SALEM, Ohio – Nearly a year since abruptly taking the reins as executive director of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, Alicia Johnston said she appreciates the grace chamber members have shown her through the adjustment.
Johnston also has enjoyed building a good rapport with local businesses, including restaurants, manufacturers and smaller retail stores.
“I’m excited for 2026,” Johnston said, adding she has some ideas for fresh, new events. “I think it’s going to be a great year.”
Johnston points to a number of newer businesses expected in the area and other businesses expanding or moving to larger spaces.
“I think 2026 is going to be an impressive year of ribbon cuttings,” Johnston said. “I’m excited for that. There’s a lot happening.”
In 2025, the chamber added 42 new members, bringing its total to 304. The chamber contributed to the community in many ways over the past year, donating to The Banquet of Salem, the City of Salem Fireworks, Concerts in the Park, and the Quakertown Super Kids Race. The chamber donates to the Salem Community Foundation to help with the Kim and Ashley Bergman Memorial 5K Run, the Salem Community Pantry, Star Trax Race, Salem Center Plex, the Salem High School Athletic Boosters and the Dustin Hoffman Memorial Scholarship.
The chamber also co-sponsors the Scarecrow Shenanigans and the Trail of Treats Costume Contest in conjunction with the Salem Public Library and Salem Parks Department.
The chamber’s Beautification Committee teamed up with the Salem High School football team for a downtown cleanup day in the spring. The committee also had several adopt-a-planter opportunities and recognized both yards and businesses of the month throughout the warm months of the year.
Businesses, Citizens Honored
At the chamber’s 79th annual meeting in November, several businesses and citizens were honored. Hickey Metal Fabrication was recognized as the 2025 Large Business of the Year. Started in 1942 by Leo R. Hickey, the company began as a furnace and slate roofing company.
In 1953, Hickey’s son, Robert, returned from the Korean War and expanded the roofing division. The company branched into additional commercial work in 1974, fabricating gutters, downspouting and flashings.
Four generations later and now under the leadership of President Leo P. Hickey, Hickey Metal Fabrication has eight plants in the Salem area, including seven in the Salem Industrial Park. The company employs 200 in Salem.
And in November, Hickey purchased Ohio Laser in Columbus, expanding into a new region.
Gordon Brothers Water was named the 2025 Small Business of the Year. Founded in 1945 in Salem by Lloyd Gordon, the business has remained family-owned and operated while servicing residential and commercial water treatment systems in eastern Ohio, western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia. More than 5,000 members participate in the Gordon Brothers Water Club.
Debbie Leggett, founder of the Salem Ohio Military Flag Program, which will be on display in April 2026, was honored as the 2025 Outstanding Citizen of the Year.
Leggett is also an active member of the chamber, a board member of the Chamber Foundation, and serves as secretary for the board of the Dustin Huffman Memorial Scholarship. She was the past president and board member of the Salem Kiwanis and serves on the board of the Hannah E. Mullins School of Practical Nursing.
The 2025 Non-Profit of the Year was awared to The ROC of Salem. Established in May 2009, the ROC is a Salem youth center that offers interdenominational youth ministry, providing a safe environment for youths to spend time with their friends, participate in activities, eat a free meal and receive a Christian message.
Board Members
Also during the meeting, outgoing members of the chamber’s board were thanked and new members were welcomed.
The incoming board members are Dan Dilullo, Lauren Flauto, Brian Gorby and Carrie Pennington, while Barb Stamp is transitioning from the chamber’s board of directors to the executive board in January.
Outgoing board members are Zach Baker, Shelby Fender, Lesley Kline, Sharon Schneider, Dr. Mike Sevilla and Shelly Weekley. Brian Whitehill was past president.
Johnston said there are a lot of volunteer hours and committees that go into making things happen at the chamber, which operates with only two employees.
“This is a service job,” Johnston said. “We’re serving our community and we’re doing it the best way we can.”
Pictured at top: Members of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board are, from left, Doug Falk, treasurer; Eric Ehernberg, second vice president; Betty Brothers, deputy director; Brian Whitehill, past president; Shelley Bergman, president; Alicia Johnston, executive director; and Dave Russell, first vice president.