DAYTON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOLDS 2025 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

DAYTON, OH –The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed 600 guests to its sold out 2025 Annual Membership Meeting earlier today at the Dayton Convention Center. The chamber’s largest signature event of the year, the Membership Meetings are an opportunity to reflect on the past year, honor members and look forward to what lies ahead for business in the 14-county region the chamber serves.

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.

Congressman Mike Turner was in attendance to introduce the keynote speaker, former Ambassador to NATO, The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison. Ambassador Hutchison spoke to the crowd about why NATO is essential for U.S. security interests.

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

The chamber released its 2024 Annual Report. Click here to view the Annual Report video.

Below are highlights of the chamber’s work in 2024.

Business Advocacy

Successfully advocated to defeat State Issue 1
Successfully advocated to pass the Dayton Metro Libraries Levy
Successfully advocated to pass the Five Rivers MetroParks Levy
Partnered to secure over $22,000,000 in state capital budget funds and over $40,000,000 in one-time strategic investment funds for projects across the Dayton region
Partnered with Pre-School Promise to be one of only five counties statewide selected to receive $900,000 in grant money to fund a child care-business partnership grant pilot
Enabled over $2,400,000 in contract assistance and capital infusion
Coached 133 new clients, providing 583 hours of counseling
121 inclusive business certifications

Talent Alignment & Attraction

Led programs with over 4,500 youth generating interest around the Dayton region’s in-demand jobs
Released Statewide Economic Impact Report on Child Care Crisis in conjunction with Groundwork Ohio
Cohort programs provided leadership and community impact training to over 500 participants and graduates
Executive Women’s Council programming continued with topics such as: Retaining female leaders in the workplace, Women Owned businesses driving economic growth in the Dayton region
Largest City2City benchmarking trip to Charlotte, NC learning about the successes of business and economic development growth in their community

Organizational Accomplishments

Continued 5-Star Accreditation from U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Hosted 148 events with 5,000+ attendees
Over 2,700 attendees participated in 23 activities with the Dayton/Miami Valley Safety Council and the Dayton Area Logistics Association
Group savings programs saved members collectively over $3,000,000
Generation Dayton Day sent over 115 early career professionals into the community to volunteer at non-profit organizations
Members saved more than $5,000,000 in business expenses through chamber savings programs
Partnered to help secure $35,000,000 in funding for OnMain from State of Ohio

Award Recipients

The following individuals and businesses were recognized:

Groundwork Ohio – John H. Patterson Partner Award
Beth Whelley, Fahlgren Mortine Public Relations – Phillip L. Parker Volunteer of the Year
Henny Penny – Soin Award for Community Impact
Public Health Dayton & Montgomery County – Premier Health Workplace Diversity Award

About the 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. Information about the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce is available at daytonchamber.org or 937-226-1444.