During our 2019 Ohio Chamber Annual Meeting last week, the Ohio Chamber’s Chamber Action Alliance (CAA) awarded the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce the 2019 Leadership in Grassroots Excellence Award for its extraordinary efforts and commitment to advocating on behalf of Ohio businesses. The Lima/Allen County Chamber was recognized for their continuous efforts in informing their membership on key issues impacting Ohio’s business climate through direct advocacy to legislators, dynamic programming on issues that are important to the business community, and actively participating in Ohio Chamber Action Alliance priority initiatives.

The CAA is the state-wide grassroots advocacy coalition of Ohio chambers of commerce coordinated by the Ohio Chamber. The CAA determines state-wide policy issues facing the business community, educates and empowers pro-business advocates to take action, and champions a business-friendly climate throughout the state of Ohio. Every year, the CAA selects one local chamber that exemplifies the purpose of the CAA and awards the Leadership in Grassroots Excellence Award to recognize a local chamber’s hard work and service to local and statewide communities.

This past year, the Lima/Allen County Chamber helped educate their members on State Issue 1, the flawed proposal to amend Ohio’s Constitution to reduce penalties for crimes of obtaining, possessing, and using illegal drugs. They also promoted Get Out the Vote campaigns, took positions on business-related bills and shared legislative information with their members through email and social media.

“We have always been able to rely on the Lima/Allen County Chamber to educate their members on the actions impacting businesses at the Statehouse.,” said the Ohio Chamber’s Director of Political and Grassroots Programs Anthony Lagunzad. “The Lima/Allen County Chamber is a leader in Ohio in issue advocacy and is well deserving of this recognition.”

Senator Matt Huffman and State Representative Bob Cupp presented commendations to honor the Lima/Allen County Chamber for its efforts and winning the Leadership in Grassroots Excellence Award.