Chamber Amplified Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce

About the Guest:

John Baxter is with the Ohio Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance, an organization dedicated to addressing issues and advocating for the local restaurant and hospitality industry. Baxter brings to the table a wealth of knowledge stemming from years of experience working closely with restaurateurs and hospitality professionals. He provides insights into the economic impacts of policy changes and works to ensure the stabilization and growth of businesses within the community.
Episode Summary:

In this edition of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, host Doug Jenkins engages in a discussion with John Baxter, delving into the potential consequences of proposed ballot initiatives that aim to alter the tipped wage system in Ohio. The conversation sheds light on the intricacies of minimum wage adjustments and the elimination of tip credit, detailing the potential far-reaching effects on the restaurant industry and tipped employees.
Baxter highlights survey results that present an overwhelming disinterest from tipped workers in such a change, the dialogue paints a vivid picture of the industry's fiscal realities and the livelihood of its workforce.
Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

About the Guest:
Robert Sprague serves as the Treasurer for the State of Ohio. With a background rooted in finance, Sprague has dedicated his career to fiscal responsibility and innovative financial solutions that benefit both individuals and businesses within Ohio. His accomplishments include implementing programs aimed at assisting Ohioans with home ownership and aiding local farmers through interest rate reductions, emphasizing community growth and stability.
Episode Summary:
Tackling two significant concerns—home buying and agricultural costs—this latest episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce features Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague discussing innovative financial programs designed to empower Ohio's residents and businesses. The conversation delves into fiscal strategies that combat the current economic challenges encountered in housing and agriculture.
Sprague introduces the Ohio Homebuyer Plus program, which assists families in overcoming a barrier in home ownership by offering substantial savings opportunities. The initiative provides robust interest rates, state contributions, and tax deductions for eligible Ohioans saving for their primary residence
Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

About the Guest:
Kristin Scroggin is the  founder of genWHY Communication Strategies, noted for her expertise in generational dynamics in the workplace. Her professional journey began as a lecturer in communications at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where she cultivated an interest in understanding millennial behavior to enhance their educational outcomes. Kristin's passion for unraveling intergenerational challenges and her acumen for communication strategies led to her current role, traveling across the country assisting organizations in navigating the often complex terrain of multigenerational workforces.
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins engages with Kristin Scroggin to delve into the intricate dynamics of managing a multigenerational workforce. Kristin talks about the unique traits, strengths, and preferences of Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Zs - providing a fuller understanding of how these generations operate within the professional landscape.
The conversation ventures into the significant impact historical events have on shaping generational mindsets. With a critical look at the power struggle between Millennials and Baby Boomers, Kristin provides strategies for businesses to harness the collective potential of a diverse age range effectively. 
Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

About the Guest:

Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted has a history of serving in various capacities within the state government, including as the Secretary of State and Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives. As Lieutenant Governor, Husted oversees Ohio's workforce transformation strategies and focuses on initiatives like the TechCred program to improve job training and education, aligning with the state's economic goals.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, we're joined by Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted to tackle the pressing issues surrounding workforce development, job training, and employee recruitment that are affecting the local business community. Discover what Ohio is doing to ensure qualified applicants are available for in-demand jobs and how these initiatives can impact businesses seeking to thrive in the current economic environment.

Husted sheds light on `In Demand Jobs Week`, delving into why it's an opportune time for Ohioans looking for career advancement or change. With around 180,000 jobs available on OhioMeansJobs.com, he emphasizes that many high-paying positions don't require a college degree but rather specific skills or credentials that are now in urgent need. Programs such as TechCred are under the spotlight for providing valuable upskilling opportunities that benefit both employers and employees.

Chapters:
01:09  | Difficulty in filling open positions due to high demand and limited pool of candidates.
02:00  | Discussion on jobs that don't require a college degree and the importance of certifications and credentials.
04:35  | Overview of the Tech Cred program and its benefits for both employees and employers.
07:11  | Strategies to bring people back to Ohio, including targeting former Ohioans and promoting the state's affordability.
10:12  | Information on In Demand Jobs Week and resources available for job seekers and educators.

Links:
In Demand Jobs Week: Click Here
Previous podcast about Tech Cred: Click Here
Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, we talk to Angela LaRosa, who discusses the inception and development of a collegiate summer baseball team set to join Findlay's sports landscape in 2025. As the team's Director of Social Media, Angela provides an insider look into the early stages of the team's creation and the community anticipation surrounding this initiative.

Angela highlights the community support from the mayor's office and the University of Findlay that has played a crucial role in nurturing the team's beginnings. Conversation touches on the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League, the structure and essence of collegiate league baseball, and the significance of such a project for the local business community. Angela also underscores the hands-on experiences that the students, including herself, will gain by bringing the team to life.

Key Takeaways:

*   The Findlay community is set to welcome a Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League baseball team in 2025, a project that began as a small idea and gained significant local support.
*   The venture is heavily student-driven, offering students significant hands-on experiences in fields like marketing, sports management, and operations.
*   Tasked with establishing a solid foundational presence, the project's immediate goals include developing a logo, building a website, and recruiting a team and coaching staff.
*   Businesses, young professionals, and families in the Findlay area are expected to benefit from and contribute to the project once it becomes operational.

Chapters:

 | 0:01:45  | Discussion on how the league works and teams involved
 | 0:04:02  | Planning and preparations needed before the first pitch next summer
 | 0:05:43  | Focus on involving students and young professionals in the project
 | 0:08:18  | Brainstorming ideas to attract people to the games
 | 0:09:23  | Personal motivation for getting involved in the project
 | 0:10:13  | Conclusion and benefits of working in a nonprofit organization
 | 0:10:33  | The organization is currently student-run, but they may be looking for additional help in the future.
 | 0:11:40  | Follow the progress of the organization on their Facebook page, Flag City Sluggers.
Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, host Doug Jenkins talks with Alissa Preston of Visit Findlay, providing an in-depth look into the impending total solar eclipse in northwest Ohio. The conversation illuminates the extensive planning that has gone into preparing for the event and shares advice for local businesses on how to capitalize on the influx of visitors.

As the total solar eclipse approaches, businesses in Findlay and Hancock County are advised to consider modifying their operations to accommodate the expected surge in customers. With invaluable insights into how the area is mobilizing for this unique opportunity, Preston encourages businesses to extend hours, especially on Sunday, and to update their Google listings to reflect these changes for the benefit of out-of-town guests.

Emphasizing the long-term benefits, the discussion turns towards the anticipated economic impact and the region's history of successfully hosting major events, such as past youth sports tournaments. Moreover, both Preston and Jenkins reflect on the adaptation and recovery of tourism post-COVID, noting that the area has not only returned to normal but has begun exceeding previous activity levels.

Key Takeaways:
Businesses should consider adjusting their operating hours during the solar eclipse, especially on April 7th and 8th, when visitor traffic will peak.Updating Google and Apple map listings to accurately reflect changes in business hours for the eclipse event is crucial for attracting customers.The upcoming 50th anniversary of Flag City USA in May, and America's 250th anniversary in 2026, are significant upcoming celebrations to plan for.The community's adaptability and openness are key factors in turning first-time visitors into returning tourists.Keeping informed through local radio stations will be vital during the eclipse, with regular traffic updates and important information.Chapters:

0:01:19 | Discussion on the importance of being open on Sunday for businesses
0:03:54 | Mention of downtown retailers adjusting their hours for the eclipse
0:05:28 | Importance of updating Google listings for businesses
0:06:37 | Comparison of the eclipse to other major events in the area
0:08:43 | Announcement of the upcoming 50th anniversary of Flag City USA
0:09:29 | Mention of the upcoming 250th anniversary of America in 2026
0:10:45 | Discussion on the recovery of tourism in Findlay and Hancock County after COVID-19
0:11:15 | Highlighting the busy season with tournaments and increased business travel
0:11:15 | Summer tournaments and business travel picking up.
0:11:44 | Showcasing the area to attract repeat visitors.
0:13:12 | Tune into local radio stations for updates.
Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com