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 firefighting in Ohio. If you have the heart and drive to make a difference in your community, you...

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 the lens of regulatory oversight and best practices for consumers. Make sure you listen to this episode before you start to invest!  Whether you're a beginner or...

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, beginning on Wednesday, July 24 and running through August 4. The Commerce team is all set to...

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, businesses, and the construction industry. Click here to learn more about the 2024 Ohio Building...

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 initiatives to collaborative efforts, shaping Ohio's real estate landscape, explore how these agencies...

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 vibrant spaces in some communities. Tune in and discover how DORAs are not just about refreshment but...

In this episode of Protecting What Matters, we’re helping Ohioans navigate the complex process of selecting the right mortgage lender and real estate professional. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned homeowner, 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 and home. Experts from the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Financial Institutions and...

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 Trade Commission 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. The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Financial Institutions Office of Consumer Affairs...

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 stash could be yours. Visit unclaimedfunds.ohio.gov to search and see if you have unclaimed funds...

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 marijuana patient. For more information on this new division within Commerce, please visit our FAQ.

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 information, please visit...

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 celebrating. Listen now!

From stuffed toys to your Halloween decorations, the Ohio Department 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 Division of 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 communities.  In this episode, you’ll learn about why CSI-style TV shows aren’t a total picture of...

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. Daphne Hawk, 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 right now and truly year-round. Listen in to learn some safety tips and resources to help keep...

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 bourbon products 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 to know about these unique opportunities.  https://www.ohlq.com/ohlq-hub/ohlq-sign-up

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 everything that our great state offers at the Ohio State Fair July 26 – Aug. 6, 2023! Remember you can...

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.ohio.gov/real