As we approach the execution stage of our 2023-25 Strategic Plan, one of our top three priorities is to continue our strong record of advocacy on behalf of our members and expand it to help our region improve.

We have many partners in this effort – the U.S. and Ohio Chambers of Commerce, Greater Chillicothe and Ross County Development, Downtown Chillicothe, OhioSE, South Central Ohio Job and Family Service, and our local schools, to name a few.

We consider it a great honor to advocate on behalf of our members. Keeping them informed about pending legislation that could affect businesses and working to create a pro-business environment in Ross County is among our highest calls.

We also work in the community to spotlight the significant number of ways businesses contribute to the community and garner support for issues that affect businesses.

Chambers can also help to resolve disputes between companies and the community.

A few of the ways we've helped bridge the gap between businesses and community:

• Most recently, we helped to support a movement to help get Chillicothe's first pedal cart up and offer tours of downtown. Our efforts included researching existing laws governing these vehicles and advocating for common-sense legislation that allowed their use on city streets. The result is another layer of fun things to do downtown for locals and visitors.
• Some issues are more national in scope but have a local impact. We work with the state and federal chambers to bring a collective voice to those issues through sign-on letters, calls, and emails to our representatives, and – on occasion - trips to Washington and Columbus to work directly to bring change.
• We're constantly joining efforts with other organizations to champion expanded childcare in Ohio – a critical barrier between employees and jobs. We've spotlighted the local need, which Goodwill Industries has now helped to fill, and worked with partners such as ReadyNation to get more dollars for children into the state budget.
• During COVID, we managed a $675,000 small business relief fund that helped businesses cope with the slowdown and closure of industries due to regulations. We also worked with the Health District to get valuable PPE, hand sanitizer, and other measures needed to reopen.
• We've also been at the forefront of championing the move to two-way traffic on Second Street downtown and helped to create the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area to help make downtown more friendly to visitors.
• Several levies have sought the approval of the Chamber's Advocacy Committee and, after receiving the support of the Chamber, have been successful at the polls. If it suits businesses, you can traditionally count on the Chamber's support.
• We gather and analyze data on the economic impact of businesses in Ross County. This data can be used to demonstrate the importance of businesses to the community and to influence public policy decisions.

It's important to note that all these efforts don't always get the results we're hoping to achieve. In those cases, we've worked to make sure the needs of businesses are voiced and heard. We also continue to monitor the impact of changes made and continue the effort to create change that helps businesses.

Later this year, we'll expand our efforts across the region with a legislative agenda listing our Chamber's top three or four priorities. We're also developing an Advocacy Calendar of regular events that will help us get more feedback on the needs and issues of the business community and connect our members with our elected officials so they can hear first-hand what the needs are.

With a strong track record of advocating for a robust Ross County business community, the Chamber is poised for even greater things in the future.

Mike Throne is president and CEO of the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce and the Feels Like Home podcast co-host, which can be found wherever you get your podcasts. Connect with him at mthrone@chillicotheohio.com.