​By: Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

​At the regular meeting of Toledo City Council today at 4:00 p.m., action is expected on Ordinances 39-19 and 40-19 which would authorize easements to facilitate development of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.’s hot briquetted iron production facility. First reading is expected on 39-19 which would allow Generations Pipeline, LLC to install a 16-inch subsurface natural gas pipeline through a portion of the Collins Park Water Treatment Facility property. Council is expected to vote on 40-19 which would allow IronUnits LLC to install a rail line and conveyor system across and in the vicinity of Front Street.

​As a current participant or past graduate of the Institute for Leadership & Advocacy, service on a public sector board or commission is an excellent way to involve yourself in the local government decision-making process. These bodies exist for different functions and consist of local leaders who use their expertise to make or inform decisions that impact the community. 

​Join members of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce for Morning Access presented by AT&T, an opportunity to network and connect with elected officials about the issues that are important to you, or your organization, in a no-presentations setting. Those that will be in attendance include state legislators, county commissioners, mayors, council members and other elected officials. Morning Access is part of the Chamber’s effort to foster economic growth and prosperity and make the region a preferred place for diverse talent and innovation.

​​​Five Questions With is a regular feature of the Institute for Leadership & Advocacy newsletter that profiles a notable past graduate of the program. The purpose is to share a personal account of an Institute alum who is working to improve their community in a public service role. In this issue we feature 2002 Institute graduate Bob Mack. Mr. Mack serves as a Trustee on the Perrysburg Township Board of Trustees and is a Principal at real estate firm Signature Associates.

By: Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

​The 18th edition of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce’s public service leadership program kicked-off on January 14. Not unlike prior years, the 2019 class represents a great cross-section of individuals with diverse career backgrounds who seek to improve the region and advance their own professional goals. 

​Council Member Spotlight
 
Jennifer Zalecki is the newest addition of the Small Business Advisory Council, having been appointed in 2018. She is the President/CEO/Owner of Battery Wholesale, a specialty retail chain operating in Northwest Ohio and Southwest Michigan since 1983. The family-owned business operates seven locations, including retail stores, two warehouses, a battery build shop, and a business-to-business sales division. Zalecki enriches the Council with her experience of managing all aspects of the day-to-day operations of her consumer-facing business.
 
Relatively new to service in professional business organizations, Zalecki is eager to learn about the issues that affect Ohio businesses and give back to her community. In addition to the Council, she also serves on the Boards of the Toledo Area Small Business Association, ProMedica Physicians and Continuum Services, and the Stone Oak Homeowners Association.

This story was originally posted in the CSI Week in Review. For more information on the Common sense Initiative, please visit their website. 

By: Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

At its regular meeting at 4:00 p.m. today, Toledo City Council is expected to vote on Ordinance 524-18, Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz’s proposed $267,953,900 operating budget for 2019. The proposal includes a $7.8 million transfer from the Capital Improvement Program fund to pay for general operating expenses. Income taxes, which make up the majority of the city’s revenue, are estimated by the Administration to generate a record $185.1 million for 2019. Amendments to the ordinance are likely to be offered.​

​By: Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

At its regular meeting at 4:00 p.m. today, Toledo City Council is expected to vote on Ordinance 486-18 which would appropriate $856,324 from the Capital Improvement Program fund for the District Improvement Program. A vote on the ordinance was delayed at Council’s last voting session two weeks ago. The funds were appropriated previously for projects which have been or are already completed and will be available for improvement projects in the council districts where the previously funded projects occurred. Two proposed amendments are expected to be considered. One would instead designate the funding for a city parks rebranding initiative, and the other would designate it for rebuilding or resurfacing residential streets in 2019.

2019 marks the 125th year since our organization became a Chamber of Commerce. There were precursor organizations…the Citizens Board of Trade which existed from 1888 to 1892 was replaced by the Toledo Manufacturers Association in 1893 which merged into the Toledo Chamber of Commerce in 1894.

The Chamber’s first president was John S. Craig (pictured left), owner of a shipbuilding company. There were 392 members after a year and dues were $10. Office hours were six days a week and any employee accepting a tip was subject to immediate dismissal. Toledo had 95 miles of streetcar tracks and five daily newspapers. And while things have certainly changed in the last 125 years, there are still many elements of today’s Chamber deeply rooted in our history.

​By: Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

​At its regular meeting at 4:00 p.m. today, Toledo City Council is expected to vote on Ordinance 501-18 which would approve a $50,000 contribution for a talent alignment strategy study being led by the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce. The study will analyze the availability of talent and 21st Century skills in the Toledo region to ensure education and workforce efforts are aligned with the economy. This evaluation will allow the development of strategies to better fill the needs of the region’s talent pipeline. Partners in the initiative include Lucas County, the Wood County Economic Development Commission, the Fulton County Economic Development Corporation, The University of Toledo, Bowling Green State University, the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, and the Toledo Community Foundation.