About the "What If Worthington..." Blog Series
What if we dared to dream bigger for Worthington? What if we looked at our community not just as it is, but as it could be? Over the next three weeks, I’ll be sharing a three-part blog series called “What If Worthington…”—a thought leadership initiative designed to spark conversations, inspire ideas and reimagine the future of our community. The first post will drop Friday.
As President/CEO of the Worthington Area Chamber, I consider my role to be that of a community architect—working hand-in-hand with businesses, civic leaders and nonprofit organizations to advance and ignite positive change. This series is not a position paper, nor does it represent an official stance of the Chamber. Instead, it’s an invitation to explore possibilities, to ask, “what if,” and to consider the opportunities that lie ahead for Worthington.
These posts are informed by what I hear every day from our small and large businesses, as well as the challenges and opportunities they face. My goal is to encourage open dialogue and proactive thinking. Because here’s the truth: it’s a lot easier to have these conversations now—when we all have a voice—than to wait until decisions are made without us.
Why Now? The Urgency of Action
Why now? It’s a question worth asking—and answering. Worthington is at a crossroads. With federal chaos, state-level uncertainty and a community that’s both aging and “built out,” the challenges we face are undeniable. But here’s the thing: challenges are also opportunities. And if we wait any longer, we risk falling farther behind while our neighboring communities surge ahead.
As President/CEO of the Worthington Area Chamber, I believe it’s our responsibility—yours, mine, and ours as a community—to lead from the front. To reimagine what’s possible. To look at our properties, our partnerships, and our participation in a whole new way. Because the future of Worthington isn’t just about what happens to us—it’s about what we choose to do together.
Why Now? Three Critical Reasons
- The Comprehensive Plan is Getting Underway
The City’s comprehensive plan is in the works, and the months ahead are pivotal. This is our chance to shape a vision for Worthington that reflects our values, addresses our needs, and positions us for long-term success. But that can only happen if we’re informed, engaged and willing to think differently about community development. - Elections Are Coming
With elections on the horizon this November, the decisions we make now will set the tone for years to come. This isn’t just about who’s on the ballot—it’s about the conversations we’re having as a community. Are we talking about the realities we face? Are we exploring bold, innovative solutions? Or are we letting fear of change hold us back? I think it’s important as a nonpartisan organization to share these ideas now before campaigns begin, rather than adding to the political narratives and running the risk of anything that comes with it. - The Power of Local Leadership
In times of uncertainty, local leadership matters more than ever. It’s not about waiting for solutions to come from Washington or Columbus—it’s about what we can do right here, right now. Public-private partnerships, active community participation and a willingness to collaborate across sectors are the keys to thriving in this new era of local leadership. Our businesses need our help more now than ever and I’m starting to hear it more and more each day.
Reimagining Worthington: A Call to Action
So, what does this look like in practice? It starts with seeing our community through a new lens. What if we reimagined aging properties as opportunities for mixed-use development? What if we prioritized Class A office space to attract and retain businesses? What if we addressed housing needs head-on, creating options that support our workforce and strengthen our community?
These aren’t just hypothetical questions—they’re the realities we need to grapple with if we want Worthington to thrive and our businesses to prosper. And they’re not decisions that can—or should—be made in isolation. This is a conversation that requires all of us: residents, businesses, elected officials and community leaders.
What’s Next? Let’s Listen Together
As part of this initiative, I’ll also be hosting Worthington Works: Business Pulse Listening Sessions throughout the month of May. These sessions will take place in each of our business districts, starting with the Huntley Road Business District on Tuesday, May 6 at 3 p.m. at Zaftig Brewing Co. We invite all Huntley Road area businesses to join us.
The goal? To hear directly from businesses about their biggest challenges and how the Chamber can better support them.
While these sessions are primarily for our business community, we’re extending an open invitation to residents and community members. This is your chance to hear firsthand about the needs and opportunities that could help our business community thrive—and, in turn, strengthen the economic vitality of Worthington.
Join the Conversation
So, as we embark on this journey together, I encourage you to approach these “what ifs” with an open mind and a collaborative spirit. Let’s reimagine Worthington as a place where innovation, growth and community connection flourish. Let’s ask the tough questions, explore bold ideas, and work together to ensure that our city not only survives but thrives.
Stay tuned for the first post in the series, dropping this week. And mark your calendars for the listening sessions in May—I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and ideas.
Together, let’s shape the future of Worthington.
