DAYTON, Ohio (April 20, 2017) – Nearly 450 guests attended the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce’s 111th Annual Meeting Tuesday, April 20, 2017, celebrating the organization’s successes of 2016, and much excitement yet to come.
In 2016, the chamber expanded its support of one of the fastest growing industries in the region by hosting the inaugural Southwest Ohio Logistics Conference, which is quickly becoming a signature event for the nearly 2-year-old Dayton Area Logistics Association. While this event is a new initiative in the logistics and transportation realm, the chamber has long had a stake in advocating for strong infrastructure to help move business in the region. 2016 also marked the finish line for a long-term chamber advocacy project, the Interstate 75 modernization project through downtown Dayton.
“The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce identified the I-75 project in 2004 as integral to the successful operation of existing business and to the attraction of new business to the area. Cutting the ribbon on the finished project ahead of schedule and under budget is a testament to the hard work put in by our community partners. The voice of business was heard,” said Phil Parker, President & CEO, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber’s advocacy team also celebrated a win in the discussion over medical marijuana in the state of Ohio. After leading the charge to defeat Issue 3 in 2015, the Dayton Area Chamber’s public policy team stayed engaged in the conversation throughout 2016. President & CEO Phil Parker testified on the subject before the Ohio Medical Marijuana Task Force to ensure the business community had a seat at the table.
The past year also brought opportunities for the chamber to further its longtime goal of providing the right workforce for the needs of the local economy. In 2015, the Dayton Area Chamber received a $40,000 grant from the Lumina Foundation to create career pathways for the region. Using our region’s employers as a guide, the chamber has used this grant to work with its regional workforce partners to create a comprehensive tool that maps out regional employer needs and the pathways to attain them. The pathways website will go live in the fall of 2017.
Chamber members also took advantage of sizeable cost savings in 2016, putting $5.25 million back toward their bottom lines by taking advantage of member discount programs.
Keynote Speaker Tim Brown, Kroger Company
Guests of the Dayton Area Chamber’s annual meeting heard from keynote speaker Tim Brown, president, Cincinnati/Dayton Division, Kroger Company. Brown highlighted innovative new programs such as the “Clicklist” online shopping option, now available to shoppers in the Cincinnati/Dayton market.
Kroger operates 2,796 grocery retail stores, 1,445 supermarket fuel centers, 784 convenience stores and 319 fine jewelry stores in 35 states across the country.
Brown said Kroger sees great opportunities in our region, and will continue to invest and grow its customer base here.
“In the last five years, the division has spent more than $335 million with $52 million of that in the Dayton MSA,” said Brown. “Our capital investment is strong over the next three years, with new stores coming through relocations major and minor remodels and expansions.”
Brown said Kroger also focuses heavily on data analytics to tailor to its customers’ needs.
“With 9 million customers in our stores and our cash registers processing 8.5 million transactions every day, personalization is a massive undertaking,” said Brown.
The data Kroger uncovers is used to provide personalized coupons to its customers, among other things.
Award Presentations
Each year, the chamber recognizes the businesses, community partners and volunteers that help us reach its vision and mission. This year, the chamber awarded the following:
· CareSource – John H. Patterson Corporate Partner Award
· Montgomery County’s Development Services – Jonathan Dayton Public Partner Award
· Missy Mae Walters, McAfee Heating & Air Conditioning – Jack Moore Ambassador of the Year
· Jennifer Hann Harrison, Taft, Stettinius & Hollister – Volunteer of the Year
· DESiN LLC – Soin Award for Innovation
About Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce
The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce brings together more than 2,400 businesses and organizations in a 9 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 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.
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8 N. Main Street | Suite 100 | Dayton, Ohio 45402-1904 | (937) 226-1444
