Update from Kelly Fuller, Sr. VP of The Columbus Chamber Foundation

A Better US


During the early months of the 2020 COVID pandemic, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce staff went remote, like many other businesses and community partners.  After several weeks, the loneliness brought on by the separation led to conversations about “getting together” and checking in on one another. 

 

Our more extraverted teammates suggested that perhaps a virtual happy hour, or a ZOOM lunch would bridge the gap. We could see one another and chat, as if we were back at the office around the large table in our boardroom.


What began as a casual get-together soon morphed into a monthly virtual Lunch and Learn. It was determined that each month, we would focus our conversation on mental, emotional, and physical health and wellness. Tapping into the incredible resources in Central Ohio, we invited in partners like Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Maryhaven, the American Cancer Society, and so many more.


Since 2020, we have returned to our office and expanded our scope to include financial literacy, arts and local history, social services and so much more. A dedicated committee of Chamber teammates selects the topics and speakers for our monthly Lunch and Learns. These events have not only benefited the staff, but have also created awareness and education on the many programs, organizations, and agencies in our Region. 


Additionally, we have a landing page of resources on the Chamber’s intranet; updated monthly to provide support and guidance to our team. If you would like to learn more about A Better US, please reach out to your Account Manager for more information.

Workforce & Workplace Hot Topics

Workforce & Workplace Hot Topics

 

What workforce & workplace issues are impacting your business? This valuable data drives the resources and solutions to address our members’ top concerns. Share your priorities with Kelly Fuller at KellyFuller@columbus.org.

Workforce & Workplace Resources







Hiring individuals with varying abilities offers numerous benefits for businesses. People with disabilities bring unique perspectives and problem-solving skills honed through their lived experiences, which can help businesses uncover new opportunities for innovation and efficiency. Additionally, employees with disabilities often report higher job satisfaction, leading to improved staff retention. This sense of fulfillment fosters a dynamic, collaborative work environment that benefits all team members. Businesses can also take advantage of tax benefits and incentives for hiring individuals with disabilities. Ultimately, integrating people with varying abilities into your workforce is a smart business strategy that contributes to overall success.


Phone Number:

(614) 479-2500


Email Address:

Info@ArcInd.com


Arc Industries Inc.

2780 Airport Drive, Suite 450, Columbus, OH 43219









Career-Technical Education


Join Us For Career Tech Forward 2025

Thursday, June 5, 2025  8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The Ohio Union


The Columbus Career Tech Planning District (CTPD) will be hosting the third annual Career Tech Forward Conference at The Ohio Union. Topics will include work-based learning, industry credentials, economic development in Central Ohio, and collaborating with business partners. This free event includes a continental breakfast, lunch, and free parking pass provided at the end of the day. CCS & CTPD Teachers and Administrators, as well as Industry Partners, are encouraged to attend.  Register here.



The Institute for Creative Leadership at Work (ICLW) is a unique collaboration between Capital University and Columbus College of Art & Design that combines the expertise of both institutions to deliver powerful training and certificate programs for businesses and individuals. Level up your team on your terms with off-the-shelf training or customized solutions that can be offered on-site, at either campus or online. 


Through this unique collaboration, ICLW offers training on various topics, with two of our most popular highlighted below:


Psychological Safety Training: Building Trust & Collaboration

This training fosters a culture where individuals feel safe to speak up, take risks, and share ideas without fear of judgment. By promoting trust, open communication, and mutual respect, it enhances teamwork, innovation, and employee engagement, leading to a healthier, more productive workplace.


Design Thinking Training: Driving Innovation & Problem-Solving

Design Thinking training teaches a human-centered, creative approach to solving challenges. Participants learn to empathize with users, ideate solutions, prototype, and test concepts. This fosters innovation, reduces risk, and improves problem-solving, benefiting organizations across industries.


For more information and to discuss your training needs, contact Dr. Mary Beth Bertrand at mbertrand@ccad.edu or mbertrand3@capital.edu.









Build Cultural Fluency. Foster Belonging. Lead with Impact.


Why organizations are rethinking their people strategies—and how to move forward with confidence.


There’s been a noticeable shift happening in boardrooms, break rooms, and leadership meetings across industries: a reevaluation of how we talk about culture, workforce connection, and internal alignment.


Many organizations have paused or pulled back from programs and language that once felt central to team building. But the reality remains:

·      Teams are more multigenerational than ever before

·      The hybrid workforce is here to stay

·      Global markets are influencing brand trust and team dynamics

·      The emerging workforce expects authenticity, transparency, and cultural fluency

 

So the question isn’t whether to address culture—it’s how.

The New Imperative: Cultural Fluency


Today’s leaders aren’t looking for surface-level solutions. They want tools that help them make sense of internal blind spots, navigate changing dynamics, and connect with diverse audiences, without getting stuck in buzzwords or bureaucracy.


That’s why Cultural Fluency is quickly becoming the new strategic priority.

It’s not about meeting requirements.


It’s about building real alignment across roles, regions, and generations.

Introducing: The Cultural Intelligence Sprint


At Envisify, we’ve created a fast, focused solution for leadership teams and employee groups ready to move forward: the Cultural Intelligence Sprint.

In just 2 hours, we help organizations:

·      Spot cultural blind spots in messaging, internal comms, or engagement strategy

·      Understand emerging workforce expectations and multigenerational dynamics

·      Translate cultural data into actionable insights

·      Walk away with a roadmap for stronger alignment and team cohesion


This isn’t a generic training. It’s a high-value strategy session that blends human insight, real-world data, and AI-powered tools to build a smarter, more connected workforce culture. 


It’s not a lecture. It’s not theory.


It’s an interactive, insights-driven session that helps organizations recalibrate and take confident next steps, with or without the DEI label.


Why Envisify?


Most firms focus on consulting. We go further.



✔️ We combine cultural data + social intelligence + AI tools

✔️ We blend quantitative research with lived human insight

✔️ We build cultural models that align with your brand, workforce, and business objectives


Whether you're leading a growing brand, a public institution, or a global team, our approach helps you lead across cultural differences with clarity and confidence.

Flexible, Scalable Format

·      Affordable & Actionable: Designed to be a low-commitment, high-return investment

·      Virtual or In-Person: Adapted to your workflow and team dynamics

·      Optional Premium Add-On: A high-level, industry-specific workforce trends and sentiment analysis tailored to your sector


Ready for a Reset?


If your organization is ready to rethink its approach to cultural alignment, belonging,

and workforce connection, this is your reset button.


Low commitment

High impact

Real value, without the complexity

📅 Book a Sprint or

📬 Schedule a call to explore how Envisify can support your people and brand strategy.


Let’s help your team navigate what’s now—and lead what’s next.






The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business Executive Education provides dynamic learning opportunities for individuals spanning a variety of subjects and industries. These 2-day on-campus programs help participants develop new, immediately applicable skills in some of the most in-demand subjects discussed by organizations today and are catered to busy professionals. Columbus Chamber of Commerce members can use code EECCC10 to receive a discount on program cost.

 

In May, Fisher Executive Education is offering 3 topic-based programs:

·     Generative AI and the Future of Supply Chain


Generative AI (GenAI) is reshaping the landscape of supply chain management, creating new avenues for optimization, innovation, and competitive advantage. This course provides critical knowledge for managers to understand and effectively leverage GenAI technologies.

Participants will learn to evaluate GenAI solutions, implement them effectively, and leverage them for competitive advantage. By bridging the gap between technical understanding and strategic application, this program equips supply chain professionals with the knowledge to navigate the GenAI landscape confidently.

Secure your spot today.

·     AI-Enabled Product Marketing


As AI increasingly becomes an integral part of business operations, its role in product marketing has gained particular significance. This program is essential because it provides product marketers with a practical understanding of generative AI and its application in a competitive landscape, enabling them to enhance their marketing efficiency, agility, and precision. The program tackles critical business questions such as:

-            How can AI improve market research and competitive analysis?

-            What strategies can be employed to optimize content for engagement and SEO using AI?

-            How can AI be used to create personalized customer experiences and effective segmentation?

-            What are the ethical and legal considerations of implementing AI in product marketing?

Secure your spot today.

·     Management Skills for Emerging Leaders


Take part in a dynamic, two-day leadership development program designed to equip new and aspiring leaders with the tools they need to succeed. Participants will master core leadership fundamentals, including communication, trust-building, and team motivation while learning how to manage conflict and engage their teams effectively. Through interactive role-playing and real-world case studies, attendees will leave with actionable strategies to lead with confidence and purpose. This program empowers emerging leaders to unlock their full potential and drive team success from day one.


Secure your spot today.

Chamber Program Spotlight













Whether you’re a rookie or a rainmaker, a CEO or a sales leader, our live group training will supercharge your sales execution. You’ll learn to avoid the transactional traps holding you back from igniting your performance, growing your income, and elevating your career.

Register before April 20th! Your registration includes two participants. Bring a colleague, partner, or friend at no extra charge!

We are here to help you escape the Transactional Trap. You don’t have to adopt the accepted status quo of our craft. Together, we can do better.

 

Get the full WINS experience with:


-            20 hours of in-person training

-            Tailored Exercise Workbook

-            AI – Accelerated Coaching

-            24/7 Access to bonus training videos

-            Professional certifications

-            2-for-1 registration pricing

-            And more!

Apply Today!

Message From Columbus Chamber Foundation

Reach out to Nick Sheriff, Director of Development, to discover how you can support Chamber programs through the Columbus Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Connect With Nick

Featured Nonprofit





Owners, Executives, and HR Leaders: What barriers stand in the way of offering workplace benefits to your workforce? What if you were able to receive expertise and support to expand employee financial wellbeing–through workplace benefits? 


You just might have that option. 


Commonwealth, a leading nonprofit focused on building financial security and opportunity for all, has launched 'Benefits For the Future' with philanthropic support from JPMorganChase. 


The initiative aims to work with qualified employers nationally and in Columbus to expand financial wellness benefits— particularly for employees earning low-to-moderate incomes— by enhancing the impact of retirement and health savings benefits and exploring additional financial benefits. 


Commonwealth is keen to talk to employers in Columbus to learn more about your employee financial wellness and benefits goals. We’ll explore how we can leverage the support of JPMorganChase to test demonstrations and provide added capacity to implement impactful workplace benefits and strengthen your organization’s financial resilience. 


If this initiative seems aligned with your goals, contact Commonwealth’s Benefits for the Future team at nblain@buildcommonwealth.org

Upcoming Meetings and Events

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