Key IssuesThe Chamber works on your behalf to bring you the latest issues and pending legislation that may impact your business.
Route 23 Connect A top transportation priority for the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is improving the route between Toledo and Columbus. Anyone who has traveled to or from Columbus along Route 23 knows the of the congestion and often frustration (captured in the video below) through Delaware County. Read our latest updates here. Fortunately, Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) are supportive of a study, known as Route 23 Connect, underway to identify potential solutions to the problem. The inefficiencies that exist today can have a significant economic impact on the Toledo region, especially for those involved in transportation and logistics or manufacturing. That problem is only expected to get worse as dramatic growth is expected in central Ohio over the next two decades.
The current situation between Toledo and Columbus is problematic, primarily through Delaware County. It is expected to only get worse in the coming years. A number of projects underway or recently announced will likely have a significant impact on the flow of traffic between the Toledo region a central Ohio. The opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge is expected to dramatically increase the commercial traffic between Canada and the United States. This is demonstrated by the fact that there are nearly 300 Canadian-owned businesses operating in Ohio and that Ohio sells more goods to Canada than to its next eight largest foreign markets combined. Research by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission projects that over the next 20 years, central Ohio is expected to grow by 1.2 million households and 1.5 million jobs. The recent announcement of Intel locating in Licking County creating at least 3,000 jobs is clear evidence of this expected growth. This growth will place additional stress on the region’s transportation infrastructure, causing increased congestion and delays. The anticipated extension of the I-73/I-74 corridor into Ohio will further enhance the connection of Toledo to markets in the southeastern United States. Increased access to these markets can help create additional opportunities for the manufacturing and logistics industry in northwest Ohio. It must be a priority for Ohio to make the long-term decisions to improve the flow of traffic that benefits commerce as well as the residents of the area. While costs associated with a solution must be a consideration, the least expensive option may not be in the best interest of the region’s future. More information about the study is available on the Route 23 Connect website. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Military Affairs/180th Fighter Wing
Supporting those who defend us, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce has taken the lead in working with the various military units and support organizations in the region. Through the Military Affairs Committee, military units and support organizations meet on a regular basis to explore the needs of the units and service members. In addition to providing their vital national security role, the units and their members have a tremendous economic impact on the region. For example, the Ohio Air National Guard’s 180th Fighter Wing, based at Toledo Express Airport, alone has an impact more than $100M annually. During the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round, the Chamber spearheaded the efforts to retain the 180th in Toledo. Due to the efforts of the Chamber and the community the 180th was not only retained, it increased the number of aircraft and now provides a critical homeland security mission. Whether it is helping to connect servicemen and women with the services they need or helping to bring the latest F-35 aircraft to the region, the Chamber is committed to working with and enhancing all of the units in the region. Redesigning Ohio Ohio’s eight metropolitan chambers of commerce and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce joined together to produce this report. It offers a road map for long-term, transformational change as well as meaningful recommendations for tackling the state's current fiscal crisis. This report includes an analysis of Ohio's existing economic situation, a review of best practices from other states and recommendations that range from the way our state budget is developed to specific productivity improvements. The report was recently recognized by the Harvard Kennedy School for Operational Excellence in Government. Redesigning Ohio - Full Report Other Resources* US Chamber of Commerce Ohio Chamber of Commerce *The views and opinions expressed in these resources are those of the organizations and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce. Past Initiatives Municipal Income Tax Reform Law Provisions passed in House Bill 5, the municipal income tax reform law, went into effect this year. Municipalities are currently amending existing income tax codes to incorporate the new law’s provisions, and your business should be prepping now too in order to be ready by year end. Click HERE for a more in-depth look at the changes that may impact your business. |
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