What’s Shaping the Chamber’s Future: 2026 Annual Survey Insight
March 6, 2026
Author: Matt Lofy, Westerville Area Chamber President & CEO
First, a thank you. This year’s survey brought in strong, positive feedback about the Chamber’s direction and the work of our team. Members told us they value our responsiveness, trust our leadership and see the Chamber as a respected partner for problem solving and progress.
That affirmation matters. It tells us we’re on the right path. And it gives us the confidence to do what matters most right now: listen even harder and focus on the future.
Every year the Westerville Area Chamber surveys our business community. But this year we took a different approach because the needs and realities of our businesses are evolving and we need to understand those changes at a deeper level.
Instead of sending one broad survey we created two tailored tracks. One focused on small businesses with under 10 employees. The other captured the perspectives of larger employers ranging from 11–25 to 250+ employees. That structure gave us clarity across the full spectrum of our economy from small teams to major employers. We also asked more direct questions designed to uncover real challenges, opportunities ahead, what’s keeping leaders up at night and where the Chamber can step in with creative solutions.
The result was a consistent, aligned message that points toward where our energy and advocacy should go next
Workforce: The Theme That Connected Everyone
Across business size and industry workforce was the dominant theme. It showed up repeatedly whether we asked about challenges, opportunities or advocacy priorities.
Businesses talked openly about the need for stronger talent pipelines, leadership development, upskilling and more intentional recruitment and retention strategies. Workforce was also the number two advocacy priority for both small and large businesses, reinforcing the importance of the work underway through WorkWISE and our Westerville Partnership partners. The momentum we have in this space matters and this survey confirmed that we’re investing our efforts exactly where the business community needs support most.
Connections Matter- And They Need to Be Intentional
The next major theme was the need for more meaningful connections not more events. Businesses want introductions and relationships that help them solve problems, collaborate in new ways, unlock opportunities and grow.
- Curated introductions and strategic relationship building
- Peer connections that solve real problems
- Increased visibility within the business community
- Creative promotions that elevate their brand and opportunities
The message was clear: deeper, curated connections will drive more value than a crowded calendar.
Our Advocacy Priorities Are Shifting
A significant insight from this year’s survey is that our advocacy priorities need to evolve. Some long-standing focus areas remain relevant. Others have moved down the list. And new themes have risen to the top.
Infrastructure and transportation/mobility emerged as major priorities especially among larger employers navigating workforce commuting patterns and long-term growth plans. This shift gives our Business Advocacy Council the guidance it needs to reassess our portfolio, determine what progress looks like in each area and sharpen where we can have the greatest community impact moving forward.
Quality of Life Matters — And Our Role Is Advocacy
Quality of life surfaced across both surveys as an important factor in business success because talent chooses community first. Westerville’s ability to remain competitive depends on continuing to be a place where people want to live, work and do business.
While the Chamber doesn’t control the levers that shape those experiences we do ensure that the business voice is heard by City Council and community decision makers. And we believe the City leadership is doing a great job. We’re excited to collaborate and support their efforts as Westerville continues to grow and evolve.
A Clearer Understanding of Our Business Ecosystem
This year’s survey gave us a richer view of the full business landscape. From WorkWISE engagement to Business Advocacy priorities to internal programming opportunities the findings help us better understand the systems, relationships and challenges that shape business success in Westerville.
It reinforces something we believe deeply: our job is to listen, learn and lead — not operate on assumptions.
Where We Go Next
These insights strengthen our commitment to community impact. The Chamber will continue to deliver meaningful value through initiatives and programs that reflect what our businesses actually need not what we assume they need.
- New initiatives built around workforce, growth and connection
- Innovative programming to support businesses of all sizes
- A refreshed advocacy agenda aligned with what emerged from the survey
- Deeper collaboration with our Westerville Partnership partners to move solutions forward
Our business community spoke with clarity this year. Now it’s our responsibility to turn that clarity into action.
About Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce:
For over 55 years, Chamber members have joined together to enhance the community's quality of life and the economic, civic and cultural growth of the Westerville area. Today, the Westerville Area Chamber unites 800+ businesses, professionals and individuals, creating a unique organization that works to improve business and build an even stronger community. The Chamber includes people just like you, who realize that collectively, through a business organization, they can accomplish more than what one can do individually. Get to know us on Instagram @Westerville_Chamber and on the web at http://westervillechamber.com Join us in shaping the future of Westerville’s business community.