Welcome
FOCUS Magazine
SEPTEMBER 2023
I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to all of you as we embark on another exciting summer at the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce. As the CEO, it fills me with immense pride to share the remarkable ways our organization continues to support and uplift the vibrant community of businesses that form the backbone of our economy.
At the core of our mission lies a commitment to fostering a nurturing environment where businesses of all sizes can flourish, innovate and succeed. We firmly believe that when our businesses thrive, the entire community prospers. To achieve this, we have implemented several initiatives designed to cater to the unique needs of local organizations including the programs below:
• Empower, a 10-month cohort, blends professional business coaching with innovative curriculum and problem solving, designed exclusively for mid- to upper-level management women business leaders.
• Project Accelerate, sponsored by JPMorgan Chase & Co., is a new national initiative designed to empower and assist diverse owned businesses, including, but not limited to, women, Black, Hispanic and Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities, led by veteran, military and military spouses seeking to grow and scale their companies.
• Gen D Ignite focuses on leadership development, community engagement, and professional relationship building in this 7-month cohort experience. Participants will be immersed in full day trainings each month that include professional development workshops, leadership sessions with local business leaders, hands-on education sessions, and mentoring.
Additionally, we understand that networking plays a pivotal role in driving business growth. That's why we host regular events, trainings, and seminars, bringing together leaders, industry experts, and potential clients. These interactions not only facilitate knowledge-sharing but also foster long-lasting partnerships that boost market presence.
As always, we actively advocate for the interests of small businesses at the local and state levels. By engaging in constructive dialogues with policymakers, we ensure that the voices of our members are heard, and policies that promote business growth and economic development are put into action.
As we continue into the year, rest assured that the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce remains committed to staying at the forefront of innovation and progress. Together, we will create a dynamic and sustainable environment that empowers businesses, fosters economic prosperity, and makes the Dayton community a place we are all proud to call home.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. Let us continue to build a brighter future together!
Chris Kershner
President & CEO
Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce
FOCUS
FOCUS is a quarterly publication of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce. It is distributed to Chamber members and regional businesses. Copies are available online at www.daytonchamber.org.
The Chamber is not responsible for advertisements included in this magaizine.
No article may be reproduced without the permission of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce
8 N. Main Street, Suite 100
Dayton, Ohio 45402-1904
tel 937.226.1444 | fax 937.226.8254
Executive Committee Officers
Chairperson
Jacqueline Gamblin, JYG Innovations
Chair Elect
Diane Pleiman, Premier Health
Treasurer
John Garrity, Brixey & Myer
President/CEO
Chris Kershner, CAE, IOM
Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce
Editorial Staff
Editor-in-Chief
Veronica Nunamaker
Contributors
Amanda Byers, Claudia Cornett, Matt Herman,
Vince McKelvey