October 7, 2025

Advocacy in Action: Progress Continues on Improving Connectivity Between Northwest and Central Ohio

The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is encouraged by the report that was released October 1st by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) on the potential highway connection between US23 and Interstate 71.

​A key takeaway in the report finds that a US23 to I-71 connector along or near the Delaware/Marion/Morrow County line would offer the greatest benefit, while reducing the potential impacts and cost. As options continue to be refined, several show that more than a hour round trip could be saved with a more direct connection based on estimates.

NEXT WEEK - Institute for Leadership & Advocacy - Redesigned!

October 10 and/or 17, 2025 | 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |

Choose either day or both!

For over two decades, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Leadership & Advocacy (Institute) has equipped emerging leaders across the region with the tools to succeed in public service and beyond. But, as our business and political environments continue to shift, so must the way we prepare tomorrow’s leaders.

That’s why, for 2025, the Institute is undergoing a major transformation—one that reflects the real-world demands of leadership today and offers a more flexible, focused, and impactful experience for participants.

Spots are limited! Register today!

Questions? Or not sure if the Institute program is right for you? Reach out to Gabrielle Huff, Local Government Affairs Manager, at gabrielle.huff@toledochamber.com

The Leadership Fund Announces Endorsements for City of Toledo Mayor and Toledo Public School Board

The Leadership Fund has voted to endorse: 

Mayor, City of Toledo

Wade Kapszukiewicz

Toledo Public School Board

Bob Vasquez

Chris Varwig

The Leadership Fund, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce's political action committee, was formed in 2001. The purpose is to promote candidates in Toledo and its surrounding communities who understand and work to preserve a pro-business climate in our region. 

Learn more about TRCC positions and candidates endorsed by The Leadership Fund below:

Early In-Person Voting and Absentee Voting By Mail for the November 4th General Election begins today, October 7th.

More information can be found on the Ohio Secretary of State's website

Small business owners, take 12 minutes to describe your past year

The Federal Reserve’s 2025 Small Business Credit Survey is now open, and the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is a partner in this effort. Owners and key financial decisionmakers of for-profit businesses, share your recent experiences about whether and how you use debt, what financial conditions you face, and more.

Focus on Business

presented by KeyBank

NEW DATE! October 29, 2025 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 a.m. |

Toledo Museum of Art GlasSalon, Toledo

The Focus on Business Lunch, presented by KeyBank, fall series continues on October 29th. Join us to be “in-the-know” about the people, trends, innovations, and developments that are driving our region, in addition to receiving updates from the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, Regional Growth Partnership and Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority.

Guests of the October 29 Focus on Business Lunch will hear from the new President of the University of Toledo, Dr. James Holloway. Dr. Holloway began his tenure on July 15, 2025.

A nuclear engineer, Holloway’s career has been a mix of research, teaching, administration and global work, including in India, Ethiopia and Ghana. Throughout his career, he has championed inclusive excellence, expanded research capacity and fostered civic partnerships.

Lagers & Legislators: A Post-Election Reception

presented by Buckeye Broadband

November 6, 2025 | 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. |

Host Sponsor: Maumee Bay Brew Pub Warehouse, 201 Morris St., Toledo

The commercials are over and the yard signs taken down, now the real work begins. Your voice matters, and those currently in office, newly elected, and re-elected to local office, need to hear from, and understand the needs of our region's businesses. So, grab a pint and let's get the conversation started!

EPIC Toledo Leadership Summit

November 7, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 a.m. |

Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel

The 2025 EPIC Toledo Leadership Summit will explore the importance of personal development to aid in professional leadership development, getting to the root of what makes a great person behind a great leader. 

Grounds for Discussion

November 12, 2025 | 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. |

The Danberry Company - 2109 Preston Pkwy Suite A, Perrysburg

No-cost to attend, but registration is required.

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!

Why You Should Attend Export Success:

Navigating a Volatile Market

5 sessions, October 24, 2025 to February 20, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. |

Expanding into international markets can feel like navigating a maze—there are promising opportunities all around, but between regulatory hurdles, cultural difference, marketing challenges, and logistics, many companies stall before taking off.

That’s why Export Success, a training program from the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce (TRCC), in partnership with the Regional Growth Partnership and the U.S. Commercial Service, is such a game-changer for local businesses ready to go global.

Here are the top reasons you should consider joining the next cohort:

Transitioning to Supervisor: Frontline Leadership Essentials Certificate

November 3 & 4, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. |

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!

Sharpen your skills and grow your business with our featured October courses from the Center for Training & Development

From practical strategies to the latest digital trends, these marketing courses will equip you with the tools you need to connect with customers and drive results. 

An Overview of Marketing

This course provides an introduction to marketing and marketing planning, including the marketing mix (the Four Ps) and the strategic importance of marketing, then continues into topics of marketing planning including market research, pricing, distribution, and targeting.

Revitalize Your Health: Unlock 20% Off One Service and get a Free B12 injection – Transform Your Weight, Boost Your Energy, and Feel Your Best!

Work with Market Minds Creative for 3 months - get 1 month FREE

Resilience Redefined: A Cybersecurity Masterclass

Are your current cybersecurity practices ready to defend against modern threats?

Strengthen your defenses with expert insights and proven strategies at the Cybersecurity Masterclass on October 22, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., and learn how to fortify your digital infrastructure.  

Eastman & Smith - Fall Employment Law Seminar

The legal landscape is shifting rapidly, with new regulations and enforcement agendas, court rulings, and compliance challenges emerging at a fast pace. Join Eastman & Smith on October 30th for an informative seminar addressing some of the most significant updates in employment law.

MEMBER NEWS

CHECK OUT OUR NEWSROOM HERE

Become a Holiday Butterfly Hero this Season

This holiday season, take your philanthropy to new heights by becoming a Butterfly Hero for Nationwide Children’s Hospital - Toledo.