Columbus Chamber of Commerce Names 2026 Small Business Leader Award Finalists

Three Central Ohio business leaders to be honored at Chamber Annual Meeting, January 29

The Columbus Chamber of Commerce has named three finalists for its 2026 Small Business Leader Award presented by First Merchants Bank.

The award recipient will be announced and honored at the Columbus Chamber’s Annual Meeting, Annual Meeting 2026 | The Power of US, on January 29, presented by Vorys.

The Small Business Leader Award is well-known and respected in the Columbus community for recognizing qualities like leadership, business excellence, and contributions to the community and has honored small business leaders for more than thirty years.

The 2026 finalists include:

• Phillip DiSilvestri, Capital Choice Office Furniture
• Brad Griffith, Buckeye Innovation
• Anthony McIntosh, UpRys

Each finalist was selected following an extensive vetting process. Thank you to Acclarity for assisting us in the financial stability assessment process. There is a great deal of preparation that goes into the selection process for this award.

Growth does not happen in isolation. It happens when businesses, leaders, and communities work together. The Power of US, presented by Vorys, reflects how the Columbus Chamber and its members combine expertise, resources, and advocacy to drive measurable results for the region’s economy.

This year’s Annual Meeting highlights the impact of collaboration: stronger pipelines of talent, expanded access to resources, new market opportunities, and a unified voice for business at every level. Together, we help companies navigate challenges, accelerate growth, and influence the policies that shape the future of Central Ohio.

When we align around shared goals, we create the conditions for prosperity. The Power of US is more than a theme. It is the competitive advantage of the business and greater Columbus community. Columbus.org/Annual-Meeting.

The Chamber would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of The Power of US:

Vorys | First Merchants Bank | Ahola | Sedgwick | S&T Bank | Wright-Patt Credit Union | Dupler Office | CBRE | FCBank | Ignite Industrial Professionals | Porter Wright | World Kinect | Bartha Events | Conspire | The Columbus Dispatch | Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea | Morgan Services | Fisher Management Partners | Kindred Strategy | King Business Interiors | Best Graphics | Leverage Leadership

Current as of 12/10/2025

###

About the Columbus Chamber
The Columbus Chamber of Commerce is a mission-driven nonprofit organization that serves more than 2,500 organizations across the Columbus Region. Founded in 1884, the Chamber serves as a strategic partner to the region’s businesses. We convene the community, advocate as the active voice for business, and navigate the insights, connections, and solutions that drive prosperity and growth. As the epicenter of the Columbus Region business community, the Chamber provides an interconnected ecosystem where businesses collaborate to eliminate barriers to success, creating a vibrant environment for enterprises throughout the region. Together, we make our region an exceptional place to do business. Learn more: columbus.org.  

About the Annual Meeting
The Columbus Chamber’s Annual Meeting is the most distinguished event of our calendar, uniting a remarkable assembly of Columbus Region business and community leaders. It symbolizes our deep recognition of the profound impact that innovation, creativity, and a shared vision have on our future. We extend a warm invitation for you to partake in this transformative experience. Register here: columbus.org/annual-meeting/.