ASHLAND — The Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce in 2026 visited 512 members over a four-month period.
This initiative was part of its “Visit Every Member” campaign, which the Chamber conducts every other year — and only one of several accomplishments over the past year.
“Each visit was a small way to say thank you for investing in the Chamber,” said Chamber President Amy Daubenspeck. “We want every member to know how much we all appreciate the value of your support.”
Here are a few additional fast facts from the Chamber’s efforts over the past 12 months:
- Graduated 22 community leaders via its Leadership Ashland program.
- Hosted 26 ribbon cuttings.
- Continued its Chamber mini-grants in collaboration with the Ashland County Community Foundation. Over the past four years, the Chamber has been able to award more than $65,897 to 37 small businesses.
- Completed fourth Ashland Connected podcast series.
- Welcomed 51 new members in 2026.
- Organized 46 special Chamber events.
A crowd of more than 200 people gathered at Mount Vernon Estate Events on Thursday afternoon for the Chamber’s annual meeting luncheon.
The event centered around Chamber initiatives over the past 12 months. Annual awards were also distributed and special thanks were shared to a pair of board members who will be leaving at the end of the year.
Chamber announces awardees, highlights members
Prior to announcing award winners Thursday, the Chamber took time to highlight two exiting board members — Jodi Allton and Scott Fickes.
Daubenspeck said Allton has been a board member since 2021. She is a past board chair and also served on the executive committee.
“She (Allton) knew when she joined our board that she was nearing the end of her career,” Daubenspeck said. “She said (she’s) been on a lot of boards in (her) career, but (she) wanted to end (her) career in Ashland.
“It was lovely having you as a partner.”
Fickes has spent the past decade serving as a board member. He filled an unexpired term and also served as the board’s treasurer.
“I can’t say enough about your dedication to our organization,” Daubenspeck told Fickes. “The leadership that you’ve provided to us will always be a blessing to us.”
Quarter century Chamber members were also put under the spotlight Thursday. This year, those members included:
- Ashland BalloonFest.
- Buehler’s Fresh Foods.
- Directions Credit Union.
- Emerald Awards & Engraving.
- Henley Graphics.
- Palitto Consulting Services, Inc.
Award winners were also announced for the Jim Lingenfelter Service Award, Spirit of the Chamber Awards and Ashland Young Professionals “Rockstar” of the Year Award. Below is a list of this year’s recipients:
- Jim Lingenfelter Service Award: Dr. Dwight McElfresh.
- Spirit of the Chamber individual: Mitch Piskur.
- Spirit of the Chamber business: Aztec Topsoil.
- AYP “Rockstar” of the Year: Jarrod Lifer.
