A Word from Mike
It is hard to believe we will celebrate Valentine’s Day next week. Over the past several months, The Chamber has been working hard on a new brand launch that will take place at an undisclosed location during our virtual annual meeting in March. So, what is significant about a BRAND?

Branding is a marketing practice in which a company creates a name, symbol or design that is easily identifiable as belonging to the company. This helps to identify a product and distinguish it from other products and services. 
Chamber News+Events
Join us Thursday, February 18th from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
for VIRTUAL updates and Q&A with local representatives,
Senator Bob Hackett & State Rep. Kyle Koehler.
This is a FREE virtual event and requires advanced registration
February 10, 11:45 AM to 12:15PM 

The Chamber Education Series provides information and resources to assist businesses in establishing internship and apprenticeship programs supporting the local educational system. This first virtual meeting will be focused on internships, including local businesses experience on establishing their own program and helpful information to businesses looking to begin the process.
Get Connected: New Member Orientation
February 23, 9:00 AM -10:00 AM
March 25, 3:00 PM
Virtual Annual Meeting

Join us virtually as we present our annual business awards and the Richard L. Kuss Lifetime Achievement Award. Be the first to see our new brand. Signup link coming soon!
Member News+Events
Economic Development+Workforce
We are committed to partnering with schools and businesses to establish a strong talent pipeline in our community! One way to accomplish this is through internships. Businesses in the area are encouraged to consider creating an internship program for high school students. We know it can be overwhelming to think about creating a new internship program at your organization, so we developed the Magnify Internship Employer Guidebook which provides the steps to creating an effective internship program at your organization. Please use this as a guide to creating an internship program that fits your organization.

If you plan to offer internships this summer for high school students, please reach out and we can help connect you to students. However, our comprehensive Magnify Internship Program will kick off summer 2022. You have time to plan ahead, talk to your management, and get ready for summer 2022!
Travel+Tourism
New Visitor Guide To Be Released Next Week
We will begin distribution of our new Greater Springfield Visitor Guide next week. The 100 page book highlights all of the great attractions, dining options, lodging facilities and events that our community has to offer.

You can pickup the guide at any number of local locations including Champion City Guide + Supply, and the Chamber offices. They will also be distributed through our countywide visitor center locations, travel information centers throughout the state, and in Columbus hotel visitor info centers.

Please let us know if your business would like to serve as a pickup location for the guide.
From The Hub
Social media influence a huge draw for local businesses
When Lena Syed posted a TikTok video in early January featuring Springfield’s own Ironworks Waffle Cafe, she knew it would be popular, but even she didn’t expect the results.