Energy’s a Chamber Imperative in Ohio

At the Chamber Professionals of Ohio (CPO) 2026 Winter Conference in Canton, energy was front and center. Chamber leaders from across the state are fielding questions about affordability, growing energy demand, and the infrastructure required to support Ohio’s economic growth.

 “For years, some Ohio chambers have seen first-hand how clean energy development has brought millions in economic investment and new jobs to their communities,” said Susan Munroe, CICE's director of national engagement. “Today, it’s one of the driving engines of Ohio's economic future."

From attracting major tech investments to keeping local manufacturers competitive, access to reliable and affordable power will increasingly determine which communities thrive over the next decade. Energy readiness is quickly becoming a prerequisite for economic growth.

Yet many chamber leaders are asking the same question: how should chambers engage?

Chambers do not need to serve as energy experts. Their strength lies in convening stakeholders and ensuring that energy conversations remain focused on what matters most to local businesses: reliability, affordability, and long-term competitiveness.

"Chambers have unique power," said Logan O'Neill, CICE's Midwest regional director, speaking at CICE's session, Energizing Economies: The Strategic Role of Chambers. "We can cut through the noise and focus on what actually affects our members."

Matt Owen, executive director of Chamber Professionals of Ohio, reinforced the point:

“Energy infrastructure is becoming a larger indicator of the pulse of Ohio commerce. When chambers lean into energy conversations, move beyond just being 'networking hubs' and 'event organizers' and become essential partners in our members' operational success, chamber professionals have an opportunity to treat energy advocacy as the vital community and economic development tool it truly is.” 

Across Ohio, the role of chambers is expanding. As demand grows and infrastructure decisions shape regional opportunity, chamber leadership is increasingly tied to economic competitiveness.

For chambers navigating utility-scale clean energy projects or considering them, CICE's Energizing Economies cohort provides peer-to-peer learning and practical support. From communities that have welcomed clean energy development to those still deciding, our network provides real-world insights to guide local conversations.