Protecting What Matters: A Podcast by the Ohio Department of Commerce

In this episode of Protecting What Matters, we discuss the Ohio Sales Tax Holiday and how to navigate the busy back-to-school season without breaking the bank. Our Division of Financial Institutions has you covered with smart budgeting tips, insights from Ohio retailers, and everything you need to know about Ohio’s two-week Sales Tax Holiday. For more information about the Ohio Sales Tax Holiday, visit:

Ohio's 2025 Expanded Sales Tax Holiday | Department of Taxation

Explore our free budgeting tools by visiting: Making a Budget Fit You | Ohio Department of Commerce

In this episode of Protecting What Matters, we discuss changes to the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) homebuyers' programs to ensure the long-term availability of help for Ohioans to achieve their dreams of purchasing a home. The Ohio Division of Real Estate Superintendent Daphne Hawk and OHFA's Executive Director Bill Beagle speak about these important updates that took effect starting July 1, 2025.

In this episode of Protecting What Matters, we discuss bank regulations for starting a de novo bank in Ohio with the Ohio Division of Financial Institutions. We also chat with CEOs from both Fortuna Bank and Adelphi Bank about the application process, the importance of careful planning, and compliance with state and federal regulations when starting a new bank in Ohio.

Last year $28 billion was stolen from individuals over the age of 60 in a variety of financial scams and frauds originating both here in Ohio by perpetrators known by the victim, or elsewhere around the world. In this episode of Protecting What Matters, the Ohio Department ofCommerce will walk you through what these scams look like and how to keep your loved ones safe. 

The Division of Liquor Control launched the Ohio Permit and Licensing System (OPAL) — a cutting-edge digital portal that transforms the management of liquor permits in Ohio. The system will simplify the process for the nearly 40,000 individuals and businesses that hold or seek a liquor permit or another type of registration. Learn more by visiting com.ohio.gov/opal

In this episode of Protecting What Matters, we explore job opportunities within the construction trades and how Ohio is addressing the growing need forskilled workers in the industry. Megan Foley, Professional Development Coordinator with the Ohio Board of Building Standards, and Michael Baisden, Ohio Contracting Administrator with the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board, provide insights into the certification and licensing process, the value of adhering to proper building codes, and how these measures contribute to asafer Ohio. Tune in to explore the various resources and programs available to help you get started on your journey in the skilled trades.

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It’s Alcohol Awareness Month. This podcast will highlight how the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control regulates alcohol in the state, how it partners with other external agencies to do so. In addition, it will highlight how the Division’s agency operations arm known as Ohio Liquor (OHLQ) embraces and promotes social responsibility given its role in owning and selling high-proof spirits in the state.

The Ohio Department of Commerce is excited to announce a new system for its Division of Unclaimed Funds. The new technology will improve efficiency in processing claims and holder reporting. Ohioans will be able to claim lost money directly on the department's website, and holders can report unclaimed funds directly onthe website. For more information, visit unclaimedfunds.ohio.gov

As technology rapidly advances, so do the tactics of scammers using social media and AI, making it essential for Ohio consumers to closely guard their personal and financial information. In this episode of Protecting What Matters, we collaborate with the Ohio Attorney General's Office to raise awareness and educate all listeners, so they don’t risk falling prey to these sophisticated frauds. Listen now for the top scams happening in our backyard and for guidance as wediscuss practical methods to avoid becoming a potential victim.