May 19, 2026

2026 Clambake

presented by PNC

July 30, 2026 | 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Toledo Zoo Malawi Event Center |2 Hippo Way., Toledo

The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce Clambake presented by PNC returns July 30 at the Toledo Zoo Malawi Event Center with a new “From Sea to Shining Sea” theme celebrating America 250! This signature summer event brings together regional business and community leaders for an evening of relaxed networking, regional-inspired cuisine, entertainment, and memorable experiences.

New Experience Sponsorship opportunities allow businesses to connect their brand directly to some of the evening’s most engaging moments — from culinary stations and roaming entertainment to the iconic Toledo Zoo carousel. Sponsorship opportunities include on-site visibility, digital promotion, and valuable relationship-building opportunities with hundreds of attendees.

Reach out to Julie Sanderson, Signature Events Manager, to learn more and reserve your Experience Sponsorship today!

Tables of 8 are also available for presale, providing reserved premium seating for your team, clients, and guests.

Here we GROW Again!

As part of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce’s continued investment in advocacy and member service, we are expanding our advocacy team with the addition of a Manager, Public Policy. This exciting opportunity will support key local, state, and federal policy initiatives impacting our region's businesses while working directly with elected officials, community leaders, and Chamber members to advance a strong regional business climate. If you are passionate about public policy, community impact, and business advocacy, learn more and apply.

TRCC Team Members Take on Expanded Leadership Roles

The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize several team members who have recently taken on expanded roles and responsibilities in support of our mission and members.

• Gabrielle Huff (left), Director, Business Advocacy
• Riley Runnells (center), Director, EPIC Toledo
• Justin Leahey (right), MBAC Business & Certification Advisor

Gabrielle has stepped into an expanded leadership role focused on advancing a pro-business policy environment and strengthening the competitiveness of the Toledo region through advocacy and strategic engagement. Riley Runnells has also assumed an expanded leadership role dedicated to supporting and engaging young professionals across the region.

Justin’s role has grown to include business consulting and certification guidance for entrepreneurs through the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC), helping support financial readiness, access to capital, and long-term business growth. 

Please join us in congratulating Gabrielle, Riley and Justin on these well-deserved opportunities and in celebrating the continued growth of our talented team.

Advancing Toledo’s Voice in Columbus at Capitol Conversations

Click above for our short recap video!

Thank you to all our members who joined us in Columbus last week for Capitol Conversations! A strong presence in Columbus is the key to moving the priorities of our members and the Toledo region forward.

Attendees heard from both Ohio Lieutenant Governor candidates, the Director of ODOT, Pamela Boratyn, the Chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education, Mike Duffey, and other influential leaders from Ohio, and then enjoyed a legislative reception afterwards, which allowed our members to connect with elected officials from across the state.

A big thank you to all our event sponsors, including the Regional Growth Partnership / JobsOhio, Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, Meta, The University of Toledo, Foundation Steel, the Rudolph Libbe Group, Cenovus Energy, TARTA, Shumaker Advisors, and Destination Toledo, who all help make this impactful event possible.

If you are interested in getting involved in the event next year, or the Chamber’s advocacy efforts throughout the year, reach out to brian.dicken@toledochamber.com

TRCC and NOMA Receive Collaboration Award from the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association

Sara Swisher (right) accepts a Collaboration Award from the Ohio Manufacturers' Association on behalf of NOMA (Northwest Ohio Manufacturing Alliance), the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce's manufacturing industry sector partnership.

Last week, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association recognized workforce and industry leaders from across the state for their collaboration and impact through the Good Jobs Challenge initiative. During the event, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce received a Collaboration Award honoring NOMA (Northwest Ohio Manufacturing Alliance) for its commitment to strengthening workforce partnerships and driving collective impact across the region.

The event also celebrated manufacturers advancing workforce innovation, including Principle Business Enterprises, which received a Manufacturing Workforce Champion Award for its leadership and commitment to workforce development. Learn more about the event, regional workforce outcomes, and how these partnerships are strengthening manufacturing talent pipelines across Northwest Ohio in our latest blog post.

SBA Expands Access to Small Business Capital

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced a major change that will allow eligible small businesses to combine SBA 7(a) and 504 loans for up to $10 million in SBA-backed financing—doubling the previous cumulative limit of $5 million. Effective July 4, the change is designed to provide growing businesses with greater access to capital for expansion, equipment, real estate, and working capital needs.

The updated policy is expected to especially benefit manufacturers and other capital-intensive industries by providing more flexibility to support growth, hiring, and investment.

For more information, please reach out to Michael Tolson, VP of Small Business Services and Center Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

Memorial Day: Remembering Those Who Served

As we approach Memorial Day, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce honors and remembers the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. We extend our gratitude to all who have served and wish our members and community a safe and meaningful holiday weekend.

Please note that TRCC offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, May 26.

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. 

Help Your Team Grow—Without Losing Them

Join Us for an Informational Session on the Lucas County Benefit Bridge Pilot Program

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:

• University Area – Wednesday, May 20, 3:00 p.m., Harbor (Shared Services Building) 
• River East – Thursday, May 21, 1:00 p.m., Glass City Enrichment Center 
• North – Thursday, May 28, 3:00 p.m., Nationwide Children’s Hospital 

EPIC Toledo Boss Talk with Eddie George

presented by Prephan Enterprises

May 21, 2026 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

BGSU Olscamp Hall |1002 Ridge St., Bowling Green

EPIC Toledo is thrilled to have Eddie George as our May Boss Talk. A Heisman Trophy winner, NFL legend, entrepreneur, and head football coach at Bowling Green State University, Eddie George brings powerful insights on leadership, resilience, and building winning cultures. Hosted at his current home team of Bowling Green State University, Eddie George's talk will feature a conversation about his professional journey, discussions on fostering connection through teamwork, and pointers on the leadership skills he's carried with him through his career.

Grounds for Discussion

presented by NAMI Greater Toledo

June 3, 2026 | 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Stranahan Theater & Great Hall |4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., 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.

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.

May 30 - Toledo Pickle Summer Kickoff and BBQ Patio Party

MEMBER NEWS

CHECK OUT OUR NEWSROOM HERE

Rudolph Libbe Group Announces Eight Leadership Promotions