Chamber Day
Description
Chamber Day, hosted by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Professionals of Ohio, is a statewide gathering designed specifically for chamber of commerce executives, staff, board members, and business leaders who want to stay informed, engaged, and influential in Ohio’s public policy and government affairs landscape. This year’s event will feature keynote remarks from Jim Tressel, Lieutenant Governor of Ohio, who will discuss the state’s workforce initiatives and the future of talent development across the region.
The agenda includes timely legislative updates, policy briefings from the Ohio Chamber’s legislative team, and a Washington, D.C. update on federal policy issues impacting businesses and local communities. Attendees will also learn about grants and funding opportunities available to their members through JobsOhio. In addition to policy insights, Chamber Day will feature practical best-practice sessions designed specifically for chamber professionals, including “Advocating with Impact: Effective Lobbying Strategies for Chamber Leaders” and “Is My Chamber Compliant? Rules & Laws.”
Chamber Day offers a unique opportunity to connect with peers, gain critical policy insights, and strengthen your chamber’s ability to advocate for the business community.
2026 Chamber Day - Agenda
Presented by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Professionals of Ohio
Thursday, June 4, 2026
9:00AM Registration & Networking (Continental Breakfast Provided)
9:45AM Welcome
Matt Owen, Executive Director, Chamber Professionals of Ohio
Steve Stivers, President & CEO, Ohio Chamber of Commerce
10:00AM Advocating with Impact: Effective Lobbying Strategies for Chamber Leaders
Rick Carfagna, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, OCC
10:50AM Break
11:00AM Ohio Legislative Update from Ohio Government Affairs Team
Matt MacLaren, Director of Travel & Tourism Policy, OCC
Kevin Shimp, Associate Attorney, Dickinson-Wright
Liz Baumgartner, Director of Tax & Economic Development Policy, OCC
Molly Mottram, Director of Healthcare Policy, OCC
12:00PM Lunch/Networking
12:25PM-1PM Washington DC Legislative Update
Justin Barns, VP Government Affairs, OCC
1PM – 2PM “Is my Chamber Compliant? Rules & Laws.”
Mike Throne, President & CEO, Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce
2PM – 2:15PM Break
2:15PM – 3:15PM Grants & Funding Opportunities for your members
Drew Cooper, Director, Government Affairs & Engagement, Jobs Ohio
3:15PM – 4:15PM Keynote: Ohio Workforce
Lt. Governor Jim Tressel
4:15PM Social Networking Event: 3rd Floor (Club 1893) – Food & Drinks Provide
Event Date:
06-04-26
Event Time:
09:00 AM - 04:15 PM EST
Location:
Ohio Chamber of Commerce
34 S. Third St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Contact Person:
Matt Owen
(phone: 9375459085)
Details:
2026 Chamber Day - Agenda
Presented by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Professionals of Ohio
Thursday, June 4, 2026
9:00AM Registration & Networking (Continental Breakfast Provided)
9:45AM Welcome
Matt Owen, Executive Director, Chamber Professionals of Ohio
Steve Stivers, President & CEO, Ohio Chamber of Commerce
10:00AM Advocating with Impact: Effective Lobbying Strategies for Chamber Leaders
Rick Carfagna, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, OCC
10:50AM Break
11:00AM Ohio Legislative Update from Ohio Government Affairs Team
Matt MacLaren, Director of Travel & Tourism Policy, OCC
Kevin Shimp, Associate Attorney, Dickinson-Wright
Liz Baumgartner, Director of Tax & Economic Development Policy, OCC
Molly Mottram, Director of Healthcare Policy, OCC
12:00PM Lunch/Networking
12:25PM-1PM Washington DC Legislative Update
Justin Barns, VP Government Affairs, OCC
1PM – 2PM “Is my Chamber Compliant? Rules & Laws.”
Mike Throne, President & CEO, Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce
2PM – 2:15PM Break
2:15PM – 3:15PM Grants & Funding Opportunities for your members
Drew Cooper, Director, Government Affairs & Engagement, Jobs Ohio
3:15PM – 4:15PM Keynote: Ohio Workforce
Lt. Governor Jim Tressel
4:15PM Social Networking Event: 3rd Floor (Club 1893) – Food & Drinks Provide