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Chamber-versary Spotlight: Sara Swisher
Thirteen Years of Building Talent, Strengthening Connections, and Shaping the Region’s Future
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This year, we proudly celebrate Sara Swisher, Vice President of Talent & Workforce, on her 13-year Chamber-versary with the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Since joining the Chamber in 2013, Sara has helped shape how the organization supports one of the most critical issues facing businesses today — talent. Through her leadership, the Chamber has expanded its role from program provider to strategic partner, aligning employers, educators, and community leaders around long-term workforce solutions.
| | Protect What You’ve Built: Why Intellectual Property Matters for Your Business | | | | |
Innovation is at the heart of every successful business—but without the right protections in place, your ideas, products, and brand identity can be at risk.
As part of National Small Business Week, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Ohio Small Business Development Center to bring this critical conversation to Northwest Ohio. Learn more about why you should attend.
| | Celebrating Growth, Strategy, and Success: The Art of Scale Up Cohort 6 Graduates | | | | |
Last week, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated the graduation of our 6th The Art of Scale Up cohort—a dynamic group of entrepreneurs who have committed to growing their businesses with intention, strategy, and confidence.
Hosted through the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC), The Art of Scale Up is more than a class—it’s a transformational experience designed for business owners who are ready to move beyond day-to-day operations and into sustainable, strategic growth.
| | Before You Vote: A Quick Look at Lucas County Levies | | | | |
The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce gathers information regarding levies each year, providing members with the information about them needed to make informed voting decisions.
The primary election will take place on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
These two levies will appear on the ballot in Lucas County.
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Make Your Interns’ Summer Memorable - Enroll them in Summer in the City
presented by Owens Corning
8-weeks, June & July 2026
| | | | Your interns are here for the summer, but what if they left as lifelong advocates for your company and the Toledo Region? The Toledo Regional Chamber’s Summer in the City program presented by Owens Corning connects interns to the people, places, and energy that make this region thrive. | | From one-of-a-kind experiences to meaningful networking and professional development, participants build stronger connections, expand their professional circles, and see why Toledo is a place to launch a career - not just spend a summer. Invest in an experience that boosts retention, enhances your employer brand, and gives your interns a reason to stay. | |
Capitol Conversations
presented by the Regional Growth Partnership/JobsOhio
May 12, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
The Athletic Club of Columbus
| | | | From the Toledo Region to the Ohio Statehouse – position yourself at the heart of the policy ecosystem that affects workforce, taxation, regulations and infrastructure. Gain access to legislators and decision-makers you might rarely reach otherwise and help maintain the region’s influence, sustain advocacy efforts, and support policies that benefit our business community. | | |
It is critical now more than ever that the Toledo region unifies to send a message to leaders in Columbus. Legislators and agency leaders alike must understand our region’s priorities and the critical need to work together to achieve success. Our region is strong, and these leaders must be shown what we bring to the table to the benefit of our entire state.
Your voice will make a difference in accurately representing the region and ensuring that our challenges and opportunities get the attention they deserve. Join us in Columbus. Make a difference.
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Help Your Team Grow—Without Losing Them
Join Us for an Informational Session on the Lucas County Benefit Bridge Pilot Program
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Join fellow Chamber members for a brief informational session on the Lucas County Benefit Bridge Pilot Program—an initiative designed to help employers retain skilled workers facing the “benefits cliff.”
Learn how this program can strengthen your workforce, reduce turnover, and support long-term employee success.
| | Through an 18-month support model, the program helps employees transition off public benefits while increasing their earnings—so they can accept raises and promotions without immediate financial hardship. | | |
To register for one of our upcoming sessions, please email gabrielle.huff@toledochamber.com and RSVP for one of the options below:
- South Toledo – Monday, May 4, 3:00pm, Area Office on Aging
- University Area – Wednesday, May 20, 3:00pm, Harbor (Shared Services Building)
- River East – Thursday, May 21, 1:00pm, Glass City Enrichment Center
- North – Thursday, May 28, 3:00pm, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
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Small Business Week Events | | |
Powering Progress:
Celebrating National Small Business Week in Toledo
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Celebrate National Small Business Week with the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce through a week of special events and programs designed to support and connect entrepreneurs across our region. Established by the U.S. Small Business Administration, this national celebration recognizes the critical role small businesses play in driving innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening communities across the country.
From networking at Grounds for Discussion to hands-on learning through SBDC and MBAC workshops, each event offers practical tools and valuable connections to help your business grow. Join us May 4th through 8th as we champion small business success and the impact it drives in our local economy.
Check out the events below!
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Small Business Week Events | | |
Grounds for Discussion
presented by NAMI Greater Toledo
May 5, 2026 | 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Davis University |200 North St. Clair St., Toledo
| | No-cost to attend, but registration is required. | | This no-cost, casual, monthly morning gathering is designed to spark conversations, expand your network, and help you build relationships that strengthen your business. Over coffee and open dialogue, you’ll meet new peers, exchange ideas, and walk away with connections that matter. | |
The Three Pillars for Scaling Your Business
presented by the Minority Business Assistance Center
May 5, 2026 | noon - 1:30 p.m.
Main Branch Library, Fred McDonald Room|325 N Michigan St., Toledo
| | No-cost to attend, but registration is required. | | Are you ready to move beyond survival and into strategic growth and scalability for your business? This accelerated program equips business owners with the clarity, structure, and actionable tools needed to strengthen operations, increase revenue, and position their business for long-term success. | |
Business Blueprint
presented by the Small Business Development Center
May 6, 2026 | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Main Branch Library, Fred McDonald Room|325 N Michigan St., Toledo
| | No-cost to attend, but registration is required. | | The Toledo SBDC Business Blueprint class is tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs who need guidance in launching their business. This interactive session offers a clear overview of critical startup steps including how to create a business plan, navigate licensing and local regulations, and develop effective marketing strategies. It also covers essential financial topics such as understanding financial statements, managing cash flow, preparing for funding opportunities, and identifying valuable business resources to support long-term success. | |
Protecting Intellectual Property for Small Business
presented by the US Patent and Trademark Office & Ohio SBDC
May 7, 2026 | 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Davis University |200 North St. Clair St.., Toledo
| | No-cost to attend, but registration is required. | | |
Learn about protecting your intellectual property as you move from idea to marketplace.
Join the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Ohio Small Business Development Center (Ohio SBDC) at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce for a special event celebrating National Small Business Week 2026.
| | This event features expert presentations from Michael Tolson, Toledo SBDC Director and Vice President, Small Business Services at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce; Marilyn Nash, Interim Assistant Regional Director and Regional Outreach Officer with the USPTO Midwest Elijah J. McCoy Regional Outreach Office. Experts, including patent and trademark attorneys, lenders and APEX Accelerator, will also be onsite to discuss legal considerations, business planning, and funding resources for small businesses and start-ups. | |
AI and Small Business
May 8, 2026 | 11:00 - 1:30 p.m.
online webinar
| | No-cost to attend, but registration is required. | | |
Artificial Intelligence is transforming how small businesses operate, but only when used correctly.
Join us for a focused 90-minute overview where the Toledo SBDC will share best practices, practical tips, and responsible approaches to integrating AI into your daily operations.
Whether you're just getting started with AI or looking to use it more effectively, this session will give you clear guidance and confidence to move forward.
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Transitioning to Supervisor: Frontline Leadership Essentials
May 18 & 19, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. - noon
300 Madison Ave., Toledo | Rms. 807-809
| | | | With Transitioning to Supervisor: Frontline Leadership Essentials, you can equip your new supervisors with the tools they need to succeed, reducing the likelihood of costly leadership failures. In just two half-days of focused, expert-led training from In2Great, your supervisors will learn how to manage conflict, set expectations, build trust and navigate the shift from peer to leader. Give your new and emerging leaders the skills and mindset they need to lead confidently - improving communication, strengthening culture and reducing turnover. | | |
Looking to Promote Your Business?
| | America 250 – Business Spotlight Opportunity | | |
If your business would like to be featured in this historic community celebration, contact: iharrison@buckeyebroadband.com
See spotlight examples here.
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America’s 250th anniversary is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone marking a quarter-millennium of freedom, innovation, and community.
In that spirit, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Buckeye Broadband to present a spotlight series of local businesses that are at the heart of our region’s economy.
Participating businesses will receive a professionally produced video feature and year-long patriotic exposure across television, streaming, and social platforms as part of the “Celebrate 250: Local Pride. National Spirit.” campaign.
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300 Madison Ave., Ste. 200 • (419) 243-8191
www.toledochamber.com
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