Press Releases

For Immediate Release

What’s happening at the Columbus Chamber and with our members? In this section you will find a complete catalog of our recent and archived press releases.

To arrange an interview with a member of the Columbus Chamber team, contact:

Michelle Bretscher, APR
Director, Marketing and Communication
W: 614.225.6941
C:  614.499.0889

michelle_bretscher@columbus.org

  • Press Release February 22, 2012

    Columbus Chamber Annual Meeting Highlights Emphasis on Existing Businesses

    Chamber showcases its new brand, service-based approach to membership

    Columbus, OH  (Feb. 21, 2012) – More than 1,100 Columbus Region business and community leaders attended the Columbus Chamber’s 2012 Annual Meeting, today at the Greater Columbus Convention Center’s Battelle Grand. The theme of the event was “it starts with us” – emphasizing the organization’s intensified commitment to strengthening businesses in the Columbus Region.

    “We’re proud to unveil a ‘new’ Columbus Chamber, from a completely new brand to a reemphasized, service-based approach to member businesses seeking to grow and thrive in the Columbus Region,” said Michael Dalby, president and CEO of the Columbus Chamber. “Our first priority is to provide businesses the resources they need to be successful, and the Annual Meeting was a good kick-off to another year of that commitment.”

    Delivering the keynote address, Nancy Kramer, founder and chairman of Resource Interactive, discussed how the stability and growth of the Columbus Region has aided in the success of her business. Founded in the region more than 30 years ago, Resource Interactive has grown into an award-winning, nationally recognized agency – claiming Apple as its first client and coordinating the first-ever fully integrated social commerce experience at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

    Columbus Award

    Also at today’s Annual Meeting, the Chamber announced the 2012 recipient of its Columbus Award, which recognizes outstanding business and community leadership. John P. McConnell, chairman and CEO of Worthington Industries, was bestowed the honor.

    “I respect John as a businessman, a family man, and as someone who has demonstrated a true commitment to giving back to his community,” said Jack Partridge, president of Columbia Gas of Ohio, Inc. and immediate past chairman of the Chamber’s board of directors. “He and his family have made an immeasurable impact on Columbus.”

    McConnell, who started as a general laborer in a Kentucky steel plant, later rose through the ranks at Worthington Industries under the guidance of his late father, John H. McConnell. Under John’s leadership, the company has continued to strengthen and grow, adding seven acquisitions and 2,250 employees in the past two years – totaling more than 9,500 employees worldwide. In the community, McConnell serves as chairman of the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation, which has awarded since its inception more than $3.5 million in community grants focusing on pediatric cancer, education, children’s health and safety, and the development of youth hockey.

    As part of the honor, McConnell received a piece of artwork designed and created by Dawson Kellogg, an associate professor of fine arts and graduate studies Columbus College of Art and Design.

    Board of Directors elections

    As part of the Annual Meeting, the following members were elected to serve on the Columbus Chamber Board of Directors:

    -       Lisa Ingram, COO of White Castle Systems Inc.

    -       Michelle Kerr, president of Oxford Consulting

    -       Jeff Sopp, president & CEO of Expesite

    -       Pam Springer, president & CEO of Manta

    -       Keith Stevens, president of Proteam Solutions

    -       Vinson Yates, president of Grant Medical Center

    The Columbus Chamber 2012 Annual Meeting was presented in partnership with State Auto Insurance Companies along with the City of Columbus and Columbus State Community College. Additional support was provided by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Bartha, CareWorks, CareWorks Consultants, Inc., Cassidy Turley Commercial Real Estate Services, Columbia Gas of Ohio, Columbus C.E.O. Magazine, Fathom, Integrys Energy Services, Oxford Consulting, Proteam Solutions and Steptoe and Johnson.

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    About the Columbus Chamber
    The Columbus Chamber helps businesses thrive. It leads business growth, retention and expansion initiatives in the Columbus Region, enhances the business environment and delivers programs and services that enable its members to be more successful. To learn more about the Columbus Chamber, visit www.columbus.org.