As another year comes to a close, the Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce (YS Chamber) reflects on the immense value that committed leadership brings to the organization and community. The Chamber’s success is not the result of any single effort but a testament to the collective contributions of its entering and exiting board members, whose dedication has been instrumental in driving its mission forward.

YS CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alex Price (Mills Park Hotel): President
Ryan Carpe (Edward Jones): Vice President
Matt McGuire (YS Greene): Board Treasurer
Kishani Obey (From the Planet): Board Secretary
DJ Galvin (Urban Handmade): Board Member
Paul Herzog (Yellow Springs Brewery): Board Member
Stuart Young (YS Auto Spa): Board Member
Jason Bailey (Blue Core Technologies): Board Member
Brittany Griffith (Cresco Labs): Board Member
Will Foster (Entrepreneur Center & Springs Motel): Board Member

The mission of the YS Chamber is to encourage a vibrant business environment that drives the success of its members while enhancing the quality of life in the community. Achieving this vision requires collaboration, a shared purpose, and strategic thinking. Each decision made by the Chamber is guided by the principles of inclusivity and objectivity, bolstered by the diverse professional backgrounds and life experiences of its board of directors. This diversity ensures that challenges and opportunities are approached with a full range of perspectives, fostering innovative solutions that align with the needs of its members and the broader community.

"A passionate, committed board drives vision into action and success."
– Phillip O'Rourke, Executive Director

During the December 12th meeting, the full board of directors confirmed the organization’s path forward and voted to approve the projected 2025 strategic plans. These plans build upon the Chamber’s current successes while increasing its focus on member programming and engagement, economic development, and community collaboration. The board’s unanimous commitment to these initiatives highlights the strength of a shared vision and underscores the importance of unified leadership.

Looking ahead, the YS Chamber is preparing to unveil a series of initiatives designed to deliver even greater value to its members:

• Additional Education and Programming: The Chamber will launch new workshops and training sessions tailored to the evolving needs of its members, providing resources to enhance business growth and professional development.
  
  
• Expansion of Member Benefits and Business Opportunities: Innovative benefits and partnership opportunities will be introduced to empower members to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
  
  
• Increased Value Surrounding Annual, Networking, and Member Events: From signature events to intimate networking gatherings, the Chamber is committed to creating memorable experiences that foster connection and collaboration among its members.

The YS Chamber remains steadfast in its dedication to nurturing a thriving local economy and fostering an engaged community. With the strategic plans now in place, and with the continued support of its dynamic board of directors - as well as the community at large - the Chamber is poised for even greater achievements in 2025 and beyond. Together, it will continue to create a positive impact—one that benefits its members, strengthens local businesses, and enriches the quality of life in Yellow Springs.

Image also includes Board of Directors with exiting members: Carl Lea (Bentino's Pizza of Yellow Springs), Thor Sage (MVECA), Mark Heise (YS Branding) | Location: Coactive