Ohio Chamber of Commerce
Darke County Chamber wins 2012 Best Advocacy Campaign Award 

Columbus, OH – The Ohio Chamber of Commerce awarded the Darke County Chamber of Commerce with the 2013 Best Advocacy Campaign Award.  

The winner of the Best Advocacy Campaign Award is the chamber of commerce that has organized an effective grassroots campaign to advance an important business issue. The Darke County Chamber of Commerce supported its member company, a healthcare equipment manufacturer, by urging members of the United States Congress to repeal the medical device tax. The medical device tax would impose a new $30 billion tax on medical device sales in the United States beginning in 2013 and have a direct impact on its member company, a major employer in the community. 

The Darke County Chamber campaign encouraged members to take action and contact U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman. In reaction to this engagement, the Darke County Chamber received responses from both Senators and the White House. A repeal of the medical device tax is now included in the pending U.S. Senate budget. 

“Darke County businesses are very fortunate to have such a dedicated chamber that advances pro-business issues at all levels and is willing to engage to help member companies and protect the local economy. The reach of this campaign is truly impressive,” said Sydney King, Manager of Grassroots Advocacy for the Ohio Chamber. 

The Darke County Chamber of Commerce was recognized at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting and Chamber Day at the Capitol on April 10. Other successful advocacy Campaigns earning recognition were executed by the Marion Area and Cambridge Area Chambers of Commerce. 

Founded in 1893, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce is Ohio’s largest statewide business advocacy group. The Chamber works to promote and protect the interests of its members – large and small – while building a more favorable business climate in Ohio.