Millions of dollars back in Ohioans’ pockets through Department of Commerce initiatives in 2023
The Ohio Department of Commerce works daily to protect the state’s businesses and families and prepare them for the future. As we begin a new year, we’re highlighting important work done for Ohioans through our divisions and reminding different populations of opportunities they can take advantage of in 2024.
“Commerce plays a part in every household across Ohio,” said Director Sherry Maxfield. “In 2024 our agency will expand the use of technology to further increase engagement with the businesses we regulate and the consumers we serve.”
In 2023, the department’s Division of Unclaimed Funds saw more than 4.3 million searches for unclaimed funds on missingmoney.com. These searches led to more than 43,000 claims being filed. More than $139 million was returned to Ohioans in 2023. The division was featured on Good Morning America, which visited the Ohio State Fair and helped fairgoers find more than $322,000 in missing money during the duration of the fair.
During the calendar year, Ohio businesses reported more than $418 million in unclaimed funds to the division. Ohioans can search for their unclaimed funds anytime by visiting unclaimedfunds.ohio.gov or missingmoney.com.
The Division of Liquor Control started an online-only renewal process for all permit holders. The division launched the effort during the October 2023 renewal cycle and is currently in the middle of its February 2024 renewal cycle. Going all online for permit renewals was just one part of DOLC’s broader effort to use technology to enhance the division’s licensing experience for Ohio businesses. DOLC also launched its online registration for beer, wine and low-proof mixed beverages.
Also in 2023, the department’s Board of Building Standards (BBS) adopted the 2024 Ohio Building (OBC), Mechanical (OMC), & Plumbing Code (OPC) rules. That process resulted in the removal of duplicative and unnecessary language in the state codes and decreased the number of words in the Ohio Administrative Code by more than 610,000, making it easier for businesses to comply. Ahead of the new codes going into effect on March 1, BBS is providing free in-person and online training on the new codes to prepare everyone for their implementation.
The Division of Securities had a monumental year in 2023, celebrating the one-year anniversary of the launch of its Investor Recovery Fund. Through the initiative, the division has provided more than $1.3 million in relief to Ohio investors who were victimized by the perpetrators of investment schemes.
The Department of Commerce and Division of Securities launched the Recovery Within Reach program’s live and online training modules. The first-of-its-kind program trains financial and insurance professionals on how to help their clients navigate the financial challenges of substance use disorders. It teaches financial advisers how to spot signs of addiction in their clients’ families and direct them to resources that can help relieve that financial burden.
The Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing awarded $104,000 in grants to 45 Ohio cemeteries through the Fiscal Year 2024 Cemetery Grant Fund. This was the fifth year the division has awarded the grant for registered nonprofit cemeteries.
In an effort to improve the volunteer fire service in Ohio, the Division of State Fire Marshal’s Ohio Fire Academy waived fees for volunteer firefighters. This initiative ensures volunteer firefighters have free access to a vast array of training resources. To take advantage of this opportunity, prospective firefighters are urged to contact their local volunteer fire department or visit makemeafirefighter.org.
As we enter 2024, the agency is home to a new division, the Division of Cannabis Control. The division is poised to ensure the safety and regulation of both medical and non-medical cannabis, which is now legal for consumers to possess in Ohio.
In December, Department of Commerce Director Sherry Maxfield appointed James V. Canepa as the first Superintendent of the Division of Cannabis Control. Canepa has served six successful years as the Superintendent of the Division of Liquor Control.
In 2024, the Department of Commerce and all of its divisions will continue to work to protect what matters most to Ohioans.