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Episode Summary:

Welcome to Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, where host Doug Jenkins examines  issues affecting local businesses. In this episode, Doug connects with State Representative Ty Matthews to explore legislative matters influencing the business environment in Findlay and beyond. Representative Matthews shares insights from his early months in office, discussing his focus on workforce development, small business advocacy, and innovative policy initiatives.

Throughout their conversation, Doug and Ty dive into regional business needs. Matthews introduces the Ohio Defense Initiative, aimed at attracting emerging tech industries to the state. By fostering collaboration among businesses, educational institutions, and government entities, this initiative aims to bolster Ohio’s defense sector and overall economic development.

Key Takeaways:

• Early Legislative Experiences: Matthews reflects on his initial months in office, describing the challenges and learning curve faced by new political representatives.
• Ohio Defense Initiative: Ty Matthews details his policy proposal to attract defense industry companies to Ohio, focusing on emerging technologies and small business advantages.
• Workforce Development Focus: Emphasis on workforce development through addressing housing, transportation, and child care challenges in Findlay and Hancock County.
• Community Engagement: Matthews stresses the significance of local insights and expertise in crafting effective legislative solutions, highlighting the necessity for government-citizen collaboration.
• Collaborative Opportunities: Potential opportunities for Ohio to harness existing manufacturing strengths and defense sector connections in advancing economic growth.

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Episode Summary:

On this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, we tackle what retiring local home builders means for housing in the area, and how that impacts economic development. Host Doug Jenkins is joined by Amy Sealts from the Putnam County Community Improvement Corporation, who shares a how Putnam County is creatively addressing these very issues.

 Doug and Amy explore an innovative approach to nurturing the new generation of developers to meet the increasing housing demands in the region. They discuss how the impending retirement of seasoned home builders led to a proactive movement for the community, ensuring housing growth didn't stall. 

Key Takeaways:

• Retirement Challenge: The retirement of veteran developers posed a potential economic and community growth challenge that needed addressing.
• Community Collaboration: Building relationships between municipalities, developers, and economic councils is crucial for sustaining community growth.
• Strategic Incentives: Utilizing strategic incentives like tax increment financing can help encourage new investment and housing development.
• Diverse Housing Needs: Understanding and addressing diverse needs in housing types is central to aligning with current community demands.
• Slow and Steady: Recognizing that growth and development take time is important for managing expectations and encouraging long-term investment.

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About the Guests:

Olivia Reuille and Ben Jenkins are senior board representatives of the Hancock Youth Leadership program. Olivia is a senior at Findlay High School and Ben is a senior at Liberty-Benton High School. Both have successfully completed the Hancock Youth Leadership program and have taken up leadership roles to guide this year's class.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins dives into the role of youth development and leadership in shaping the future workforce. The spotlight is on the Hancock Youth Leadership program and how it works with high school juniors in Findlay and Hancock County by exposing them to various community and career opportunities. Both representatives share their journeys and insights about the challenges faced by youth today and the preparation they receive for life after high school.

Key Takeaways:

• The Hancock Youth Leadership program offers high school juniors exposure to diverse career paths and vital leadership skills, preparing them for post-high school life.
• Generational differences in the workforce are addressed, with insights on how youth can balance traditional work values and modern technological tools like AI.
• Leadership and community involvement are emphasized as key developmental areas for youth in preparing them for future challenges.
• Adult perspectives on youth work ethics can often be misleading; many young individuals are hardworking and eager to prove their capabilities.
• Networking and community exposure through programs like HYL allow for meaningful connections and career exploration, benefitting both youth and the broader community.

Resources:

• Hancock Youth Leadership Program: https://findlayhancockchamber.com/hyl

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Episode Summary:

In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, host Doug Jenkins talks with Chris Keller, the director of Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development, to discuss the landscape of economic development within the community. With a pulse on the developments in Findlay and Hancock County, Chris shares her insights from her first year in the role, focusing on stakeholder engagement and her vision for sustaining and growing local businesses.

Economic development is not just about welcoming new businesses, as Chris and Doug highlight; it's crucially centered on retaining and supporting existing businesses to thrive. The discussion delves into Chris's strategic priorities, which include workforce development and housing solutions, addressing key challenges local businesses face.

Key Takeaways:

• Community Engagement: Chris Keller prioritizes meeting key stakeholders to strengthen relationships and boost local businesses.
• Retention is Key: Economic development efforts focus on retaining and supporting existing businesses, rather than just attracting new ones.
• Workforce and Housing: Key challenges include workforce development and the local housing shortage, which impact business sustainability and growth.
• Open Communication: Use of newsletters and social media (Facebook and LinkedIn) for better community engagement and information dissemination.
• Collaboration and Growth: The supportive community environment in Findlay and Hancock County encourages collaboration and continuous growth.

Resources:

• Connect with the Findlay Hancock County Chamber of Commerce on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates.
• Contact Chris Keller directly for more information: Phone - 419-306-8256
• US Chamber of Commerce State of the American Business Report.

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About the Guest:

Bryan Little is with Kata Solution LLC, specializing in helping companies create strategic visions, set goals, and build operational structures to achieve organizational traction. Bryan focuses on implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to improve business processes, ensuring accountability and measurable success.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Chamber Amplified, host Doug Jenkins from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce delves into the art of conducting productive meetings with guest Bryan Little from Kata Solution LLC. As businesses continually strive to enhance employee engagement and operational efficiency, understanding how to manage meetings effectively becomes crucial. Meetings are often viewed negatively due to inefficiencies, but when executed correctly, they can be a powerful tool to drive an organization's goals forward.

Bryan shares his insights on creating and sustaining effective meeting structures, emphasizing the importance of punctuality, consistent scheduling, and well-defined agendas.

Key Takeaways:

• Structured Meetings: Establish a consistent timeframe, clear agendas, and a strong meeting coordinator to keep discussions focused and productive.
• Importance of Agendas: Having a focused agenda with time allocations for each item ensures meetings remain on task and valuable.
• Personal and Professional Integration: Begin meetings with short personal interactions to build team cohesion and create a smooth transition into the business agenda.
• Feedback for Improvement: Regularly score meetings to identify areas of improvement and maintain an effective meeting environment.
• Accountability and Discipline: Meetings serve as platforms for reinforcing accountability and solving actionable business problems.

Resources:

• Bryan Little's Contact Information:
• Phone: 419-722-0268
• Email: [email protected]

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About the Guest:

Sarah Perrigo is part of the Regional Growth Partnership, a key player in Northwest Ohio's economic development landscape. She has previously worked with Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development, focusing on attracting young professionals and overseeing initiatives surrounding business growth and regional development.

Matt Davis also represents the Regional Growth Partnership in advancing the economic growth of Northwest Ohio. He has experience in site selection processes and providing strategic support to businesses looking to expand in the area, aiming to create a conducive environment for business opportunities and sustainable community development.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, we delve into the complexities of business site selection and development. We take a look at the multifaceted process of how businesses decide to set up or expand in Findlay and Hancock County. This discussion sheds light on the essential elements that influence these choices such as infrastructure availability, workforce readiness, and community support.

The conversation unveils how Northwest Ohio has become an attractive location for diverse business sectors—including advanced manufacturing and agribusiness. Sarah and Matt discuss the importance of having ready-to-market sites and buildings, understanding the site's utility capacities, and the critical role local government and community leadership play in ensuring a smooth transition for incoming businesses.

Key Takeaways:

• Northwest Ohio is seeing interest from industries like advanced manufacturing, automotive, and food sciences due to its strategic advantages.
• Site readiness—with available buildings and detailed site assessments—is crucial for attracting businesses looking to expand.
• Confidentiality in business site selection is paramount to protect competitive strategies and avoid premature exposure of business plans.
• Local government and community cooperation play a critical role in the site selection process, providing long-term assurance to businesses.
• Understanding evolving economic conditions and being prepared for shifts, such as reshoring trends, is vital for sustainable regional development.

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About the Guest:

Eric Anderson is a seasoned marketing expert and the head of AR Marketing, a creative agency known for its innovative strategies and client-centric approach. Specializing in retail marketing, Eric brings years of experience in helping both small and large businesses navigate the complexities of consumer behavior and digital transformation.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Chamber Amplified, host Doug Jenkins from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce discusses current trends in retail, particularly the challenges and opportunities facing brick-and-mortar stores amid a booming online shopping culture. Eric Anderson, from AR Marketing, joins the conversation to explore consumer sentiment as we head into 2025, focusing on what small to mid-sized businesses can do to stay competitive.

Retail is undergoing significant changes as consumer demand shifts largely online, even as customer spending remains high. The episode highlights how many traditional retail locations, including large chains and supermarkets, are closing due to competitive pressures from online giants.

Key Takeaways:

• Several brick-and-mortar stores, including well-established chains, are closing due to increasing competition from online retailers despite steady consumer spending.
• The concept of "retail media space" involves large retailers using their media channels to attract consumer spending, a tactic small businesses struggle to compete with.
• Local businesses can capitalize on personalized service, convenient locations, unique product offerings, and community events to attract and retain customers.
• There is a hopeful outlook for brick-and-mortar locations as commercial real estate dynamics evolve and demand for physical space stabilizes.

Resources:

• Retail Story from LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/news/story/store-closings-expected-to-climb-6550009/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=storylines_en

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About the Guest:

Brett Barnes is an expert in information technology from CentraComm, located in Findlay.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins discusses the world of artificial intelligence (AI) in the small business ecosystem with Brett Barnes of CentraComm. The podcast sheds light on how AI can go beyond content creation to revolutionize operations.

Doug reflects on the growing prevalence of AI in industries, emphasizing its role in simplifying operations and enhancing productivity, especially for smaller enterprises with limited resources. Brett introduces listeners to various AI applications beyond marketing, such as inventory and staffing management, demonstrating their potential to tackle common operational inefficiencies. Importantly, both agree that AI doesn’t simply replace human resources but rather supports small businesses by performing tasks that might otherwise be beyond their financial reach.

Brett also delves into specific AI tools like chatbots for customer service and inventory management systems, demonstrating their use in real-world scenarios, such as restaurants optimizing supply chains or organizing shift schedules. The discussion also explores AI’s pivotal role in strengthening cybersecurity measures for small businesses, a vital aspect considering the increasing vulnerability to cyber threats.

Key Takeaways:

• AI can empower small businesses by automating repetitive tasks, thereby increasing operational efficiency and enabling more focus on strategic growth.
• Customer service chatbots enhance user interaction while handling complex orders and frequently asked questions outside of normal business hours.
• AI-driven tools in inventory management and scheduling present opportunities for cost savings and optimized resource allocation, critical for small businesses with limited employees.
• Cybersecurity advancements using AI, such as those from Juniper Networks and CrowdStrike, can proactively identify and respond to threats, reducing risks associated with data breaches.
• For businesses considering AI integration, a thorough assessment of needs and potential return on investment is essential to ensure effective application.

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About the Guest:

Kellie Bibler is the founder of Golden Pear Voice and Image and a seasoned speaker, particularly at events focusing on leadership and communication skills. 

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Chamber Amplified, Doug Jenkins, from the Findlay Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, delves into the habit of excessive apologizing with communication expert Kellie Bibler. Recorded back in September 2023, this episode revisits the issue of over-apologizing, especially in professional settings, and its negative impact on personal and professional perception. 

Kellie Bibler explores the psychology behind why people, particularly Midwesterners and women, feel compelled to apologize excessively. She underscores the importance of reframing communication habits to build confidence and professionalism. Throughout the episode, Kellie offers practical advice, grounding her insights in scientific studies that reveal gender differences in how apologies are perceived. With a focus on replacing "I'm sorry" with appreciation and factual statements, the episode provides actionable steps for listeners to become more effective communicators.

Key Takeaways:

• Over-apologizing can undermine your confidence and authority in professional communication.
• Women are statistically more likely to apologize excessively due to societal conditioning and emotional empathy.
• Reframing apologies with gratitude can significantly enhance communication effectiveness.
• Recognizing and recording instances of unnecessary apologies is crucial for breaking the habit.
• The difference between empathy and sympathy plays a role in communication dynamics, affecting how and when apologies are offered.

Resources:

• Kellie Bibler's Website: Golden Pear Voice and Image
• Email for Contact: [email protected]
• Book Mentioned: Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis
• Book Mentioned: Girl on Top by Nicole Williams (Discussion on speech weakeners)

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About the Guest:

Bill Kieffer is an  leadership and organizational consultant with Kieffer and Associates, specializing in leadership development, particularly among veterans transitioning into civilian workplaces. Bill has significant experience in coaching and elevating leadership capabilities across various industries. He is also a published author, known for his book on military career transition, which was recognized as Amazon's number one new release in its category.

Bob Mauger
Bob Mauger represents the third generation in his family-run business, Mauger Exterminating Company, which has thrived for more than 66 years. With a deep understanding of pest control, Bob has adapted to changes in the industry over decades.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, host Doug Jenkins revisits an episode from August 2022 with two guests, Bill Kieffer of Kieffer and Associates and Bob Mauger of Mauger Exterminating Company. First, Doug explores leadership development in organizations with Bill Kieffer, focusing on the benefits of nurturing leadership skills within teams to improve employee retention and productivity.

In the second segment, Bob Mauger recounts the history of Mauger Exterminating Company, revealing how the family business has evolved over 66 years in the pest control industry. Bob discusses the industry's technological changes and shares practical pest prevention tips, emphasizing the significance of continuing education for service delivery.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership Definition is Key: Organizations need a clear definition of leadership to develop effective leaders within their teams.
• Why, How, and What Methodology: Bill Kieffer highlights the importance of understanding employees' purpose, process, and promise to boost team dynamics and productivity.
• Addressing Pest Control Challenges: Bob Mauger discusses the challenges faced and technological advancements in the pest control industry over the years.
• Evolving with Technology: Transition from traditional pest control formulations to more efficient and targeted solutions has transformed service delivery.
• Continuing Education Importance: Emphasizing ongoing professional development is crucial in staying updated with industry changes and maintaining quality service.

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