Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber named Chamber of the Year
Published by: The News-Herald
By: Marah Morrison
Original article found here
Chamber Professionals of Ohio recently named the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Chamber of the Year in Ohio.
In the category of Under 600 Members, CPO recognized the chamber’s exceptional leadership, innovation and impact on its business community, according to the statewide organization. The award honors the entire chamber team for a phenomenal year of achievements, growth and organizational excellence.
The chamber was formally recognized at the 2026 CPO Winter Conference Annual Awards dinner on Jan. 28 at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. CPO Executive Director Matt Owen said the chamber exemplifies what a high-performing chamber looks like — strategic, innovative, financially sound and deeply committed to its community.
“Their work sets a standard of excellence for chambers across Ohio,” he said.
It is an honor to be selected as the 2025 Outstanding Chamber of the Year, said Dana Wolfe, executive director of the chamber.
“Our Board of Directors lead with an impeccable vision that aligns with our strategic plan,” she said. “The staff, along with our communities, volunteers and supporters, have executed our mission this past year to new heights. We are proud to receive this prestigious acknowledgement from the Chamber Professionals of Ohio.”
The chamber currently has 584 members serving eight communities — Eastlake, Kirtland, Lakeline, Wickliffe, Willoughby, Willoughby Hills, Willowick and Timberlake. The chamber strives to operate with a clear mission and vision to foster a diverse environment where businesses, and residents are proud to work, live and play.
Throughout 2025, the chamber demonstrated outstanding performance across planning, membership growth, collaboration, workforce development, financial stewardship and community impact, according to CPO. Sold-out events led by engaged board members, committees and volunteers, including the Awards Luncheon, State of the Cities, Golf Outing, ArtsFest, Turkey Bowl and Holiday Mixer/Member Appreciation.
The Signature Events the chamber hosts are intended to support the fundraising efforts for its scholarships and business grants.
Additionally, the chamber’s SeptMEMBER campaign, a referral-driven membership drive encouraging one new member per day in September, resulted in 33 new members in 2025. Since launching this in 2023, the campaign has surpassed the chamber’s goal of adding 90 new members annually, according to CPO.
The chamber also has a partnership with Lakeland Community College’s Dollar$ for Dream$, which supports young entrepreneurs with grants, mentorship and chamber membership, as well as the Think Manufacturing Expo, a collaborating with Alliance Working Together and two area chambers. The expo engages more than 800 students and 45 manufacturers to showcase manufacturing careers as 40% of students enter the workforce after high school, according to CPO.
Also in 2025, the chamber awarded $18,450 in student scholarships and provided business training grants of up to $500 per quarter, assisting 29 businesses with $10,000 in grants in 2025, directly supporting workforce and economic growth.
Another chamber accomplishment was the Willoughby ArtsFest, which drew more than 10,000 visitors, featured 150 juried artists, 20 food trucks, 40 sponsors, live entertainment and family activities. The tourism event is the single highest revenue day for more than 90% of downtown businesses and supports the chambers’ workforce development initiatives.
A signature initiative led by the Board of Directors, Chamber Cares mobilizes member businesses and residents to give back through donations, community meals, volunteerism, and partnerships with local nonprofits. Sponsored by Custom Cleaning and Maintenance, the program embodies a powerful “pay it forward” philosophy and strengthens community connections, according to CPO.
The chamber also increased revenue, operated within budget and built an investment account that remains untouched in 2025, demonstrating strong fiscal responsibility.
“These accomplishments are just a sample of what makes the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce truly outstanding,” Owen said. “Their strategic execution, innovative programming and community leadership reflect the very best of the chamber profession.”