to continued alignment across workforce, education, and business partners through initiatives such as the Northwest Ohio Manufacturing Alliance and EPIC Toledo.
Across every area of work--advocacy, talent and workforce, business development, and member success—one message was clear: progress in the Toledo region happens when leaders come together with purpose.
In her remarks, President & CEO Wendy Gramza reflected on the momentum built over the past year—from major infrastructure investments like the I-475/20A interchange to continued alignment across workforce, education, and business partners through initiatives such as the Northwest Ohio Manufacturing Alliance and EPIC Toledo.
Across every area of work--advocacy, talent and workforce, business development, and member success—one message was clear: progress in the Toledo region happens when leaders come together with purpose.
Introducing the Inaugural Impact Awards
A highlight of this year’s Annual Meeting was the introduction of the Chamber’s Impact Awards, recognizing the individuals, businesses, and organizations that help turn strategy into action and vision into measurable results.
2026 Impact Award Winners:
Advocate Award: Tim Greenwood, Spengler Nathanson
Workforce Partner Award: Bowling Green State University Center for Regional Development
EPIC Impact Award: Madison Decator, Signature Bank
New Member Award: Dana-Renee Fuhrhop, Gluckle Insurance
Entrepreneurship Excellence Award (MBAC): LeQuan McKitric
Entrepreneurship Excellence Award (SBDC): Brian Epstein, FirstLight Home Care
These honorees represent what’s possible when leadership, collaboration, and commitment come together to move a region forward.
A highlight of this year’s Annual Meeting was the introduction of the Chamber’s Impact Awards, recognizing the individuals, businesses, and organizations that help turn strategy into action and vision into measurable results.
2026 Impact Award Winners:
Advocate Award: Tim Greenwood, Spengler Nathanson
Workforce Partner Award: Bowling Green State University Center for Regional Development
EPIC Impact Award: Madison Decator, Signature Bank
New Member Award: Dana-Renee Fuhrhop, Gluckle Insurance
Entrepreneurship Excellence Award (MBAC): LeQuan McKitric
Entrepreneurship Excellence Award (SBDC): Brian Epstein, FirstLight Home Care
These honorees represent what’s possible when leadership, collaboration, and commitment come together to move a region forward.
A Dynamic Keynote Conversation on Leadership and Partnership
The program concluded with a powerful keynote conversation featuring Eddie George and Tamara Antrice Johnson-George (TAJ), moderated by Wendy Gramza.
Together, they shared insights on leadership, resilience, communication, and the importance of building strong cultures—both in organizations and in life. Their conversation reinforced a central theme of the day: that success is built through discipline, teamwork, and a shared vision for the future.
The program concluded with a powerful keynote conversation featuring Eddie George and Tamara Antrice Johnson-George (TAJ), moderated by Wendy Gramza.
Together, they shared insights on leadership, resilience, communication, and the importance of building strong cultures—both in organizations and in life. Their conversation reinforced a central theme of the day: that success is built through discipline, teamwork, and a shared vision for the future.
Connections That Drive Impact
Following the program, attendees continued the conversation at a vibrant networking reception, sponsored by Rudolph Libbe Group, connecting with fellow business and community leaders, strengthening relationships, and building new opportunities for collaboration across the region.
A delicious buffet was provided by Hollywood Casino - Toledo, featuring their restaurants Shobu by Kengo and Regalo.
Following the program, attendees continued the conversation at a vibrant networking reception, sponsored by Rudolph Libbe Group, connecting with fellow business and community leaders, strengthening relationships, and building new opportunities for collaboration across the region.
A delicious buffet was provided by Hollywood Casino - Toledo, featuring their restaurants Shobu by Kengo and Regalo.
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Looking Ahead
As the Toledo region continues to build on its momentum, the Annual Meeting served as both a reflection point and a call to action—reminding attendees that the next chapter of our region’s story will be written through continued collaboration, innovation, and leadership. If you are interested in learning more about how you can become more involved, please reach out to Jeff Lonsbrough, VP of Membership Sales & Engagement at [email protected].
Thank you to all who attended, and to our sponsors, partners, and members who make this work possible every day.
As the Toledo region continues to build on its momentum, the Annual Meeting served as both a reflection point and a call to action—reminding attendees that the next chapter of our region’s story will be written through continued collaboration, innovation, and leadership. If you are interested in learning more about how you can become more involved, please reach out to Jeff Lonsbrough, VP of Membership Sales & Engagement at [email protected].
Thank you to all who attended, and to our sponsors, partners, and members who make this work possible every day.
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