Eddie George to Headline Annual Meeting presented by Fifth Third
April 1, 2026 | 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. presentation | 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. reception |
Glass City Center, 401 Jefferson Ave., Toledo
| | | | We’re excited to announce that Eddie George will headline this year’s Annual Meeting. A Heisman Trophy winner, NFL legend, entrepreneur, and head football coach at Bowling Green State University, George brings powerful insights on leadership, resilience, and building winning cultures. As we celebrate 250 years of American opportunity and look toward a bold vision for tomorrow, his keynote will highlight how teamwork, discipline, and leadership help communities and organizations turn potential into progress. | | Introducing the Impact Awards: Celebrating the Power of Partnership at Our 2026 Annual Meeting, presented by Fifth Third | | | | |
As the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce prepares to welcome business and community leaders to our 2026 Annual Meeting, presented by Fifth Third, we are excited to introduce a powerful new element to this year’s program: the inaugural Impact Awards.
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This year’s Annual Meeting is more than a gathering—it’s a reflection of what we can achieve together. Throughout 2025, our region demonstrated that progress doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens through partnership—across industries, across organizations, and across communities.
That spirit of collaboration is exactly what the Impact Awards are designed to recognize.
| | New Member Spotlight: Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (Detroit Program) | | | | |
The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses – Detroit Program to our membership.
Serving the Toledo Region since 2014, the program is led locally by Destiny Williams, Outreach Manager, and Dr. Kimberly Burroughs, Executive Director, with a dedicated team of six professionals committed to helping entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses.
| | New Bridge, New Opportunities: How the Gordie Howe International Bridge Will Power Ohio–Canada Trade | | | | As anticipation grows for the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, businesses across the Toledo region are watching closely. Canada is Ohio’s largest international trading partner, with billions of dollars in goods flowing between Ohio manufacturers, suppliers, and Canadian markets each year. The new bridge will create a more efficient, reliable trade connection between the Midwest and Canada, reinforcing Ohio’s strategic position in North American commerce. | | |
By providing a modern, high capacity crossing between Detroit and Windsor, the bridge will improve access to key highway corridors that Ohio businesses rely on to move automotive parts, agricultural products, and manufactured goods. Reduced congestion and improved border predictability are expected to lower costs, support just in time delivery, and encourage new investment and job creation throughout the state.
As companies prepare for the bridge’s opening, establishing a Breakaway account is a smart step. Breakaway accounts allow commercial users to manage tolling and bridge access efficiently, helping fleets operate smoothly from day one.
Looking ahead, the full economic potential of the Gordie Howe International Bridge depends on strong connections beyond the span itself. Ensuring necessary improvements along U.S. 23 will be critical to linking Ohio businesses directly to this new international gateway, maximizing trade efficiency and supporting long term economic development across the region.
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Pizza & Politics: Penny Policy
March 25, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. |
300 Madison Ave., 8th Floor Conference Rooms 807/809
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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: Penny Policy, a lunchtime conversation exploring the impacts of phasing out the U.S. penny. The presentation will break down what the discontinuation of the penny will mean for consumers, businesses, and the economy as a whole.
| | Todd Deindoerfer, Principal with CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP), will be the featured speaker for this session. Todd has more than 30 years of experience auditing private companies in the manufacturing and agricultural industries, and currently serves as the Managing Principal of the Western Ohio CLA team. | |
Grounds for Discussion
presented by NAMI Greater Toledo
April 7, 2026 | 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Nemsys, LLC |902 N. Superior 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. | |
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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Workers Compensation Seminar, presented by V+A Risk Services
April 16, 2026 | 8:00 - 11:30 a.m.
300 Madison Ave., Toledo | Rms. 807-809
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Receive Ohio workers’ comp updates and safety information as well as updates form local attorneys and other experts.
This is an ideal opportunity for members enrolled in a group rating program to fulfill the BWC 2-hour safety training requirement and get the latest info on workforce issues.
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Institute for Leadership & Advocacy
April 17 and/or 24, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
300 Madison Ave., Toledo | Rms. 807-809
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As the longest running leadership program of its kind in Ohio, "The Institute" empowers emerging leaders with the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to collaborate with public officials, make a meaningful impact in their communities, and confidently prepare to run for elected office.
Register now and celebrate the Institute for Leadership & Advocacy's 25th year with us!
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March Into Better Leadership: Training Designed to Elevate Your Organization
with the TRCC Center for Training & Development
| | Strong leadership is essential to every organization—especially as teams set goals and build momentum in the first quarter. Throughout March, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce Center for Training & Development is spotlighting courses designed to help leaders at every level strengthen communication, improve team dynamics, and build the skills needed to guide people effectively. | | | |
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EI) is our ability to identify and control our emotions to achieve positive outcomes in our relationships. Explore underlying concepts of emotional intelligence and how managers can improve and make use of it
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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.
| | 4.14.26 - Youth Hiring Event - Meet hundreds of local High School Seniors who will enter the workforce upon graduation. Candidates will be ready to learn about employment opportunities and look forward to interviewing with your company! | | |
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300 Madison Ave., Ste. 200 • (419) 243-8191
www.toledochamber.com
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