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Canal Winchester Chamber reports membership and revenue gains, leadership program sold out
Summary
Officials from the Canal Winchester Chamber told council the chamber received $65,000 in city funding for 2026, reported increases in sponsorships and engagement, and said a nine-month leadership program starting in September sold out 15 slots and will bring in more than $14,000.
Elizabeth Wood, president and CEO of the Canal Winchester Chamber, presented a progress report to council on June 1, saying the chamber has focused on organizational stability and program growth following recent staffing turnover.
Wood said the chamber received $65,000 in city funding for 2026, distributed in quarterly payments, and is restructuring staff roles to better serve members. "The goal is to build a stronger organization today so the chamber and this community are stronger for years to come," she said.
Wood and Board Chair Leslie Thornton highlighted participation and fundraising gains: annual sponsorships for 2026 are at $17,000, up from $6,000 last year; Facebook interactions and event counts have risen substantially; the chamber has run 19 events so far this year and reported roughly 550 attendees (1,200+ if including the Canal Winchester library opening). Wood also said a nine-month leadership program beginning in September sold out all 15 spots during early-bird signups and will generate more than $14,000 for the chamber.
Thornton said the board has invested in governance training and described the chamber's "strongest financial position" in years, noting net revenue is "up more than $52,000 compared to this time last year." Both thanked council for its funding and volunteer support and invited council to the chamber's 70th anniversary open house and ribbon-cutting next month.
