National Small Business Week has been designated by the U.S. Small Business Administration as April 29th through May 5th, 2018. In the Toledo Region, we recognize that It Matters Where You Make It ® and we are proud of the small businesses that contribute to our dynamic culture built upon a heritage of hard work and a can-do attitude. With a large number of our members identifying as small businesses, we have a number of programs and benefits available to help you grow.

All 4 Kids, LLC was recently awarded 5 star rating from the Ohio Department of Jobs & Family Services (ODJFS) and the Ohio Department of Education. This is the highest rating available to daycare centers in Ohio. In celebration of National Small Business week we've profiled All 4 Kids, LLC and their recent success.

Jennifer Zalecki, president and CEO of Battery Wholesale, was recently appointed to Lt. Governor Mary Taylor's Small Business Advisory Council. She also serves as a member of the Toledo Area Small Business Association (TASBA) Board. The Council offers the perspective of small businesses to the Lt. Governor on regulatory issues and provides guidance and direction to the Common Sense Initiative. Jennifer will serve as the region's representative on the Council. 

The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Surplus Fund is just under $11 Billion, at a level above the threshold at which the fund is needed to operate. Since employers have put that money in, employers will be getting some of that money back. 

As part of the primary election on May 8, voters will be asked to weigh in on a proposal to change the way Congressional districts in Ohio are established. State Issue 1 is a Constitutional amendment that is being proposed by the Ohio General Assembly.

State Issue 1 would establish a new process for how Ohio handles congressional redistricting, replacing the existing process in which a simple majority of the General Assembly determines the new congressional districts by passing a bill that the governor then signs into law.