Claim OwnershipProtecting What Matters: A Podcast by the Ohio Department of Commerce
Subscribed: 0Played: 1
Subscribe
© Ohio Department of Commerce
Description
The Ohio Department of Commerce is the state’s chief regulatory agency with a specific focus on consumer protection. We issue more than 600,000 licenses, permits, registrations, and certifications each year in various professions, industries, and commercial enterprises. We have a vital role in keeping people, property, and assets safe. From real estate to fireworks, banks to construction, and more, this podcast is a resource for businesses, families, and individuals that want to protect what matters most in their life.
81 Episodes
Reverse
Breaking down the new Ohio Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment Portal and other efforts by the Ohio State Fire Marshal's office and the Ohio Fire Academy to help the volunteer fire service. Learn more by visiting com.ohio.gov/fire
National Consumer Protection Week 2026 is all about empowering Ohioans to make confident, informed decisions and stay safe from fraud. In this special series, experts from the Ohio Department of Commerce, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, and the Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio break down today’s most common scams, share practical tips you can use right away, and highlight trusted resources to help protect your money, your identity, and your peace of mind. Tune in to learn how to spot red flags, report fraud, and stay one step ahead of scammers. For more resources and information visit com.ohio.gov/ConsumerProtection
In this episode, we explore how education, history, and financial empowerment shape Ohio communities. We highlight a special initiative connected to America 250 Ohio, celebrating our nation’s—and Ohio’s—250 years of contributions and progress. Financial education plays a crucial role in the Department’s mission to protect and empower Ohioans. When youth and families understand how to manage money responsibly, communities grow stronger and more resilient. That’s why Commerce is partnering with Roscoe Village for upcoming Homeschool Days this April, helping students and families build financial confidence for the future. For all of our financial resources visit: com.ohio.gov/consumers
The Ohio Department of Commerce is proud to celebrate a transformative year for its Division of Unclaimed Funds. In 2025, we launched a new, state-of-the-art system designed to streamline the way Ohioans claim unclaimed funds and how holders report those unclaimed funds. Akil Hardy, Superintendent of Ohio Unclaimed Funds and Outreach Manager Susie Wagner discuss how navigating a year of change has increased the number of Ohioans being reconnected with this unclaimed funds. Learn more by visiting: www.unclaimedfunds.ohio.gov
Are you thinking about a new career in 2026? Maybe you’ve considered becoming a real estate agent or exploring opportunities in the skilled trades. In this episode of Protecting What Matters, we discuss the essential steps you need to take before getting started—from licensing requirements to training programs and resources that canhelp you succeed. This podcast highlights some of the steps that Ohioans can take if they are interested in pursuing a career in either the real estate industry in Ohio or in a skilled trade.
Ohio winters can be brutal and staying warm is a must. But heating your home the wrong way can lead to tragedy. In this episode, we’ll talk about how to keep your home cozy without risking a fire. From space heaters to fireplaces and smoke alarms, we have practical tips to keep you and your family safe. Check out our free fire safety resource by visiting: com.ohio.gov/fire
Dry January. What is it and why do some people participate in it? In this episode of Protecting What Matters Ohio Liquor's Brian Hoyt and Ohio Division of Liquor Control Gregg Dodd discuss how many people use Dry January to reset their relationship with alcohol and share some social responsibility ideas and resources available to help those who need them. Learn more by visiting: https://www.ohlq.com/proof-positive
As Ohioans open their hearts and wallets to support charitable causes this holiday season, scammers are also on the lookout—ready to exploit that generosity. In this episode, we’re joined by experts from the Ohio Division of Financial Institutions, the Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio, and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office to share essential tips on how to give safely and confidently. Learn how to spot red flags, verify legitimate charities, and protect your money while making a meaningful impact. Resources:BBB Wise Giving AllianceOhio Attorney General’s Charitable Search Tool
We're preparing you for a stress-free season with Ohio's Holiday Budgeting Guide from the Department of Commerce! In this episode, our experts from the Division of Financial Institutions discuss practical tips to help Ohioans avoid holiday debt, manage spending, and protect their financesduring what is considered the most financially demanding time of year. Whether you're shopping for gifts or hosting familygatherings, this guide offers smart, simple strategies to stay on budget without sacrificing holiday joy.Learn more at com.ohio.gov/BudgetGuide
The new system for the Ohio Division of Unclaimed Funds makes it easier for businesses to report unclaimed funds. Learn why Ohio businesses need to report these funds, how the state processes them, and how you can search for money that might belong to you. Billions of dollars in unclaimed funds are waiting to be claimed by rightful owners. Visit unclaimedfunds.ohio.gov to search your name or a loved one's name to see if you have any Unclaimed Funds.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to break the silence, reduce stigma, and offer support to those affected by mental health challenges. In this episode of Protecting What Matters, we shine a light on the undeserved risks faced by first responders in Ohio and across the nation. From firefighters and EMTs to law enforcement and dispatchers, these public safety professionals often carry invisible burdens. First Responders’ Bridge Founder, Executive Director Mick Yinger, join us to discuss the realities of mental health in the field, share stories of resilience, and highlight necessary resources available to help those who protect us every day.
Your safety is our top priority! Discover how Ohio’s Building Code and Elevator Inspectors work every day behind the scenes to protect you. In this episode of Protecting What Matters, experts from our Division of Industrial Compliance discuss the insights of our safety inspections and the importance of the work inspectors do to ensure every commercial building open to the public meets the highest safety standards. Learn more by visiting com.ohio.gov/dic
In this episode of Protecting What Matters, we discuss the Ohio Sales Tax Holiday and how to navigate the busy back-to-school season without breaking the bank. Our Division of Financial Institutions has you covered with smart budgeting tips, insights from Ohio retailers, and everything you need to know about Ohio’s two-week Sales Tax Holiday. For more information about the Ohio Sales Tax Holiday, visit:Ohio's 2025 Expanded Sales Tax Holiday | Department of TaxationExplore our free budgeting tools by visiting: Making a Budget Fit You | Ohio Department of Commerce
In this episode of Protecting What Matters, we discuss changes to the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) homebuyers' programs to ensure the long-term availability of help for Ohioans to achieve their dreams of purchasing a home. The Ohio Division of Real Estate Superintendent Daphne Hawk and OHFA's Executive Director Bill Beagle speak about these important updates that took effect starting July 1, 2025.
In this episode of Protecting What Matters, we discuss bank regulations for starting a de novo bank in Ohio with the Ohio Division of Financial Institutions. We also chat with CEOs from both Fortuna Bank and Adelphi Bank about the application process, the importance of careful planning, and compliance with state and federal regulations when starting a new bank in Ohio.
Last year $28 billion was stolen from individuals over the age of 60 in a variety of financial scams and frauds originating both here in Ohio by perpetrators known by the victim, or elsewhere around the world. In this episode of Protecting What Matters, the Ohio Department ofCommerce will walk you through what these scams look like and how to keep your loved ones safe.
The Division of Liquor Control launched the Ohio Permit and Licensing System (OPAL) — a cutting-edge digital portal that transforms the management of liquor permits in Ohio. The system will simplify the process for the nearly 40,000 individuals and businesses that hold or seek a liquor permit or another type of registration. Learn more by visiting com.ohio.gov/opal
In this episode of Protecting What Matters, we explore job opportunities within the construction trades and how Ohio is addressing the growing need forskilled workers in the industry. Megan Foley, Professional Development Coordinator with the Ohio Board of Building Standards, and Michael Baisden, Ohio Contracting Administrator with the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board, provide insights into the certification and licensing process, the value of adhering to proper building codes, and how these measures contribute to asafer Ohio. Tune in to explore the various resources and programs available to help you get started on your journey in the skilled trades.
It’s Alcohol Awareness Month. This podcast will highlight how the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control regulates alcohol in the state, how it partners with other external agencies to do so. In addition, it will highlight how the Division’s agency operations arm known as Ohio Liquor (OHLQ) embraces and promotes social responsibility given its role in owning and selling high-proof spirits in the state.
The Ohio Department of Commerce is excited to announce a new system for its Division of Unclaimed Funds. The new technology will improve efficiency in processing claims and holder reporting. Ohioans will be able to claim lost money directly on the department's website, and holders can report unclaimed funds directly onthe website. For more information, visit unclaimedfunds.ohio.gov
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States