Troy Area Chamber expands its reach for business and community 

It may have greatly expanded its role this year, but the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce is still laser-focused on its primary mission. 

“And that’s marketing Troy as a great place to live, work and play,” says Kathi Roetter, executive director and chief operating officer of the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce. “We promote economic growth but also community pride.” 

One of the biggest expansions of the chamber’s operation included stepping in to take over the Troy Strawberry Festival last year. This year marked the second year the chamber was in charge, and the 50th anniversary of the festival, which is now considered one of the largest festivals of its kind in Ohio. 

“The festival was founded to provide a fundraising venue for local nonprofits that serve Troy and Miami County,” says Roetter. “That purpose remains the same, despite growing into one of the largest festivals in Ohio.” 

In 2025, the festival was estimated to have a $4.9 million total impact on the local economy, Roetter notes.  

“And while the attendance was just slightly lower this year [because of the weather], we still achieved our goals for nonprofit fundraising and community participation,” she adds. “Events like these build connections, support local causes and showcase Troy as a vibrant place.” 

Indeed, the chamber received high marks from both civic and business leaders for making the Strawberry Festival a resounding success this year. 

“The Strawberry Festival is relatively new for the chamber,” says Tim Davis, development director for the city of Troy. “The festival supports many of our local nonprofits throughout our community, so it’s very important to the overall health of our community. The chamber really had their hands full this year.” 

The Steak Fry and Auction coming this August is yet another event supported and promoted by the chamber.  

“And that is always a great event,” says Davis. “Not only is it a great networking event that brings the business community together, but there are always a lot of interesting items that get raffled off. To top it all off, you also get a steak that is grilled by members of the chamber and their volunteers.” 

While he is quick to laud the chamber for its work with Troy festivals, Davis is also very bullish on the chamber’s ongoing programs that help support economic development for the city of Troy. 

“The chamber does a great job of connecting with our businesses,” says Davis. “When a new business makes an investment in Troy, the chamber always reaches out and makes a real effort to bring them into our community. 

“They not only do ribbon cuttings that showcase the new businesses to the public, but they also provide them with valuable resources throughout the year, programs that provide networking, education and training—which are all valuable for businesses.” 

One of the more successful chamber programs is called Leadership Troy. 

“The program focuses on talent retention and development in the community,” says Roetter. “The program is a nine-month civic and personal development program with over 800 alumni.” 

Leadership Troy is now in its 42nd year. 

“One of Troy’s greatest strengths is the collaboration between local businesses, city leadership, economic development organizations and community stakeholders,” says Evan Iles, a downtown developer who works alongside his wife Daniell as well as partners Dan and Nicole Burns of Countryside Construction. “Successful downtown revitalization requires more than private investment. It requires a community that believes in long-term growth and is willing to support new ideas and new businesses. We have seen that commitment firsthand.” 

This year, Troy is welcoming several new businesses, including Nothing Bundt Cakes, Rudy’s Smokehouse, Day Air Credit Union and Downtown Fizz. 

“While I cannot speak directly to the chamber’s involvement with every one of those businesses, I can speak from firsthand experience as a business owner and developer in downtown Troy,” says Iles. “We have been actively involved in the redevelopment of both Mayo’s Hall and the historic Brower’s Stationery building. We also sold the space that will become Downtown Fizz and are currently completing the buildout for that business. These projects represent our belief in Troy’s future and our confidence in the continued growth of the downtown district. 

“Throughout these projects, we have found Troy to be a community that is genuinely committed to business growth while maintaining the character and quality of life that make the city attractive in the first place,” says Iles.  

“The Troy Area Chamber of Commerce has played an important role in that success by serving as a convener, catalyst and champion for the local business community,” he adds. “The chamber helps bring together business leaders, community stakeholders and public officials; encourages investment and entrepreneurship; and advocates for the continued growth and success of Troy’s business environment. Those efforts help create the collaborative atmosphere that makes investment in Troy both attractive and achievable.” 

Iles also indicated that the city of Troy is entering a new phase of growth, thanks to the efforts of the chamber and its collaborations with government and other civic organizations. 

“For years, much of the conversation centered around preserving and revitalizing downtown,” says Iles. “Today, we’re beginning to see the results of those efforts. The city is attracting new businesses, new residents and new investment while maintaining the historic character that makes Troy unique. That combination is difficult to achieve, but Troy has done it exceptionally well. 

Today, says Iles, Troy has reached a point where investors and business owners are no longer asking whether downtown will continue to grow, “they’re asking what comes next.”