The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce might seem to be a competitor of the Rossford Business Association, but leaders of the two groups see the benefits of both for local businesses.

RBA President Dr. Angie Jackson described the organizations as “cohorts.”

And Wendy Gramza, CEO of the Toledo chamber, added, “one does not replace the other.”

Ms. Gramza was the guest speaker for the RBA’s July monthly luncheon meeting.

“We’re not territorial,” she said.

Her organization has more than 2,000 members, representing 125,000 area jobs, and she noted that 78 percent have fewer than 25 employees.

In addition, 55 percent are located outside of the Toledo corporation limits.

“We really do care about the entire region,” she said.

Describing the Toledo chamber as “an advocate for a thriving business environment,” she said the chamber seeks to “lead the charge to attract and retain talent” in the area.

The organization also endorses candidates for local and state offices, and provides a leadership academy for young business professionals.

In addition, they work to connect employees and industries to training opportunities and “help businesses find a strong workforce,” she explained.

For instance, EPIC Toledo is an organization sponsored by the chamber for young professionals to network, to experience leadership training and to engage in the community.

“We want to provide a voice for them in the region,” she added.

With the shutdowns and lagtime of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Gramza noted that business leaders are eager to resume their work.

“We want to get moving,” she said, and can “pair up businesses with other companies who might be interested in working with you.”

RBA members also heard from Jill Badger, director of the Small Business Development Center, who also works alongside the Toledo chamber.

The centers are located across the country, including 32 in Ohio, serving large and small businesses alike, she said.

“We can help a business getting a million dollar piece of equipment or getting a $5,000 lawnmower,” she explained.

Ms. Badger said the center especially is helpful for business owners seeking “financial understanding.”

“We can help you work through what you should be charging, how much you need to sell, what to save each month and how to get a low interest loan,” she added.

The center also has access to state grants for businesses –especially now for food, entertainment and lodging.

New business grants along with women and minority owned business grants also are available, she said.

Typically the Small Business Development Center, which serves Wood and Lucas counties, sees about 300 to 350 clients each year.

Last year, that increased to 600, with many businesses searching for help with federal PPP loans.

The center also has specialists to connect local companies with foreign markets through an export assistance network.

“There are grants to translate your materials,” she noted.

“Any business can call us at any time, and there’s no cost to use our services.”

For more information, visit toledochamber.com or call 419-243-8191.

The next RBA meeting will be on Tuesday, August 31, at noon. It will be held at NECA/IBEW Electrical Workers Hall, 727 Lime City Road, Rossford, in the downstairs banquet area.

New members are welcome. Reservations are required and can be made through the RBA website rossfordba.com.