Chamber Amplified

Inside the Chamber: Leadership, Growth, and What’s Ahead in 2026

• Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce

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In the first new episode of 2026, Chamber Amplified takes a closer look at the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce and the role it plays in supporting the local business community beyond networking events and ribbon cuttings.

Host Doug Jenkins is joined by Chamber Director Dionne Neubauer to discuss leadership development, professional growth, and the Chamber’s priorities for the year ahead. The conversation highlights programs like Hancock Leadership, youth and young professional initiatives, women’s leadership programming, and how the Chamber continues to invest in both current and future community leaders.

Doug and Dionne also explore how the Chamber has evolved over nearly 140 years, why leadership and collaboration remain central to its mission, and how the organization works alongside economic development and tourism partners to strengthen Findlay and Hancock County. From workforce challenges and quality-of-life issues to education, technology, and community engagement, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the Chamber helps businesses and communities thrive.

Whether you’re a business owner, nonprofit leader, or someone interested in the future of Findlay and Hancock County, this episode provides insight into how the Chamber is positioning the region for growth and success in 2026 and beyond.

Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

Doug Jenkins:

Hello and welcome to another edition of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay Hancock County Chamber of Commerce. I'm your host, Doug Jenkins. Each week on the podcast, we're talking about things that matter the most to local businesses and different organizations from workforce and leadership development to marketing, IT issues, events, the everyday realities of running something that serves our community and everything in between. Since we kick off a brand new year and start a new season of the podcast, I thought it would make sense to start off 2026 by talking a little bit about leadership collaboration and what the chamber's role is in all of that in Finlay and Hancock County. Joining me for today's episode is our chamber president, my boss, Dion Newbauer. We're going to be talking about the role that leadership development plays in the community, how the chamber has evolved over nearly 140 years, and how that ties together, and why bringing people together around big issues like workforce, housing, and quality of life continues to matter just as much today as it ever has. So if you've ever wondered about what the chamber focuses on beyond the very high visibility things like ribbon cuttings and networking events, or how we're thinking about supporting the local business community in 2026, this is a really good place to start. Now let's get into it. And welcoming back into Chamber Amplified. It's my boss, the director of the Finlay Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Dion Newbauer. For I think this might only be your second appearance. I'm not sure. But Dion, thanks for joining us. Hey Doug, it's great to see you again. So it's always a little weird on the podcast to talk about the chamber because we talk about so many different business issues and topics and things like that that we really don't think to talk about ourselves, which is maybe something we should do every once in a while on our podcast. So I'm happy to have you here to talk about 2026. And I think the best way to kick that off uh is talk about what Hancock Leadership is doing, is uh what they made their announcement on their community project here just a week or so ago.

Dionne Neubauer:

They did. So, you know, Hancock leadership has been around for almost 35 years or thereabouts. So um the class project, people are gonna hear more about this, but they are gonna be taking the playground that resided at Lincoln School here in downtown Finlay and relocating that to the Riverview Terrace neighborhood. So lots of planning involved, but it's a great group of representatives of the Findlay Hancock County community.

Doug Jenkins:

That's a really cool project, and I I think it's just indicative of the type of projects that the the leadership classes tend to take on. I know uh one of the physical therapists were getting work on my elbow done, they've been talking about that. Uh uh, he's been talking to me about it quite a bit. Uh it's cool to see that take off, but let's dig into leadership because I think a lot of times when people think about the Chamber of Commerce, certainly they know the ribbon cuttings, they know fresh brood business, they know the networking events, uh, but it goes way beyond that. And I think leadership is really a big example of that. So let's talk about why we have leadership programs through the chamber.

Dionne Neubauer:

Yeah, let's do that. Because if we think about it, you know, leadership and professional development is one of those key areas of focus for us on any given day. You know, our leadership programs really expand outside of just the Hancock Adult Leadership Program. We've got the youth program, which is a target to um high school juniors. Um, we also have the Finlay Young Professionals, we have the women's leadership program, you know, and last year we announced, you know, we're going to be working in conjunction with the University of Findlay on bringing forward a Hancock collegiate program. And then separately, there's also plans in the works to do uh even a civic leadership engagement. So again, leadership professional development is one of those key areas for us. And but can I turn the tables? Absolutely because even we are investing in ourselves because you just came back from Institute. How about that for me segueing that?

Doug Jenkins:

That's uh I it's not often that I I get to answer the questions here. Yeah, so uh for for people who aren't familiar, it's uh a U.S. Chamber of Commerce program, Institute of Organizational Management. Uh, what's really cool about it is it's it's a four-year certification. You have your IOM certification. So if you if you look up Dion on LinkedIn, it's gonna say IOM behind it. Uh, I have one more year left uh until I graduate and get my certification. Uh and it's been awesome. It's it's it's a game changer in the way that we look at chambers. Now, you know, I like to think of you know, just as I think about how long I've been here, um, just some of the bigger things that have helped me think about the chambers more than what we talked about at the beginning is one uh working with Sherry Pash, who is uh who's helped us to really find some different ways to do things in the chamber, but then IOM and networking and talking with all sorts of different chamber uh professionals from around the country and taking the classes that we take. Um I that first year that that I went, it was really, I think, the turning point where I started to think there's just so many things we can do as a chamber of commerce that uh go well beyond, I think, what people first think about when they think of a chamber of commerce. It's uh it's it's awesome to think about the work that we can do in the community through that. So yeah, thanks for letting me have a chance to talk about that.

Dionne Neubauer:

Absolutely. I think that goes to show too, you know, we are really um focused on being good stewards of those who are investing in the or in the Chamber of Commerce in the Alliance organization. And not only are we, you know, investing in others to equip them to um serve in our community, but we're also investing in ourselves so that we can make sure that we have the tools necessary um to represent our community. So I'm excited that you're going um through that program. I know you know another one of our team members, Michelle Ladd, is going to be going here in a couple of weeks uh work with the um state um chamber um association. And again, part of that learning is also networking with other colleagues to see what's going on in their community. I mean, we're talking small to large um organizations, and so it's a great opportunity. But again, it goes back to we're investing in each other from a team member standpoint, but we're also investing in those in our community.

Doug Jenkins:

Oh yeah, it's uh it's definitely an exciting time to be around here. Let's talk about uh the chamber and its history. Um another thing I think about is that how it's been around since the 1860s.

Dionne Neubauer:

Uh and 1887. We'll go 1887. 1887.

Doug Jenkins:

I was close. I never can remember the right date, so I just try and like find a decade and and well, we missed wildly.

Dionne Neubauer:

Uh on the which means we're nearing the 140th year um anniversary for our organization.

Doug Jenkins:

That is incredible. Isn't it though? You have not been here for all of those years, uh, but you're we're really started here and has worked all the way up to to director of the organization. When you look at just how the chamber world has changed and how we serve the business community and the community as a whole over just your tenure here, what are some of the big things that stand out to you that have changed since then?

Dionne Neubauer:

You know, if anything, the consistency with the interest in pride and the collaboration within our community is truly a strong foundation of who we are and who we're who we represent in the Finlay Hancock County community. But to see how things have evolved, you know, um, because obviously we are at those conversations on the topics like housing and transportation and childcare. Um, you know, even though the subject matter may change over the years, the fact is we have individuals who have a passion to serve and want to work with others to find solutions for our community to do so it can flourish and be a representation of someone or individual or family or a business who wants to live, work, and play in our community.

Doug Jenkins:

I think those are some of the most interesting conversations we have. And and sometimes I think from the outside look again, people might say, well, why does the Chamber of Commerce look at housing? But then when we talk to our members, we know that the issues they're having is that there's they need places for their employees to live. And it all goes back to that quality of life. So to be at the forefront of those conversations is huge, but it's it be it's a lot more than just hey, let's let's get people in the in the same room and network, although getting people in the same room to network is part and parcel with what we do. And I think um the the converse what I always love hearing is when people come back and say, Oh, yeah, I talked to this person at Fresh Root Business or whatever, and we had lunch and now we're gonna do this. And whether it's uh maybe they're they're a new business contact for them, or maybe they just got together on a on a board to talk about housing or whatever other issue it is, uh that always to me feels like all right, mission accomplished on that goal.

Dionne Neubauer:

You know, one of the other thing, um, key things that resonates with me, granted, organization came back, uh was formed in 1887. And even at that time, which remains the same today, is that you know, the chamber is here to we build trust and connections with the business community, you know, through relationships, events, and we have that consistent service and the ability to help support individuals and even organizations. So those are those fundamental, essential tools within the chamber that continue throughout, and here we are almost 140 years later.

Doug Jenkins:

So let's talk a little bit about the future as we roll into 2026 here. What are the things you look forward to in the new year from a chamber perspective?

Dionne Neubauer:

Well, you know, you jump into this conversation too. So, you know, what we've been, we have a very healthy organization. We know that our membership retention is really strong. We're in the, you know, mid 90%, uh, which we're very proud of. But, you know, continue to grow and retain our memberships, providing those tools and resources, that education. We know with technology, which is right up your alley, you know, how AI is changing things, and so how we can bring that information to the forefront to help educate our members. So we're constantly, as you very well know, looking for those topics, but also those um pinch points for our our business community that, you know, whether it's health insurance or regulations that you know are really bearing down on our business community. So always looking for those tools to make sure we can bring forward to our members and you know, even more so, you know, our ability to collaborate not only internally, because you know, there are two other divisions here with the Alliance, you know, and so the three divisions have this opportunity to just further enhance our collaboration into the community because a lot of times, as we very well know, because the chamber's been around for 140 years, yeah, a lot of times we are that front door to the community or front door, but allows individuals and businesses to enter that our organization, which allows us to also do um handoffs, or if not extend those relationships to help support and grow and connect with others. So, you know, the two other divisions, Convention of Visitors Fear and Economic Development, are just two other divisions of the alliance. So our ability to further enhance that collaboration is so important moving forward.

Doug Jenkins:

There's definitely exciting times around here. And uh, I'm not saying that just because having my boss on the podcast, it's always kind of it's just there, you never know what you're walking into on a day-to-day basis on what conversations are going to be had. And uh, I think that's part of the reason why we love the job around here and everything. So I appreciate you joining us on the podcast once again. I should probably have you on more often, just so you know what I'm I'm doing.

Dionne Neubauer:

Uh but hey, I'm just down the hallway.

Doug Jenkins:

So you know uh well, it is odd doing this as a remote interview when we're like, I don't know, 10 feet from each other in the building. But uh uh maybe more to come on that as we roll towards our 200th episode of Chamber Amplified a little bit later this year. We'll leave that as in as a teaser.

Dionne Neubauer:

Well, yeah, you know, and as we are starting off the year, it's um very important to note that you know we're gonna do our part with the America 250 this year. You know, certainly with the city and the county and the convention of visitors bureau economic development, we're gonna be uh playing a role in that effort as well to help promote. And you know, we're gonna take a look back too with the Chamber of Commerce, although we've not been around that long, but 140 years is pretty significant. It's pretty good. Pretty good. We've got some great photos that I think we're um we're gonna bring forward and share through our social media channels to kind of take a look back because those efforts by by those men and women in the past have truly truly carried forward what we're doing today.

Doug Jenkins:

I have one last question for you. You said that and it made me think of I see this picture in different businesses around the community from time to time. It's an older picture of downtown Findlay. I think it's the bridge back when the bridge used to have trust and then there's the banner right across it, and it says the chamber of commerce is it's something like the chamber of commerce is the center of progress in the community or something like that. And I always think one, that's just a really cool picture. Uh, it really does stand for what we do. But as we roll into 2026, do you feel that's still the mission of the chamber? Does that banner that was up so many years ago still represent what we do?

Dionne Neubauer:

I truly believe that yes, which kind of goes back to what was created back in 1887. We're just building off of the work of our forefathers and bringing it forward, and we're only gonna continue to strive and do more things moving forward to represent our community, not only locally, but regionally, statewide, federally, and even internationally, because we do have those international companies who are very much invested in our community as well.

Doug Jenkins:

Very good. Well, Dion, thank you for joining us. And what is, I guess, admittedly a self-serving edition of Chamber Amplified. But you know what? Sometimes you got to do that. So uh I appreciate you taking time out of your afternoon to do this.

Dionne Neubauer:

Well, thanks. We're looking forward to a great year.

Doug Jenkins:

Thanks again to Dion for joining us on this episode of Chamber Amplified. Was it a little self-serving for the chamber? Certainly, but hey, always be selling, right? We've got a lot going on, and it's great to tell the community about what we're doing. Again, some of the key points, leadership is a very, very big focus for the chamber from the youth and upcoming collegiate program to the adult leadership program, some of our professional development programs. It really helps prepare that next generation of community leaders. It's something we take a lot of pride in. And of course, the chamber's role going beyond networking. Those are obviously the big high-profile events that we talk about, but the goal of that is to help us serve as a connector, a convener, problem solvers around big issues, again, like we talked about workforce, housing, child care, those things that impact businesses and quality of life in Finlay and Hancock County. So as we move into 2026, we're excited about the opportunities ahead, continuing to invest in leadership development, bringing people together around those important conversations, and supporting the businesses and the people who make Finlay and Hancock County a great place to live and work. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure that you're subscribed to Chamber Amplified and your favorite podcast app. We are everywhere. Apple Podcasts, Spotify, you name it, you can download us there. If you have ideas for future topics or guests that you'd like to hear from, send me an email. D Jenkins at Findlay Hancock Chamber.com is the email address to reach out to. Thanks again for listening, and we'll see you next time on Chamber Amplified from the Finlay Hancock County Chamber of Commerce.

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Doug Jenkins

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