Commerce Connects 3.25.24

IntraCOM Webinar Today at 1 p.m.

Now that you've had a chance to explore and experience the new IntraCOM, chances are you may still have some questions about this new resource. To help walk you through the IntraCOM and answer any questions you may have, we invite you to attend a special webinar with members of Commerce's communications team today at 1 p.m. on Microsoft Teams. To attend the webinar, simply click here prior to the event getting started.

AFFF Takeback Program Kickoff Event

Last week, Director Maxfield joined Governor DeWine and leadership from the Division of State Fire Marshal, Ohio EPA, and Battelle for a special kickoff event of the Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) Takeback Program. The program was developed to allow fire departments to safely and responsibly discard and destroy PFAS-containing foam, which is linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals.

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Securities Assists Legal Aid Society of Cleveland

Kudos to the Division of Securities for its recent work assisting the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, which represents a co-op that is considering raising money for the installation of solar panels in a low-income housing development. While the Division does not get many filings from co-ops, Program Administrator Tanez Jackson, after a meticulous search, found a relevant filing from years past to shed light on how other co-ops have structured securities offerings in the past.

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Guarding Your Wallet: Unmasking Financial Fraud and Identify Theft

Did you know Ohio is ranked 26th in the nation with $154 million in losses to Ohioans when it comes to financial fraud and scams? In the latest episode of Protecting What Matters, learn about the 2023 Federal Trade Commission Consumer Report that said consumers across the country lost an alarming $10 billion to frauds last year. This episode provides a variety of information and resources with the goal of providing consumers, like you, with tools essential to make smart financial decisions. Listen to Ohioans Protect Your Finances: Financial Fraud & Identify Theft by the Numbers here or on your favorite podcast platform. Review all consumer resources here.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Philip Miele, Assistant Division Counsel-Consumer Finance in the Division of Financial Institutions, who was recently appointed Chair of the IT Committee for the National Association of Consumer Credit Administrators.

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Commerce in the News

Check out Commerce in the News this week! Here are a few clips where Commerce was mentioned in the news around Ohio.

Interested in receiving the News Clips straight in your inbox? Email Katie Balderson to subscribe.

Kudos

Several Commerce employees have recently received kudos from satisfied customers. DIC Plans Examiner Alexandra Koepl, DIC Plumbing Inspector Supervisor Aaron Streng, DFI’s Kristy Meyers, and SFM’s Tiki Davis all received compliments after assisting their customers.

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Join the Wellness Challenge: Celebrations Around the World

Holidays and festivals are more than just parties; they’re meaningful, memorable ways to learn about a culture. In this challenge, you’ll stop by celebrations around the world from Brazil to Japan. Keep an open mind — this kind of adventure comes around once in a lifetime!

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Three Courses Available for Quarter Two!

Training Manager Robert Cooperman is pleased to offer three courses for the second quarter of 2024. All courses are from 10 a.m. to noon.

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Birthdays of the Week

It's the final week of March and several Commerce employees are celebrating a birthday. If you see them, be sure to wish them a happy birthday! Click here to see the birthdays of the week.

Joke of the Week

What do you call 5 ants that rent an apartment with another 5 ants? Tenants.

Have a joke? Send it to us here!

Miss an issue? View previous editions here!

Ohio Department of Commerce

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Columbus, Ohio 43215