Ohio Chamber of Commerce Research Foundation Launched

New Organization will Provide Trusted, Non-Partisan Research

The Ohio Chamber of Commerce Research Foundation, a newly formed 501(c)(3) organization, has officially started operations to provide trusted, non-partisan research and information. The vision of the Foundation is to ensure Ohio is a state where business thrives, communities are strong and safe and public policy supports economic freedom.

In 2013, the Board of Directors for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, under the direction of President & CEO Andrew E.  Doehrel, agreed that Ohio needed a research foundation that would focus on public policy issues that impact Ohio’s economy and educate the public on the policy making process.  This foundation needed to be a trusted non-partisan source for research and educational information that would ultimately promote the economic well-being of Ohio.

On January 1, 2017 the Ohio Chamber of Commerce Research Foundation Board of Directors, led by President Brian K. Hicks of Hicks Partners, LLC hired the Katie M. Koglman as Executive Director,. Under the direction of the Board, Ms. Koglman is responsible for running the day-to-day operations of the foundation.

“This first year of operation, I, along with the board members, will be focused on identifying projects, building collaborative relationships, growing the board and developing long term goals and strategies for the Foundation,” Katie Koglman stated.  “We have long standing relationships with other state chambers – some of which already have existing foundations, and plan to rely on them for examples and best practices.”

Brian K. Hicks added, “The Ohio Chamber of Commerce Research Foundation will conduct research and publish findings on a range of issues that will improve Ohio’s competitiveness. Once our research is produced, we will make sure it gets in the hands of appropriate policymakers to help inform them on matters that will help Ohio businesses grow.”

The first project approved by the Board of Directors is underway.  The Foundation has partnered with Clout Research of  Dublin, Ohio led by Fritz Wezel to conduct a state-wide quarterly business economic outlook survey to capture the pulse of Ohio companies including a representative sample based on diversity of size, industry, location and revenue.  “We will survey business leaders within the Ohio Chamber membership base and those who are not members.  Our goal is to create baseline reports on trends in the workplace and figure out where more information is needed, as well as identify the benefits and drawbacks of doing business in Ohio,” noted Koglman. The first Foundation report will be released in April.

People or organizations interested in submitting a research idea, being added to the mailing list or donating to the Ohio Chamber of Commerce Research Foundation may visit www.ohiochamberfoundation.com.