Shenango Chamber Eyes Greater Collaboration

SHARON, Pa. – With a new executive director at the helm, the Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce expects a busy year focusing on the needs of local businesses and expanding its relationship with other chambers across the region.

“It has been an amazing and rewarding experience,” says Olivia Brown, who was appointed executive director in April. “As I look toward 2022, my focus is primarily on the members and their needs.”

Brown says many members are struggling to find employees and  navigate the loss of business. “I want to help our members increase traffic and fill open positions,” she says.

Among the changes she has slated for 2022 is revamping chamber events.  Instead of hosting six to seven events throughout the year, Brown is planning to hold three to four larger events replete with seminars, workshops and other features. Major events anticipated this year include the 40 Under 40 awards program and the combined Annual Dinner/Phoenix Awards.

Another change coming this year is an updated website that includes member-only services along with an online chamber directory. The chamber also will step up online advertising through social media, event calendars via its website and newsletters.

Founded in 1954, the mission of the chamber is to create opportunities for its members to connect with each other and boost the local business community. 

Brown says she expects to work more closely with the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber and neighboring Pennsylvania chambers such as Lawrence County Regional Chamber, Butler County Regional Chamber, and the Greenville, Mercer Area and Grove City Chambers in Mercer County. The organization also plans to collaborate with entities such as Penn-Northwest Development Corp., she says.

“Working together to bring back increased awareness and prosperity to our region is needed more than ever,” Brown says.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.