During our final Chamber Luncheon of 2023, I shared that our Chamber would set course towards our “magnetic north.” Like the actual magnetic North Pole, we would adapt to the changes that come over time and realize our goal can’t be a fixed point.
In order to impact our businesses and community more, our Chamber must set a direction that aligns with our mission, but has the ability to adapt to the challenges that come our way. To ensure we have the most impact possible, we must also serve as magnetic leaders to attract the energy and drive of likeminded leaders inspired to impact greater Worthington even more.
That has been our focus during the first quarter of 2024 as our Chamber boasted some of our largest turnouts, kicked off two new initiatives and looks to double the size of our team by the end of the second quarter.
Here are some of our Chamber’s Q1 highlights:
- Our Women’s Business Network hosted it’s largest Morning Mixer ever with over 50 attendees. It was so much fun; we scheduled a second WBN Morning Mixer for June 20th.
- The Groundhog Day Forecast Luncheon was the largest in over a decade and second largest Chamber luncheon ever hosted. Over seven state offices/ officials had representation to hear what’s going on in greater Worthington.
- President/CEO Matt Lofy honored as the 2023 Chamber Professional of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Ohio, an organization of Chamber peers from across the state. An award highlighting how the Worthington Area Chamber is a leader in the state and shaping of the Chamber industry in Ohio.
- Two Chamber initiatives focused on DEI and workforce development in our region kicked off. Representatives of Lieutenant Governor Husted’s office and OhioMeansJobs have asked to play a regular role in our workforce efforts. Together, roughly 30 business leaders are working to drive the success of these two initiatives in partnership with the City of Worthington.
- 16 new businesses invested in the chamber since January, marking 30 new businesses since December 2023. There have also been six ribbon cuttings with another four scheduled.
- Season #2 of Amplify Worthington released it's first episode of the new season featuring The Worthington Partnership and things to come in 2024. Over 5,500 downloads to date makes this the go to podcast to subscribe to.
- The Chamber team is growing as we welcomed Manana Fribley as our new Membership Engagement Coordinator and are currently seeking applications for a Community Events Coordinator who will help reignite Leadership Worthington, along with plan Market Day and Reds, Whites & Desserts.
We hope you're seeing what a strong Chamber of Commerce can do for our businesses and the contributions impacting our community. We have even more planned in the second quarter, including major announcements at our May Chamber Luncheon featuring Matt McCollister, EVP One Columbus taking place Thursday, May 16.
Matt Lofy
President/CEO
Worthington Area Chamber
