This month CCHA Law is highlighting a non-profit in our community that we support because of its positive impact on our local business community. The OneZone Chamber of Commerce supports businesses in Hamilton County with a robust membership base of 1,300 members. Their mission is to serve as a collective voice to drive solutions for a thriving community and to create a healthy business environment.
OneZone strives to advocate for the interests of its members and enhance the business climate at the state and local levels as well as empower individual businesses and the people behind them through access to networking opportunities, leadership development, and professional growth through strategic programming.
OneZone offers monthly programming and event opportunities that serve the community and membership through education and networking. CCHA is proud to support and attend a key event that brings in important speakers and addresses issues in the community: Eggs & Issues.
OneZone introduced Eggs & Issues in 2022 as their monthly advocacy event. The monthly event brings speakers to discuss various topics important to business members in the community including state tourism, agriculture in Indiana, education, and state and local government. The event encourages attendees to start their day with breakfast, networking, and hearing from a speaker about an important community issue followed by a Q&A.
We asked Jack Russell, President of OneZone, a few questions to learn more about the Eggs & Issues series.
Q: Why did OneZone start the Eggs & Issues series?
A: We decided to start Eggs & Issues to further our advocacy efforts. We felt it was important for our members to have monthly programming around topics that are making an impact in our communities, county, and state.
Q: What has been one of your favorite Eggs & Issues topics so far?
A: I really enjoyed Mitch Frazier with AgriNovus talking more about the Agriculture business and how it is so much more than just farming. It was also eye-opening to learn that the Agriculture industry makes up 20% of our GDP in the State of Indiana.
Q: Why should someone consider attending Eggs & Issues?
A: It is a great way to connect with your community. It is also a way to connect with local leaders. Eggs & Issues has become popular with our members. We have these events every second Friday and can find that event and all the other great events we host at onezonechamber.com
CCHA is proud to be the Title Sponsor of Eggs & Issues and attend the monthly events. Learning about essential issues in our community and being part of the conversation is important to individuals in our office and the clients we serve.
“As one of the oldest businesses in the county, CCHA has long supported efforts to inform local business leaders about issues important to the community and to advocate for positive changes that will keep our communities vibrant places to work and live.” said David Day, a senior partner at CCHA Law. “We are excited to partner with OneZone on this initiative.”
“We want to thank Church Church Hittle + Antrim for being our presenting sponsor for this new program. We believe that this event gives our businesses the opportunity to get connected with their community. Our goal at OneZone is to continue to be a voice for our business community in our cities, county, and region.” Stated Jack Russell, President and CEO at OneZone Chamber of Commerce.
August’s Eggs & Issues will be held on August 11th at the Bridgewater Club. All chamber members and non-members are invited to attend. To learn more and register to attend, visit OneZone’s website.
In addition to offering engaging events, OneZone serves the business community in a variety of ways, including special programming and initiatives like the highlighted programs below.
OneZone Women’s Network
The mission of the OneZone Women’s program is to create an environment that empowers all women to achieve personal and professional success. Benefits include hearing from speakers, a mentorship program, volunteer opportunities, networking, and additional support and resources. Learn more about this initiative by visiting the OneZone website.
Supplier Diversity Program
Through OneZone’s Mentor-Protege Program, it is committed to the growth and development of the XBE (Minority, Women, Veteran, and Disabled) Community and its ability and capacity to compete in the general marketplace. In this mission, OneZone developed a Mentor- Protégé Program, in partnership with The Gideon Group, to enhance the capacity and continued success rates of XBE firms, thereby increasing supplier diversity opportunities for XBE participation in locally sourced contracts.
Job Board
OneZone’s job board showcases open positions in the area for those searching for a new opportunity in this region. Members and non-members can view or post available jobs, learn more about local employers, and join the area workforce.
Small Business Hub
OneZone’s Small Business Hub is a resource for Small Business owners to connect and grow. OneZone aims to provide education relevant to small businesses, networking, and lending opportunities to grow a business. Small business owners can connect at monthly Small Business Roundtable events.
OneZone Chamber of Commerce offers various membership levels and programming options to benefit its members. Whether you are interested in a Young Professionals Group, Small Business Hub, or OneZone’s Women’s Network, there’s a way to plug in and connect. In addition to Eggs & Issues, OneZone offers engaging recurring events such as Caffeinated Conversations, OWN (OneZone Women’s Network) Breakfasts, Networking Power Hours, OneZone’s Sales Growth Series, and fun community events like the annual Taste of the Chamber event.
To explore joining OneZone, visit their website or view the application here.