Chamber Amplified
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.Â
Small Business Marketing Tips: Authenticity, AI and Planning for 2027
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Marketing your small business doesn't have to mean spending a fortune or constantly chasing the latest social media trends.
As businesses wrap up 2026 and start planning for 2027, Alicia Giangiordano of APM Marketing joins Chamber Amplified to share practical advice for building a more effective marketing strategy, even with a limited budget.
We discuss why understanding your audience matters more than simply posting consistently, how authentic content and community involvement can help businesses stand out, and why social media should be just one part of your overall marketing plan.
<...Day In The Life: Buckeye Machine Fabricators
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What does it take to build the machines that manufacturers rely on every day? And what does a small-town Ohio machine-building company have to do with the Indianapolis 500?
In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, we're continuing our Day in the Life series with Neal Boyd of Buckeye Machine Fabricators in Forest, Ohio.
For more than 50 years, Buckeye Machine Fabricators has designed and built specialized machinery, automated equipment, and robotic systems for manufacturers. Along the way, the company even developed inspection equipment used...
Selling Your Business to Your Employees: A Succession Planning Option
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What happens to a local business when its owner is ready to retire? For many communities, the answer could mean losing jobs, local investment, and businesses that have been part of the community for generations.
But what if the next owners are already working there?
On this episode of Chamber Amplified, Doug Jenkins talks with Chris Cooper of the Ohio Employee Ownership Center at Kent State University and Ginny Vanderslice, co-founder of Praxis Consulting Group and a leader in employee-owned business leadership development.
Inspired by the Ohio...
Understanding the 50 North Levy in Hancock County
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What does it take to help older adults remain independent, active, and connected to their community?
On this episode of Chamber Amplified, Doug Jenkins welcomes Carolyn Copus, Director of 50 North, to explore the many ways the organization supports older adults and families throughout Hancock County, Ohio.
From home repairs and meal delivery to fitness programs, Medicare assistance, and opportunities for social connection, 50 North provides far more than many people realize.
Carolyn also explains the 2026 Hancock County senior services levy renewal, what the funding supports...
Building a Healthier Hancock County: Mental Health, Recovery & Prevention
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Hancock County's approach to mental health, addiction and recovery has changed dramatically over the past decade, and there are measurable results.
On this episode of Chamber Amplified, Doug Jenkins is joined by Zach Thomas of the Hancock County ADAMHS Board to discuss the county's behavioral health system, the decline in overdose fatalities, efforts to connect more people with treatment and recovery services, and how attitudes surrounding addiction and recovery have evolved.
They also discuss why access to behavioral health services matters to local employers and the workforce, the role...
A Day in the Life of a Local Attorney
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What does a day in the life of an attorney really look like, and how does someone go from studying particle physics to practicing law?
In this episode of Chamber Amplified, Doug Jenkins talks with Pat Sadowski of Eastman & Smith as part of our Day in the Life series.
Pat shares his path into the legal profession, including studying physics and mathematics, conducting research at Columbia University and discovering that the career he originally envisioned wasn't actually the right fit. He also explains what his work in estate planning...
The Productivity Trap: When Efficiency Starts Working Against You
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Is Inbox Zero really the goal, or are we measuring productivity the wrong way?
Dan Gonder of Strategic In/Sight Partners joins Chamber Amplified to rethink what efficiency should look like in the workplace. We talk about managing an overflowing email inbox, setting realistic expectations for response times, using AI to organize work and knowing when efficiency starts getting in the way of effectiveness.
The conversation also tackles a bigger productivity challenge: priorities. Dan explains why trying to do everything can contribute to burnout, how businesses and employees can...
How Businesses Can Support Food Banks and Local Nonprofits
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Food insecurity doesn't always look the way you might expect - and demand for food assistance across northwest and west central Ohio is now higher than it was at the height of the pandemic.
Tommie Harner of West Ohio Food Bank joins Chamber Amplified to talk about the growing need for hunger relief, rising food and transportation costs, and the important role businesses and volunteers can play in supporting their communities.
West Ohio Food Bank distributes between 8 and 9 million pounds of food each year across an 11-county service area...
The Problem With AI-Generated Logos, Flyers and Marketing
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AI can create a logo, flyer or social media graphic in seconds - but when everyone has access to the same tools, how do you keep your business from looking like everyone else?
Krystin Brecheisen, Senior Graphic Designer at AR Marketing, joins Chamber Amplified to talk about the rapidly changing relationship between artificial intelligence, graphic design and business marketing.
Krystin explains how AR Marketing uses AI as a productivity and brainstorming tool without allowing it to replace the human creative process. We also talk about why so much AI-generated...
Best Of: Understanding and Managing Multiple Generations in the Workplace
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Best Of Chamber Amplified: Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z can all bring different communication styles, expectations and approaches to work. So how can managers effectively lead a multigenerational workforce?
Doug Jenkins revisits a favorite conversation with Kristin Scroggin, founder of Gen Y Communication Strategies, about understanding generational differences in the workplace without falling into the trap of deciding one generation is better than another.
Kristin explains how different generations were shaped by the world around them and how those experiences can influence everything from...
A Day In The Life: Financial Advisors
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What does a financial advisor actually do all day?
In the latest installment of our Day in the Life series, Chamber Amplified sits down with Josh Robb of Hixon Zuercher Capital Management for a behind-the-scenes look at a career in financial advising and wealth management.
Josh explains why working as a financial advisor is much more relationship-driven than many people realize, how advisors help clients turn financial goals into a plan, and why building trust is especially important when starting a career in the industry.
We also...
Workers Wanted: Understanding Findlay's Tight Labor Market
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Why are businesses still struggling to find workers when small-business confidence is improving?
Randy Galbraith of Hancock County Job & Family Services joins Chamber Amplified to break down what the local labor market actually looks like and why hiring remains such a challenge for Findlay and Hancock County employers.
Hancock County's unemployment rate sits at just 3.6%, while its overall labor force has barely grown in more than a decade. At the same time, new businesses continue to open and existing employers need more workers.
Doug and Randy discuss...
More Than Tourism: How Visit Findlay Helps Residents & Local Businesses
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There’s more happening in Findlay and Hancock County than you might realize - including more than 900 events over the next six months.
On this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins talks with Danielle Wilkin from Visit Findlay about how the Convention and Visitors Bureau is helping visitors, local residents and businesses discover everything Hancock County has to offer.
Danielle explains how VisitFindlay.com can help users find events, restaurants, shopping, attractions and family-friendly activities; build and share custom itineraries; and explore in...
Preparing the Next Generation for Careers in Hancock County
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Workforce continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today, but solving it starts long before someone submits a job application.
In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins talks with Tricia Valasek of Raise the Bar Hancock County about how local schools, employers and community partners are working together to introduce students to career opportunities, develop essential workplace skills and build the future workforce.
They discuss:
 How YouScience helps students discover careers that match their strengths  Why businesses sho...A Day In The Life: Local Real Estate
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In this episode of Chamber Amplified's Day in the Life series, Doug Jenkins sits down with Brian Whitta, Broker/Owner of Coldwell Banker Flag City, for a behind-the-scenes look at the real estate profession.
Brian discusses how every day is different, why relationships are the foundation of real estate, how he monitors housing trends and economic indicators each morning, and what today's housing market really looks like. They also explore why inventory remains tight years after the Great Recession, how technology and regulations have changed the industry, and why community involvement...
Ohio's #1 Business Ranking: What It Means for Findlay and Northwest Ohio
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Ohio has officially been named CNBC's #1 State for Business, but what does that actually mean?
In this episode of Chamber Amplified, Doug Jenkins sits down with Chase Eikenbary of the Regional Growth Partnership and Matt Gilroy of Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development to unpack how Ohio climbed from 41st in the rankings to the top spot, why infrastructure became the most important category this year, and how years of planning are paying off across the state.
The conversation also explores what this ranking means for businesses in Findlay and Hancock...
Networking, Trust, and Business Success with Rod Walton
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Rod Walton spent nearly 44 years building relationships in the banking industry, and while technology has changed dramatically, he believes the fundamentals of business success haven't.
In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Rod shares advice on networking, building trust, following up with clients, handling mistakes professionally, and developing relationships that last throughout an entire career.
Whether you're just starting your career, growing your business, or looking to strengthen your professional network, this conversation offers timeless lessons that apply to every industry.
...
Ohio Tourism, The Heart of It All Pass, and Why Local Travel Matters
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Summer travel is in full swing, and there’s no shortage of places to explore across Ohio. In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins talks with Matt MacLaren, Director of Travel and Tourism Policy for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, about Ohio’s tourism industry, the proposed Ohio, The Heart of It All Pass, and the connection between travel, local businesses, and economic growth.
The conversation covers major attractions like Cedar Point, Kings Island, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Ohio’s professional sports...
A Day in the Life: The Wellness Way of Ada
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In this Day in the Life episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins talks with Dr. Todd Gillfillan and Alicia Weaver from The Wellness Way of Ada about what it’s like to work in the wellness and health restoration industry.
The conversation covers chiropractic care, inflammation, lifestyle change, immune health, common misconceptions about wellness clinics, and why many people look for answers when they’re told everything looks normal but still don’t feel their best.
Todd and Alicia also discuss how wellne...
Go Where the Energy Is: Remembering Tony Iriti
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Former Findlay Mayor and former Alliance Economic Development Director Tony Iriti passed away on May 6, 2026. Ahead of his celebration of life on Friday, June 26 at 5:30 p.m. at Dorney Plaza in Findlay, Chamber Amplified is taking time to remember his impact on Findlay and Hancock County.
This episode features three shorter conversations with Jody Combs of RooBarb Studios, former economic development directory Tim Mayle, and Lydia Mihalik, former Findlay mayor and current director of the Ohio Department of Development. Together, they reflect on Tony’s humor, compassion, leadership style, love for Fi...
Best Of: Innovative Paths to Workforce Success
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Traditional 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 wor...
BEST OF: Going Beyond Local: How to Attract Out-of-State Talent
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Your 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 fe...
What Ohio Businesses Need to Know About Solar Tax Credits
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Energy 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...The “Silver Tsunami” Facing Small Business Owners
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A 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 commu...Inside Economic Development with Matt Gilroy
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This 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 infrast...Why the Findlay Airport Matters More Than You Might Think
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In 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 locallyÂPlus, learn how you can...
Why Your Business Isn’t Showing Up on Google (And How to Fix It)
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If 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...A Day In The Life: Culver's
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What’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.<...
Energy Explained: What’s Driving Costs for Local Businesses
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Energy 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 de...What Every Business Should Know About Disaster Preparedness
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In 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...
A Day In The Life: A Look Inside Trucking And Logistics with HTI's Jeff Hall
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It's the first in what we plan on being a monthly series of "A Day in the Life" style episodes, where we highlight local businesses and industries and the challenges they are facing.
First up: What is it really like to run a trucking company?
In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins sits down with Jeff Hall of HTI Hall Trucking Express to break down the reality of the trucking and logistics industry.
From being on call 24/7 to dealing...
What Lenders Really Look for in Your Business
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In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins talks with Christie Tunison of Fifth Third Bank about what businesses need to know when it comes to financing, lending, and building a strong financial foundation.
From startups to established companies, many businesses run into challenges when applying for funding. Christie shares insight into what lenders are really looking for - and why factors like cash flow, credit, and business planning can make or break a financing decision.
The conversation covers:
 The biggest f...Building Independence: Inside the Project Life Program
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In honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Doug Jenkins of the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce sits down with Nicole Gunka from Project Life to discuss a program that is much more than a job training initiative, it's a bridge to independence.
Project Life is a comprehensive two-year program helping young adults with developmental disabilities master both the workplace and the home. From navigating public transit and cooking meals to painting soccer fields at the University of Findlay, these interns are learing valuable skills and making a positive impact at their...
Ohio’s New E-Verify Rules Explained
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In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins talks with Amanda Fisher of Corporate Intelligence Consultants about e-Verify, the federal employment verification system, and why a new Ohio requirement means more employers may need to pay attention right now.
While e-Verify has long been used by federal contractors and other employers, Ohio is now adding a new mandate for certain non-residential contractors, with implications that can extend to subcontractors and staffing agencies as well. Amanda breaks down what e-Verify is, how it works alongside...
Transportation & Workforce: Why Transit Matters to Local Businesses
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Transportation may not be the first thing businesses think about when discussing workforce challenges, but maybe it should be.
In this episode of Chamber Amplified, Doug Jenkins talks with Kendra Lenz of Rowmark about how access to reliable transportation directly impacts hiring, retention, attendance, and workforce development in Hancock County.
They discuss:
Why transportation is becoming a bigger workforce issueHow Tall Timbers businesses are partnering with HATSThe real cost of absenteeism tied to transportation gapsWhy vehicle affordability is part of the challengeHow local support for transit leverages federal...Leadership Starts Here: Inside Hancock Youth Leadership (HYL)
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Hancock Youth Leadership (HYL) helps high school students build real-world confidence, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the community. In this episode, you’ll hear that impact directly from a student leader.
Doug Jenkins talks with Maya Logsdon, a Senior Board Representative for Hancock Youth Leadership, about what the program is really like, what surprised her most, and why the community component of HYL often becomes the biggest takeaway.
They discuss:
Why HYL is more than “leadership skills," and how it changes students’ perspectiveHow students build confidence throug...Why Cyber Threats Are Increasing in 2026 (And What Businesses Must Do)
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Cybersecurity threats are increasing in 2026, and AI is making scams more sophisticated than ever.
In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins talks with Josh Rabe of CentraComm about the growing rise in phishing attacks, ransomware threats, data breaches, and how artificial intelligence is lowering the barrier for cyber criminals.
They talk about:
Why phishing remains the #1 entry point into businessesHow AI is making scam emails harder to detectThe importance of employee cybersecurity trainingWhat “least privilege” and zero-trust security mean for smal...More Local Than You Think: How Franchise Owners Show Up in the Community
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On this episode of Chamber Amplified, we take a closer look at franchise businesses in the area and why they’re often more local than people realize.
Franchises sometimes get lumped into the “big box vs. buy local” debate, but the reality is more nuanced. Many franchise operators are deeply embedded in their communities, creating jobs, supporting local organizations, and investing time and resources right where they live and work.
Host Doug Jenkins is joined by Paul Hadde, the franchise operator of Chick-fil-A in Findlay, to talk about what it’s r...
From Planning to Impact: Hancock Leadership’s 2026 Community Project
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In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins sits down with Jennie Gilroy from the Hancock Leadership Class of 2026 to talk about this year’s community impact project: building a safer, more usable playground for families in Riverview Terrace.
You’ll hear why the project matters (it’s about more than playground equipment, it’s about safety, connection, and giving kids a healthy place to play), how the team is relocating equipment from the former Lincoln School with support from the city, and what’s happenin...
From Public Health to Productivity: Why Businesses Should Pay Attention
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Note: This episode is a bit different than our usual format. Due to the level 3 snow emergency and being snowed out of the office, Doug wasn't able to access our normal podcast equipment. As a result, you won’t hear our standard intro and outro this week. We’ll be back to the regular format next week.
In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Jenkins is joined by Zach Thomas of Hancock County ADAMHS to break down the newly released Hancock County Community Health Impr...
