Recently, I presented to our Board a strategic vision for the next two years for our Chamber.
The vision was based on feedback from surveys, input from key stakeholders and my observations these past two years. These business leaders asked strong questions and all agree on the vision forward.
To ensure we see the results we want in the timeline we set, I believe it must be shared with you, our invested businesses. This ensures that all voices are included and that this is a result-oriented plan you’re part of throughout the entire process.
The Chamber’s mission is to contribute to and support a competitive business environment for all greater Worthington businesses. We can do that by serving as a convener between business, community and civic leaders. We work to address the pain points impacting our businesses and together seek solutions to those challenges.
Beginning in 2024 and into 2025, we will focus on what I refer to as the Chamber’s “Principles of Progress.” These three areas include:
- Education and Workforce
- Competitive Business Climate
- Economic Development
We will ensure that at the forefront of our programming and community leadership at least one of these three areas is impacted. These pillars are mission-oriented work that our community needs, our businesses ask for and our Chamber is positioned to facilitate.
EDUCATION & WORKFORCE
Our Chamber will Identify ways to convene our schools, employers and regional leaders to best equip our future/current workforce and retain our talent in our community. This will include:
- Reigniting Leadership Worthington in Fall 2024.
- Regularly meeting with the Worthington Schools’ Business Advisory Council.
- Collaborating with Worthington Schools in hosting a High School jobs fair.
- Working to connect the Business Advisory Council with area businesses to support our efforts.
- Increasing offerings from our Women’s Business Network, Young Professionals of Worthington and more.
- Engaging in collaborative discussions and providing dynamic resources from our workforce, DEI and Business Advocacy committees.
COMPETITIVE BUSINESS CLIMATE
Our Chamber will actively seek collaborative opportunities with local, state and federal leadership to address current and future challenges our businesses face. These opportunities look like:
- Hosting legislative forums and CEO Roundtables.
- Leading a workforce and DEI committees who will have in the New Year a purpose statement, regular meetings and provide regular updates and resources to our businesses.
- Creating a business advocacy committee by Q2.
- Updating our businesses regularly with a new digital newsletter.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Our Chamber will engage in the process of advancing our local economy and support efforts to recruit and retain new businesses. This will take place by:
- Dropping new episodes of Amplify Worthington Podcast.
- Attending Economic Development 411 and instituting follow-up discussions or initiatives to assist in our City’s efforts.
- Hosting our monthly Coffee & Conversations that feature economic development updates directly for our City leadership and more!
The next step is to see where you, your business or colleagues can play a pivotal role.
We want to ensure we do this right, and we can only do that with all voices at the table. Please email me if you’re interested in learning more about the vision or specific initiatives we’re leading.
Our Chamber is positioned to better support our area businesses and creating an even greater community impact.
Let’s get to work!
Matt Lofy
President/ CEO
Worthington Area Chamber
Mission: To contribute to and support a competitive business environment for all greater Worthington businesses.
Vision: To serve as a convener of all to amplify the voice of business and seek solutions to the pain points to those we serve.
