Down To Business

2025 was a big year for Ohio’s business landscape! From record-breaking transportation budgets to tourism marketing boosts, economic development projects, and key legal reforms, the Ohio Chamber team breaks down the wins and the work ahead. Tune in for insights on infrastructure, short-term rental legislation, workers’ comp updates, and how Ohio is positioning itself as the heart of it all. Don&ap...

When Claire Coder unexpectedly started her period at a startup event — with no products in sight — she had a lightbulb moment: why aren’t pads and tampons stocked like toilet paper? That spark led her to leave college at 19 and launch Aunt Flow, a company now supplying 60,000 bathrooms nationwide. In this inaugural CEO Conversations episode, Steve Stivers talks with Claire about: The origin story...

In this episode of Down to Business , host Matt MacLaren, Director of Travel and Tourism at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, sits down with Ginger Clark, Manager of the Great Miami Riverway, to explore the powerful intersection of tourism, community development, and economic growth. From floating tent experiences and river surfing to downtown revitalization and multimillion-dollar impact, discover ho...

The 135th General Assembly has wrapped up, and we reflect on a year of policymaking—one largely consumed by campaigning but capped off with a flurry of legislative activity during the lame duck session. Our Government Affairs team breaks down key developments, including the passage of House Bill 315, major energy policy discussions, housing initiatives, and regulatory wins. Join Rick Carfagna, Ton...

In this episode of Down to Business , we explore the critical role higher education plays in workforce development. Justin is joined by Emily Tully, Executive Vice President of Operations of Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio (AICUO), and Nick Derksen, Vice President of Government Relations at Inter-University Council. Together, they discuss how Ohio’s independent and pub...

In this episode of "Down to Business," the Ohio Chamber chats with Luke Russell from NAMI Ohio and Molly Mottram from the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation about the crucial role of mental health support in the workplace. They explore "postvention" strategies for supporting employees after a mental health crisis, the importance of accessible resources, and the need for mental...

In this episode of "Down to Business," we explore the crucial intersection of energy policy and the upcoming election in Ohio. Join host Tony Long as he sits down with Chris Zeigler from the American Petroleum Institute (API) Ohio. They delve into the history of API, its role in establishing industry standards, and the significant impact of energy policy on Ohio's economy and nation...

Join Matt MacLaren, the Director of Travel and Tourism Policy for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, as he dives into the vibrant world of Ohio’s tourism industry. In this episode, we welcome Larry Fletcher, president of Shores and Islands Ohio, to explore how tourism is a major economic driver in the region. Discover the hidden gems and popular attractions that make this area a year-round destination....

In this episode of Down to Business , Matt MacLaren, Director of Travel and Tourism Policy for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, explores the vibrant tourism landscape of Warren County with Scott Hutchinson, Director of Marketing and Communications at the Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Learn about the economic impact of attractions like Kings Island and the newly designated World Herita...

In this episode of "Down to Business," we tackle one of the most pressing issues affecting Ohio's economic growth and social equity: broadband accessibility. Host Rick Carfagna, Senior Vice President for Government Affairs at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, explores the critical role high-speed internet plays in connecting communities and driving economic opportunities across the stat...

In this episode of Down to Business, host Steve Stivers and guests Dave Robinson and Jon Melchi engage in a dynamic discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing Ohio's housing market. From regulatory hurdles to infrastructure needs, they explore strategies for fostering sustainable development and economic growth. - Learn about the evolving trends in housing construction, includin...

Explore the latest in governmental affairs and policy updates as we dive into the issues shaping the landscape for 2024. Join our expert government affairs team as they provide insightful analysis and discuss the key developments affecting businesses and communities. From legislative changes to regulatory updates, gain valuable insights to navigate the evolving political terrain. Tune in to stay i...

Join Rick Carfagna, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, in a riveting episode of Down to Business as he explores the pressing issue of organized retail crime in Ohio. With insightful contributions from experts such as former U.S. Attorney David DeVillers, retired judge Scott VanDerKarr, and Walgreens' Bryan Lindsay, the podcast delves into the intrica...

In this episode of "Down to Business" by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, host Tony Long, General Counsel, and Director of Energy and Environmental Policy, engages in a dynamic conversation with Cobi Blumenfeld-Gantz, co-founder and CEO of Chapter. Discover the world of Medicare navigation and how Chapter is reshaping the landscape of healthcare for retirees. Dive into the complexity of Med...

Ohio Chamber Director Of Tax and Economic Policy Tony Long was joined by Senator Bill Blessing and Representative Dani Isaacsohn to discuss the scarcity of housing and what can be done at the state level to provide solutions that lead to more affordable housing. Don't miss out on the latest "Down to Business" episodes and other informative content. Stay connected with us and be part...

Ohio Chamber SVP Rick Carfagna is joined by Lois Rosenberry, Founder and CEO of Children's Discovery Center; Shannon Jones, President of Groundwork Ohio; and State Representative Andrea White to discuss childcare affordability and availability in Ohio. Don't miss out on the latest "Down to Business" episodes and other informative content. Stay connected with us and be part of t...

In this episode of Down To Business, Cathy Strauss and her colleague Masallay Komrabai-Kanu discuss the importance of negotiation to professionals in the business sector. Cathy Strauss is an advocate for employers, and a skilled coach to human resource professionals and business executives, as well as a tenacious trial attorney, having successfully represented businesses in all types of legal proc...

Former City Councilmember, Legislator, Ohio Treasurer, and businessman Kevin Boyce, joined us to discuss the need for wealth building in the black community and the importance of removing barriers to financial equity. Adelphi Bank's mission is to serve the un-banked and under-banked by building meaningful wealth without bias. Follow Kevin Boyce: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-boyce-6655b31...

Beth Riczko, President of Personal Lines Insurance at Nationwide, joined us to discuss Senate Bill 288 (Distracted Driving) and how this an important step in making roads safer for Ohioans. Don't miss out on the latest "Down to Business" episodes and other informative content. Stay connected with us and be part of the conversation! LinkedIn Twitter (X) Facebook Instagram

For our last episode of the year we introduce two new additions to the Government Affairs team and discuss some of the wins of the business community over the past two years, Lame Duck and what to look forward to in 2023. Don't miss out on the latest "Down to Business" episodes and other informative content. Stay connected with us and be part of the conversation! LinkedIn Twitter (X...

Rick Carfagna and politics reporter Andrew Tobias breakdown the upcoming General Election and discuss issues shaping the November races and beyond. Don't miss out on the latest "Down to Business" episodes and other informative content. Stay connected with us and be part of the conversation! LinkedIn Twitter (X) Facebook Instagram

Nathan Johnson and John Hammond of US Bank, join us for a discussion on fraud and the different trends being seen within the industry Don't miss out on the latest "Down to Business" episodes and other informative content. Stay connected with us and be part of the conversation! LinkedIn Twitter (X) Facebook Instagram

The Ohio Chamber Government Affairs Team gives a recap of their completed and pending priority bills from the 134th General Assembly. The team also discusses the upcoming General Election and events in the fall and what to expect during the legislature’s lame duck session. Don't miss out on the latest "Down to Business" episodes and other informative content. Stay connected with us...

Steve Stivers and JP Nauseef discuss the mission of Jobs Ohio and what the entity has accomplished over the last decade to improve the economy and bring jobs to Ohio. Don't miss out on the latest "Down to Business" episodes and other informative content. Stay connected with us and be part of the conversation! LinkedIn Twitter (X) Facebook Instagram

Mark Tina, Vice President of Business Sales: A discussion about the technology and communications solutions Verizon is delivering for businesses and the community Don't miss out on the latest "Down to Business" episodes and other informative content. Stay connected with us and be part of the conversation! LinkedIn Twitter (X) Facebook Instagram