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Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce

Fulfilling the mission of the Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is an exciting challenge for President and CEO Dan Bates.

"We’re unique in that Hamilton is an urban center located in the suburbs," says Bates. "There’s a lot of new development as Hamilton creates a new future for itself. It’s exciting for us to be a part of this resurgence, but it’s also challenging, meeting the needs of a typical suburban chamber while tying in to an urban environment."

A dramatic economic boon on the area’s horizon: the $100 million Spooky Nook at Champion Mill giant sports complex slated to open within the next two years.

"It’s a game changer," says Bates, noting that the complex – an expansion of the original located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania – is expected to draw an estimated 20,000 visitors daily, especially on weekends. Hamilton’s complex will require a staff of about 120 full-time and more than 300 part-time employees.

Bates recognizes Hamilton as a unique place to live and work.

"We’re creating a community with an equal focus on residential and commercial development," he says. "We know the two must be built together. We’re embracing what is already here, looking to the future, and helping our neighbor chamber members, as well."

Bates describes himself as a high-energy visionary committed to growing the Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.

"All of our decisions are based on what’s best for our members, and what members need to make themselves successful," he says. "We’re meeting the needs of larger employers with hundreds of employees, as well startups with one entrepreneur and a support person. What a fantastic opportunity to do something significant and have fun at the same time."

The Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is located at 201 Dayton Street, Hamilton, OH 45011. For more information, call 513.844.1500, email tiffany@hamilton-ohio.com or visit www.hamilton-ohio.com.

Little Miami River Chamber Alliance

One year after a strategic name change, the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance (LMRCA) – formerly the Loveland Area Chamber – remains a leading advocate for the area business community, serving as an integral catalyst for civic and economic development. The LMRCA supports its businesses through its member investor benefits, community partnerships and a variety of programs and events.

"The time for a name change was right," says CeeCee Collins, president of the organization. "We were already servicing Miami and Symmes townships, and we had considered expanding for a long time. We started looking at things, and realized the value in taking our relationship with the townships to the next level. It’s been a great opportunity for the chamber to get to know the townships better."

The LMRCA has grown from 38 members from its start in 1969 to approximately 275 today. About half of the LMRCA members are businesses with one to five employees, with roughly 80 percent from the city and surrounding townships.

The Little Miami River, with its myriad of nearby parks and bike trails, runs through the LMRCA area – hence, the name change – and continues to draw more kayakers, canoers, anglers, bicyclists and other recreation seekers each summer.

And retail growth is off the charts.

The LMRCA’s devotion to creating connections between members is a boon to the current business boom, Collins says. Connections also form a bond between businesses and residents. In response to last May’s fire in Historic Downtown Loveland, for example, a June fundraiser – Downtown Loveland Merchants Giving Back – helped apartment residents and employees displaced by the fire.

"Downtown Loveland is coming back strong," says Collins. "So much potential lies ahead."

The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance is located at 123 South Second Street, Loveland, OH 45140. For more information, call 513.683.1544, email info@lmrchamberlliance.org or visit www.lmrchamberalliance.org.

Sharonville Chamber of Commerce

Warm. Progressive. Caring. Prosperous.

The Sharonville Chamber of Commerce is all that, according to President Jill Shuller, M.Ed., and she is excited about taking the organization to the next level.

"It’s a fabulous chamber with an outstanding staff and a forward-thinking board," says Shuller, who began her new job in July. "My predecessors created a strong chamber that enjoys a well-earned reputation. Businesses here support each other and the Sharonville community whether they live here or not."

Shuller, who lives in Montgomery, has been highly engaged with local chambers throughout her career as a member and volunteer, a consultant, Leadership graduate, and as a board member. This includes the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, the Northern Kentucky Chamber, Clermont County Chamber, West Chester Liberty Chamber Alliance, and most recently, the Tri-State Chamber Collaborative, which is comprised of the executives of the top 25 chambers in the region.

"Each chamber serves the unique needs of its community while keeping a keen eye on the common regional business issues that impact its members," she says.

As an entrepreneur, Shuller provided management consulting to manufacturers, service, and nonprofits in the areas of organizational culture, process and productivity improvement, employee engagement, marketing, HR and strategic planning. She has also held leadership positions with Great Oaks Career Campuses, Cincinnati Netherland Plaza Hotel, Avon Products and Burke Marketing.

"My focus right now is listening to members and non-members about their most pressing challenges. What resources and opportunities can we provide that will add the most value? The best part? Getting to know and connecting with MY new business community!"

The Sharonville Chamber of Commerce is located at 2704 East Kemper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45241. For more information, email jill@sharonvillechamber.com, call 513.554.1722 or visit www.SharonvilleChamber.com.

Montgomery Ohio Chamber of Commerce

Though its name is Montgomery Ohio Chamber of Commerce, this growing organization is home to influencers and businesses from across the Queen City.

"We have members in Blue Ash, of course, because it is so close, and we have members in Symmes and Sycamore townships. We have members in Loveland, Mason and West Chester. We welcome anybody who wants to be a part of our chamber," says Carol Gorley, director.

The chamber has experienced fantastic growth – from 100 to 225 members – since Gorley arrived three years ago. She believes this is due, in part, to the welcoming, inclusive nature of the organization.

"Our members are primarily small- and medium-sized businesses. They are more than willing to share their knowledge and experience. Sometimes members simply serve as sounding boards for each other to work through common business challenges."

The chamber hosts free monthly meetings, each sponsored by a member of the chamber.

"If someone is considering joining our chamber, I always tell them, ‘It’s not going to cost you anything just to visit. Come to one of our meetings, talk to our people. I will meet you at the door and I will introduce you to three people. If I don’t do that, you come and complain to me and let me know I didn’t do my job.’ "

The Montgomery Ohio Chamber of Commerce exists to serve the local business community because a successful business environment means the local schools and communities are properly funded, Gorley says.

"It’s our goal to support our local businesses, both large and small. We know and believe that when our city has a healthy business center, we have a healthy community."

For more information, call Carol Gorley at 513.502.6975, email Carol.Gorley@MontgomeryOhioChamberOfCommerce.com or visit www.montgomeryohiochamberofcommerce.com.