Donna Owens, director of the Ohio Department of Commerce, will be the guest speaker at the Home Builders Association of Greater Toledo, Inc.'s dinner on Tuesday, September 1 at 7:45 p.m. at the Nederhouser Community Hall, 6930 Sylvania Avenue, Sylvania. More than 150 people are expected to attend the organization's Associates Appreciation Night Dinner.

Director Owens will address "The Role of the Ohio Department of Commerce in the Homebuilding Industry." She will highlight how the department's Customer Service Center works to expedite construction plans review, permitting and inspections.

The Ohio Department of Commerce is one of the state's chief regulatory agencies. The Department is composed of the divisions of Administration, Financial Institutions, Liquor Control, Real Estate and Professional Licensing, Securities, State Fire Marshal, and Unclaimed Funds. The Department operates like a private business enterprise, recovering costs through fees and assessments for its services.