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CHAMBER SHARES TRACTION TOWARDS VISION 2025
Josiah Martin • Jan 20, 2021
Submitted by Orrville Chamber on Tue, 02/11/2020 - 1:12pm
Innovative in approach, collaborative in action and an engaging relationship with every member was the message delivered to 145 in attendance at the State of the Chamber, 104th Annual Meeting of the Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce. The Commercial and Savings Bank was the Red Circle sponsor for the event held at The University of Akron Wayne College on February 7.
Chambers of Commerce, and membership organizations in general, are experiencing great change as the new decade begins.
“The Orrville Area Chamber has chosen to be an instigator of change rather than the recipient of change being forced upon us,” stated Lori Reinbolt, Chamber President and CEO, in her opening remarks.
“Essentially, our discussion focused on ensuring that the Orrville Area Chamber stayed relevant and useful to all of our members into the future,” remarked past board chair, Vince Tricomi, as he reflected on the transformational change that the Chamber has accomplished since he joined the Board in 2015.
Tricomi sited that the organizational shift from what the Chamber does to a focus on being an essential resource has resulted in a membership renewal rate of 94% in 2019.
“We take this as a vote of confidence that our members find value in the network of resources the Chamber provides,” remarked Tricomi.
Membership totaled 322 in 2019, the highest in the organization’s 104 year history! Annual revenue increased in the past five years by an impressive 18% and provided the opportunity to hire additional staff. Today the ‘small but mighty’ staff includes two full-time employees and one part-time.
The 2020 Chairman of the Board, Dave Hershey, spoke on the traction towards Vision 2025 by defining four key strategies: Internal Excellence, Workforce Connections, Community Connections and Member Engagement.
“We believe that by aligning the Chamber’s focus around these four strategies, that we can enhance the membership experience through innovative, collaborative engagement around the issues that matter most to our members,” stated Hershey.
Black Circle sponsors for the event included Village Catering and Crossbridge Marketing and Media. Partner sponsors, The University of Akron Wayne College, Wayne Savings Community Bank, Wayne County Schools Career Center and Ohio’s Hospice Lifecare were recognized for their support.
Kristin Endsley, second vice chairwoman of the Chamber Board, thanked the sixteen members of the 2020 Board of Directors for their service and leadership.
In closing remarks, attendees were asked an important question by Traci Carmony, first vice chairwoman of the Chamber Board. “What do you expect from your investment in the Chamber? Do you want to get something? Or do you want to get something done?”
Vision 2025 provides a pathway for those Chamber members that are willing to raise their hand, roll up their sleeves and get something done through collaboration with the Chamber’s network of resources.
Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce serves businesses and organizations in 24 different zip codes primarily in Wayne, Stark, Summit and Medina counties. Now is a great time to join the Chamber. Visit www.orrvillechamber.com or contact the Chamber office, ph: 330-682-8881, to learn more.
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