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

Our Division of Financial Institutions Consumer Affairs Manager Viktoria Jurkovic, talks about strategies, tips and tricks for educating your kids this holiday season. We discuss how to approach gift giving with your kids in a financially focused way. Join us for an educational discussion on how to ensure the whole family is happy without breaking the bank, and stay on top of your finances while c...

From stuffed toys to your Halloween decorations, the OhioDepartment of Commerce is working to keep you safe this Halloween and all year round. On this episode of Protecting What Matters, hear how Division of Industrial Compliance’s Bedding Section ensures the safety of stuffed toys and bedding items, and hear valuable Halloween safety information from the Divisionof State Fire Marshal.

The Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal Fire & Explosion Investigations Bureau’s mission is to combat the crime of arson. Arson is a destructive act which involves setting fire to property and can result in devastating consequences, including loss of life, property damage, and economic loss. The intentional setting of fires can cause fear and terror and/or can be used to intimidate or harm com...

Join us in this episode as we explore the Volunteer Fire Service Task Force Report, packed with innovative recommendations to bolster Ohio's volunteer fire departments. Discover how these proposals focus on recruitment, training, and financial stability to support Ohio’s communities.

September is Realtor Safety Month! We're dedicated to ensuring real estate professionals have the tools and knowledge to stay safe while helping Ohio homebuyers find their dream home. DaphneHawk, superintendent from Commerce’s real estate and professional licensing division, and Ralph Mantica, president of Ohio Realtors, talks about how and why safety plays a significant role in real estate work r...

Wait until you hear some of these stories from those who found money! The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Unclaimed Funds is holding nearly $4 billion in unclaimed funds. Hear from the division’s experts on how the money is collected and how you can get it back into your pockets.

Whether at the Ohio State Fair, online, or at one of our OHLQ locations, using technology to fairly distribute popular bourbonproducts has elevated the Ohio Liquor brand and the popularity of the OHLQ bottle lotteries. Hear from Division of Liquor Superintendent Jim Canepa how selling high-proof spirits in a fair and equitable way are the top priority of Ohio Liquor – and how you can be the first...

Come out and celebrate our 1-year anniversary of our educational and outreach show, Protecting What Matters. We share important details of how our work saves lives and protects people and their property through our regulation. We strive to be helpful, honest and a trustworthy government agency to make sure Ohioans, all visitors, and businesses are safe and thriving. Again, come celebrate everythin...

June is National Homeownership Month! We want to ensure every Ohioan has access to the resources and information in the homebuying or selling process. We’ve partnered with Ohio Realtors to discuss the important role licensed real estate professionals play in shaping communities across Ohio and the consumer benefits of working with a licensed professional.  For more information, please visit: com.o...

Minor Labor Laws are in place to protect Ohio teens who enter the workforce from hazardous occupations and to ensure they have restricted hours, appropriate breaks, and wage agreements. Outreach Educator Steve Clegg shares the step-by-step process for teens looking to obtain a work permit and the many other roles the Bureau of Wage & Hour plays in the Ohio workforce. To learn more, visit: http...

If you plan to visit your loved one in an Ohio cemetery, we're sharing everything you need to know if you are concerned about the maintenance and upkeep. The Cemetery Section of our Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing works with the Ohio Cemetery Dispute Resolution Commission to regulate cemeteries and resolve disputes between cemeteries and families. If you have a concern and are...

The burn ban is in place to protect Ohioans property, environment and even their lives - Remember, outdoor fires can quickly turn dangerous if not properly managed. So, whether you're roasting marshmallows or flipping burgers, make sure to keep safety in mind. You can learn more at the Fire Prevention section of our website at   com.ohio.gov/FireSafety  or visit forestry.ohiodnr.gov for more infor...

Ohio Liquor strives to be a trusted and accurate source of information about alcohol safety and responsibility. While April may bedesignated as Alcohol Awareness Month, for OHLQ, alcohol awareness is a year-round campaign. Tune in as OHLQ Brand &Marketing Strategy Manager Kristen Castle and Director of Corporate Social Responsibility Brian Hoyt share information andresources for consumers, par...

Learn how liquor laws are enforced in Ohio and the state agencies that work with bars, restaurants, and other liquor permit holders to keep environments and products safe for all those who choose to enjoy beverages that contain alcohol.

We’re sharing key factors and resources that can help or hurt your credit score for National Credit Education Month. Learn the difference between a credit report and credit score, how long an issue can stay on your report, how to save money with your score, and how a joint account can impact your score- plus a lot more!

20-40% of all preventable fire deaths are related to smoking. Specifically, smoking while on oxygen, smoking while tired or medicated, and discarding cigarettes in an unapproved container. The division of State Fire Marshal is alarmed at the number of preventable fire fatalities across Ohio. We must work together to bring these tragic numbers down.

The Division of Unclaimed Funds wants to reunite Ohioans with their forgotten money and is making a special push for that in February. The Division is safeguarding more than $3 billion in unclaimed money and property in Ohio. Some of it may belong to you or your loved ones. February 1st in National Unclaimed Funds Day. In this episode of Protecting what Matters, Outreach Program Manager Susie Wagn...

Looking to buy a new home in 2023? Want to know how the homebuying process works? In this episode of Protecting What Matters we're helping you every step of the way as you buy a home- including how to select a real estate agent, lender, and more. For more information visit com.ohio.gov/real

It's a new year! Did you make a resolution that had to do with money? Many people did, and in this episode of Protecting What Matters we're helping you review your spending and investing habits and create a better plan for 2023. From the performance of your 401(k) and turning it around in the new year to knowing how to review what you spent last year and creating a better budget amid inflation, we...

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal distributes millions of dollars in grant funding each year to fire departments across the state. This support leads to better equipment, apparatus and technology to better protect Ohio’s communities. Learn more about the grant and loan programs on our website at com.ohio.gov/grants.

You’ve probably not put a lot of thought into how you’re protected when you buy bedding, upholstered furniture and stuffed toys- but Commerce is critical in keeping you in-the-know and safe within this massive industry. In this episode we’re tackling all the items in your house that are… stuffed! Including those presents you’re about to give during the holidays! Are you concerned materials inside...

'Tis the season for holiday shopping and, unfortunately, scams. With a longer shopping season, and an increase in budget-focused consumers, scammers are working overtime. In this episode of Protecting What Matters, our Division of Financial Institutions' shares ways to protect yourself from potential financial fraud. See additional financial literacy resources at the Division's Office of Consumer...

With Fall arriving that means three big holidays are just around the corner – Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas – and with them comes some associated fire risks. The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal provides prevention resources to keep families safe this time of year. You’ll find best practices in this latest episode and additional fire prevention resources at the S...

OHLQ brings you the people and passion behind some of your favorite spirits – from a fourth-generation Ohio farmer to award-winning distilleries. The Seed to Sip series reminds us that found in every glass of your favorite spirit is a story of agriculture , art, and science.  https://bit.ly/3UY9qg7

For many students, going away to college gives them the freedom to make their own choices, but when it comes to living in on and off-campus housing, it’s important for students and their parents to keep safety top of mind. During this Campus Safety Month, Ohio’s Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal provides prevention resources to keep students safe. See additional fire prevention...