ConnecToledo is a 501(c)3 organization committed to the redevelopment of Downtown Toledo. Funded by the city's leading institutional and corporate organizations, ConnecToledo is committed to facilitating public/private partnerships, promoting events and attractions, investing in planning and projects and advocating for businesses. We build the critical connections for developing vibrant neighborhoods and a strong central business district.
2020 Downtown Toledo Annual Meeting
Our partner, The Downtown Toledo Improvement District (DTID), held their Annual Meeting on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 and gave an update on past, current and future progress. To view the presentation, click here.
Even during a challenging 2020 for the Toledo region, downtown has seen successes and is building for future growth. DTID was renewed for another five years of enhanced services (from 2021 – 2025), and also expanded its service area. Additionally, DTID helps manage DORA (Downtown Toledo Outdoor Refreshment Area), which recently expanded across the river to the Docks as well as reaching to Toledo Spirits and Maumee Bay Brewing Company.
DTID represents the property owners within a specific geographic area of downtown Toledo, each of whom pay a special assessment to collectively fund the District. DTID collaborates with other downtown organizations to enhance downtown so it is an exciting, livable, and economically healthy place for businesses, residents, and visitors. Together with their partner organization, ConnecToledo Downtown Development Corporation, they are focused on providing both short-term actions combined with strategic goals and directives to move downtown Toledo forward.
Services are provided in the following areas:
- Public Spaces & Placemaking
- Work with Ambassador team to create enjoyable and accessible spaces
- Supplemental Security & Hospitality
- Work with Ambassador team to provide guidance, escorts, vehicle assistance, etc.
- Communications & Marketing
- Manage website and social media accounts with up to date information on events, restaurants, shopping, sports, traffic changes and more
- Event Management
- Support variety of inclusive events, provide coordination with event planners and City of Toledo, create and host events
- Business & Residential Development
- Create and implement strategy to occupy office space, advocate for legislation benefitting downtown and more
- Member Services
- Speak on behalf of property and business owners at public forums and identify solutions to challenges facing the Special Improvement District.
Downtowns that continue to invest during challenging times emerge stronger and ready to resume momentum.
The board of the DTID is made up of the following property owners and public servants:
- Jim Kniep, Chair (The Manhattan Group)
- Dean Ball, Vice-Chair (STS Management)
- Bruce Rumpf, Treasurer (Jobs1USA)
- Matt Lewandowski, Secretary (Lewandowski Engineers)
- Ed Beczynski (The Blarney Irish Pub)
- Dave Dennis (ProMedica)
- Danny Dymarkowski (Dymarkowski Development)
- Mary Jo Gilliland (SSOE)
- Brad Lagusch (Toledo Bar Association)
- Jake Lindke (Prater Development)
- Bill Long (Owens Corning)
- Yvette Mayzes (One SeaGate)
- David Munger (Munger Munger + Associates Architects Inc.)
- Matt Rubin (Crane Development)
- Tracy Sallah (Louisville Title Agency)
- Tina Skeldon Wozniak (Lucas County Commissioner)
- Pete Gerken (Lucas County Commissioner)
- Matt Cherry (Toledo City Council)
- Karen Poore (City of Toledo Administration)
The board of ConnecToledo is made up of the following business leaders:
- Sharon Speyer, Chair (Huntington Bank)
- Bob LaClair, Vice-Chair (Fifth Third Bank)
- Tom Manahan, Treasurer (Lathrop)
- Gene Abercrombie, Secretary (Eastman & Smith)
- Randy Oostra, Past-Chair (ProMedica)
- Bob Baxter (Mercy Health)
- Brian Chambers (Owens Corning)
- Stephanie Cousino (PNC Bank)
- Brian Crooks (First Hospitality Group)
- Vince DiPofi (SSOE)
- Marc Folk (The Arts Commission)
- John Haudrich (O-I Glass)
- Reed Hauptman (Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick)
- Mike Hylant (Hylant)
- Joel Jerger (First Federal Bank)
- Jim Kniep (The Manhattan Group)
- Jason Kucsma (Toledo-Lucas County Public Library)
- Adam Levine (Toledo Museum of Art)
- Matt Lewandowski (Lewandowski Engineers)
- Ray Micham (The Collaborative)
- Gregory Postal (University of Toledo)
- Joe Napoli (Toledo Mud Hens/Walleye)
- Harlan Reichle (Reichle Klein)
- Bill Rudolph (Rudolph Libbe)
- Sara Swisher (Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce)
- Rich Sweeney (Toledo Edison)
- Dave Zenk (Metroparks Toledo)
