Chamber On!

In this episode, SOCA President & CEO Matt Appenzeller sits down with David Noe of Payroll Partners to discuss how small businesses can simplify payroll while strengthening their overall HR approach. Drawing from his experience supporting growing companies, David shares common payroll pain points, what businesses should look for in a payroll partner, and why the human connection still plays a critical role in supporting employees and business success. Learn how SOCA members can benefit from payroll processing and Ohio BWC Workers' Comp Support through Payroll Partners. 

In this episode, host Matt Appenzeller sits down with SOCA’s own Chamber Relationship Manager, Will Roberts, to explore the realities of supporting chambers of commerce across Ohio. Will shares firsthand insights on what chambers are getting right—and where they’re facing common challenges. From adopting new tech and measuring impact to leadership turnover and recruiting the next generation, this conversation highlights what separates chambers that simply stay relevant from those creating measurable community impact.

In this episode of Chamber On, host Matt Appenzeller sits down with Cas Maxwell, Co-Founder and CEO of AI Owl, to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the workplace, especially for small to mid-sized businesses.  By sharing real-world applications (including a case study from the Columbus Zoo), Cas explains how employers can gain a competitive edge through workforce training and even get reimbursed for training through Ohio’s TechCred program. If you’ve been on the fence about AI or simply not sure where to start, this conversation offers practical insights and a compelling reason to embrace new technology.

In this episode of Chamber On!, host Matt Appenzeller, President and CEO of the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance (SOCA), sits down with Dave Moravec, Author and Past President & CEO of the Colerain Chamber of Commerce.  Dave shares how he stepped into chamber leadership just weeks before the COVID shutdown, and how that challenge shaped his approach to building a thriving, value-driven chamber. Dave breaks down the strategies that fueled growth and long-term retention for his chamber, and we also discuss Dave’s exciting next chapter in consulting and writing.  Join us for this conversation packed with insights for chamber leaders, small employers, and anyone passionate about strengthening their local business community!

In this episode of Chamber On!, host Matt Appenzeller, President and CEO of the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance (SOCA), sits down with John Webb, Business Development Manager with U.S. Bank. From online ordering and QR codes to embedded payments and enhanced security, John shares how modern merchant services and payment technologies are helping small businesses reduce costs, save time, and deliver a better customer experience.  Listen to learn how smarter payment solutions can help your business run more efficiently and grow with confidence.

In this episode of Chamber On!, host Matt Appenzeller, President and CEO of the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance (SOCA), sits down with Wendy Rodgers, President & CEO of the Beavercreek Chamber of Commerce. We find out how Wendy used a “listening tour” to reset the chamber’s direction coming out of the pandemic, the creative ways the Beavercreek chamber is helping small businesses tell their stories (including a member-ready multimedia studio!), and the big vision behind a brand-new Business Success & Event Center designed to bring people together and strengthen the entire community. Wendy's leadership is a shining example of what it means for today's chambers to be a lighthouse for the community, rather than a lamppost. Tune in now! 

In this episode of Chamber On!, host Matt Appenzeller, President and CEO of the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance (SOCA), sits down with Chris Kershner, President & CEO of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce.  In this conversation, we dig into Dayton’s deep-rooted chamber legacy, what it means to be a true “voice for business,” how the chamber is tackling workforce challenges head-on, and why relationships remain the not-so-secret ingredient behind lasting chamber success.

In this episode of Chamber On!, host Matt Appenzeller, President and CEO of the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance (SOCA), sits down with Erica Salm Rench, Chief Marketing Officer at Sidecar AI. Matt and Erica discuss how Sidecar AI is helping chambers, associations, and nonprofits harness the power of artificial intelligence — from upskilling staff and streamlining operations to building confidence in using AI tools responsibly. Tune in now to hear how Erica and the Sidecar AI team are making cutting-edge technology accessible to organizations of every size in the AI era. 

In this episode of Chamber On!, host Matt Appenzeller, President and CEO of the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance (SOCA), sits down with Mike Throne, President and CEO of the Chillicothe Ross County Chamber of Commerce. Matt and Mike talk about how the Chillicothe community is coming together in the wake of a major economic change—rallying around local businesses, supporting workers, and finding creative ways to tell their community’s story. Tune in now to learn how collaboration, advocacy, and a little optimism are helping shape a stronger future for Ross County! 

In this episode of Chamber On!, host Matt Appenzeller, President and CEO of the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance (SOCA), sits down with David Peterson, Executive Director of the Madeira Chamber of Commerce in Cincinnati. Matt and David discuss how the Madeira Chamber is evolving to meet the needs of today’s business landscape—focusing on supporting solopreneurs, fostering connection in a work-from-home world, and leveraging technology and AI to tailor engagement.  Tune in now for fresh ideas and inspiration for chamber leaders and small business owners alike!

Small businesses in Ohio face unique challenges when it comes to providing affordable, high-quality healthcare for employees. That’s where the SOCA Benefit Plan administered by Anthem comes in.  Host Matt Appenzeller sits down with Lori Conine, Director of Individual and Small Group Sales for Anthem Ohio, and Jeff Williamson, CEO of Consoliplex Health Plan Management, to break down how the SOCA Benefit Plan gives small businesses the purchasing power of a large employer by pooling resources.  This conversation offers valuable insights into one of Ohio’s most successful benefit programs. You'll learn:  How the plan offers competitive rates and access to Anthem’s nationwide network.  The role Consoliplex plays in simplifying compliance, reporting, and administration. Innovative tools and features that come with the plan, like virtual care available through the Sydney Health app. Eligibility requirements and FAQs from small businesses considering the plan. Plus, Lori and Jeff answer the all-important question: Who really is the greatest rock and roll band of all time? If you're a small business in Ohio looking for a comprehensive and economical healthcare solution, the SOCA Benefit Plan is certainly worth exploring. Visit 844MedOhio.com to learn more and complete a contact form.

Rising energy prices are hitting small businesses hard—but there’s a smarter way to manage costs. In this episode, we're joined by Kevin Lauterjung, Co-Founder of Community Energy Advisors (CEA) and Viridi LLC, both based in Medina, Ohio, and the infrastructure behind the Chamber Energy and Sustainability Programs. Tune in to hear:  How Ohio businesses can leverage energy brokerage services, efficiency initiatives, and renewable energy to lower utility bills by 10-20% or more. What’s driving the current energy cost spikes, how capacity pricing works, and the simple first step to start saving. Success stories and affordable ways chamber members can reduce their carbon footprint and increase energy savings.   Plus, Kevin answers the all-important question: Who really is the greatest rock and roll band of all time? Whether you're a small employer, Chamber member, or just curious about stretching your business dollars, we've got tips to help you take control of your energy costs and find ways to save. Request a free utility review here. 

In the premiere episode of Chamber On!, we're joined by Jeff Price of Hunter Consulting Co., a Cincinnati-based third-party administrator for workers' compensation group rating insurance with decades of experience.  This eye-opening conversation covers one of the fastest and easiest ways small businesses in Ohio can cut costs: workers’ comp group rating programs. Tune in to learn about:  What group rating programs are and why they’re especially effective in Ohio How to enroll and determine if your business is eligible for an up to 53% discount Real-life success stories, including how Matt’s own father saved over $1,200 a year The benefits beyond cost savings, like safety programs and legal support Common pitfalls and how to avoid them Plus, Jeff answers the all-important question: Who really is the greatest rock band of all time? Whether you're a small employer, Chamber member, or just curious about stretching your business dollars, this episode is packed with insights to help you grow your bottom line. Get your free savings analysis here. 

Welcome to Chamber On! — the official podcast of the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance — shines the spotlight on the inspiring people and partnerships powering local businesses. Hosted by SOCA CEO and President Matt Appenzeller, each episode highlights the local chamber leaders, small business champions, and strategic partners driving growth across our region.