CPO Regional Chamber Collaboratives

What are the CPO Regional Chamber Collaboratives?

The Chamber Professionals of Ohio (CPO) Chamber Collaboratives are regional peer networks designed specifically for chamber executives and professional staff to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another on a regular basis. Rather than waiting for an annual conference, the Collaboratives create opportunities for chamber leaders to meet throughout the year with colleagues facing similar challenges and opportunities.

Each Collaborative brings together chamber professionals from a specific region of Ohio to engage in meaningful discussions, share best practices, solve problems collectively, and build lasting professional relationships. The meetings are informal, interactive, and focused on real-world issues facing today's chambers. The program aligns with CPO's mission of empowering Ohio's chamber leaders through collaboration, innovation, and leadership.

Why Do the Chamber Collaboratives Exist?

Today's chamber professionals are expected to be experts in membership, economic development, workforce, advocacy, events, communications, finance, strategic planning, and nonprofit leadership—all while often operating with limited staff and resources. No chamber should have to solve these challenges alone.

CPO currently has established three (3) Regional Chamber Collaboratives:

• Northwest Ohio
• Southeast Ohio
• North Central Ohio

CPO is also a partner with two other longstanding collaboratives:

• Dayton Regional Chamber Collaborative - Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce
• Central Ohio Chambers of Commerce (COCC) - Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber Collaboratives were created to:

• Build stronger peer relationships among Ohio's chamber executives and staff.
• Share proven ideas and best practices that can be implemented immediately.
• Provide a trusted environment where chamber professionals can ask questions, discuss challenges, and receive honest feedback.
• Encourage regional cooperation between neighboring chambers on initiatives that benefit businesses and communities.
• Support new chamber executives by connecting them with experienced mentors and peers.
• Reduce professional isolation, especially for leaders of small and mid-sized chambers.
• Strengthen the entire chamber profession by encouraging continuous learning and collaboration.

Research and professional associations consistently emphasize that peer learning and networking improve organizational effectiveness, leadership development, and innovation. CPO's broader mission and member benefits similarly highlight networking, mentoring, professional development, and the sharing of best practices as core to strengthening Ohio's chambers.

What Happens During a Collaborative Meeting?

Each session is driven by participant discussion rather than formal presentations. Topics often include:

• Current challenges and open roundtable discussions
• Membership recruitment and retention
• Non-dues revenue strategies
• Board governance
• AI and technology tools
• Marketing and communications
• Government affairs and advocacy
• Community and economic development
• Event planning and sponsorships
• Staff leadership and organizational culture

Participants are encouraged to bring questions, successes, and ideas to share with the group.

The Value to Chamber Professionals

The Chamber Collaboratives are built on one simple philosophy:

The best solutions often come from fellow chamber professionals who have already faced the same challenge.

Every chamber is unique, but many of the issues they encounter are remarkably similar. By creating a statewide culture of collaboration instead of competition, chamber leaders gain access to the collective knowledge and experience of hundreds of professionals across Ohio.

Ultimately, the Chamber Collaboratives help chamber professionals become better leaders, build stronger organizations, and create greater impact in the communities they serve—because when chamber professionals succeed, Ohio's businesses and communities succeed as well.

For more information on how to get involved, please contact Matt Owen at mowen@ohiochamber.com