Piqua Chamber of Commerce

Originally published in the Progress Edition March 22, 2014

By Bethany J. Royer
PIQUA A chamber of commerce is an an organization of businesses seeking to further their
collective interests while advancing their community, region, state or nation says the American
Chamber of Commerce Executives. And when it comes to creating a culture within an
organization that exudes leadership values through ceremony, story and symbol, the Piqua Area
Chamber of Commerce exceeds. Specifically through their annual Order of George held at the
Piqua Golf Club where they award an area resident for their service(s) to the community. Their
civic-minded, committed work includes leadership and volunteer work, to name but a few,
values of high importance to the local Chamber, a group that not only works to be a leader in the
community but in turn teaches leadership skills
At the 68th and 47th installation of the Order of George, the Piqua Chamber of Commerce
recognized the Rev. Angelo Caserta or Father Ange, for his committed volunteer and
leadership in the community. They also recognized a number of area business owners including:
Amanda and Ryan King, owners of Cant Stop Running Company at 321 N. Main St., Bill and
Kathy Palmer for their Palmer Bolt & Supply company and Nancy Luce, Upper Valley Career
Center superintendent, on behalf of the Center. Along with Rob and Julie Alexander, Bethany
and Daniel Hickman for the Journey Salon, Winans Chocolates, and optometrist Dr. David
Littlejohn offices at 8090 Looney Road.
Piqua businesses are only as strong as the communitys schools and city offices, said Dave
Richard, chairperson of the Chamber board for 2013, at the annual event. Our businesses are
strong. His year in review presentation the testament of strength in the community as the
Chamber welcomed an additional 40 new businesses for a total of 342 new members, with the
conduction of 16 ribbon cutting ceremonies, and hosting 11 business after hours.
Attendance was excellent, said Richard while emphasizing the importance of networking within
the community and inviting others to attend and socialize during the business after-hours
program.
Other highlights included a dozen graduates from the Chambers leadership program where
participants learn leadership and interpersonal skills for civic-mindedness. The program is held
over a dozen sessions every Tuesday beginning in February at the Chamber and other
specifically chosen locations. While over two dozen young adults graduated from the teen
leadership program, which is held for eight days during the school year to develop and enhance
leadership skills and potential.
The Chamber also hosted the third regional business showcase in October at the Piqua High
school, welcoming approximately 80 businesses to the expo. The bi-annual event allows business
members to advertise their companies, interact with the general public and promote their
businesses in a fashion that Richard states, is second to none and encouraged business owners
and the general public to look for the expo again in 2016.
The final project of 2013 for the Chamber of Commerce was to assist in the production of the
new Piqua interactive map which can be seen online at chamberimap.com/piqua. The work was a
collaboration between the Chamber, Mainstreet Piqua and the city of Piqua to showcase the
community and what it has to offer.
The Piqua Chamber of Commerce staff continues to provide a membership package that
provides meaning and value, by delivering unique programs to the community that includes the
Safety Council, Community Networking, Human Resource Council, Small Business Council,
and Manufacturing Council.
As stated by Richard, while challenging others to become engaged on multiple levels in the
community, both in business and with employees, Theres something for everyone.
Bethany J. Royer may be reached at 773-2721 or on Twitter @TheDailyCall