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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.

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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.

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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.

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What’s it really like to run a restaurant?

In this episode of Chamber Amplified, we continue our “Day in the Life” series with a look inside the restaurant industry, featuring Danielle Doxsey of Culver’s of Findlay.

From early mornings to late nights, Danielle shares what it takes to lead a team, serve customers, and balance the constant challenges of staffing, sourcing, and rising costs. We also dive into common misconceptions about “fast food,” the importance of company culture, and how technology like AI is beginning to reshape operations.

Whether you’re a business owner, considering a career in hospitality, or just someone who enjoys a great meal out - this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at an industry that impacts all of us.

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Energy costs are top of mind for many businesses right now - but what’s actually driving those changes?

In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins sits down with Jimmy Stewart of the Ohio Gas Association to break down what’s happening in the energy landscape - and what it means for local businesses.

They cover:

•  Why natural gas prices have remained relatively stable compared to electricity prices
•  How Ohio’s energy position creates a competitive advantage 
•  What’s driving increased demand for electricity 
•  The role of data centers and 24/7 energy needs 
•  How state-level decisions impact your business more than you might think 

Whether you're trying to understand rising costs or just want a clearer picture of the energy landscape, this episode provides practical, easy-to-understand insights for business leaders.

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In this milestone 200th episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins sits down with Gary Lehman from Ohio Homeland Security to discuss a critical, and often overlooked, topic for businesses: disaster preparedness and resilience.

From severe weather to cyber attacks, many businesses are not fully prepared for disruptions that can impact operations, employees, and customers. Gary shares insight into how the Ohio Public Private Partnership (OP3) helps connect businesses with resources to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

•  Why 85% of critical infrastructure is tied to the private sector 
•  The most common preparedness gaps for small businesses 
•  How businesses can build simple continuity plans 
•  Real-world examples of businesses stepping up during disasters 
•  The importance of coordination during emergency response efforts 
•  Free tools, training, and security assessments available through OP3 
•  How to get connected and start preparing your business today 

Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a larger organization, this episode offers practical steps to help you protect your business and your team.

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It's the first in what we plan on being a monthly series of "A Day in the Life" style episodes, where we highlight local businesses and industries and the challenges they are facing.

First up: What is it really like to run a trucking company?

In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins sits down with Jeff Hall of HTI Hall Trucking Express to break down the reality of the trucking and logistics industry.

From being on call 24/7 to dealing with rising fuel costs, regulations across multiple states, and constant operational challenges, Jeff shares what most people don’t see behind the scenes.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

-What a typical day looks like in trucking
-Why empty trucks still cost money
-How fuel prices impact operations
-The role of regulations and compliance
-Why it’s hard to find drivers today
-How technology is changing the industry
-What keeps trucking companies competitive

Trucking is one of the most essential industries in the economy, and this conversation gives you a real look at what it takes to keep it moving.

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In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins talks with Christie Tunison of Fifth Third Bank about what businesses need to know when it comes to financing, lending, and building a strong financial foundation.

From startups to established companies, many businesses run into challenges when applying for funding. Christie shares insight into what lenders are really looking for - and why factors like cash flow, credit, and business planning can make or break a financing decision.

The conversation covers:

•  The biggest financing challenges businesses are facing right now 
•  Why cash flow is one of the most important metrics lenders evaluate 
•  The role of a business plan and why “granular” detail matters 
•  Common reasons businesses get declined for loans 
•  Why “no” often means “not right now” and what to do next 
•  How business owners can improve their chances of approval 
•  Free resources available to help businesses grow and prepare for financing 

If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or leader thinking about growth, expansion, or improving your financial position, this episode offers practical insights you can apply right away.

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In honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Doug Jenkins of the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce sits down with Nicole Gunka from Project Life to discuss a program that is much more than a job training initiative, it's a bridge to independence.

Project Life is a comprehensive two-year program helping young adults with developmental disabilities master both the workplace and the home. From navigating public transit and cooking meals to painting soccer fields at the University of Findlay, these interns are learing valuable skills and making a positive impact at their places of emplolyment

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The vital role of job coaches in ensuring success for both the intern and the employer.
• A "full circle" success story that will change how you view inclusive hiring.
• How local businesses can get involved in providing new rotation opportunities.

Connect with Project Life: Visit BlanchardValley.org or call 419-422-6387 to learn more.

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In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins talks with Amanda Fisher of Corporate Intelligence Consultants about e-Verify, the federal employment verification system, and why a new Ohio requirement means more employers may need to pay attention right now.

While e-Verify has long been used by federal contractors and other employers, Ohio is now adding a new mandate for certain non-residential contractors, with implications that can extend to subcontractors and staffing agencies as well. Amanda breaks down what e-Verify is, how it works alongside the I-9 process, what employers in Ohio should be doing now, and why this is more than just another piece of HR paperwork.

The conversation covers:

• What e-Verify is and how it works
• Which Ohio employers may be affected by the new law
• Why subcontractors and staffing agencies should pay attention
• What risks and fines come with noncompliance
• Why policies, contracts, and internal processes matter just as much as enrollment
• Where employers can go for reliable guidance

If you’re a business owner, HR leader, contractor, or staffing partner this episode is a timely look at a compliance issue that could have a real impact on your hiring process.

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