By Zach King 
Executive Director, Columbiana County Chamber of Commerce

The Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce’s affiliation with the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber has expanded local programming, advocacy efforts and member services while keeping the Columbiana Area Chamber Board in control of policy, budget and long-term direction.

Operational support is one of the most immediate changes tied to the affiliation, reducing reliance on a volunteer-driven management model and freeing local leadership to focus on planning, member engagement and strategy. The shared-services approach also brings cost efficiencies by aligning certain infrastructure and overhead expenses with savings redirected toward programming and member
benefits.

Government affairs and public policy work will expand alongside that operational support. Through the affiliation, Columbiana members have access to broader government affairs infrastructure for regional, state and national policy issues, while the Columbiana board continues to identify and direct local advocacy priorities.

 Programming in 2025 reflected that additional capacity. In April, Lattes with Legislators drew more than 75 attendees for a discussion with state Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel. A Salute to Elected Officials event is also planned in Columbiana this year, adding another forum for engagement with public officials.

 Networking activity also increased, including a sellout Power Lunch in March at Sabi’s Restaurant. Good Morning, Columbiana! was held in the community for the first time and sold out. 

In 2026, there are plans to build on that momentum with more expanded networking and advocacy programming:

Good Evening, Columbiana! in August at the Columbiana Arts Theatre.

Another Power Lunch in April.

An April Mahoning Valley Young Professionals mixer to provide networking opportunities for emerging professionals and support broader efforts to connect and retain talent in the region.

 With added professional event support through the affiliation, established programs including Safety Council, Columbiana Connect and the annual Harvey Awards continue with expanded logistical capacity. The structure reduces the need for board members to manage event setup and execution, allowing greater focus on member engagement and relationship building.

 Communications capacity is another area addressed through the affiliation. The arrangement provides access to expanded communications, marketing and digital resources to strengthen outreach and website-related needs identified in prior planning.

 Columbiana members also gained access to a broader package of member benefits through the affiliation, including health care options, workers’ compensation discounts, preemployment screening services and job promotion through JobsNow on WKBN 27. Additional programs offer savings related to shipping, payroll, office supplies and energy costs.

 The affiliation preserves local governance while adding regional-scale operational support, positioning the Columbiana chamber to expand programming and advocacy while keeping decision-making authority at home.

Pictured at top: A sold-out crowd gathers Aug. 15 at Riser’s Tavern on the Links for Good Morning, Columbiana!