There's nothing stuffy about this Chamber. Founded by visionary business leaders in 1890, your chamber is future-focused, evolving alongside our members. Together, we create a more vibrant city.
Today, we continue a legacy of those forward-thinking business and community leaders who sought to create a fertile environment for business growth and personal success.
Our VISION
We are your primary resource for business success.
We foster an environment for:
• Business Growth
• Entrepreneurship
• Talent Attraction and Retention
• Innovation
Our MISSION
Business Thrives. Community Grows.
Supported by a committed board comprised of Chamber members and small but mighty staff, the Chamber's mission is to help business thrive so that our community grows.
Cindy Frey
President
Cindy Frey has more than 30 years’ experience driving growth and visibility in leading corporate, nonprofit, government and educational organizations. She joined the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce as its president in 2013. She has called Columbus her home for 23 years.
Kami Adams
Director of Operations & Finance
A 20-year veteran on the team, Kami manages every aspect of the Chamber's operations. She directs financial oversight for the Chamber and its Foundation, human resources programs for the Chamber and two partner organizations, as well as the Chamber's communications and event logistics.
Bob Schafstall
Director of Membership
New to the staff in 2020, Bob brings more than 22 years of customer service and sales experience to the Membership Director role, having most recently served as the lead salesperson for Columbus-based Burt’s Pest Control. He was recognized as the 2019 Chamber Ambassador of the Year, in recognition of his high level of engagement and his support of the Chamber.
Melissa Hennessee
Project Leader
As the first point of contact, Melissa ensures that our customers get the answers they need. She coordinates dozens of events and programs, including ambassador meetings, board meetings, ribbon cuttings, advocacy events, Speed Networking, Taking Care of Business and more.
Board Members
KARL KISSINGER
Past Chair
Centra Credit Union
SCOTT REDELMAN
Chair
Toyota Material Handling USA
TARA BOARD
Vice Chair
Breeden Commercial
LISA ABENDROTH
Executive Committee Member
The Savory Swine
MIKE MCIVER
Executive Committee Member
Sharpnack Bigley Stroh & Washburn
STEVEN COMBS
Ivy Tech Community College
STEVEN ENGELSTAD
Engelstad Wealth Advisors
ELIZABETH HOEGEMAN
Cummins Inc.
BILL JENSEN
Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation
BEN MCDANIEL
Faurecia
JOHN SADTLER
SIHO Insurance Services
NICK SPRAGUE
Sprague Company Hotel Developers
SHARLA TODD
First Financial Bank
MARY WEISS
Elwood Staffing
KEVIN WETTSCHURACK
Kinney Paper & Chemical Co.
MANDY WYANT
Family Chiropractic and Wellness
JASON HESTER
Ex-Officio
Greater Columbus Economic Development
KAREN NIVERSON
Ex-Officio
Columbus Visitors Center
JIM LIENHOOP
Ex-Officio
Mayor - City of Columbus
CARL LIENHOOP
Ex-Officio
Bartholomew County Commissioners
JAKE MILLER
Ex-Officio
Hope Chamber of Commerce
KATHY OREN
Ex-Officio
Community Education Coalition