September 8, 2026

TRCC Announces Promotions within Minority Business Services

Sabrina Easterwood, CBA® has been promoted to VP, Minority Business Services and Director of the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC). In this role, she will lead the Chamber’s minority business services team and oversee programs, counseling and resources designed to help minority-owned businesses scale and succeed. Sabrina started at the Chamber in 2012 in the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and became a Financial Counselor with the MBAC in 2023.

Justin Leahey, CBA® has been promoted for the second time this year, moving into Sabrina's former role as the MBAC Financial Counselor. Justin will provide entrepreneurs and business owners with individualized guidance related to financial management, planning and long-term business sustainability.

To learn more about MBAC services, please click on the button below to reach out to a member of the team...or to just say "Congratulations!"

Become a SCORE Counselor

SCORE is looking for experienced business people who are interested in volunteering as counselors for America’s small businesses.

Like the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, SCORE is also sponsored by the US Small Business Administration (SBA). SCORE is a team of 10,000+ volunteers nationwide who share their talents and expertise with the small business community. 



If you are interested in volunteering with SCORE, please send an email to Mike.Messmer@scorevolunteer.org or click below to learn more.

NEXT WEEK! Focus on Business Member Lunch

presented by KeyBank

September 16, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion| 2444 Monroe St., Toledo

The Focus on Business Member Lunch series, presented by KeyBank, returns this month. Join fellow business leaders for a fast-paced, high-impact lunch that keeps you informed and connected.

Join us to hear from Keynote Speaker Dr. Ray Bignall, Chief Health Equity Officer at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Plus receive an update on the 2027 U.S. Women's Open Championship at Inverness Club from the USGA Team.  

How to get an SBA loan for your business

Presented by the Toledo SBDC & SBA

September 24, 2026 | 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Maumee Branch Library |501 River Rd., Maumee 

New or existing business owners: Want to learn how to successfully access SBA loans? The SBA loan process starts earlier than most people think. A solid preparation makes all the difference.

Whether you need working capital, funds for a franchise, business acquisition, real estate, equipment, refinancing, or leasehold improvements, this session will help you get ready.

Come with your project in mind!

Pizza & Politics

The Power Panel

September 30, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.

300 Madison Ave., 8th Floor Conference Rooms 807/809

Connect with like-minded business leaders and community members to discuss issues important to the Toledo region over a slice of pie.

Join us for Pizza & Politics: The Power Panel, a lunchtime conversation exploring the region's energy landscape and the technologies that power it. 

Northwest Ohio Manufacturing Alliance (NOMA) - Manufacturing Day

@ Toledo Technology Academy of Engineering (TTA)

October 2, 2026 | 8:15 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

3301 Upton Ave., Toledo

Last day to register is 9/26/2026

Manufacturing Day helps show the reality of modern manufacturing careers to students, parents, teachers and community leaders. This no-cost event for members of the Toledo Chamber and NOMA allows educators & manufacturers to connect with over 350 TTA students.

It is requested that employers provide an industry prototype or hands-on activity to educate students on what your company produces. For our older students, please have information available about open positions, internship opportunities, or career pathways at your company. Each employer will be supplied with a 6-foot exhibit table for set up, and access to electricity if indicated.

Grounds for Discussion

presented by NAMI Greater Toledo

October 6, 2026 | 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.

424 Degrees LLC| 407 Washington St. Ste. 300., Toledo

Make your morning coffee run an opportunity to meet and connect with other local professionals, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships. Grounds for Discussion is a no-cost, casual morning networking opportunity, and all are welcome. Bring along a friend or colleague!

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.

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.

9.23.26 - U.S. Small Business Administration Regulatory Reform Roundtable, Toledo - The Office of the National Ombudsman wants to hear directly from small business owners about what they've been dealing with from federal regulators, in their own words. Hearing will cover: the Clean Water Act and nutrient-runoff enforcement in the Lake Erie watershed, USDA conservation-program compliance and inspections, and workplace-safety and air-permitting enforcement at shipyards and marine repair facilities. Registration is required. This hearing is closed to the press.

9.25 - IMPACT 2026. Care for Kids’ giving back conference.

9.30 - Shumaker Labor & Employment Law Seminar: An Update on Labor & Employment Trending Topics

MEMBER NEWS

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Please consider taking this survey about transportation, housing, and employment sponsored by Lake Erie West Regional Council (formerly TMACOG). As a thank you for your time, there’s a drawing for two $100 gift cards per county. It should take about 8 minutes. Your input about your commute to work, housing situation and how these impact your decisions are incredibly important to aid in future planning.