Troy Chamber Highlights Community Impact Through ‘Chambers Change Things’ Campaign
Local partnerships connect students with careers, strengthen businesses and develop community leaders
Information from the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce
TROY - A student discovers a career close to home. A business owner finds a helpful connection. A community member gains the knowledge and confidence to volunteer for a leadership role.
These are some of the outcomes the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce is highlighting in recognition of Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day on Oct. 21 and the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives’ new national campaign, “Chambers Change Things.”
The campaign encourages chambers to share their results. In Troy and Miami County, that work includes connecting businesses, developing leaders, supporting career exploration and bringing employers’ perspectives into public decisions.
“A lot of Chamber work starts with listening — hearing what a business needs, understanding a community challenge or recognizing an opportunity to bring people together,” said Kathi Roetter, CCE, IOM, executive director and COO of the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce. “Our members make it possible to turn those conversations into action.”
Connecting students with local opportunities
Made in Miami County illustrates the way collaboration can support students and employers alike. This year, approximately 1,100 students connected with 40 businesses through hands-on activities and conversations about local careers.
Working with the Miami County Educational Service Center, fellow chambers and participating employers, the Troy Chamber helps students explore industries and career paths they may not have considered. Employers can introduce their work to the next generation and help students understand the skills needed to succeed.
Developing engaged community leaders
Through Leadership Troy and Teen Leadership Troy, participants learn about the organizations, services and issues that shape their community. They also build relationships and explore ways to contribute through their workplaces, volunteer service and civic involvement.
This year’s Leadership Troy class participated in Community Impact Day, joining a broader Midwest day of service. The experience gave participants another opportunity to put their learning into practice while serving the community.
Supporting businesses through connections and advocacy
For business owners and professionals, the Chamber provides opportunities to exchange ideas, build relationships and find resources. Coffee with Champions offers a regular setting for conversations about leadership, business and professional growth.
The Chamber also helps businesses participate in decisions affecting their operations and future investment. During Troy’s Unified Development Code review, the Chamber gathered business feedback, submitted recommendations and brought employers’ concerns to public meetings.
That work connects local businesses’ practical experiences with the officials making decisions about the community’s future.
Strengthening community connections
The Chamber also supports the Troy Strawberry Festival, a longstanding community tradition that brings visitors to Troy and creates opportunities for businesses and participating nonprofit organizations.
“Supporting the Chamber is an investment in the relationships as well as partnerships that help our community thrive,” Roetter said. “Whether someone joins, volunteers, shares expertise, or supports a local business, they have a part in moving Troy and Miami County forward.”
The Troy Area Chamber of Commerce serves as a Catalyst, Convener and Champion, helping businesses grow through connections, advocacy, marketing and leadership development. To learn more about membership and opportunities to get involved, visit www.troyohiochamber.com.
