February 2025 Chamber Connections | The Heart of Diversity, Culture, and Inclusion

February is a special month—a time to celebrate Heart Awareness and Black History. At the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, we see these observances as an opportunity to reflect on how Diversity, Culture, and Inclusion (DCI) tie into the health, history, and well-being of our workforce and community. Just as a strong heart powers a healthy body, a commitment to DCI strengthens the heart of our organizations and society.

Why DCI Matters to Us

Diversity, Culture, and Inclusion represent the heart of innovation and growth. By fostering an environment where every voice is valued, businesses can unlock creativity, improve problem-solving, and enhance employee satisfaction. For the Columbus Chamber, DCI means:

• Honoring Black History: Recognizing the contributions and achievements of Black individuals and businesses in shaping our community’s success.

• Elevating Opportunities: Ensuring that underrepresented voices have access to resources, mentorship, and growth opportunities.

• Fostering Belonging: Building workplace cultures where every individual feels seen, heard, and respected.

• Driving Economic Impact: Helping businesses embrace DCI as a competitive advantage that fuels both workforce development and community success.

Our Initiatives in Action

We are proud to lead with intention, aligning our DCI efforts with workforce strategies that benefit our members and the community at large:

• Inclusion in Action Series: Through these events, we bring together expert speakers and impactful content to address workforce challenges and share actionable strategies for building inclusive workplaces.

• Diversity Supplier Network: We’ve established a growing network of diverse suppliers to support Chamber members and foster equitable opportunities across Columbus.

• DCI Consultations: Our VP of Diversity works closely with members to provide tailored solutions that help businesses create strategies for creating a culture of Belonging in the workplace.

Celebrating February: A Time to Reflect and Act

During Heart Awareness Month, we’re reminded of the importance of caring for both physical and organizational health. A healthy workforce is an inclusive workforce—one that prioritizes mental well-being, equitable opportunities, and belonging for all.

In Black History Month, we celebrate the resilience, achievements, and culture of the Black community. We also commit to advancing equity by addressing systemic barriers and supporting Black-owned businesses and professionals within Columbus.

How You Can Engage

Diversity, Culture, and Inclusion are collective efforts. Here are ways you can join us in advancing these initiatives:

• Participate in Programs: Attend our upcoming Inclusion in Action Series events to learn how to embed DCI into your workplace strategies.

• Leverage Our Resources: Tap into our diversity supplier network to enhance your procurement practices.

• Honor Black History: Highlight and support Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders through your networks.

• Commit to Growth: Work with us to assess your current DCI efforts and create a roadmap for improvement.

A Shared Commitment

As we honor Heart Awareness Month and Black History Month, our commitment to DCI remains steadfast. We are not only dedicated to supporting businesses in their journeys but also to ensuring Columbus becomes a beacon of inclusivity and opportunity. Together, we can create a workforce and community that reflect the values we hold dear.

Let’s continue to build a stronger, more inclusive Columbus—one step at a time.

Catrena Cannon
Vice President of Diversity, Culture & Inclusion
CatrenaCannon@columbus.org