Outstanding Chamber of the Year Winner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 12, 2026

Chamber Professionals of Ohio Congratulates Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce Named Outstanding Chamber of the Year (Under 600 Members)

Columbus, Ohio — Chamber Professionals of Ohio (CPO) proudly announces that the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce (WWLCC) has been named Outstanding Chamber of the Year in Ohio –  in the category of Under 600 Members, recognizing the Chamber’s exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact on its business community. The award honors the entire WWLCC team for a phenomenal year of achievements, growth, and organizational excellence.

The Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce will be formally recognized at the 2026 CPO Winter Conference Annual Awards Dinner on January 28, 2026, held at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

“On behalf of Chamber Professionals of Ohio, congratulations to Dana Wolfe, Executive Director, the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and members of the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce,” said Matt Owen, Executive Director of Chamber Professionals of Ohio. “WWLCC exemplifies what a high-performing chamber looks like—strategic, innovative, financially sound, and deeply committed to its community. Their work sets a standard of excellence for chambers across Ohio.”

With 584 members serving eight communities—Eastlake, Kirtland, Lakeline, Wickliffe, Willoughby, Willoughby Hills, Willowick, and Timberlake—the WWLCC operates with a clear mission and vision to foster a diverse environment where businesses and residents are proud to work, live, and play.

A Year of Strategic Impact and Best Practices

In 2025, the WWLCC demonstrated outstanding performance across planning, membership growth, collaboration, workforce development, financial stewardship, and community impact:

• Planning & Signature Events: Sold-out events led by engaged board members, committees, and volunteers, including the Awards Luncheon, State of the Cities, Golf Outing, ArtsFest, Turkey Bowl, and Holiday Mixer/Member Appreciation. The Signature Events supports the fundraising efforts for the scholarships and business grants.
• Membership Growth – SeptMEMBER: The innovative SeptMEMBER campaign, a referral-driven membership drive encouraging one new member per day in September, resulted in 33 new members in 2025. Since launching in 2023, this best practice has consistently surpassed goals and supports the Chamber’s objective of adding 90 new members annually.
• Collaborative Programs: Partnerships such as Lakeland Community College’s Dollar$ for Dream$, which supports young entrepreneurs with grants, mentorship, and chamber membership; and Think Manufacturing Expo, a collaboration with Alliance Working Together (AWT) and two area chambers, engaging over 800 students and 45 manufacturers to showcase manufacturing careers—critical as 40% of students enter the workforce after high school.
• Workforce Development: The WWLCC awarded $18,450 in student scholarships and provided business training grants of up to $500 per quarter, assisting 29 businesses with $10,000 in grants in 2025, directly supporting workforce and economic growth.
• ArtsFest: The Willoughby ArtsFest, drawing more than 10,000 visitors, featured 150 juried artists, 20 food trucks, 40 sponsors, live entertainment, and family activities. This premier tourism event is the single highest revenue day for over 90% of downtown businesses and supports the Chamber’s workforce development initiatives.
• Chamber Cares: A signature initiative led by the Board of Directors, Chamber Cares mobilizes member businesses and residents to give back through donations, community meals, volunteerism, and partnerships with local nonprofits. Sponsored by Custom Cleaning & Maintenance, the program embodies a powerful “pay it forward” philosophy and strengthens community connections.
• Financial Stewardship: Through careful management, the WWLCC increased revenue, operated within budget, and built an investment account that remains untouched—demonstrating strong fiscal responsibility.

“These accomplishments are just a sample of what makes the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce truly outstanding,” added Owen. “Their strategic execution, innovative programming, and community leadership reflect the very best of the chamber profession.”

Chamber Professionals of Ohio is honored to recognize the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce as Outstanding Chamber of the Year, celebrating a year marked by excellence—and a future full of continued impact.

For more information about Chamber Professionals of Ohio and the annual awards program, visit https://www.chamberprosohio.com/.

About Chamber Professionals of Ohio
Chamber Professionals of Ohio (CPO) is the statewide association dedicated to advancing the professional development, leadership, and success of chamber of commerce executives and staff throughout Ohio. Through training, resources, and collaboration, CPO strengthens chambers and the communities they serve.