Troy Area Chamber uses the Three “C” Strategy

There are chambers of commerce that are well known for the three P’s: parades, pageants and parties. Then there are those chambers that are known for the three C’s. Mark the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce as one of the latter.

“Our mission is empowering prosperity for Troy, Ohio, and we do that by using the three C’s,” says Kathi Roetter, executive director for the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce. “We are a Convener of business and community leaders. We are a Catalyst for business growth. And we are a Champion for the Troy community.”

While each chamber of commerce is different, a chamber that focuses on the three C’s is usually more effective when it comes to community involvement and economic development. Founded back in 1939, the Troy Area Chamber has a rich history of service to local businesses as well as the community. Its membership today stands at 465.

“We have a very successful morning networking program as well as a lunch program,” says Roetter. “We have a great staff that does an excellent job of connecting our business community with other businesses in the area as well as the community.”

The chamber is also known for its leadership programs, including Leadership Troy, a nine-month program that takes business leaders behind the scenes, showing them how everything works in Troy.

“This year we’re also launching a program called Onboard Troy, and it will be geared toward employees that can’t do a nine-month program but really need to get connected to the community,” says Roetter. “It’s basically a two-day immersive program that we are launching in June of this year.”

There are more events throughout the year, one of which is just around the corner. On Thursday, April 28, the chamber will welcome guest and inspirational speaker Tim Tebow to the Hobart Arena.

“It’s called ‘An Evening with Tim Tebow’ and it’s just the kind of inspirational event we all need, especially coming out of the last two years,” says Roetter. “This is really kind of out of the ordinary for us. We tend to do things that are more member and business focused. We’re hoping to have around 1,500 people join us for the evening.”

Other sponsors for the event include Dungan & LeFevre, Clopay and Premier Health, Upper Valley Medical Center. Ticket prices range from $35 to $55.

Then, of course, the chamber also manages the Troy Strawberry Festival, which has grown into one of the premier festivals in the Midwest. The festival features more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, 60-plus food vendors and all-day family fun and entertainment along the riverbanks of the Great Miami River. This year, the Troy Strawberry Festival will be held on June 4 and 5.

“This is a big event that draws over 150,000 across the first weekend in June,” says Roetter. “It was started in 1977 with the purpose of supporting local nonprofits.”