It is hard to believe we are already diving into our May issue of Marketplace Matters! Firstly, I'd like to share that the International Association of Better Business Bureaus (IABBB) has officially introduced a refreshed brand mark. 

While our visual identity changes, our core promise remains unshakeable. Our commitment to the local businesses and the community we serve will always stay the same. You can explore our new look and stay updated on the latest BBB news by visiting BBB.org or following our social media pages.

Looking ahead to next month, we are thrilled to host our annual Shred Day on Saturday, June 27th from 9 AM - 1 PM. We are proud to partner with NAMI, AccuShred, and Scouting America to make this event possible. Join us on June 27th to safely dispose of your sensitive documents while supporting great local causes.

— Lane Montz
President & CEO

Expecting and New Moms’ In Home Support 

By FirstLight Home Care of Sylvania-Perrysburg — Expert Contributor

Expecting a baby and welcoming a newborn into the home is one of life’s most joyful moments yet can also be overwhelming. Between physical recovery, emotional adjustment, sleepless nights, and the demands of everyday life, many new and expecting mothers find managing this all a struggle. This is where non-medical home care can make a meaningful difference.

Home care is not just for seniors at the later stage of life. It is designed to support individuals and families during times when extra help can ease stress and improve quality of life. For expecting and new moms, this type of care focuses on practical, day-to-day assistance that allows mothers to rest, recover, and spend more quality time bonding with their baby.

As pregnancy progresses, routine household tasks can become physically taxing. After delivery, especially in the early weeks, even simple chores can feel overwhelming. Caregivers can step in to help manage the household with services such as laundry and light housekeeping, meal planning and preparation, grocery shopping, and running errands. This assistance helps keep the home running smoothly without placing additional strain on mom.

Caregivers can also assist with organization and logistics by sorting mail and paperwork, organizing closets, or helping schedule and coordinate appointments. For new moms who are recovering from childbirth or managing postpartum fatigue, having reliable transportation to and from doctor’s appointments can be an invaluable relief.

Importantly, home care is personalized. Each family’s needs are different, and care plans can be tailored to match changing routines, preferences, and schedules. Whether the need is short-term support during postpartum recovery or ongoing assistance as the family adjusts, care is flexible and designed to fit seamlessly into daily life.

While caregivers do not provide medical or newborn care, they take exceptional care of mom by offering reassurance, practical help, and a steady presence. By lightening the load of daily responsibilities, home care gives expecting and new mothers the freedom to focus on what matters most: their health, their family, and those precious early moments with their child.

Sometimes, a little extra help is exactly what makes this season more joyful.

Brian Epstein
President & CEO
FirstLight Home Care of Sylvania-Perrysburg
Sylvania-Perrysburg.FirstLightHomeCare.com

BBB Scam Alert: watch out for vacation scams when making travel plans

Are you booking a vacation or wonderful getaway this summer? Be sure to watch out for the following common travel scams!

1. Vacation rental cons: watch out for listings for properties that either aren’t for rent, don’t exist, or are significantly different than pictured. Con artists lure in vacationers with the promise of low fees and great amenities.
2. "Free" vacation scams: when a cruise or travel company advertises a vacation as “free,” it does not necessarily mean the trip is entirely without cost or restrictions. Always watch out for add-on fees and other undisclosed fees.
3. Third-party booking site scams: some scammers will pretend to be online airline ticket brokers. Be sure to do your research before booking airfare or a vacation package with a company you’re not familiar with.
4. Hotel scams: scammers consider tourists and business travelers easy targets, so always stay aware and protect your personal information.
5. Timeshare reselling cons: a scammer will pressure the target into paying an upfront fee for a timeshare. The timeshare owner pays up, but the reselling agent never delivers.

Moo's Tip: watch out for imposter scams!

One big government imposter scam is text messages about overdue tolls. These fake messages look like real toll collection notices and imitate real companies, such as EZ-Pass or SunPass. They may threaten that they will suspend your vehicle registration or charge you late fees if you don't pay right away. They use this tactic to make you feel pressured to pay immediately. 

Another popular scam is romance scams. The FTC reported losses of $1.48 million in 2025. Romance scammers play the long game, and attempt to build a relationship over time with you. However, eventually the conversation turns to money, and they may offer to help you. In reality, they are in it to rip you off.

If you see a scam, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and report it to the BBB at bbb.org/scamtracker/reportscam.