Chamber Amplified

Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

Each week Doug Jenkins of the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce talks to industry experts to help local businesses find new ideas, operate more efficiently, and adapt to ever-changing conditions. 

  1. 4d ago

    Go Where the Energy Is: Remembering Tony Iriti

    Send us Fan Mail Former Findlay Mayor and former Alliance Economic Development Director Tony Iriti passed away on May 6, 2026. Ahead of his celebration of life on Friday, June 26 at 5:30 p.m. at Dorney Plaza in Findlay, Chamber Amplified is taking time to remember his impact on Findlay and Hancock County. This episode features three shorter conversations with Jody Combs of RooBarb Studios, former economic development directory Tim Mayle, and Lydia Mihalik, former Findlay mayor and current director of the Ohio Department of Development. Together, they reflect on Tony’s humor, compassion, leadership style, love for Findlay, and ability to bring people together. From his work in local government and economic development to his mentorship, friendships, and unforgettable stories, Tony’s influence can still be felt across the community. This episode is not a complete retelling of his life, but a collection of memories from people who knew him, worked with him, and learned from him. Topics include Tony Iriti’s leadership in Findlay, his role in economic development, the “go where the energy is” philosophy, flood mitigation efforts, mentorship, community building, and the relationships that helped shape Findlay and Hancock County. Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

    21 min

  2. Jun 16

    Best Of: Innovative Paths to Workforce Success

    Send us Fan Mail Traditional job fairs can bring employers and students into the same room, but that doesn’t always lead to successful hires. In this “Best of” episode of Chamber Amplified, Doug Jenkins revisits a conversation with Kyle Watts, work-based learning liaison at Millstream Career Center. Kyle shares what Millstream learned after a large job fair led to dozens of student job offers but only a small number of accepted positions. The issue wasn’t that students didn’t want to work. Many students simply weren’t sure what to expect from the workplace. Kyle explains how tours, job shadows, short-term work experiences and other hands-on opportunities can help students build confidence, connect with employers and see a realistic career path. He also shares practical steps businesses can take before creating a work-based learning opportunity, including identifying which skills are truly required, showing employees a clear path for advancement and allowing room for students to learn from early mistakes. This episode originally aired in October 2024. Chamber Amplified will return with a new episode on June 23. Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

    22 min

  3. Jun 9

    BEST OF: Going Beyond Local: How to Attract Out-of-State Talent

    Send us Fan Mail Your next great hire might not live in Ohio yet, and that doesn’t have to be a dead end. In this best of episode we sit down with Alex Connolly, director of Find Your Ohio at JobsOhio, to unpack a practical talent attraction strategy built for employers who have exhausted the local candidate pool, especially in technology, engineering, healthcare, and other STEM-heavy roles. We get specific about how Find Your Ohio works: candidates come to the site to learn about working and living here, then submit one simple application that feeds a large resume database employers can search. Alex also explains the two paths for employers, self-service searching or hands-on help from her team to match candidates to your openings, which can be a game-changer when HR teams are strapped and the recruiting process feels like shouting into the void. Then we dig into the message that helps Ohio compete nationally. It’s not only about a job. It’s about quality of life, cost of living, and how far a salary can go compared with high-cost markets. You’ll hear real outcomes, including match and interview rates, plus a story where an employer liked a candidate enough to create a new role. We also talk about common employer concerns, relocation realities, and why veteran and transitioning military talent can be a strong fit. If you’re trying to grow a team in Findlay, Hancock County, or anywhere in Ohio, hit subscribe, share this with a hiring manager, and leave a review so more employers can find the tools that make hiring easier. Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

    20 min

  4. Jun 2

    What Ohio Businesses Need to Know About Solar Tax Credits

    Send us Fan Mail Energy costs are becoming a growing concern for businesses across Ohio, and many companies are starting to look more seriously at long-term ways to control utility expenses. In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins talks with Terry Nielsen of Superior Energy Solutions about rising electric rates, solar energy systems, battery storage technology, and the looming deadline for key federal solar tax incentives. They discuss:  Why utility costs are increasing across Ohio   Commercial solar ROI and tax credits  Battery storage and peak demand reduction  Energy efficiency opportunities for businesses  What companies need to know before July incentive changes Whether you’re actively considering solar or simply trying to better understand where energy costs are heading, this episode offers practical insight for business owners, manufacturers, and facility managers. Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

    19 min

  5. May 19

    The “Silver Tsunami” Facing Small Business Owners

    Send us Fan Mail A major transition is coming for small businesses across the country - and most communities aren’t talking about it enough. In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins sits down with Josh Robb from Hixon Zuercher Capital Management to discuss the growing wave of business owner retirements expected over the next decade and what it could mean for local communities. They discuss:  why succession planning matters,  how retiring owners can prepare their businesses for transition,  why local ownership matters to a community,  how entrepreneurs can position themselves to buy existing businesses,  and the emotional side of stepping away from a company you spent decades building. The conversation also explores how this “silver tsunami” could impact local leadership, charitable giving, workforce stability, and the future character of communities like Findlay. If you’re a business owner, future entrepreneur, investor, or simply someone who cares about the future of local business, this episode is for you. Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

    21 min

  6. May 12

    Inside Economic Development with Matt Gilroy

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins sits down with Matt Gilroy, Director of Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development, to discuss the future of economic development in Findlay and Northwest Ohio. Matt explains how communities like Findlay compete for business investment, workforce growth, and long-term economic opportunities. The conversation covers:  What economic development organizations actually do  Why Findlay continues to stand out nationally as a micropolitan community  Opportunities in life sciences, biotech, defense technology, and logistics  The importance of workforce, education, and infrastructure  How Northwest Ohio benefits from its location between Detroit, Columbus, and Dayton  Challenges facing economic growth in the coming years If you’ve ever wondered how communities attract new businesses, and what happens behind the scenes before major investments are announced, then this episode offers an inside look at the process. Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

    20 min

  7. May 5

    Why the Findlay Airport Matters More Than You Might Think

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug sits down with Findlay Municipal Airport Director Amanda McGee to break down how the airport serves as a major economic driver for Findlay and Hancock County. They discuss:  The airport’s impact on local business and industry  How on-demand cargo helps keep production moving  The role it plays in medical and emergency transport  Why the airport is more accessible than many people think  What the future of air travel could look like locally Plus, learn how you can help shape the airport’s future through an active community survey. Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

    19 min

  8. Apr 28

    Why Your Business Isn’t Showing Up on Google (And How to Fix It)

    Send us Fan Mail If your business isn’t showing up on Google you’re losing customers. In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins sits down with Steven Shultz of Marketing Caffeine to break down what small businesses need to know about getting found online in 2026. They cover:  Why your business might not be appearing in search results  The importance of claiming your Google Business Profile  How AI is changing the way customers find businesses  Common SEO mistakes that are costing you leads  Simple steps you can take right now to improve your visibility Whether you're just getting started or you've had a website for years, this episode will help you understand what matters, and what to fix first. Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

    23 min
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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Each week Doug Jenkins of the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce talks to industry experts to help local businesses find new ideas, operate more efficiently, and adapt to ever-changing conditions. 

Information

  • Creator
    Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    210
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce
  • Show Website
    Chamber Amplified

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