7 Shocking Ways The Dayton Area Chamber Of Commerce Is Reshaping Ohio's Economy In 2025

The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce (DACC) is not just a networking group; it is a powerful engine of economic and legislative change for the entire Miami Valley. As of late 2025, the organization, which is recognized in the top 1% of chambers of commerce nationally, continues to drive a fresh, aggressive agenda focused on the region's most critical challenges: talent attraction, infrastructure, and business-friendly regulation. The Chamber's proactive stance, spearheaded by its dedicated leadership, ensures the Dayton region remains a competitive and attractive place for businesses, from small startups to major defense contractors. The DACC’s strategic focus for 2025 and beyond is clearly outlined in its comprehensive 2025-2026 Legislative & Regulatory Agenda, which was crafted with direct input from volunteer business leaders. This roadmap is the foundation for their advocacy efforts at the local, state, and federal levels, impacting over 2,500 member businesses across a nine-county region. Its recent sold-out 2025 Annual Membership Meeting at the Dayton Convention Center underscored the strong commitment and engagement of the regional business community to these forward-looking initiatives.

The Core Leadership Driving Dayton's 2025 Business Renaissance

The success and influence of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce are directly tied to the expertise and vision of its executive team and board. This leadership group is responsible for translating the needs of the business community into actionable policy and impactful programs.

• President & CEO: Chris Kershner, CAE, IOM. Kershner is the face and voice of the DACC, leading the charge in legislative advocacy and strategic partnerships. He is a frequent contributor to regional discussions on economic development and workforce strategy.
• Chief Operating Officer (COO): Linda Ashworth. Ashworth oversees the Chamber's daily operations, ensuring seamless execution of programs and member services.
• Executive Vice President: Stephanie Keinath, IOM. Keinath plays a critical role in policy development and communication, often focusing on key areas like education and workforce alignment.
• Board of Directors: Composed of leaders from diverse sectors, including manufacturing, defense, healthcare, and finance, the Board provides governance and strategic direction, ensuring the Chamber's priorities reflect the broad needs of the Dayton regional economy.
• Key Staff/Entity Mention: Belinda Matthews Stenson, a key member of the team, contributes to the Chamber's overall strategic execution.

The 7 Pillars of the 2025-2026 Legislative & Regulatory Agenda

The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce's biannual Legislative & Regulatory Agenda is the bedrock of its advocacy work, detailing the specific policy priorities the organization will champion in Columbus and Washington D.C. for the 2025-2026 legislative cycle. These priorities are designed to create a more business-friendly environment and stimulate economic growth throughout the Miami Valley.

1. Aggressive Workforce Development and Talent Attraction

The Chamber views the talent pipeline as the number one economic issue facing the Dayton region. Their 2025 agenda prioritizes policies that streamline educational pathways and attract skilled workers to the Montgomery County area. This includes advocating for state funding for career-technical education and supporting initiatives that reduce barriers to employment. A major focus is on the Pathways Business and Workforce Development Initiative, which specifically targets often-overlooked talent pools, including veterans, second-chance citizens, and individuals from minority, women, and rural firms.

2. Fortifying the Defense and Aerospace Sector

As home to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), the Chamber makes the defense sector a top legislative priority. Advocacy focuses on securing federal funding for WPAFB projects, supporting the Dayton Development Coalition’s efforts to attract new missions, and ensuring a stable, qualified workforce for defense contractors. The annual Ohio Defense & Aerospace Forum is a key event in this effort, bringing together industry leaders and policymakers.

3. Investing in Critical Regional Infrastructure

Infrastructure remains a core concern, with the Chamber advocating for significant investments in the region’s transportation networks, including roads, bridges, and public transit. They are also actively involved in discussions regarding the future of the Dayton International Airport (DAY) and ensuring its capacity to support economic development and business travel.

4. Promoting Business Tax and Regulatory Reform

The DACC continues its long-standing commitment to a simplified and competitive tax environment. The 2025-2026 agenda calls for regulatory reform at the state level to reduce the administrative burden on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This includes efforts to modernize state permitting processes and reduce compliance costs. The Audit & Finance Committee plays a crucial role in shaping these policy recommendations.

5. Championing Inclusive Economic Growth

A key initiative is fostering an inclusive economy where all businesses and citizens can thrive. The Chamber is a strong supporter of the Welcome Dayton initiative, recognizing that attracting and retaining a diverse, global workforce is vital for the region's long-term prosperity. Furthermore, the annual Soin Award for Community Impact recognizes companies that demonstrate exceptional commitment to the community.

6. Addressing Housing Affordability and Availability

Recognizing that housing is intrinsically linked to workforce attraction, the Chamber has increased its focus on policies that encourage the development of diverse and affordable housing options across the nine-county region. This is a crucial element in competing with other major metropolitan areas in Ohio and beyond.

7. Advancing Digital and Tech Competitiveness

The Chamber advocates for policies that support the growth of the technology sector, including access to high-speed broadband internet throughout the region and incentives for tech startups. This focus is essential for diversifying the Dayton regional economy beyond its traditional industrial and defense bases.

New and Noteworthy Programs and Initiatives for 2025

Beyond legislative advocacy, the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce offers a robust portfolio of programs and resources designed to directly benefit its members and the broader community. These initiatives are essential for building topical authority and providing tangible value to local businesses.

The Power of DaytonWorkforce.com

In a major step to align talent with opportunity, the Chamber launched DaytonWorkforce.com, a new online workforce tool. This platform is designed to connect employers with job seekers and educational institutions, creating a clearer, more efficient talent pipeline. This initiative reflects the Chamber's commitment to solving the labor shortage problem through innovative digital solutions.

Gen D Ignite: Cultivating Future Leaders

The Gen D Ignite program is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of leaders in the Miami Valley. Participants engage in monthly full-day trainings, workshops, and mentoring sessions led by current local business executives. This comprehensive leadership development program ensures a steady stream of prepared, community-minded professionals who will guide the future of the Dayton regional economy.

Executive Women's Council and Networking

The Executive Women's Council is one of the Chamber's most active groups, providing a forum for professional development and high-level networking. Events like the Beyond the Boardroom Panel and Holiday Reception are crucial for fostering connections among female executives. Other key networking events include the Safety Breakfast with the Experts and the Ohio Statehouse Breakfast & Reception, which provides members with direct access to state legislators. The Chamber also hosts the annual Dayton Regional Impact Ohio event in partnership with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce continues to serve as the definitive voice of business in the Miami Valley. By focusing its considerable influence on a detailed, forward-thinking 2025-2026 Legislative & Regulatory Agenda and delivering high-impact programs like Pathways and Gen D Ignite, the Chamber is actively shaping a prosperous future for its members and the entire Montgomery County area. The Chamber’s commitment to workforce development, infrastructure, and an inclusive business climate ensures it remains an indispensable resource for anyone serious about doing business in the Dayton region.

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