Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce hosts 115th Annual Meeting

Over 500 leaders gathered to celebrate the Dayton business community’s successes and future goals.

(DAYTON, Ohio – May 4, 2023) – This morning, the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed its membership to the Sinclair Conference Center for its 115^th Annual Meeting to review the chamber’s work supporting businesses in 2022, and look ahead to the remainder of 2023.

Keynote speaker Thomas Rajan, VP of Global Sales for American Airlines, spoke to the attendees about the importance of promoting local air travel options and growing the available flightpaths at local airports.

The chamber celebrated many 2022 successes including:

• Welcomed over 150+ new members
• Engaged over 400 business leaders in professional development
• Supported the Dayton International Airport and JobsOhio to bring Avelo Airlines to Dayton
• Passed SB105 – Recognize state certifications of MBEs, WBEs and VBEs
• Passed HB569 – Hidden Heroes Act to support caregivers of wounded veterans

With 2,200 members, the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce continues to be among the top 25 largest chambers in the nation and one of only 200 chambers of commerce in the country with a 5-star accreditation, as awarded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Award Recipients

During the chamber’s Annual Meeting, the following individuals and business members were also recognized:

• Aileron – John H. Patterson Corporate Partner Award
• Jana Collier, The Dayton Daily News – Phillip L. Parker Volunteer of the Year
• Lunnie – Soin Award for Innovation
• University of Dayton – Premier Health Diversity Award

2022 Retiring Board Members 

• Jana Collier, Cox First Media/Dayton Daily News (Ret.)
• Hernan Olivas, ONEIL
• Ashley Von Derau, Rush Transportation & Logistics
• Katie Ward, P & R Communications Service, Inc.

2022 Retiring Committee Chairs

• Kelley Bell, Saxon Financial Services, Inc. | Volunteerism
• Jana Collier | EMPOWER Steering Committee
• Steve Conklin, YMCA of Greater Dayton | Audit & Finance
• Carlina Figueroa, Northwestern Mutual Dayton | Generation Dayton
• Tammy Jackson, Norwood Medical | Dayton / Miami Valley Safety Council
• Diane Pleiman, Premier Health | Governance
• Katie Ward, P & R Communications Service, Inc. | Workforce & Economic Development

About Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce

The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce brings together more than 2,200 businesses and organizations in a 14 county area surrounding Dayton, Ohio. The chamber strives to improve the region’s business climate and overall standard of living through public policy advocacy, economic development initiatives and providing networking and training opportunities for its members. Nationally awarded with “5-Star Accreditation” from the United States Chamber of Commerce, the Dayton Area Chamber is widely recognized for its innovative programs and outstanding contribution to positive change in the region. Information about the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce is available at daytonchamber.org or 937-226-1444.