We are business advocates, collaborating with public officials to support and/or establish legislation, regulations and policies that represent our members’ top concerns and enable businesses to thrive and compete locally, nationally, and internationally.
We further serve members’ interests by providing related educational programs and materials and information about government actions impacting business.
The Business Advocacy Council is open to all Westerville Area Chamber Members and meets the 1st Tuesday of each month from 3:30-4:45 p.m. at the Chamber Office. For more information contact the Chamber office.
2025 Election Information
Westerville Board of Education Candidate Forum
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
7–9 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
Westerville Public Library
Watch the recording on YouTube.
Westerville City Council Candidate Forum
Thursday, September 4, 2025
7–9 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris
Watch the recording on YouTube.
View the Westerville Candidate Guide.Â
To offer voters deeper insight into this year’s candidates, the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce and Business Advocacy Council invited each candidate to respond in writing to additional questions. These written responses, limited to 300 words per question, complement the answers shared during the Candidate Forums and can serve as a valuable supplement to the Candidate Guide. Candidate submissions are published as received, without editing or alteration by Chamber staff. View the responses here.
Vote YES to support Westerville City Schools
We recognize that strong schools are essential to a thriving business environment. The Chamber’s support is grounded in the following:
- The levy impacts workforce development, property values, and Westerville’s overall business climate.
- Diversifying school funding beyond property taxes which helps stabilize district revenue amid inconsistent state support.
- Safe, modern facilities are critical to attracting and retaining both residents and employers. (The earnings from this levy can be used for operation and facilities.)
- Investing in schools now—ahead of transformational economic development and attraction of businesses on the 88 acres—positions Westerville for long-term success.
We also acknowledge members’ concerns regarding fiscal stewardship, enrollment trends, and academic outcomes. To ensure transparency and accountability, the Board’s support includes strong encouragement for the district to:
- Establish a Five-Year Financial Review Committee with community and business representation to review financial performance and spending priorities regularly.
- Engage the business community for expertise in budgeting, healthcare, and long-term fiscal planning.
These steps will help maintain fiscal responsibility, strengthen collaboration, and ensure the business community’s voice remains part of the conversation. The board has documented this commitment and intends to make these two commitments a priority now and in five years.
Important Information from the BAC.
Business Advocacy Committee Meeting Notes- Aug. 2025... [READ MORE]
Business Advocacy Committee Meeting Notes- May 2025... [READ MORE]
Business Advocacy Committee Meeting Notes- April 2025... [READ MORE]
State Funding Priorities 2026-2027 (Westerville City Schools Presentation)
Business Advocacy Committee Meeting Notes- Jan. 2025... [READ MORE]
Business Advocacy Committee Meeting Notes- Dec. 2024... [READ MORE]
Business Advocacy Committee Meeting Notes- Oct. 2024... [READ MORE]
Business Advocacy Committee Meeting Notes- Aug. 2024...[READ MORE]
Business Advocacy Priority Agenda (2024-2025)
Business Advocacy Committee Meeting Notes- June 2024... [READ MORE]
Business Advocacy Committee Meeting Notes- May 2024...[READ MORE]
Business Advocacy Committee Meeting Notes- April 2024... [READ MORE]
Business Advocacy Committee Meeting Notes- March 2024...[READ MORE]
Business Advocacy Committee Meeting Notes- Jan. 2024...[READ MORE]
Business Advocacy Committee Meeting Notes- Dec. 2023... [READ MORE]
Business Advocacy Committee Meeting Notes- Nov. 2023... [READ MORE]
Business Advocacy Committee Meeting Notes- Sept. 2023... [READ MORE]
Business Advocacy Committee Meeting Notes- June 2023... [READ MORE]
Business Advocacy Committee Meeting Notes- May 2023... [READ MORE]
Business Advocacy Committee Meeting Notes- April 2023... [READ MORE]
Business Advocacy Committee Meeting Notes- March 2023... [READ MORE]
Business Advocacy Committee Meeting Notes- February 2023... [READ MORE]
Business Advocacy Committee Meeting Notes- January 2023... [READ MORE]
Business Advocacy Committee Meeting Notes- December 2022... [READ MORE]
Business Advocacy Committee Meeting Notes- September 2022...[READ MORE]
Business Advocacy Priority Agenda (2021-2022)
Business Advocacy Committee Meeting Notes - August 2022... [READ MORE]
Census Data Powerpoint Presentation (August 2022)