December 10, 2024

Meet our new EPIC Toledo Program Manager, Riley Runnells

Meet Riley Runnells, the Chamber's new EPIC Toledo Program Manager. Riley will direct the operations of EPIC Toledo, the young professional’s program of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Click the button below to learn more about Riley.

Why Supporting Small and Local Businesses Matters During the Holidays

Discover why supporting small and local businesses during the holidays is vital to our community.

In addition, find out how TRCC staff are spotlighting their favorite local gems to inspire your holiday shopping, dining and more!

Federal Court Issues Injunction Against CTA Enforcement

On December 3rd, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a national preliminary injunction against the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), on the grounds that the CTA falls outside the purview of Congress’ powers. This means that at this time no entity is required to comply with the CTA. However, if the preliminary injunction is overturned at any point in the future, compliance obligations with the CTA will resume. The CTA would have required all non-exempt companies to file a Beneficial Ownership Information Report (“BOIR” or “BOI Report”) by January 1, 2025 with the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”), disclosing certain information about the beneficial owners of the company. 

We will continue to provide developments on this front, and encourage you to consult with your legal counsel on compliance requirements. 

Important Changes to the Ohio Commercial Activity Tax

Big News for Small Business!

Effective January 1, 2025, the exclusion amount will double from $3 million to $6 million. This means that taxpayers with taxable gross receipts of $6 million or less per calendar year will no longer be subject to the CAT.

Act Now! – Quarterly taxpayers who anticipate having $6 million or less in taxable gross receipts in tax year 2025 may cancel their CAT account immediately. Simply cancel your CAT account by visiting gateway.ohio.gov and select CAT Cancel Account from the menu with an effective date of December 31, 2024.

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). The SBDC is staffed by certified full-time employees who offer no-cost one-on-one business consulting, complimentary seminars and training, assistance with small business loans and technical assistance. 

SCORE is a team of 10,000+ volunteers nationwide who share their talents and expertise with the small business community. Including:

a. Subject Matter Experts – who have focused expertise to co-mentor alongside one of SCORE’s certified mentors

- typical skills include legal, accounting, human resources, intellectual property, marketing, building a brand, eCommerce, buying/selling a business, etc.)

b. Mentors – who have general business knowledge including entrepreneurial, operational, and multi-functional skills (sales, marketing, manufacturing, starting a business, strategic planning, etc.).

If you’re looking for a way to give back, make a difference, and be a leader in the community, join SCORE.  While some of the SCORE volunteers are retired, other current volunteers are still working full-time or part-time. You can volunteer as little as 1 hour/month or up to 20 hours/ month.

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

Showcase Your Business With TRCC's 2025 Sponsorship Opportunities 

Are you looking to enhance your company’s visibility and connect with key business leaders in our community? Sponsoring events hosted by the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is a strategic way to elevate your brand and reach your target audience effectively.

By aligning your company with the Chamber’s mission, you’re not only boosting your brand—you’re actively contributing to the economic growth and vitality of our region.

Ready to make an impact? Check out the 2025 Sponsorship Opportunities below and then reach out to Signature Events Manager, Hannah Bohn, at hannah.bohn@toledochamber.com.

Clarity Based Leadership™ Certificate Program

Designed to prepare your leaders of tomorrow by equipping your high-potential employees with the skills and confidence they need to lead with clarity and purpose.

• 11-months, hybrid learning for maximum flexibility
• Tailored specifically to the needs of emerging leaders
• Led by IN2GREAT experts

NEW START Date: Classes start January 14, 2025

Time: half in-person* & half virtual

Location*: 300 Madison Ave., Rm. 813

Cost: $3,499 pp

Transitioning to Supervisor: Frontline Leadership Essentials Certificate

Next class forming now!

Designed for first-time leaders navigating the transition from peer to supervisor. Over the course of 2-days, IN2GREAT experts will arm your new managers with the skills they need to succeed.

• Effective Communication
• Conflict Resolution
• Building Trust & Credibility
• Giving and Receiving Feedback
• and MORE!

Date: January 27 & 28, 2025

Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location: 300 Madison Ave., Rm. 813

Cost: $750 pp

2025 Focus on Business, presented by KeyBank

January 15, 2025, February 19, 2025 and March 19, 2025 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. |

Toledo Museum of Art GlasSalon

January Keynote Speaker: Judd Silverman - the Greater Toledo Classic tournament hosted by Stacy Lewis

Save the Dates! Focus on Business, presented by KeyBank, will return in 2025 on January 15th, February 19th and March 19th. In January, Judd Silverman will present on the inaugural Greater Toledo Classic tournament being hosted next summer by Toledo native and LPGA veteran, Stacy Lewis.

Thank you, Presenting sponsor KeyBank, Gold Plus Sponsor Eastman & Smith, Bronze Sponsor Clark Schaefer Hackett, Student Attendee Sponsor Penta Career Center, Venue Sponsor Toledo Museum of Art, and Program Partners Regional Growth Partnership and Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority for your support of the 2024 season. If you are interested in becoming a series sponsor, please reach out to hannah.bohn@toledochamber.com.

Institute for Leadership & Advocacy

Mondays, January 27 - April 14, 2025 | 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. | 300 Madison Ave., Rms. 807-809

We believe that effective leadership in the public and private sectors is as important as ever. Leaders must have a strong foundation and the tools necessary to adapt to constant changes and support resilient organizations. The Institute for Leadership & Advocacy is a professional development program designed to help build and strengthen the foundation of our region’s leaders to work with public officials and impact our communities. Discussions are led by highly experienced professionals and regional leaders. 

"The Institute for Leadership & Advocacy provided a unique blend of leadership development and insights into public service. This program would be instrumental for those northwest Ohioans, early in their careers, as it can expand the understanding of complex issues facing our communities and equipping people with skills and knowledge to become a more effective leader.” - Rosanna V. Hoelzle, Chief of Staff, TMACOG – 2024 graduate

Morning Access presented by Buckeye Broadband

February 7, 2025 | 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. | The Toledo Club

Because access matters, this morning event is an opportunity for Chamber members to meet and network with the region’s elected officials from various communities and offices in Lucas, Wood, and Fulton counties. The networking-only, "no-speeches" format provides a great opportunity for Chamber members to ask questions and seek answers from the invited elected officials.

Mark Your Calendar for our 2025 Events

Our 2024 events are coming to a close, but there are plenty of opportunities already planned in 2025 to make connections, learn from one another and foster relationships that build strong businesses and communities. Check out the 2025 event calendar below. 

CHECK OUT OUR MEMBER2MEMBER OFFERS HERE

CHECK OUT OUR NEWSROOM HERE

Ribbon Cutting - Raising Cane's

December 17, 2024 | 8:30 a.m. | 5150 Monroe St.

Join us as we celebrate the Grand Opening of Raising Cane's at 5150 Monroe St. and register for a chance to be one of 20 to win free Cane's for a year! Entry period from 7:30 to 8:30 am with winner drawn shortly after (must be 13 years or older and present to win.)