Thank you to our Gold Premier Sponsors
Letter from the President/CEO
Happy New Year to all of our valued members! 
As we continue to navigate COVID and workforce challenges, please let us know if we can assist you or provide resources to help you keep your business strong during this unpredictable time. See more here
WELCOME TO OUR
NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS!
Thank you to our Holiday Mixer Sponsors

January 6, 2022 Coffee Networking has been canceled.
Help us welcome
Clean Express Auto Wash
January 11th 11am
33721 Vine Street
Eastlake, OH 44095
Resources and support
for our members
Laketran announces procurement opportunities for Chamber members
In January, Laketran will be accepting proposals for HVAC Maintenance Services and Plumbing Maintenance Services. RFPs can be downloaded here. All questions can be addressed to Andrea Aaby, Director of Compliance & Development at aaaby@laketran.com
Enter Laketran’s Design a Bus Wrap Student Art Contest
PHOTO: Olivia Indre, from Mentor High School, alongside her winning design from the 2021 Laketran Design a Bus Wrap contest winner.
Laketran’s Design a Bus Wrap student art contest is open for entry submittals.
 Middle school and high school students from Lake County are eligible to enter by submitting original artwork with a positive, environmentally friendly message. Participants are encouraged to create a design using the contest theme “Building a Greener Lake County” to promote public transit or ways to be environmentally responsible and care for Lake County’s outdoors.
 One student's winning design will be featured on a Dial-a-Ride bus wrap for six months and travel throughout the county. Entries are due Monday, January 31, 2022 and the bus wrap will be installed from March – July 2022.
 The contest is open to middle school and high school students from Lake County or students enrolled in a Lake County school, art school or homeschooled during the 2021-2022 school year.
 Learn more about the contest and prizes on the Laketran website, where you can also download the entry form and art templates.
 “We received over 75 entries last year and are excited to be able to offer this contest to our young Lake County artists again this year,” shared Laketran spokesperson Julia Schick. “Many transit systems incorporate public art into their transit properties or vehicles, because it’s a great way to share art in the community.”
 The 2021 art contest winners, along with 18 additional entries, are on display at the Frank J. Polivka transit center at Lakeland Community College that is open to the public Monday – Saturday.
Husted Announces Updated Top Jobs List
Business input increases by nearly 13 percent
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted, director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, today announced the launch of Ohio’s updated Top Jobs List. This list, which contains both In-Demand Jobs and Critical Jobs, is an online tool to help people take advantage of employment opportunities and reflects the current workforce needs of Ohio businesses and communities. It is created, in part, through feedback from Ohio’s business community, which increased by nearly 13 percent compared to the previous response rate. 
“There are many opportunities here in Ohio for those who are ready to begin their careers or are looking to learn something new,” said Governor DeWine. “Our updated Top Jobs List outlines the most in-demand and critical professions for 2022.”
“The Top Jobs and Critical Jobs lists are among the many resources available to Ohioans looking to get back into the workforce, further their career, or even change careers,” said Matt Damschroder, director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. “We encourage individuals to go to OhioMeansJobs.com or their local OhioMeansJobs center where they can explore career options, get training and resume-building help, and apply for jobs.”
Ohio’s Top Jobs List plays an important function as it directs 85 percent of federal job training funds offered through OhioMeansJobs Centers. Ohio currently has 88 centers across the state that offer a variety of services to job seekers including connecting them to job training, practice interview skills and help writing a resume.
View the updated list at TopJobs.Ohio.gov. To find your local OhioMeansJobs Center, visit OhioMeansJobs.Ohio.gov.
Husted Announces TechCred Results for October
Next Application Period Opens on January 3rd
Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, today announced the results of the October round of TechCred, which will provide the opportunity for Ohioans to earn 2,997 tech-focused credentials.
The next TechCred application period opens Monday, January 3rd and closes Monday, January 31st at 3:00 p.m. Businesses with employees who have completed their TechCred training should submit proof of credential completion to receive reimbursement at TechCred.Ohio.gov.
“TechCred helps businesses of all sizes upskill current and prospective employees with the tech skills they need to compete in today’s economy,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “As Ohio continues to create jobs faster than we can fill them, it is important that TechCred adapts to the needs of employers. We are implementing updates to the program that will streamline the process for businesses, helping more Ohioans learn new skills that can lead to a higher wage.”
The October round of TechCred marked the eleventh round of the program. Yesterday, Lt. Governor Husted announced that 252 Ohio employers were approved for funding, resulting in Ohio employees earning up to 2,997 technology-focused credentials. Businesses of all sizes are utilizing the program, with 93 new employers joining the program for the first time this round.
“TechCred is helping Ohio businesses upskill their workforce,” said Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Ohio Department of Development. “These credentials will ensure Ohio has the talent to compete in today’s tech-driven economy.”
With the approvals announced today, a total of 1,615 Ohio employers have been approved for funding, supporting the earning of 32,269 tech-focused credentials by Ohio employees.
Starting with the January round, the following updates have been implemented to provide additional flexibility for businesses:
  • Grant agreements will no longer be separate documents; they will be incorporated into the online application portal.
  • Training for approved credentials may start on or after the first day of the month immediately following the last application period. Training programs must still be completed in less than 12 months from the award date.
“The continued success of the TechCred program is a product of the continued need for the program,” said Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Randy Gardner. “Having nearly 100 new employers join for this latest round speaks well for the future of the program, the economy, and Ohio’s workforce.”
You can learn more about the program at TechCred.Ohio.gov.
Get An SBA-Backed Loan: Entrepreneurial
Webinar Series
Session 1: February 1, 2022: 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM ET
Get an SBA-Backed Loan! – Entrepreneurial Series:
Building a Business Plan
Session 2: February 15, 2022: 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM ET
Get an SBA-Backed Loan! – Entrepreneurial Series: The Importance of Personal and Business Credit
Session 3: March 1, 2022: 11:30 AM -- 12:15 PM ET
Get an SBA-Backed Loan! -- Entrepreneurial Series: The Importance of Financial Projections
Session 4: March 15, 2022: 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM ET
Get an SBA-Backed Loan! – Entrepreneurial Series:
 What is Capital?
Session 5: March 29, 2022: 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM ET
Get an SBA-Backed Loan! – Entrepreneur Series: Get Ready
Did you know that serving on a Chamber of Commerce committee is a great way to get more involved in the community and also get to know more members?
To sign up for any of these committees call 440-942-1634 or
Our Program Committee
needs you!

Help continue to bring engaging and resourceful programs and workshops for our chamber members to attend.
Public Affairs Committee
At this time, the WWLC Chamber of Commerce is seeking additional volunteers for our Public Affairs committee. This committee evaluates, reviews and in some cases takes action on bills and other initiatives that impact businesses. 
Scholarship
Committee
Volunteers meet once a quarter to manage the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce scholarship fund for businesses and students.
Golf Committee

Looking for golf lovers to join our fun golf outing committee for planning of the 2022 golf outing. 

Did you know that you can share these Chamber benefits with your employees?
Free Hot Deal Posting and other Free Benefits for Chamber Members
Promote your Deals
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special deals;
Fellow members may well be your best customers.
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 A strong workforce contributes to the success of our members and we want to assist! 
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Send us the name of a business that is not a Chamber member and if your referral becomes a member, you receive a free exclusive
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(value $75).