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

Back‑to‑school season is here and so is the pressure on your wallet. In this episode of Protecting What Matters, we break down practical budgeting tips for families, insights from Ohio retailers on this year’s school shopping trends, and everything you need to know about Ohio’s Sales Tax Holiday . Learn how to stretch your dollars, plan ahead, and shop smarter as you get ready for the new school y...

With America’s birthday around the corner, celebrating safely is more important than ever. In this episode of Protecting What Matters, we sit down with experts from the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office to discuss the dangers of illegal fireworks, legal use guidelines, key safety tips for a worry‑free celebration, and the legal discharge periods allowed by Ohio law. Learn how to keep your family an...

May is Building Safety Month and the Ohio Department of Commerce is Cracking the Code and navigating the state’s building and fire codes. In this episode of Protecting What Matters hear from experts on how the building and fire codes where adopted and why they play a vital role in our mission of promoting prosperity by protecting what matters most!.

In this episode of Protecting What Matters explores how we can honor Older Americans Month by helping the older adults in our lives stay safe from financial fraud and maintain secure, healthy homes.

This episode of Protecting What Matters goes beyond dusting and organizing we’re uncovering how clutter and sometimes even hoarding can turn a simple fire into a life‑threatening emergency. You’ll learn what typical household clutter and debris can cause fire. And you’ll see why excessive storage makes fires burn faster and hotter, how blocked pathways put both residents and first responders in da...

In this episode, we explore how education, history, and financial empowerment shape Ohio communities. We highlight a special initiative connected to America 250 Ohio , celebrating our nation’s—and Ohio’s—250 years of contributions and progress. Financial education plays a crucial role in the Department’s mission to protect and empower Ohioans. When youth and families understand how to manage money...

National Consumer Protection Week 2026 is all about empowering Ohioans to make confident, informed decisions and stay safe from fraud. In this special series, experts from the Ohio Department of Commerce, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, and the Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio break down today’s most common scams, share practical tips you can use right away, and highlight trusted resourc...

The Ohio Department of Commerce is proud to celebrate a transformative year for its Division of Unclaimed Funds. In 2025, we launched a new, state-of-the-art system designed to streamline the way Ohioans claim unclaimed funds and how holders report those unclaimed funds. Akil Hardy, Superintendent of Ohio Unclaimed Funds and Outreach Manager Susie Wagner discuss how navigating a year of change has...

Are you thinking about a new career in 2026? Maybe you’ve considered becoming a real estate agent or exploring opportunities in the skilled trades. In this episode of Protecting What Matters, we discuss the essential steps you need to take before getting started—from licensing requirements to training programs and resources that canhelp you succeed. This podcast highlights some of the steps that O...

Ohio winters can be brutal and staying warm is a must. But heating your home the wrong way can lead to tragedy. In this episode, we’ll talk about how to keep your home cozy without risking a fire. From space heaters to fireplaces and smoke alarms, we have practical tips to keep you and your family safe. Check out our free fire safety resource by visiting: com.ohio.gov/fire

Dry January. What is it and why do some people participate in it? In this episode of Protecting What Matters Ohio Liquor's Brian Hoyt and Ohio Division of Liquor Control Gregg Dodd discuss how many people use Dry January to reset their relationship with alcohol and share some social responsibility ideas and resources available to help those who need them. Learn more by visiting: https://www.oh...

As Ohioans open their hearts and wallets to support charitable causes this holiday season, scammers are also on the lookout—ready to exploit that generosity. In this episode, we’re joined by experts from the  Ohio Division of Financial Institutions , the  Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio , and the  Ohio Attorney General’s Office  to share essential tips on how to give safely and confidently....

We're preparing you for a stress-free season with Ohio's Holiday Budgeting Guide from the Department of Commerce! In this episode, our experts from the Division of Financial Institutions discuss practical tips to help Ohioans avoid holiday debt, manage spending, and protect their financesduring what is considered the most financially demanding time of year. Whether you're shopping for...

The new system for the Ohio Division of Unclaimed Funds makes it easier for businesses to report unclaimed funds. Learn why Ohio businesses need to report these funds, how the state processes them, and how you can search for money that might belong to you. Billions of dollars in unclaimed funds are waiting to be claimed by rightful owners. Visit unclaimedfunds.ohio.gov to search your name or a lov...

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to break the silence, reduce stigma, and offer support to those affected by mental health challenges. In this episode of Protecting What Matters , we shine a light on the undeserved risks faced by first responders in Ohio and across the nation.   From firefighters and EMTs to law enforcement and dispatchers, these public safety professionals o...

Breaking down the new Ohio Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment Portal and other efforts by the Ohio State Fire Marshal's office and the Ohio Fire Academy to help the volunteer fire service. Learn more by visiting com.ohio.gov/fire

Your safety is our top priority! Discover how Ohio’s Building Code and Elevator Inspectors work every day behind the scenes to protect you. In this episode of Protecting What Matters, experts from our Division of Industrial Compliance discuss the insights of our safety inspections and the importance of the work inspectors do to ensure every commercial building open to the public meets the highest...

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,...

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...

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 i...

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...

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