Our 2nd interview in our 2020 ACCE Chamber of the Year Finalist Series is with Justin Starlin from the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce in Ohio. The Wooster Area Chamber was also a Chamber of the Year Finalist in 2019. You can listen to the interview with Justin last year at chamberchatpodcast.com/episode31. In this year’s interview, the main areas that we covered were the highlights of their synopsis that were submitted with their Chamber of the Year application, what makes the Wooster Area Chamber stand out, their plans on how to lead through the recovery from COVID-19, and words of advice for other Chamber Champions to improve their own Chamber.
Justin covered two highlights from their Chamber of the Year synopsis. First, is this is the 7th year for the Wooster Area Chamber to participate in a county-wide manufacturing day where 700 students visit 18 manufacturing facilities to learn about the career opportunities that are available. The second program that he highlighted is their newsletter production which is a monthly newsletter that is physically printed with 2,100 delivered to Chamber businesses and another 23,000 copies delivered throughout their community. This has become an important part of the branding for the Wooster Area Chamber.
When Justin talked about what makes the Wooster Area Chamber stand out, he mentioned how proud he is of their organization to be able to lead and to take positions that advocate for their business community.
The Wooster Area Chamber plans to lead through the recovery from the economic impact of COVID-19 by being present, sharing information, and creating a draw to get people to visit their downtown businesses.
As Justin shared his piece of advice for the Chamber Champions listening, he encourages you to periodically step back and evaluate what your community needs over the next 5-7 years. Catch that vision and then collaborate and lead to make a big difference.
If you would like to connect with Justin, he can be reached below:
Email: jstarlin@woosterchamber.com
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