Chamber On!

What does it take to build a sustainable Chamber of Commerce funding model? Clint Nesmith of RDG, a Convergent Company, joins host Matt Appenzeller on the Chamber On! podcast to discuss campaign readiness, funder engagement, and how chambers can connect funding to meaningful, measurable impact.
From feasibility studies and leadership buy-in to retaining investors and navigating emerging challenges like AI, business succession, and community polarization, Clint shares practical insights to help chamber leaders stay proactive, relevant, and ready for what’s next.

In this episode of Chamber On!, host Matt Appenzeller sits down with Frank Kenny, CEO and Co-Founder of the Chamber Pros Community. Frank has worked with hundreds of chambers of commerce over the past 16 years on staff and member training, strategic planning, board retreats and orientations, social media, digital marketing, technology, and many other areas of chamber work. 
Matt and Frank discuss how chambers can strengthen membership, generate sustainable revenue, and move beyond an event-focused model to create a greater impact in their communities. Whether you’re looking to grow your chamber membership, build stronger boards, or use technology to accomplish more with limited resources, don't miss this episode of Chamber On!

How do local Chambers move beyond striving for relevance and create lasting impact?
That question became the foundation for a NEW book by Matt Appenzeller, CEO & President of the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance (SOCA) and host of the Chamber On! podcast. 
From Relevant to Impact: Building Durable Chambers of Commerce for an Era of Relentless Change is a practical guide based on data, personal experience, and conversations with Chamber leaders who are committed to strengthening their organizations and the communities they serve.
In this special episode of Chamber On!, Matt shares more about the book, his writing process, and what readers can expect to learn. It's a conversation filled with helpful insights for today's Chamber Leaders! 
Get your own copy of From Relevant to Impact: Building Durable Chambers of Commerce for an Era of Relentless Change when it publishes on Tuesday, July 28, 2026! 

In this episode of Chamber On!, host Matt Appenzeller sits down with Vin Zachariah, CEO of Ampica Energy Solutions, to discuss how Ohio businesses can take advantage of energy choice, better understand their utility bills, and make smarter decisions about how and when they use electricity to reduce costs and manage risk.
From navigating an increasingly complex energy landscape to preparing for growing demand driven by data centers and economic development, Vin shares practical insights for business owners and chamber leaders alike. Whether you're looking to optimize your energy strategy, better understand your monthly bill, or simply stay ahead of what's changing in the energy market, tune in to Chamber On!

In this episode, SOCA President & CEO Matt Appenzeller sits down with David Noe of Payroll Partners to discuss how small businesses can simplify payroll while strengthening their overall HR approach.
Drawing from his experience supporting growing companies, David shares common payroll pain points, what businesses should look for in a payroll partner, and why the human connection still plays a critical role in supporting employees and business success.
Learn how SOCA members can benefit from payroll processing and Ohio BWC Workers' Comp Support through Payroll Partners. 

In this episode, host Matt Appenzeller sits down with SOCA’s own Chamber Relationship Manager, Will Roberts, to explore the realities of supporting chambers of commerce across Ohio.
Will shares firsthand insights on what chambers are getting right—and where they’re facing common challenges. From adopting new tech and measuring impact to leadership turnover and recruiting the next generation, this conversation highlights what separates chambers that simply stay relevant from those creating measurable community impact.

In this episode of Chamber On, host Matt Appenzeller sits down with Cas Maxwell, Co-Founder and CEO of AI Owl, to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the workplace, especially for small to mid-sized businesses. 
By sharing real-world applications (including a case study from the Columbus Zoo), Cas explains how employers can gain a competitive edge through workforce training and even get reimbursed for training through Ohio’s TechCred program. If you’ve been on the fence about AI or simply not sure where to start, this conversation offers practical insights and a compelling reason to embrace new technology.

In this episode of Chamber On!, host Matt Appenzeller, President and CEO of the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance (SOCA), sits down with Dave Moravec, Author and Past President & CEO of the Colerain Chamber of Commerce. 
Dave shares how he stepped into chamber leadership just weeks before the COVID shutdown, and how that challenge shaped his approach to building a thriving, value-driven chamber. Dave breaks down the strategies that fueled growth and long-term retention for his chamber, and we also discuss Dave’s exciting next chapter in consulting and writing. 
Join us for this conversation packed with insights for chamber leaders, small employers, and anyone passionate about strengthening their local business community!

In this episode of Chamber On!, host Matt Appenzeller, President and CEO of the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance (SOCA), sits down with John Webb, Business Development Manager with U.S. Bank.
From online ordering and QR codes to embedded payments and enhanced security, John shares how modern merchant services and payment technologies are helping small businesses reduce costs, save time, and deliver a better customer experience. 
Listen to learn how smarter payment solutions can help your business run more efficiently and grow with confidence.

In this episode of Chamber On!, host Matt Appenzeller, President and CEO of the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance (SOCA), sits down with Wendy Rodgers, President & CEO of the Beavercreek Chamber of Commerce.
We find out how Wendy used a “listening tour” to reset the chamber’s direction coming out of the pandemic, the creative ways the Beavercreek chamber is helping small businesses tell their stories (including a member-ready multimedia studio!), and the big vision behind a brand-new Business Success & Event Center designed to bring people together and strengthen the entire community. Wendy's leadership is a shining example of what it means for today's chambers to be a lighthouse for the community, rather than a lamppost. Tune in now!