For 110 years, the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC) has worked to support local businesses and grow our community. With 649 members, it represents small start-ups, major manufacturers and nonprofits.
“We represent 60% of the businesses in Marion County and 80% of Marion’s workforce. We do not exist without our members,” said Heidi Jones, president of MACC. “We want all of our members to achieve their goals. Working together creates a culture of success and achievement.”
Experienced Local Leadership
Jones has led the chamber since 2023, but she is a lifelong Marion resident. After graduating from Marion Harding High School, she studied at the University of Toledo. She returned to work at local furniture store for 11 years. She then led the Marion Matters nonprofit for a decade, helping hundreds of local families find resources to escape generational poverty.
“For me it was a bit of a struggle to leave Marion Matters. But all of the work I did with community building, learning the demographics, and learning about the workforce, I brought with me. The Chamber gave me a larger platform to educate businesses about the workforce and what motivates or incentivizes people to work across economic lines,” Jones said.
Small Staff with a Big Impact
The Chamber has a small but dedicated staff.
“Our staff sets us apart. You couldn’t ask for more dedicated employees to go to bat for you. They try to look out for our members. They see the big picture,” Jones said.
Responding to Chamber Members’ Needs
Tanya Baughman, member relations coordinator with MACC, met with 140 members last year to discuss their Chamber benefits and learn about the members’ needs.
“We’re listening. We’re passionate about staying relevant,” Jones said. “We’ve shared that data with the board. We’re using it to learn of members’ goals and barriers to focus on solutions.”
Jones is never satisfied with the status quo.
“We’re ever-evolving. Our business models work until they don’t. COVID showed a shift in our community as for-profits and nonprofits came together,” Jones said.
Chamber of Commerce Shops Locally
The Chamber also encourages Marion County residents to shop local. They invested $141,000 back into member businesses.
“Something we take very seriously is putting our money where our mouth is. Whether you spend at a chain or a local place has a huge impact,” Jones said.
Saving Members Money
The Chamber helped members saved more than $250,000 in energy and gas costs as of 2024. Another discount program saved members $25,000 in office and cleaning supplies.
A workers’ compensation group saved members $26,000. MACC also offers health insurance savings through its members.
Local Accountability and Support
The Chamber has a local volunteer board of directors as well as more than 20 ambassadors, welcoming new businesses to the community at ribbon cuttings, grand openings and events.
Education and Networking
Education is a key focus for MACC. From monthly workshops for small businesses in partnership with local developer Luke Henry to the Alluvial Private Wealth Forge classes and competition, the Chamber looks for ways to help members get ahead.
MACC held 105 networking and education events, serving 3,400 attendees. Members also used the Chamber conference rooms at the historic Harding Hotel 500 times last year at no cost.
Leadership Marion
The Chamber also holds an annual Leadership Marion class, in which dozens of local leaders learn more about Marion’s history, its present assets and challenges. Each class takes on a project to make Marion better.
“No other single organization does all the varied things a Chamber of Commerce does, but none of that happens without the connections we have with our economic growth partners and our business, education, non-profit and faith-based organization members all working together,” Jones said. “We’ve always had a strong Chamber, even when I was just a member.”
2025 Chamber of Commerce Focus
This year, the chamber is also focusing on economic development and being a leader in the local transportation, housing and childcare coalitions.
“I love Marion,” Jones said. “I appreciate and respect all the people who stayed when manufacturing struggled. Marion’s working together. There’s a lot of new leadership. Marion is a city on the move!”
For more info:
Marion Area Chamber of Commerce
267 W Center St, Marion, OH 43302
Phone: (740) 382-2181
Email: ChamberStaff@MarionAreaChamber.org
Website: https://www.marionareachamber.org/
Follow MACC on Facebook
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