Find out how "Sweet 16" road construction projects may impact local businesses at the May TASBA Luncheon Presented by Huntington  

A number of major road construction projects are coming soon - projects that, while improving the city's infrastructure, could impact the businesses located in the affected areas.   

Both the resurfacing of Monroe Street between Crary Drive and Central Avenue that will begin this summer and the reconstruction of Secor Road between Central Avenue and Monroe Street scheduled for next year will have a significant and prolonged effect on traffic patterns throughout the city. 

How will this affect your business?  If you're in the construction zones, you may be faced with greatly diminished traffic and business.  

If you're located outside the construction zone and think that your business won't be affected - think again. The traffic diverted from the work zones may be rerouted through your area.

On May 24, the TASBA Luncheon presented by Huntington, will give you the information you need to assess the impact to your business, as well as ways to plan now to minimize any negative effects.

Click here to register for the Thursday, May 24 TASBA Luncheon

Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

Cost:  $25 for Chamber members; $30 for non-members  

Robin Whitney, Commissioner of Engineering Services for the City of Toledo and Warren Henry, PE, Vice President of Transportation with the Toledo Metropolitan Council of Governments will give an overview of the road construction projects and the expected impacts.   

Following their presentation, the Chamber's Business Development Services staff will provide information to help get your business ready to deal with whatever construction season brings your way!

Thank you to our TASBA Luncheon sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor - Huntington 

Gold - Robison, Curphey & O'Connell

Silver - CompManagement Health Systems, DoX Systems LLC, HCC Rare Coins, The Lathrop Company, Occupational Care Consultants, and the William Vaughan Company.

The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce Solar Collaborative to hold first networking event

In the Summer of 2011, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce was asked by leaders of the local solar industry to develop a business-driven initiative that would establish better collaboration and communication among the 45 area companies currently involved in the solar industry. 

The result was the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce Solar Collaborative, which was unveiled at the Chamber's annual meeting in January 2012. The collaborative will be hosting its first networking event Thursday, May 3.  

When: Thursday, May 3 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. 

Where: Applied Technology Integration, 1445 Holland Road
Maumee, OH  43537 

Register: Click here to register for this event

The event is intended to allow local business leaders interested in solar opportunities to learn about the status of Ohio's solar industry.

Michael Forrester, energy program developer for the Ohio Office of Energy, will update attendees about the progress of the State of Ohio's current solar initiatives. There will be networking time following the presentation and Craig Winn, president and CEO of The Applied Group, will lead a tour of their facility.

This event will be the first of many intended to fulfill the Collaborative's primary objective of creating a business-driven effort to assist in the growth and influence of the solar industry and create jobs in the region.

"We have identified 55 chamber members that are directly involved in the solar industry, specifically in installation and finance," said Wendy Gramza, executive vice president of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce. "Our next step is to invite those companies to work with us to create new opportunities and maximize on existing relationships within the solar industry."

The May 3 networking event hopes to bring many of those companies and individuals together.

"We really want to see people come out, get to know each other, and begin to form the relationships from which we can promote and capitalize on a thriving new industry in Northwest Ohio," said Gramza.

Click here to read more about the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce Solar Collaborative.  

BCX - Business Card Exchange Presented by Spengler Nathanson PLL At Azul Tequila

When: Wednesday, April 25  5:30-7 p.m.

Where: Azul Tequila (located at 1800 Miami Street)

Cost: Free  Register now

Come network with us and enjoy some light refreshments and a cash bar at Azul Tequila, an authentic Mexican restaurant serving meals based on recipes passed down through the family. It's a great way to wind down after work and mingle with other Chamber members.  

Check China off your bucket list! Travel with us this fall to Shanghai, the Great Wall and many other exciting locations   

This October, we're once again offering a unique opportunity to travel to China to learn more about Chinese history and culture at a very affordable price! 

The trip is offered in conjunction with Citslinc International - a company with 30 years of experience leading tours to China. This escorted and affordable nine-day tour will allow you to experience China for yourself at a depth you never imagined.  

The trip price of $2,699 includes your round trip airfare, hotels, meals and taxes for this nine days in and around Beijing and Shanghai. Airfare alone would usually cost you much more!

To learn about details of the itinerary, hotels, attractions and more, contact Marsha Schroeder at the Chamber at 419.243.8191 ext.228.

Workers' Comp Seminar - Safety, Ergonomics and a BWC Update

When: Tuesday, May 1, 2012 8:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

Where: Toledo Edison Building - 8th Floor, Rooms 807 and 809

Cost: Free  Register now

We've gathered some of the area's leading speakers on workers' comp-related issues to share information and best practices with our members.  You'll leave this free session with plenty of ideas worth implementing at your business! Speakers and topics scheduled include:     

• Dennis McMickens, President of the Safety Council of NW Ohio - First Aid Training in the Workplace - It's a Good Workplace Practice

• Lisa Conine, Ergonomics Consultant with the BWC Division of Safety & Hygiene - Industrial Ergonomics

• Ken Finley, V & A Risk Services - An update on changes the BWC is implementing. 

This is an informational session you won't want to miss! 

Coffee and Connecting - Presented by Spengler Nathanson, PLL

Date:  Thursday, May 10

Time:  8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Location:  Sylvania Country Club - 5201 Corey Road in Sylvania 

Click here to register  

Can you think of a better way to start your work day than to join friends and associates for refreshments and coffee and networking and a wonderful view of a beautiful golf course in a country club setting? And it is free to attend!

Join us for Coffee and Connecting at Sylvania Country Club on Thursday, May 10th starting at 8:00 a.m. Bring lots of business cards to share with the contacts you will meet over coffee. You will also want to be present for a drawing for a foursome of golf at Sylvania Country Club -- that is a $360 value you won't want to miss!

Eggs 'N' Issues - Learning to Work 

Presented by Eastman & Smith, Ltd. 

When: Friday, May 18, 2012 from 8 to 9:30 a.m.  

Where: WGTE Studios, 1270 S. Detroit Ave., Toledo
Cost: $25 (purchase tickets to all three 2012 Eggs 'N' Issues events for $65)

Register today! 

Dancing with the Military Stars, support local veterans with traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder 

When: Saturday, May 12, 2012 7:10 p.m. to midnight.

Where: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza (formerly Central Union Station) 415 Emerald Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 

Cost: Doors open at 5:00 PM (Dinner Tickets) and 6:45 PM (Non-Dinner Tickets) Entertainment Program at 7:15 PM

Enjoy other entertainment including singing and dancing by local performers, dancing, and socializing until midnight.

Dancing With The Military Stars is a benefit and community event sponsored by The Arms Forces nonprofit that assists military veterans who have a traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress or other invisible wounds.

Sponsorships are an excellent way to increase your company's profile in the business community.  

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for two of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce's biggest and best-attended events.  

The 2012 Clambake Presented by PNC will take place on Thursday, July 26 at the Toledo Zoo. The Annual Golf Outing is set for Monday, September 10 at Stone Oak Country Club.

Sponsorships exist at affordable levels for both of these great events. Contact Marsha Schroeder at 419.243.8191 ext. 228 or at Marsha.Schroeder@toledochamber.com.