UPDATE: A previous version of this article mis-attributed council members' direct quotes, giving thanks to Matt Lofy. This has been corrected now.
The Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce presented a comprehensive update to City Council on Tuesday, outlining the current business climate, celebrating the revival of a key community program, and announcing a change in its leadership. The report was delivered by outgoing President and CEO Matt Lofy, who is departing after four years of leadership that council members described as transformative.
The State of Chamber Membership
Lofy reported that the Chamber currently has approximately 550 member businesses, which represent an estimated 16,000-17,000 employees in the greater Worthington area. However, he highlighted challenges in retaining and attracting new members.
"The uncertainty at the state and federal level are starting to play a part in their spending habits," Lofy explained, noting that the impact is felt on everything from small annual membership fees to larger event sponsorships. He added that some members have specifically cited tariffs as a reason for not rejoining. This trend is particularly impactful for Worthington's business community, where 90% of Chamber members have 25 employees or fewer. Despite these headwinds, Lofy remains optimistic, as some businesses are "doubling down" on their Chamber involvement, viewing its resources as more critical than ever.
Leadership Worthington's Remarkable Revival
A major success has been the revival of Leadership Worthington. The program recently graduated 21 participants in its inaugural cohort, and its impact is already evident: alumni have joined nonprofit boards, become program planners, and even expressed intentions to run for local office.
If all current invitations are accepted, the upcoming October cohort will be the largest Leadership Worthington class since 1996. A key outcome of the program was the return of Service Day, which mobilized over 50 volunteers to complete projects at 10 homes and 11 job sites, even on what Lofy called "the rainiest, lousiest day of 2025."
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Voicing Business Community Concerns
Lofy shared three anecdotes to illustrate the urgent challenges facing local businesses as the city considers its comprehensive plan:
- Office Space: Longtime resident Dr. Tony Lordo was forced to move his growing business and its high-paying jobs outside of Worthington after being unable to find suitable office space to expand into.
- Housing Affordability: Local business owner Brian Murphy lost his top employee not to a higher salary, but because she could improve her family's financial situation by taking the same job for the same pay in an area with a lower cost of living and tax burden.
- Business Attraction: Recruiters from Shelter Insurance, in town to explore expanding their local presence, stayed in Bridge Park and Easton, highlighting a competitive disadvantage for Worthington in attracting business-related tourism and spending.
"I don't think it's doom and gloom," Lofy concluded, "but I do think that the clock is ticking."
A Change in Leadership
Lofy’s tenure during his time as Chamber president and CEO was met with unanimous praise. Council member Beth Kowalczyk remarked that he "really reignited the chamber and breathed new life into it," while also "sparking that energy in the community." Council President Rachael Dorothy highlighted Lofy's success in growing membership to over 500 and establishing vital new groups like the Women's Business Network and RISE diversity initiatives.
Ed Johnston, a local business owner who rejoined the Chamber because of Lofy's efforts, shared how the president of another county's chamber admiringly referred to him as "Matt Worthington," wishing she had his energy to grow her own organization.
While his next role was not announced, council members and City Manager Robyn Stewart wished him well, thanking him for being "a great partner" to the city.