Developing an actionable plan to drive our DEI activities.

In 2019, TRCC employed an intern who researched successful diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategies and programs that could be initiated to create a more inclusive environment for its members. These recommendations were shared with the staff and board of trustees.

In November 2019, the TRCC created an internal DEI committee made up of staff members to focus on internal strategies for creating a more inclusive workplace and create a diversity statement: 

The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce believes that celebrating diversity, championing equity and cultivating inclusion are key to creating a vibrant economy in the Toledo Region.

We support an environment that fosters and represents the special talents, expertise and knowledge of all backgrounds and perspectives. To better serve and represent our membership, we are committed to seek an equitable, transparent, and inclusive board, membership, workforce, business environment and community. We demonstrate these values through our policies, practices, membership services and community engagement, and we support our members and partners as they do the same.

The following Trainings were attended by 1,300 businesses.

• Diversity & Inclusion Workshop, D&I to support recruiting and retention,
• A Practical Approach to Diversity and Inclusion
• Chamber U Series:
  • Employment considerations/requirements focused on DEI
  • Blind Spots, your brain on autopilot
  • Unconscious Bias
  • Workforce Re-Entry Development Initiative
  • Inclusion Strategies for Immigrants in the Workplace
  • Attracting, Hiring and Retaining Veteran Talent
  • 2019 New American Economy Report, Showcasing the Impact of Immigrants in Toledo
• Understanding Unconscious Bias
• Business Travel Restrictions & Considerations During COVID-19
• Microaggressions Seminar, bringing awareness of the negative impact that subtle or unintentional comments/actions toward members of marginalized groups can have on others in the workplace.
• Talent Resource Week; Employee Resource Network and Employee/Affinity Resource Groups