The Economic Potential for Shale Formations in Ohio   

For the first time in more than a century, Ohio finds itself on the threshold of becoming self-sufficient in the production of oil and gas, and possibly becoming a hydrocarbon exporter.  This dramatic renaissance is the result of new drilling and completion technologies that have enabled oil and gas producers to extract hydrocarbons from shale reservoirs that up to now were considered uneconomical to produce.   

The Chamber welcomes new Member Relations Manager

The Chamber is pleased to announce the addition of Lee Latham to the staff, where she will serve as member relations manager. 

Save now on your summer energy bills with Chamber Energy Solutions

Summer is fast approaching and with that comes summer heat and higher electric bills.  If you are not participating in the Chamber Energy Solutions benefit program you could be paying more for your electric consumption than you need to, up to 20 percent more. Electric energy is at a 10 year low, so now is the time to look at your options.  

Let us review your bill and see if CES can save you money.  Fax your most recent electric bill in its entirety to Stephen Vasquez at 419-241-8302 or e-mail Stephen.vasquez@toledochamber.com. 

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

When: Thursday, May 24, 2012 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

Cost:  $25 

Click here to register

A business cannot survive without its customers. Are you prepared for the onslaught of major road projects that could seriously alter traffic to and around your business?

Two road projects in Toledo are expected to have a significant and prolonged effect on traffic patterns throughout the city: the recently begun resurfacing of Monroe Street between Crary Drive and Central Avenue and the reconstruction of Secor Road between Central Avenue and Monroe Street.

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, the traffic diverted from the work zones may be rerouted through your area leading to increased congestion and delays.

You need to get ready for these changes NOW before they chip away at your customer base and, ultimately, your revenue.

The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is working to help all businesses in the affected areas prepare for the upcoming changes. We invite you to attend our Toledo Area Small Business Association (TASBA) Luncheon Presented by Huntington on May 24, which will give you the information you need to assess the impact to your business and ways to plan now to minimize any negative effects.

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 prepare your business to deal with whatever construction season brings your way!  Finally, luncheon attendees will hear about the success one local company had in managing a construction-related business slowdown by staying ahead of the issue, as representatives from Smitty's Automotive describe how they dealt with the situation and not only survived, but actually grew the business.  

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.

Make new connections: Speed networking at Ice Restaurant - Downtown 

When: Thursday, May 31, 2012
5:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ice - Lower Level of the PNC Building (405 Madision Avenue)

Cost: $5 for EPIC and Chamber members, $10 for non-members (Payable in cash at the door)  Register now

If you are looking for a different, effective networking event -  this is one you do not want to miss! Join other Toledo professionals in a fast-paced, high-quality networking opportunity.

Each participant will have the opportunity to meet and network with other professionals from the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce and EPIC Toledo. 

The format is one-to-one networking at individual tables. Networking will be done in five-minute increments until each participant has met 15 other attendees. 

After the timed networking, attendees are encouraged to stay for the open networking. A cash bar and complementary appetizers will be available. 

Learn more about what we do at Member Orientation Presented by Health Management Solutions 

When: Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 8:00 to 9:00 AM

Where: Toledo Regional Chamber Board Room

Cost: Free  Register now

This is a free information session for new members, prospects and members who would like a refresher course to learn more about our organization's programs and benefits.    

Riverfront Economic Development Cruise

When: Friday, June 15, 2012, Noon - 2 p.m.

Where: Sandpiper Dock, located at Jefferson Ave in Promenade Park

Cost: $30, includes box lunch  - Register here

Exclusively for Chamber members - get on board for an afternoon of updates about some of the premiere projects on the riverfront!

During this two-hour trip on the Sandpiper, attendees will view and hear more about a number of riverfront developments including the Hollywood Casino, the Promenade Park upgrade, the recently announced Steam Plant development and the new riverfront MetroPark.  Representatives of each of these projects will be on board to provide briefings on what's next for each project, timetables for development and other behind-the-scene details.  

Thank you to our Gold Sponsor: Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority

Discover Cuba - September 13-21, 2012

Registration deadline for the trip is June 19th!

Nine-day inclusive trip to Cuba offered for only $3,399 per person based on double occupancy for Chamber members and $3,599 per person based on double occupancy for non-members.

The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is pleased to be working with Chamber Explorations to offer this once in a lifetime tour!  Chamber Explorations has been issued a specific license by The Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control, which authorizes registered guests of our programs to visit Cuba legally.  There are no applications to complete and your travel with us is fully authorized.  Prior to departure, you will receive a copy of our Specific License and a Letter of Authorization which legalizes your travel to Cuba.

Here is what is included in the trip price:

• Round trip airfare from Miami (MIA)
• Cuban Travel Visa
• Cuban Health Insurance
• 8 nights First Class Hotel Accommodations (including overnight in Miami)
• 19 meals (7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 5 Dinners)
• Admissions & Interactions as per itinerary
• Full Time Professional Cuban Bilingual Host/Tour Guide
• Hotel and Airport Transfers and Baggage Handling
• Transportation by deluxe air conditioned motorcoach

Tour Highlights include sightseeing tours of Havana, Terrazas Region of Vinales, Trinidad and Playa Giron.

Two informational meetings on "Discover Cuba" will be held on Monday, June 4 at 1:30 p.m. and again at 4:30 p.m. at the Toledo Regional Chamber Board Room - 300 Madison Avenue, Suite 200.

To register for one of the informational meetings, click on either of these links:

     Monday, June 4    1:30 - 3 p.m.

     Monday, June 4    4:30 - 6 p.m.

You can't afford to miss the opportunity to be part of an American tour group to visit Cuba!  Come explore a country that is rapidly transforming, enjoy the rich cultural heritage and important historic sites!  Seats are limited and will be secured on a first come first served basis.  Please contact Marsha Schroeder at marsha.schroeder@toledochamber.com for additional details and registration information. More information on the trip, including a detailed itinerary and a trip FAQ can be found here.

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

Registration deadline for this trip is July 20th!

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.

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.

To  maintain a safe workplace, it's vital to focus on hazards that are common to your industry. Apply today for BWC's Industry-Specific Safety Program to help you get started or to strengthen your existing safety efforts. As a bonus your company can earn a 3-percent premium discount!

The deadline for enrollment in the program has been extended to May 25, 2012.  For more information or to enroll please visit BWC's enrollment page here.

Every two years, open enrollment allows all state fund employers an opportunity to choose a managed care organization (MCO) to manage the medical portion of their workers' compensation claims.

The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce recommends selecting Health Management Solutions (HMS)  for the cost savings, convenience and expertise they can provide:

• HMS serves leading manufacturers, construction companies, public employers, school systems, universities, staffing companies and a variety of other enterprises throughout the state ranging in size from one employee to nearly 10,000. 
• HMS has a solid record of customer service, advanced technology, accuracy and timeliness that has earned it superior client retention and positive customer recommendations.
• HMS' best asset is their people and their strong communication skills.  They specialize in making sure you are an informed and educated participant in the claims process.
• HMS provides you with a single point of contact, one individual who gets to know you, your claims and your specific needs.  You can call your Nurse Case Manager and your claim team directly.
• HMS is an affiliate of the ProMedica Health System.  They are locally owned and operated here in northwest Ohio.  

For more information or to enroll please visit: www.hmssolutions.com/open-enrollment.aspx