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

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. Liste...

This podcast highlights how unknown individuals are targeting Ohio consumers via unsolicited communications, text messages, phone calls, emails, and letters to acquire their personal information or property for less than its worth. Our experts, Kenyetta Bagby from the Consumer Affairs section of the Division of Financial Institutions and Daphne Hawk, Superintendent from our Division of Real Estate...

In this important and timely episode, we discuss the topic of burn prevention and fire safety as we recognize Burn Awareness Week in Ohio. This year’s theme, "Burn Prevention Starts Where You Live," emphasizes the importance ofunderstanding and mitigating burn risks within your own home. Burn risks can exist in any living space, from houses to apartments, and may present themselves in various form...

Are you looking to buy a new home? But more importantly, have you heard about the recent changes in Ohio real estate law? In the next episode of Protecting What Matters, the Ohio Department of Commerce helps homebuyers and sellers navigate the changes in buyer representation and how it can impact your search for that dream home.

In this episode of Protecting What Matters , Ohio Liquor talks about the concept of Dry January and how many people use it as an opportunity to reset their relationship with alcohol. We also dive into the important work of the Prevention Action Alliance and highlight other valuable resources that help individuals understand the importance of responsible alcohol consumption. Learn more about how yo...

The Christmas holiday is a time for celebration and joy, but it’s also a time with increased fire risks. Listen and learn how you can protect your loved ones and home this holiday season. In this episode we're talking fire safety tips with Ohio State Fire Marshal Fire Prevention Bureau Chief Anita Metheny.

In this must-listen episode of Protecting What Matters, we discuss all of the great resources in our newly launched Holiday Gift Budgeting Guide from the Ohio Department of Commerce. Deputy Superintendent of the Division of Financial Institutions Rob Rutkowski shares examples of how you and your family can enjoy a festive holiday season with confidence and financial savvy.  There are also plenty o...

In this discussion, we'll educate the audience so they better understand the opportunities available to 16- and 17-year-old students through the Ohio Manufacturing and Construction Mentorship Program. This episode will inform Ohioans about the opportunities available to those who consider careers in the skilled trades – and it will highlight how the program works, what the benefits are tostudents,...

In this discussion, we're educating Ohioans to better understand safety regulations in Ohio manufactured home communities. This episode will inform the Ohioans about the guidelines, regulations, and safety standards. Moreover, this is designed to encourage residents of these communities to notify authorities about any problems or damages, from severe weather, tornadoes or other incidents, and to p...

Join us for an informative episode of Protecting What Matters, where Division of Liquor Control Licensing Director Paul Kulwinski breaks down Ohio's wet anddry laws and the local option election process. In this episode, we comprehensively discuss how these laws impact your community.  Gain insights into how these decisions affect local businesses, economic development, and more. Tune in to unders...

Join us as we explore the innovative "Make Me a Firefighter" campaign aimed at boosting recruitment and support for the Ohio Volunteer Fire Service. We’ll discuss the rewards of being a volunteer firefighter, the impact of new initiatives, and how the upcoming 2024 Ohio Fire Marshal Festival is a free, family-friendly outreach opportunity to educate and celebrate efforts to shape the future of fir...

In this episode of Protecting What Matters,  experts from our Division of Securities Enforcement Section talk about the cryptocurrency landscape. Our experts uncover ways to safeguard your investments and keep you informed with the latest safety protocols in the crypto markets. We explore the critical aspects of crypto safety through thelens of regulatory oversight and best practices for consumers...

Join us as we celebrate year three for Protecting What Matters. We’re talking about all things Ohio State Fair, from giveaways and how to win a prize. Plus, learn more about the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library and how kids from birth to age 5 can get 1 free book each month. Get ready to immerse yourself in an exciting visit to the Commerce House! We invite you to join us at the Ohio State Fair...

In this episode, we discuss Ohio's new Building Standards codes for the Mechanical and Plumbing industries and what that means for Ohio's construction landscape. Join us as we talk with Board of Building Standards Chair Tim Galvin to discuss critical changes and share examples of how these regulations play a crucial role in our lives while providing valuable insight into the safety of Ohioans, bus...

Join us in this educating episode as we delve into an important partnership between the Ohio Division of Real Estate and the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. Discover how this partnership benefits not only consumers seeking affordable housing solutions but also empowers real estate professionals with the resources and support they need to thrive in a competitive housing market. From innovative initiat...

Exploring Ohio's DORA -  we invite listeners to into the world of Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (DORAs) just in time for summer. As warmer weather increases,we’re outdoors to dine, shop, and connect with our communities, at events and festivals throughout Ohio.  In this episode of Protecting What Matters, you understand the creation and evolution of DORAs and hear how they have become vibra...

In this episode of Protecting What Matters, we’re helpingOhioans navigate the complex process of selecting the right mortgage lender and real estate professional. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasonedhomeowner, we provide invaluable insights and tips to help ensure you make informed decisions and have access to the resources you need to protect what matters most— with your finances a...

In the spirit of spring, a season synonymous with renewal and tidying up, the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of State Fire Marshal's Fire Prevention Bureau reminds you that spring cleaning and fire safety go hand-in-hand. We’ll walk you through what you need to know as you clean up your home.  #Ohio #OhioCommerce#OhioFire #ProtectingWhatMatters #NewPodcast #Podcast #FireSafety

Financial fraud and identity theft continues to be a pressing issue for consumers across the country and here in Ohio. In this episode, we break down the Federal TradeCommission Consumer Sentinel Network Report, revealing the shocking reality that consumers nationwide lost an alarming $10 billion to fraud in 2023. Ohio ranked 26th in the country, with $154 million in losses to Ohioans last year. T...

The Ohio Department of Commerce produced this episode for National Consumer Protection Week, but the tips and educational content are good for you and your family year-round! Assistant Director Charity Robl explains all the different ways we protect Ohio’s consumers, help them make more confident decisions, and take decisive action in many areas of their life

Ohio’s Division of Unclaimed Funds Claims Examiner, Supervisor Anitra Davis, answers frequently asked questions about finding, filing, and claiming your missing money. Hear testimonials from other Ohioans about their experience with claiming unclaimed funds. The Commerce Department’s Division of Unclaimed Funds is holding almost $4 billion in unclaimed funds waiting to be claimed. Part of this sta...

Business owners and consumers around the state of Ohio have questions about the Division of Cannabis Control’s first set of proposed rules. In this episode of Protecting What Matters, we sit down with Superintendent Jim Canepa and the division’s chief counsel Andrew Makoski to talk through who can receive licenses, the timeline for awarding licenses, and why it remains a benefit to be a medical ma...

We explore Ohio's Video Service Authorization Program in this podcast, you’ll discover what we do for cable customers who are having issues with their cable providers. Linda Pausch, our program administrator, shares when we can help consumers, how to contact us and  the step-by-step process of filing a complaint. Learn more by visiting, com.ohio.gov/vsa

Whether you're a business owner seeking certification or an everyday Ohioan curious about how safety standards are upheld in our state, the Bureau of Testing and Registration is your go-to resource. With a commitment to transparency, efficiency, and above all, the safety of Ohioans, the Bureau works tirelessly to make its services easily understandable and reachable for all.

On January 1, 2024, Ohio’s minimum wage will increase to $10.45 for non-tipped employees and $5.25 for tipped employees. In this episode, our Bureau of Wage and Hour Chief Steve Clegg talks about how the minimum is set year-to-year, what employees and businesses need to know as it increases, and how the Bureau of Wage and Hour works to ensure Ohioans are paid for the hours that they work. For more...