Chamber Amplified

Hosted by Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce

Business

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Episodes

208

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Each week Doug Jenkins of the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce talks to industry experts to help local businesses find new ideas, operate more efficiently, and adapt to ever-changing conditions.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 16, 202622 min

Best Of: Innovative Paths to Workforce Success

Send us Fan MailTraditional job fairs can bring employers and students into the same room, but that doesn’t always lead to successful hires.In this “Best of” episode of Chamber Amplified, Doug Jenkins revisits a conversation with Kyle Watts, work-based learning liaison at Millstream Career Center. Kyle shares what Millstream learned after a large job fair led to dozens of student job offers but only a small number of accepted positions.The issue wasn’t that students didn’t want to work. Many students simply weren’t sure what to expect from the workplace.Kyle explains how tours, job shadows, short-term work experiences and other hands-on opportunities can help students build confidence, connect with employers and see a realistic career path. He also shares practical steps businesses can take before creating a work-based learning opportunity, including identifying which skills are truly required, showing employees a clear path for advancement and allowing room for students to learn from early mistakes.This episode originally aired in October 2024. Chamber Amplified will return with a new episode on June 23.Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

June 9, 202620 min

BEST OF: Going Beyond Local: How to Attract Out-of-State Talent

Send us Fan MailYour next great hire might not live in Ohio yet, and that doesn’t have to be a dead end. In this best of episode we sit down with Alex Connolly, director of Find Your Ohio at JobsOhio, to unpack a practical talent attraction strategy built for employers who have exhausted the local candidate pool, especially in technology, engineering, healthcare, and other STEM-heavy roles.We get specific about how Find Your Ohio works: candidates come to the site to learn about working and living here, then submit one simple application that feeds a large resume database employers can search. Alex also explains the two paths for employers, self-service searching or hands-on help from her team to match candidates to your openings, which can be a game-changer when HR teams are strapped and the recruiting process feels like shouting into the void.Then we dig into the message that helps Ohio compete nationally. It’s not only about a job. It’s about quality of life, cost of living, and how far a salary can go compared with high-cost markets. You’ll hear real outcomes, including match and interview rates, plus a story where an employer liked a candidate enough to create a new role. We also talk about common employer concerns, relocation realities, and why veteran and transitioning military talent can be a strong fit.If you’re trying to grow a team in Findlay, Hancock County, or anywhere in Ohio, hit subscribe, share this with a hiring manager, and leave a review so more employers can find the tools that make hiring easier.Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

June 2, 202619 min

What Ohio Businesses Need to Know About Solar Tax Credits

Send us Fan MailEnergy costs are becoming a growing concern for businesses across Ohio, and many companies are starting to look more seriously at long-term ways to control utility expenses.In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins talks with Terry Nielsen of Superior Energy Solutions about rising electric rates, solar energy systems, battery storage technology, and the looming deadline for key federal solar tax incentives.They discuss: Why utility costs are increasing across Ohio Commercial solar ROI and tax credits Battery storage and peak demand reduction Energy efficiency opportunities for businesses What companies need to know before July incentive changes Whether you’re actively considering solar or simply trying to better understand where energy costs are heading, this episode offers practical insight for business owners, manufacturers, and facility managers.Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

May 19, 202621 min

The “Silver Tsunami” Facing Small Business Owners

Send us Fan MailA major transition is coming for small businesses across the country - and most communities aren’t talking about it enough.In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins sits down with Josh Robb from Hixon Zuercher Capital Management to discuss the growing wave of business owner retirements expected over the next decade and what it could mean for local communities.They discuss: why succession planning matters, how retiring owners can prepare their businesses for transition, why local ownership matters to a community, how entrepreneurs can position themselves to buy existing businesses, and the emotional side of stepping away from a company you spent decades building. The conversation also explores how this “silver tsunami” could impact local leadership, charitable giving, workforce stability, and the future character of communities like Findlay.If you’re a business owner, future entrepreneur, investor, or simply someone who cares about the future of local business, this episode is for you.Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

May 12, 202620 min

Inside Economic Development with Matt Gilroy

Send us Fan MailThis week on Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins sits down with Matt Gilroy, Director of Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development, to discuss the future of economic development in Findlay and Northwest Ohio.Matt explains how communities like Findlay compete for business investment, workforce growth, and long-term economic opportunities.The conversation covers: What economic development organizations actually do Why Findlay continues to stand out nationally as a micropolitan community Opportunities in life sciences, biotech, defense technology, and logistics The importance of workforce, education, and infrastructure How Northwest Ohio benefits from its location between Detroit, Columbus, and Dayton Challenges facing economic growth in the coming years If you’ve ever wondered how communities attract new businesses, and what happens behind the scenes before major investments are announced, then this episode offers an inside look at the process.Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

May 5, 202619 min

Why the Findlay Airport Matters More Than You Might Think

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug sits down with Findlay Municipal Airport Director Amanda McGee to break down how the airport serves as a major economic driver for Findlay and Hancock County.They discuss: The airport’s impact on local business and industry How on-demand cargo helps keep production moving The role it plays in medical and emergency transport Why the airport is more accessible than many people think What the future of air travel could look like locally Plus, learn how you can help shape the airport’s future through an active community survey.Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

April 28, 202622 min

Why Your Business Isn’t Showing Up on Google (And How to Fix It)

Send us Fan MailIf your business isn’t showing up on Google you’re losing customers.In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins sits down with Steven Shultz of Marketing Caffeine to break down what small businesses need to know about getting found online in 2026.They cover: Why your business might not be appearing in search results The importance of claiming your Google Business Profile How AI is changing the way customers find businesses Common SEO mistakes that are costing you leads Simple steps you can take right now to improve your visibility Whether you're just getting started or you've had a website for years, this episode will help you understand what matters, and what to fix first.Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

April 21, 202625 min

A Day In The Life: Culver's

Send us Fan MailWhat’s it really like to run a restaurant?In this episode of Chamber Amplified, we continue our “Day in the Life” series with a look inside the restaurant industry, featuring Danielle Doxsey of Culver’s of Findlay.From early mornings to late nights, Danielle shares what it takes to lead a team, serve customers, and balance the constant challenges of staffing, sourcing, and rising costs. We also dive into common misconceptions about “fast food,” the importance of company culture, and how technology like AI is beginning to reshape operations.Whether you’re a business owner, considering a career in hospitality, or just someone who enjoys a great meal out - this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at an industry that impacts all of us.Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

April 14, 202634 min

Energy Explained: What’s Driving Costs for Local Businesses

Send us Fan MailEnergy costs are top of mind for many businesses right now - but what’s actually driving those changes?In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins sits down with Jimmy Stewart of the Ohio Gas Association to break down what’s happening in the energy landscape - and what it means for local businesses.They cover: Why natural gas prices have remained relatively stable compared to electricity prices How Ohio’s energy position creates a competitive advantage What’s driving increased demand for electricity The role of data centers and 24/7 energy needs How state-level decisions impact your business more than you might think Whether you're trying to understand rising costs or just want a clearer picture of the energy landscape, this episode provides practical, easy-to-understand insights for business leaders.Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

April 7, 202624 min

What Every Business Should Know About Disaster Preparedness

Send us Fan MailIn this milestone 200th episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins sits down with Gary Lehman from Ohio Homeland Security to discuss a critical, and often overlooked, topic for businesses: disaster preparedness and resilience.From severe weather to cyber attacks, many businesses are not fully prepared for disruptions that can impact operations, employees, and customers. Gary shares insight into how the Ohio Public Private Partnership (OP3) helps connect businesses with resources to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.In this episode, you’ll learn: Why 85% of critical infrastructure is tied to the private sector The most common preparedness gaps for small businesses How businesses can build simple continuity plans Real-world examples of businesses stepping up during disasters The importance of coordination during emergency response efforts Free tools, training, and security assessments available through OP3 How to get connected and start preparing your business today Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a larger organization, this episode offers practical steps to help you protect your business and your team.Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com