OneZone Chamber of Commerce is helping businesses and communities thrive and was recently recognized for its hard work by not only being awarded the acclaimed distinction of being named the 2026 Indiana Chamber of the Year by the Indiana Chamber Executives Association but also receiving nine Innovative Excellence Awards.
“This was an incredible honor and a milestone for our organization. It reflected years of work by our staff, board members, volunteers, investors and members who believed OneZone could continue evolving and challenging what a chamber of commerce could be. The award recognizes excellence in areas including leadership, innovation, member engagement, advocacy, programming, organizational growth and overall impact on the business community. Applications were evaluated by an independent panel of chamber professionals from outside Indiana,” says Jack Russell, president and CEO of OneZone Chamber of Commerce.
A member-driven organization, OneZone Chamber of Commerce is focused on building strong relationships between businesses and the community throughout Hamilton County that offer a multitude of networking opportunities, tailored resources, critical advocacy work and access to impactful leaders to ensure businesses can adapt and grow within our community.
“Connecting people, advocating for a strong business climate, developing leaders and creating opportunities for businesses to grow is the heart of what we do. We don’t want businesses simply to pay dues and receive a membership; we want them to become part of a network. Ultimately, we want OneZone to be an organization that brings people together to move our businesses and communities forward,” says Russell.
OneZone Chamber of Commerce fosters relationships for businesses and professionals by creating networking opportunities through events, small-group gatherings, breakfasts and luncheons, professional development and leadership programs, ribbon cuttings, orientations, educational opportunities, advocacy, referrals, introductions and one-on-one connections.
OneZone Chamber of Commerce offers a wide range of programming and initiatives for its members.
“We offer programs centered around networking, leadership development, advocacy, professional development, small-business support and community engagement. That includes initiatives such as the OneZone Women’s Network, OneZone Leadership Institute, legislative programming, business advocacy committees, member orientation, networking programs and opportunities specifically designed to connect business and community leaders. We’ve also continued expanding our work around issues that directly affect employers and their employees, including education, workforce, child care, mental health and disability employment,” says Russell.
OneZone Chamber of Commerce understands that for communities to flourish, people need safe and adequate access to great schools, housing and community amenities. Through its outreach, OneZone is actively engaged in conversations about crucial topics regarding workforce development, education, housing, economic development and quality of life. OneZone Chamber of Commerce serves as a fundamental link connecting businesses, nonprofits, elected officials and community members to solve challenges and create opportunities for the community.
“Advocacy is an important part of that work. We want decision-makers to understand how policies affect employers, employees and economic growth. At the same time, we want our members to have access to information and opportunities to participate in conversations about the future of their communities. When businesses succeed, they hire people, invest in their communities, support local organizations and create opportunities. Our role is to help create an environment where more of that can happen,” says Russell.
OneZone Chamber of Commerce offers six investment levels of membership for businesses and individuals to choose from, allowing them to select an investment that directly aligns with their business objectives. These levels include Visionary, Influence, Impact, Lead, Engage and Connect+ investments. Each level provides opportunities to increase visibility, build valuable connections, engage with influential industry leaders and help shape a thriving future for local businesses and communities.
“OneZone Chamber is open to businesses and organizations of virtually every size and industry — from a small entrepreneur or nonprofit to some of the largest employers in our region. We offer different investment levels so organizations can choose the level of engagement and benefits that best fits their needs, and our Member Orientation is specifically designed to help new and existing members understand their benefits, meet our team and begin building their OneZone network,” says Russell.
To learn more about OneZone Chamber of Commerce, including information on its different membership and investment levels, upcoming chamber events, resources, programs and initiatives, visit its website at onezonechamber.com.
“For me, Chamber of the Year wasn’t a finish line. It was validation that we’re heading in the right direction and motivation to keep pushing forward,” says Russell.
