Chamber builds business for betterment of the entire region

When it comes to building and maintaining the vibrant economy of Troy and the surrounding area, few organizations play as active a role as the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC). Founded as the Troy Chamber of Commerce in 1939 by a small group of businesspeople interested in empowering prosperity and incorporated in 1957, TACC enjoys a rich tradition of exceeding the expectations of its members and the entire business community, throwing itself into the community as a partner, advocate and supporter.

In fulfilling that mission, the chamber has had to constantly evolve to meet new business challenges. This year is no different.

“This year our focus is on organizational realignment,” says Kathi Roetter, executive director of the TACC. “We have a partner organization, the Troy Development Council (TDC), that has been in existence for 40 years working alongside the chamber.”

Since its inception in 1984, the TDC has been a highly effective public-private initiative that has been instrumental in the creation of over 7,000 new jobs while pumping more than a billion dollars into the local economy. And both the TACC and TDC have built a number of synergies to help the Troy Area economy, creating jobs and improving business.

While having two organizations working toward the same basic goal of improving the economy can be an advantage, Roetter concedes that it can cause some confusion. So, “we are currently in the final stages of developing a plan that optimizes our resources so that we can best work on behalf of businesses,” she adds.

One of the best resources offered by the TACC is a program called Leadership Troy. Like the TDC, it is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

Established in 1984 as a community educational program created to increase the quality and quantity of men and women capable of accepting leadership roles in varied community organizations, Leadership Troy is a behind the scenes tour that includes the places and people that make Troy a great place to live, work and play. The program is 10 months long, starting in January with an orientation and finishing with graduation in November at the community awards.

“With the 40th anniversary of Leadership Troy, we are expanding our leadership programming,” says Roetter. “In the fall, we plan to launch the OnBoard Troy program designed for top level executives, plant managers and those that can’t commit to the 10-month program. The shortened program will include two days of comprehensive tours and presentations designed to give the attendee a better understanding of the community.”

But Leadership Troy is hardly the only program offered by the chamber.

“We are not a one-size fits all chamber,” says Roetter. “We allow the business to join based on their needs—networking, visibility, community involvement, marketing assistance or member discount programs.

“We are a hands-on chamber that listens to our members in order to provide the programming and promotion that they are looking for. In addition, we provide discount programs for health insurance, workers’ compensation and an energy program that can save businesses money.”

The Small Business Growth Council of the TACC is designed to give small businesses the tools to grow their business.

“Any size small business is welcome at the monthly meeting that includes networking and a subject matter expert,” says Roetter. “Examples of the topics include sales from start to finish, marketing ‘how-tos,’ bookkeeping, human resources and funding opportunities.”

There are also regular networking opportunities.

Coffee with Champions is a weekly program for those who want to learn more about leadership and business topics in an environment where you can disagree. Each week there is a topic presented by video followed by a discussion.

“The great thing is that everyone’s opinion matters,” says Roetter. “The mission of the program is to facilitate healthy, inspiring conversations with leaders and teams who share best practices about winning in business and life.”

Of course, it’s always nice to be recognized by business peers. The chamber held its 85th annual dinner in February at the Arbogast Performing Arts Center, says Roetter. The evening was capped off with the Business Excellence Awards.

These awards are given to a small, medium and large business to recognize and honor businesses in Troy that, in a given year, have made a significant contribution to the overall good of the community. This year, Purebred Coffee Co. won the award for small businesses, while Chick-fil-A Troy took home the honor in the medium category and Hobart Filler Metals took home best large business.

But its not just about the best, it’s about charting a pathway to becoming the best.

In addition to its many programs and networking opportunities, the chamber also has a number of resources available for minority- and women-owned businesses. The chamber also enjoys partnerships with other organizations within the Dayton region that have extensive resources as well.

It’s all designed to keep the area economy strong and vibrant, building on its excellent strategic location. Located just 9 miles north of the intersection of Interstates 75 and 70, the Troy area is truly at the crossroads of American commerce. It also offers the convenience of excellent state routes as well.

By highway, it’s easy to reach major U.S. markets like Atlanta, Nashville, Chicago, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Detroit, Cleveland and Knoxville within a day. In second-day service region (defined as truck deliveries within a day and a half), that reach extends north to Boston and New York; east to Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Baltimore; south to New Orleans and Little Rock; and west to Omaha, Kansas City, Minneapolis, St. Paul and Milwaukee.

The area is also serviced by Class I rail with intermodal access to facilities in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Marion. The Dayton International Airport is just 10 minutes away, offering major carriers such as American, United Airlines, Delta and Allegiant, providing nonstop flights to 16 destinations, including New York, Orlando, Dallas/Fort Worth and Charlotte.

That’s why “the business environment in Troy is solid,” says Roetter. In addition to the location, “we are lucky to have diverse industries and a vibrant downtown.”

Many of the companies that have chosen to locate in Troy are well-known companies, like Clopay, Conagra, Premier Health Upper Valley Medical Center, Pella, Hobart Filler Metals and ITW Food Equipment Group, all of which are also members of the chamber.

Indeed, the Troy area is proud to be home to several Fortune 500 companies and looks forward to welcoming many more to the community in the months and years ahead.