The Beat Behind Our Success
CHAMBER VOLUNTEERS ARE THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THRIVING BUSINESSES, STRONG CONNECTIONS AND VIBRANT COMMUNITIES.
Volunteering is the rhythm that keeps our communities grooving. By sharing your time, talents and expertise, chamber volunteers light up the dance floor of progress, creating connections that strengthen local businesses and energize our economy.
To the incredible volunteers of chambers of commerce everywhere, your dedication and passion are the beats that drive our success. Your countless efforts — often unseen and unsung — set the stage for meaningful change, lifting our communities to new heights.
Your commitment helps businesses thrive, builds bridges within our communities and inspires us to keep moving forward. We are endlessly grateful for your sacrifices, your perseverance and the joy you bring to this work. Thank you for being the shining stars of our chambers. Today, we celebrate you and all that you do!
Sincerely,
Cindy Holzheimer, IOM, CAE NOACC President/CEO
An Evening at the Disco: Honoring Chamber Volunteers
The 17th Annual NOACC Chamber Bright Star Awards program took place Oct. 10 at Stillwater Place in the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Volunteers from over 40 chambers were honored during a dazzling Evening at the Disco. Missy McWhorter, executive director of the Fairlawn Area Chamber of Commerce and NOACC board chair, says, “The Bright Star Awards shine a spotlight on the remarkable volunteers who go above and beyond for their chambers and communities. Their passion and commitment not only amplify the chambers’ missions but also foster connections and innovations that benefit everyone. These individuals are the unsung heroes who bring their expertise, energy and enthusiasm to the table, making a profound difference. Recognizing their efforts is a small way to show our immense gratitude for all they do.”
Established in 1995, NOACC is a network of over 140 chambers from northern Ohio, committed to empowering chambers and their professionals. Through innovative resources and costsaving solutions, NOACC helps chamber-member businesses thrive. Learn more at noacc.org.
Member Spotlights
MEET LOCAL CHAMBER MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES.
Monica Arnold Spectrum Reach
CHAMBER: Fairlawn Area Chamber of Commerce
Monica brings enthusiasm, innovation and a genuine passion for helping local businesses thrive. Her forward-thinking ideas make her an invaluable asset to the chamber. She is a natural leader.
Ali Bailey Hylant
CHAMBER: Eastern Maumee Bay Chamber of Commerce
Ali is a driving force behind a new chamber benefit, exemplifying leadership, innovation and unwavering support for the business community — making her a true Bright Star.
Katherine Bengston Kaleidoscope Books
CHAMBER: Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce
Katherine brought a higher level of planning to the main holiday event — Merry Evening in the Village. She organized events for kids and added a Tree Lighting ceremony with Santa.
Tammy Bertrand Family Planning Services of Lorain County
CHAMBER: Lorain County Chamber of Commerce
Tammy is a consummate Bright Star, attending all the events, volunteering for everything and constantly promoting chamber membership. She has chamber blood running through her veins for sure!
Troy Bratz
Keller Williams ELEVATE
CHAMBER: Lakewood Chamber of Commerce
Troy has served on the board for five years, the past two as chair. He leads by example, engaging board members, attending events, building community awareness and championing strategic planning.
Chris Brill Packard Retired – Occupational Health Industry
CHAMBER: Eastern Lake County Chamber of Commerce
Chris shines as a Bright Star by consistently leading with heart, dedication and resilience, ensuring the chamber remains strong, connected and poised for future success.
Jennifer Burt
Don Burt’s Tree Service LLC
CHAMBER: Grand Valley Area Chamber of Commerce
Since taking on the role as secretary, Jennifer has worked hard to recruit new members, clean up emails, keep the board on track with communications and create a monthly newsletter.
Jennifer Burt
Don Burt’s Tree Service LLC
CHAMBER: Pymatuning Area Chamber of Commerce
Jennifer is an excellent board member who is involved in two communities and gives 150% to everything she does and is not afraid to step up and get involved.
Sarah Capezzuto
Russell Commercial Advisory
CHAMBER: Fairview Park Chamber of Commerce
Sarah Capezzuto epitomizes, “If you want something done, give it to a busy person.” As CFO at Allied Behavioral Health and managing her commercial real estate business, Sarah has also accelerated the chamber’s membership to an all-time high.
Mary Jo Cline
AMETEK
CHAMBER: Kent Area Chamber of Commerce
Mary Jo represents what every board president should be. She is thoughtful, caring and challenging in a positive way. She dedicates so much time to ensuring the chamber’s success.
Tim Deighan
University Hospitals
Lake Health
CHAMBER: Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce
As board chair, Tim’s commitment is extraordinary as he has led the chamber to new levels over the past two years, focusing on growth, workforce development and Chamber Cares.
Leeann Dufendock
Chamber Volunteer
CHAMBER: Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce
Leeann is an awesome, active volunteer in the chamber. She not only heads up the annual Harvest Festival, she is a champion advocate for the chamber. She encourages people to get involved and leads by example.
Jennifer Elsass
Quality Castings
CHAMBER: Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce
Jennifer has utilized her financial knowledge and accounting skills to help the chamber operate in a fiscally responsible manner. Her insights provide important direction to the chamber’s operations.
Pat Fallot
Individual Member
CHAMBER: Louisville Area Chamber of Commerce
Pat has been a decades-long chamber and board member. She is fully involved in every event and is a true leader for the chamber.
Hannah Gillis
Montrose Auto Group
CHAMBER: Greater Ashtabula Chamber of Commerce
Hannah is a volunteer who doesn’t seek visibility or recognition to create impact. She is instrumental behind the scenes, assisting with countless thankless tasks and is the photographer for multiple events.
Linda Hamann
Retired - University Hospitals
CHAMBER: West Shore Chamber of Commerce
Linda is highly respected by all. She not only serves as president of the West Shore Chamber, but she is always the first to volunteer her time to numerous community projects.
Kim Harris
Pathway Caring for Children
CHAMBER: Middleburg Heights Chamber of Commerce
Kim has been a wonderful advocate for the chamber since she first joined the board of directors. She has been consistently active and engaged in its programming and in 2025 took on the role of president.
Erin Johnson
eXp Realty
CHAMBER: Copley Community Chamber of Commerce
Erin has truly gone above and beyond in her tenure as board president, creating a lasting impact by strengthening the organization’s foundation and contributing meaningfully to its overall success.
Heather Johnson
Village of the FallsSprenger Health Care
CHAMBER: North Ridgeville Chamber of Commerce
Heather has been a valuable member of the board of directors for several years. She is the chamber’s second vice chairperson and is a very active member of the visitors bureau.
Circe Krout
Edward Jones
CHAMBER: Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce
Circe is exactly the kind of leader you’d hope for as a chamber president. She helped bring about change and growth in many ways. She’s always willing to pitch in and support the chamber staff. The chamber is lucky to have her as a volunteer.
Annette
Mapes
Community Volunteer
CHAMBER: Minerva Area Chamber of Commerce
Annette is a dedicated and vigilant advocate of Minerva, having contributed to the success of numerous events, including Roxy Theatre productions, Oktoberfest and the Cars are Stars exotic car show.
Anthony Marchetto
Edward Jones
CHAMBER: Mayfield Area Chamber of Commerce
Anthony, a 2025 new board member, has quickly inspired veteran members with his leadership, professionalism and enthusiasm. His growth promises future executive committee potential. The board is truly better because of Anthony.
Amy Marsh
D&S Automotive Collision and Restyling
CHAMBER: Chardon Area Chamber of Commerce
Amy is an incredibly dedicated advocate, collaborator and volunteer whose support and enthusiasm have strengthened Chardon’s business community — thanks to the Paterniti family for sharing her talents with the chamber!
Nikki Matala
Tri-C Westshore Campus
CHAMBER: Rocky River Chamber of Commerce
Nikki has been a selfless member of the chamber who consistently volunteers and contributes to the success of this organization.
Al Matyas
Southwest General Health Center
CHAMBER: Northern Medina County Chamber Alliance
Al led as chair, launched the Chamber Champion Sponsorship program and finance committee and continues to mentor and support the executive director with unwavering dedication and impactful service.
Jim Maulis
Graphics by Design
CHAMBER: Aurora Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
Jim, chair of the Awards Committee, works tirelessly to secure scholarships for Aurora students and thoughtfully leads the selection of Business and Person of the Year honorees.
Doug Miller
Polaris Career Center
CHAMBER: Berea Chamber of Commerce
Doug is a steadfast and dedicated volunteer who always shows up. He has been a core member of the chamber for many years and helped advance many chamber initiatives.
Rebecca Moore
Foundations Health Solutions
CHAMBER: Streetsboro Chamber of Commerce
Rebecca has jumped in from day one, creating event centerpieces, rallying golf sponsors, promoting networking opportunities and reconnecting past members, all while being a true cheerleader for the chamber.
Todd Musial
Musial Financial
CHAMBER: North Olmsted Chamber of Commerce
Todd’s enthusiasm and commitment make him an outstanding board member. His expertise in golf, the chamber and the community consistently drives the success and smooth execution of the golf outings.
Lynda Nemeth
Discover My Cleveland
CHAMBER: Middlefield Chamber of Commerce
Lynda is a longtime board member who always goes the extra mile and is first to volunteer her time. She is truly an asset to the chamber and community.
Kimberly Partin
ProMedica Foundation
CHAMBER: Sandusky County Chamber of Commerce
Kim, past chairperson of the board, led with vision, dedication and heart. Her pivotal role in strategic planning helped shape the chamber’s future and strengthen the organization’s impact.
Patricia Penland-Oleksa
Brecksville Florist & Gifts
CHAMBER: Brecksville Chamber of Commerce
Pat is the heart of the Brecksville Chamber — serving on the board for years, attending every event and passionately championing small businesses. Her unwavering dedication and leadership make her a true Bright Star and an irreplaceable part of the community.
Gina Piunno
Gina Piunno Financial & Protection
CHAMBER: Tallmadge Chamber of Commerce
Gina is the chamber’s Bright Star for launching the Power Network, sparking engagement, growing membership and creating meaningful connections that strengthen the business community.
Randy Rohde
38 Digital Market
CHAMBER: Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce
A past president of the Chagrin Valley Chamber, Randy chairs the Strategic Planning Committee, attends nearly every ribbon cutting and more. He has an undeniable passion for serving the community.
Brian Stack
Stack Heating & Cooling
CHAMBER: North Coast Chamber of Commerce
Brian puts the “Bri” in Bright and the “Sta” in Star. In fact, for all his contributions to the chamber, this award should be renamed the “Brian Stack” award.
Sherry Swisher
Green Branch Library
CHAMBER: Green Area Chamber of Commerce
As treasurer, Sherry established the budget, spearheaded the popular Small Business Saturday promotion, stepped in to lead board meetings during leadership gaps and tirelessly supports wherever needed — she is a true advocate!
Jason Tang
China Sea and Golden Tavern Restaurants
CHAMBER: Euclid Chamber of Commerce
Jason owns multiple Euclid businesses and properties and is invested in the community. He is an incredible chamber supporter and his tone echoes throughout his team.
Tina Turick
City of Beachwood
CHAMBER: Beachwood Chamber of Commerce
Tina is a highly active, dedicated member of the Beachwood Chamber, consistently contributing her expertise, leadership and energy to advance community and business initiatives. Her passion for the city of Beachwood is very appreciated by so many.
Grace Vedda
Ace’s Depot
CHAMBER: Olmsted Chamber of Commerce
Grace has been a shining light this year, stepping up as a board member and treasurer. She’s kept the books clean, supported events and brought energy, positivity and dedication to every chamber activity. The chamber is thrilled to have her as its Bright Star!
Terri Vincent Loudermilk
CHAMBER: Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce
Terri is giving with her time. She is passionate about the chamber, heading up the biggest fundraiser of the year and serving on the board for 18 years.
Sheri Walter
Welty Insurance Agency
CHAMBER: Carey Area Chamber of Commerce
Sheri is one of the Carey Chamber’s best supporters. She always shows up to set up and run events. She is always there as a sounding board.