Ohio Chamber of Commerce starts non-partisan initiative for pro-business individuals who want to run for office

The Ohio Chamber of Commerce recently launched an initiative that aims to give pro-business individuals the knowledge and tools needed to run for office at the state, county and local level. The program is called the Ohio Institute for Political Leadership. Ohio Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Steve Stivers said the first all-day session was held in Columbus on May 16 in which about 100 people learned about topics like getting signatures, fundraising, knocking on doors and grassroots initiatives. "They hear directly from experienced government leaders, political strategists and folks who are experts in fundraising, legal requirements, voter engagement and campaign strategy," he said. "It's all-encompassing." The initiative is nonpartisan, Stivers said. Participants do not have to be a current business owner, but they are looking for people who have a strong business background or consider themselves pro-business. "We're excited about getting more engaged in politics in a nonpartisan way and supporting business people that generally support free enterprise, economic growth and competitiveness no matter which party they're in," he said. There are more than 20,000 elected and appointed positions at the state, county and local level in Ohio, Stivers said. People taking part in the program can be interested in running for office at each level. "We also understand that running for office can be complex and sometimes daunting, especially for a first-timer," he said. "That's why we're creating these training sessions to help familiarize people with all the things you might need to know as you run for office, so that they're not surprised and so they can actually hopefully be more successful." The goal is to have strong leaders who see the value that Ohio businesses bring to the economy, Stivers said. "We want people to understand, at least a little bit, the value of the Ohio business community and understand the burdens that are sometimes placed on it," he said. Stivers served in both the Ohio Senate and the Ohio House of Representatives. He said as someone who has run for office before, he knows how important leadership in political offices can be for the future of the state. "Our goal for Ohio is a growing Ohio economy where everybody can live their version of the American dream," he said. "That only happens if we have good people who care and want to serve their fellow man and run for office." To fill out an interest form to take part in future sessions of the program, visit tinyurl.com/yswma6jw. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.