Commerce Connects 8.21.23

Combined Charitable Campaign Kicks Off on August 22!

You're invited to the Combined Charitable Campaign (CCC) Kickoff event featuring your fellow state employees, representatives from management and labor, and Honorary Chair Paul Keels, play-by-play announcer for Ohio State football and basketball on the Ohio State Radio Network. The kickoff event will take place in the Rhodes Tower lobby from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday Aug. 22, with the presentation beginning at noon.

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I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream!

Have you heard? This year, all Commerce employees who attend the All-Staff event, Expedition Commerce: Embracing Our Journey, will receive a free ice cream sundae. It's true — free ice cream and a great day outside with coworkers.

Everything takes place on Sept. 13 at ODNR Park on the state fairgrounds in Columbus. Watch your inbox this week for more information!

Reminder - Northwest Field Staff Luncheon is Wednesday

If you are a field staff employee in the northwest region, don't forget, the Northwest Field Staff Appreciation Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 23 at the Middlegrounds Rotary Roundhouse Shelter at Middlegrounds Metropark at 111 Ottawa Street in Toledo beginning at 11:30 a.m.

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Reflection & Inspiration: 2023 Annual Report

The digital version of the 2023 Annual Report is now available on our website. Check it out to learn more about how Commerce and our divisions are working toward agency goals including leveraging technology and supporting first responders, businesses, and Ohioans each day. An abbreviated and stylistic print version is coming to a Commerce lobby near you! It will include a QR code that links to the digital version.

Celebrating Public Service

The Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing recently recognized Ohio Real Estate Appraiser Board member John Lynch for his service.

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Climbing the Ladder at Commerce

Congratulations to all the Department of Commerce Employees who were promoted during June and July!

Click here for a full list of promotions!

DOLC Shares Story Behind Popular Ohio Liquor Bottle Lottery

The Ohio Liquor Bottle Lottery is one of the most popular events around the state, whether at the Ohio State Fair, online, or at an OHLQ location.

Whether you're a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or new to the scene, there's something in this episode of Protecting What Matters for everyone!

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Teams Phone Rollout Continues

Migration to the Teams phone service continues for Department of Commerce this Thursday, Aug. 24!

Communications to users who will be migrated has started and will continue through the week. If you have any questions prior to the migration, please contact Wayne Ellyson, and check out the Getting Started Guide for Teams Phones here.

Webinar for New Safety Equipment Grant for Volunteer Fire Departments

The Ohio Volunteer Fire Service Task Force issued a report with several recommendations including the need for funding of turnout gear. Following this recommendation, the Bureau of Workers Compensation broadened eligibility for its Firefighter Exposure to Environmental Elements Grants to include emergency response "turnout" gear for local volunteer fire departments.

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Commerce Kudos

In a message to Superintendent Daphne Hawk, a real estate broker had high praise for Michelle Johnson, Kelly McGuire, and Katie Smith.

"Michelle, Kelly and Katie are always professional, courteous, and timely in helping me. In the field it can get cloudy with all the regulations, rules and systems we must deal with, and your staff always helps me maneuver through the mine field." Great job!

Music of the World Step Challenge- Earn $25

Training Wheels

Join the Music of the World statewide step challenge! Come travel the globe in search of music. Earn points with sambas in Rio, singalongs in Nashville and more adventures along the way! This is your chance to team up with colleagues to get active and start a little healthy competition.

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Here are this week's training resources! This week's resources focus on how to be more creative, reducing decision, and features The Decision Making Channel.

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Joke of the Week

What do you call a factory that makes okay products? A satisfactory

Have a joke? Send it to us here!

Miss an issue? View previous editions here!

Ohio Department of Commerce

77 S. High Street, 23^rd Floor

Columbus, Ohio 43215