Divisions and Committees

Ambassadors serve as public relations support for the Chamber. They assist the Chamber’s efforts to maintain and retain members through personal interaction and involvement. Ambassadors visit member businesses and host new member breakfasts, Business Network Exchanges lunches and ribbon cuttings.

Chair: Susan Toothman (RE/MAX Premier Choice Realtors)

This committee assists the Chamber with planning a spectacular night of awards, recognition and networking. This event was created to recognize Chamber members for their hard work and dedication and as a vehicle to showcase member products and services during a business expo. This is an event that is open to the entire community.

Chair: Edie Blough (Title First Agency)

This committee develops positions on business issues and represents the membership to local and state government.

Mission: Monitor and engage in local, state, and national legislative and public policy issues which will affect the economic well-being of the Upper Arlington area business community

The Business Development committee provide forums and activities that create a networking environment for the Chamber's diverse business community. This committee develops education programs and new business outreach platforms, and supports the expansion of member participation and involvement.

Mission: The Business Development committee serves as a think tank for new initiatives to help members connect, learn and grow their businesses. The group works to develop a broader network for education and assistance for those who are looking to start or expand a business.

Chair : Roy Smoot (PNC Bank)

Our community’s best companies are our competitor’s best prospects. Business retention programs have increased in importance as communities recognize that real job growth over time comes from the expansion of businesses already in the community. The Business Retention committee, in partnership with the UACIC, the Columbus Chamber and Columbus 2020!, works to leverage economic development efforts locally and in the region.

Mission: Strengthen and grow existing UA area businesses

The Community Market Place - Connecting Business and Community event is a fun and innovative event connecting the residents of Upper Arlington with local businesses. The event encourages the promotion and support of the Upper Arlington business community, entrepreneurial spirit and community awareness.

Chair: Kathy Gill (CityScene Media Group)

This committee works to evaluate and improve the Chamber's financial standing.

Mission: Promote and manage the financial health of the Upper Arlington Area Chamber of Commerce.

Chair: Rick Dumas (HHH CPA Group, LLC)

The membership committee is the volunteer extension of the Chamber sales team and provides assistance in the targeting of new members and retention of existing members. The committee is focused on helping members identify the best methods for them to utilize their Chamber membership.

Chair: Janet Boissy (Indus Hotels)

The Older Adult Resource Group is dedicated to promoting a dignified, healthful quality of life for older adults by advocating for vital services, offering lifelong learning activities, recognizing the continued and varied accomplishments of older adults and being an accessible and trusted community resource to the seniors in the UA area.

Chair: Drew Chenos (National Church Residences Home and Community Services)

The public relations committee assists in the development of concepts, plans, strategies, programs, and activities that support, facilitate, and otherwise guide the marketing and public relations efforts of the Chamber and its programs.

Mission: Uitilize marketing and communication strategies to inform our members and the UA community of the Chamber's mission, strategies and key activities.

Chair: Chip Ashby 

This committee focuses on the needs and concerns of area retailers.

Mission: Grow and maintain a year-round shop local retail awareness campaign via a partnership with the City of UA

Chair: Kathy Gill (CityScene Media Group)

Members of this committee plan the Chamber's largest annual event, the Taste of Upper Arlington. The Taste of UA is a showcase for all member businesses and a chance for the Chamber to interact with the community. The event features food from local restaurants and caterers and annually attracts more than 12,000 people and more than 120 exhibitors.

Chair – Charlie Groezinger (SGO Designer Glass)

The UACIC accomplishes its mission by building partnerships, identifying and evaluating economic development opportunities, making recommendations to city officials, and advocating for and participating in projects that bring economic vitality to the community.