Last Thursday marked a milestone for our Chamber as we hosted the largest Annual Luncheon & Awards Ceremony since 2009.
The event's theme, “ALL IN,” truly resonated as we celebrated the evolution of our Chamber and outlined the ambitious path forward. Due to streamlining our events calendar, we have moved this celebration to Q4 leading to a 20-month gap since our last Annual Luncheon event. Some of our highlights from the last time we hosted this event include:
- Hosting our largest Groundhog Day Forecast Luncheon in over a decade.
- Selling out two Golf Outings.
- Reigniting Leadership Worthington after a long hiatus.
- Welcoming over 135 businesses into the Chamber and celebrating over 40 ribbon cuttings.
Our president, Matt Lofy, shared from the podium during the lunch that the time for more progress is now. Drawing inspiration from a German philosophy, he said "'Wenn schon, denn schon.' If we’re going to do something, then let's do it, let's go ALL IN with no hesitation. Central Ohio is growing rapidly, and our businesses face too many challenges to settle for anything less."
This philosophy will serve as the blueprint for success in the year ahead as the Chamber seeks ways to build bridges and key partnerships to move the needle for more progress that can be seen in and around our Chamber and community. In 2025, we're set to advance our businesses and community in impactful ways:
Introducing the Worthington Business Advocacy Council: We're doubling down on our commitment to business advocacy. This initiative will be comprised of Board members, civic leaders and executive leaders of our largest employers. Our Chamber will also host a Candidate Forum in Fall of 2025 and have three representatives sitting on the Ohio Chamber’s Small Business Council.
Launching RISE, our DEI Initiative: After months of planning, RISE (Revitalizing Inclusion and Supporting Enterprise) is ready to make Worthington a more inclusive business environment. Our mission is clear: invest in connections, amplify diverse voices, empower diverse businesses, and foster community.
Hosting Empower Her Symposium: In collaboration with the Harding Buller Foundation, we're excited to host this event, featuring inspiring speakers and impactful sessions for women across Greater Worthington and Central Ohio.
Reviving Service Day: With the help of this year's Leadership Worthington cohort, we're addressing critical needs of our aging population. We're committed to supporting City Council's Visioning process and enhancing our community service efforts.
As it was said at the luncheon, “Wenn schon, denn schon.” If we're going to do something, we have to go ALL IN with everything we've got. In the spirit of how this year’s Annual Luncheon closed: How can you and your business join us in going ALL IN for positive change and progress?
It will take all of us going ALL IN to better shape a brighter future for our community.
