The Ohio Chamber of Commerce hosted a robust day of panel discussions and advocacy meetings as part of its Chamber Day – a free event to convene local chambers and members around Ohio. From the Youngtown-Warren to Sylvania, from Highland County to Brown County, chamber leaders across the state converged in Columbus along with many local business members.
The morning discussions featured a panel on the biennial budget, featuring Senate Finance Chairman Matt Dolan, House Finance Chairman Jay Edwards, and their respective ranking members Sen. Nickie Antonio and Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney. The legislators debriefed the group on the state’s economic climate and their respective budget priorities. Following the panel, Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens provided a keynote address on the House’s priority bills and how local chambers can best engage throughout the legislative process. After a boxed lunch provided by the Ohio Chamber, the crowd heard a panel discussion on political updates and grassroots organizing moderated by Columbus Dispatch Political Reporter Anna Staver.
The afternoon consisted of 10 different groups of attendees assigned to meet with assorted state representatives and state senators. In between meetings, attendees visited the Ohio House gallery to witness deliberations over the state transportation budget, and the Ohio Senate floor to see debate over Senate Bill 1, which overhauls the Ohio Department of Education and State Board of Education.
At the conclusion of the afternoon, attendees met at the Athletic Club of Columbus where they were able to enjoy drinks, food, and bowling on behalf of the Ohio Chamber as a well-earned reward for such a long day of engagement. In all, it was an exciting day of hearing from pivotal government and political leaders, witnessing significant legislative activity, and conducting one-on-one visits with elected officials to share real stories of what Ohio’s business community is doing in their districts.