Who We Are
Mission Statement
The Madison County Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to improving the communities and businesses it serves, while honoring the county’s unique agricultural heritage. The chamber was founded in 1959 with the mission to enhance the economic, civic, and cultural growth of Madison County, and to act as a “voice of the community”. This mission will be accomplished through the development and support, including both participation and financial commitment of the membership.
We serve the businesses, communities and residents of Madison County.
Message from our Leadership
The year 2022 has been a year of challenges and change in the world of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce. The challenges and the change all revolved around the challenge of replacing the Executive Director, David Kell, after 8 years of leading the Chamber and our Community Relations Manager, Diane Ulrich, after 5 years of service and the changes that naturally occur with replacing the entire leadership staff. It is a testament of the strength and professionalism of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce Board and the Executive/Hiring Committee for all the leadership they have demonstrated throughout the change process. Because of their dedication to the Chamber and Madison County, we now have a leadership team that has hit the road running and shows no signs of slowing down!
Madison County has not missed a beat as far as seeing a strong interest throughout the county for housing development, industrial and commercial growth and if you haven’t journeyed out to Plain City lately to see all the housing development there and the new development going on in the downtown, it’s well worth the trip. However, don’t stop there because London has several new projects moving forward including one right next to the Chamber Office and soon you will be seeing new housing developments in West Jefferson and Mt. Sterling as well.
One of the most exciting developments that have just recently begun is new investors who are coming into downtown London to refurbish and expand small business opportunities. This will pair nicely with the enthusiasm and passion that we have seen with multiple new businesses opening, just this year, in downtown London. Also, let’s not forget the efforts the West Jefferson and the awesome development and utilization of their downtown. Finally, with the announcement of the new Honda Electric Vehicle Battery plant, we are already seeing huge interest in Mt. Sterling, and we all know what that will mean for them.
As we have started our journey into 2023 the Chamber Board and Staff are full of optimism and enthusiasm for what the future holds. We will continue to focus on supporting the business community, schools, and communities by offering our support for new growth and development and redevelopment throughout Madison County. We have a legacy in Madison County to be proud of and we want others to join us on a journey that excitement and new life to all who come together and help us positively move forward to a bright future that’s coming!
It is with great pleasure and excitement that we present the 2022 Annual Report for the Madison County Chamber of Commerce to the businesses, residents, community leaders, and investors who have and will continue to take this journey with us in Madison County.
Chamber Executive Board
Susan Thompson
President, 2023 Madison County Chamber Executive Board
Susan Thompson was elected as President of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce Executive Board in December 2021. She is the Superintendent for the Madison County Board of Developmental Disabilities. She has worked for the Board for nearly 21 years. The first 16 years she served as the Business Director. In addition to the Chamber, Susan also sits on the Boards for the London Schools Foundation, Emergency Food & Shelter Program, United Way, and Ohio Disability Community Transportation Network. She has also recently been asked to serve on the Regional Board for the Red Cross.
Susan has two children. Jessica is a Senior at OSU studying Speech & Language. Bruce is a Senior at London High School and will be attending Wittenberg University in the Fall.
Susan Thompson
President, 2023 Madison County Chamber Executive Board
Susan Thompson was elected as President of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce Executive Board in December 2021. She is the Superintendent for the Madison County Board of Developmental Disabilities. She has worked for the Board for nearly 21 years. The first 16 years she served as the Business Director. In addition to the Chamber, Susan also sits on the Boards for the London Schools Foundation, Emergency Food & Shelter Program, United Way, and Ohio Disability Community Transportation Network. She has also recently been asked to serve on the Regional Board for the Red Cross.
Susan has two children. Jessica is a Senior at OSU studying Speech & Language. Bruce is a Senior at London High School and will be attending Wittenberg University in the Fall.
Amy Rees
First Vice President, 2023 Madison County Chamber Executive Board
Amy Rees is a lifelong resident of Madison County. Her passion for serving her community has brought years of successful fundraising, local event coordination, and community building.
Her current duties are as executive assistant to the City of London administrative offices, president of the London Community Organization, and clerk of London City Council.
Amy Rees
First Vice President, 2023 Madison County Chamber Executive Board
Amy Rees is a lifelong resident of Madison County. Her passion for serving her community has brought years of successful fundraising, local event coordination, and community building.
Her current duties are as executive assistant to the City of London administrative offices, president of the London Community Organization, and clerk of London City Council.
Ashley Winebrenner
Second Vice President, 2023 Madison County Chamber Executive Board
Ashley Winebrenner is a prominent figure in the London, Ohio community, known for her multifaceted roles as an insurance agent, community leader, and philanthropist.
- Professional Background: Ashley Winebrenner serves as an agent and owner of Dwyer Insurance Agency, a well-established family-owned business in London, Ohio. She joined the agency in 2011, following her graduation from The Ohio State University.
- Community Engagement: Ashley is deeply involved in various community initiatives and organizations. She serves on the Chamber Board and is actively engaged in charitable work. Notably, she co-founded Rockin’ on the Run, a non-profit aimed at raising awareness and funds for pediatric brain tumors.
- Education and Local Ties: Ashley is a proud graduate of London High School and has strong ties to the community, being a lifelong resident of Madison County. She also contributes to educational institutions, serving on the School Advisory Board at St. Patrick School and participating in the PTO at London Middle School.
- Volunteer Work: Ashley’s dedication to community service extends to volunteering for Junior Achievement, assisting with the Madison County 4H program, coaching volleyball for the city of London’s parks & rec department and St. Patrick school, and contributing to the West Jefferson Ox Roast Royalty when needed.
- Family Life: Ashley cherishes spending time with her husband, Tim, and their five children. They share a passion for fitness, gardening, crafting, and culinary pursuits. Together, they seek out unique adventures around Ohio, instilling in their children the value of community involvement and service.
Ashley exemplifies a dedicated community leader, actively contributing to the betterment of Madison County through her professional expertise, philanthropic endeavors, and commitment to family values.
Ashley Winebrenner
Second Vice President, 2023 Madison County Chamber Executive Board
Ashley Winebrenner is a prominent figure in the London, Ohio community, known for her multifaceted roles as an insurance agent, community leader, and philanthropist.
- Professional Background: Ashley Winebrenner serves as an agent and owner of Dwyer Insurance Agency, a well-established family-owned business in London, Ohio. She joined the agency in 2011, following her graduation from The Ohio State University.
- Community Engagement: Ashley is deeply involved in various community initiatives and organizations. She serves on the Chamber Board and is actively engaged in charitable work. Notably, she co-founded Rockin’ on the Run, a non-profit aimed at raising awareness and funds for pediatric brain tumors.
- Education and Local Ties: Ashley is a proud graduate of London High School and has strong ties to the community, being a lifelong resident of Madison County. She also contributes to educational institutions, serving on the School Advisory Board at St. Patrick School and participating in the PTO at London Middle School.
- Volunteer Work: Ashley’s dedication to community service extends to volunteering for Junior Achievement, assisting with the Madison County 4H program, coaching volleyball for the city of London’s parks & rec department and St. Patrick school, and contributing to the West Jefferson Ox Roast Royalty when needed.
- Family Life: Ashley cherishes spending time with her husband, Tim, and their five children. They share a passion for fitness, gardening, crafting, and culinary pursuits. Together, they seek out unique adventures around Ohio, instilling in their children the value of community involvement and service.
Ashley exemplifies a dedicated community leader, actively contributing to the betterment of Madison County through her professional expertise, philanthropic endeavors, and commitment to family values.
Liz Lynch
Third Vice President, 2023 Madison County Chamber Executive Board
Liz Lynch, a funeral director in London, Ohio at Lynch Family Funeral Home is very excited to begin her journey as third vice president. She is a graduate of London High School and received her bachelor’s degree from Urbana University. Liz completed her apprenticeship and received her license as a Funeral Director in 2022.
Liz states she spent a good portion of her childhood volunteering with her dad, who was a past chamber president and bell ringer recipient, for chamber events. In addition to serving on the Chamber Board Liz is also a member of the Madison County Historical Society Museum Board, the Madison County Arts Council Board, and an assistant golf coach for the London High School girls golf team.
In Liz’s spare time she enjoys spending time with her dog Piper who she adopted from the Madison County Humane Society and improving her golf game at the London Country Club. Liz says community involvement is something her parents instilled in her at a young age, and she is looking forward to the opportunity to serve on this board and aid in the betterment of Madison County.
Liz Lynch
Third Vice President, 2023 Madison County Chamber Executive Board
Liz Lynch, a funeral director in London, Ohio at Lynch Family Funeral Home is very excited to begin her journey as third vice president. She is a graduate of London High School and received her bachelor’s degree from Urbana University. Liz completed her apprenticeship and received her license as a Funeral Director in 2022.
Liz states she spent a good portion of her childhood volunteering with her dad, who was a past chamber president and bell ringer recipient, for chamber events. In addition to serving on the Chamber Board Liz is also a member of the Madison County Historical Society Museum Board, the Madison County Arts Council Board, and an assistant golf coach for the London High School girls golf team.
In Liz’s spare time she enjoys spending time with her dog Piper who she adopted from the Madison County Humane Society and improving her golf game at the London Country Club. Liz says community involvement is something her parents instilled in her at a young age, and she is looking forward to the opportunity to serve on this board and aid in the betterment of Madison County.
Board Members
- Patrick Closser, Mayor of London, Casey’s Carryout
- Greg Finchum, RE/MAX Leading Edge
- Samantha Wilkins, Mahle Behr
- Brian McMahon, Board Treasurer, Tech Support Center
- Cindy Stout, Madison Health
- Kathy Henry, Stanley Electric
- Bob Patterson, CK Signs & Apparel
- Josh Cross, First Energy/Ohio Edison
- Brian Fyda, Fyda Freightliner
- Steve Lelonek, Senior Vice President of The Savings Bank
- Ashley Winebrenner, Owner of Dwyer Insurance
- David Beickman, Building Systems Transportation
- Todd Hoadley, Tolles Career & Technical Center
- David Kell, Madison Economic Development & Planning Director
- Liz Lynch, Lynch Family Funeral Home
- Kevin Henry, Kmak Group, LLC
Meet Our Team
Chamber Staff
Jon McKanna
Executive Director
Jon D. McKanna, MS is the CEO of McKanna Consulting, LLC. He obtained his Master’s Degree in Psychology from St. Francis College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Bluffton College.
This is my 17th year of leadership, management and workforce development training in the areas of leadership development/emerging leader training, motivating the workforce, communication skills, managing conflict, creative problem solving, customer service, performance management using SMART Goals, diversity, inclusion and harassment, drug free workplace, building high functioning teams and I have done coaching on the executive and manager levels for 8 years with Certification in Executive and Life Coaching. In addition, I have 8 years of teaching psychology and social work on the college level. During the last 5 years I have been providing these trainings to the Department of Defense, the Army, the Navy and the Human Resources and Services Administration of the Federal Government.
My broad range of real-life experiences in multiple career fields, plus my unique perspective obtained from officiating sports helps me relate and communicate on a level that resonates with my clients.
DOD/DLA Courses Taught:
- Emerging Leader Training for the DOD and DLA: 2015-present
- Emerging Leader Training for the Navy in San Diego for 3 Days: November 2019
- Leadership Excellence Training for the DOD and DLA: 2015-present
- Diversity, Inclusion and Harassment Training for the DOD and DLA: 2015-present
- Effective Communication Skills for the DOD and DLA: 2015-present
- Delegation Skills for the HRSA in 2019
- Getting Results Without Authority for the DOD and DLA: 2015-present
- Internal Consulting Skills for HR for the DOD and DLA: 2020
- EEO Performance Management for Leaders for the DOD and DLA: 2017
- Diversity, Inclusion, Unconscious Bias & Anti-Harassment Training for the Naval Engineering: 2018
Jon McKanna
Executive Director
Jon D. McKanna, MS is the CEO of McKanna Consulting, LLC. He obtained his Master’s Degree in Psychology from St. Francis College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Bluffton College.
This is my 17th year of leadership, management and workforce development training in the areas of leadership development/emerging leader training, motivating the workforce, communication skills, managing conflict, creative problem solving, customer service, performance management using SMART Goals, diversity, inclusion and harassment, drug free workplace, building high functioning teams and I have done coaching on the executive and manager levels for 8 years with Certification in Executive and Life Coaching. In addition, I have 8 years of teaching psychology and social work on the college level. During the last 5 years I have been providing these trainings to the Department of Defense, the Army, the Navy and the Human Resources and Services Administration of the Federal Government.
My broad range of real-life experiences in multiple career fields, plus my unique perspective obtained from officiating sports helps me relate and communicate on a level that resonates with my clients.
DOD/DLA Courses Taught:
- Emerging Leader Training for the DOD and DLA: 2015-present
- Emerging Leader Training for the Navy in San Diego for 3 Days: November 2019
- Leadership Excellence Training for the DOD and DLA: 2015-present
- Diversity, Inclusion and Harassment Training for the DOD and DLA: 2015-present
- Effective Communication Skills for the DOD and DLA: 2015-present
- Delegation Skills for the HRSA in 2019
- Getting Results Without Authority for the DOD and DLA: 2015-present
- Internal Consulting Skills for HR for the DOD and DLA: 2020
- EEO Performance Management for Leaders for the DOD and DLA: 2017
- Diversity, Inclusion, Unconscious Bias & Anti-Harassment Training for the Naval Engineering: 2018
Ashley Wheeler
Community Relations Coordinator, Madison County Chamber of Commerce
Ashley Good Wheeler was born and raised in Madison County. She has roots in London, Ohio and is happy to be working to help further the success at The Madison County Chamber of Commerce and her community. She graduated from Ohio Institute of Photography and Graphic Design and worked for Ohio Magazine, Today’s Columbus Woman, and as an account executive for The Columbus Dispatch serving the Greater Columbus area. While raising her children, she worked independently as a freelance photographer and graphic designer.
Ashley and her husband Brian, both graduated from London High School and are franchise owners of Dairy Queen. They have three children who have gone to school in Madison County. She has volunteered at Children’s Hospital, sat on The Women’s Board at The Columbus Museum of Art, and has been an active parent and community member in the Jonathan Alder School district.
Ashley enjoys working directly with the community, building relationships, and watching Madison County grow.
Ashley Wheeler
Community Relations Coordinator, Madison County Chamber of Commerce
Ashley Good Wheeler was born and raised in Madison County. She has roots in London, Ohio and is happy to be working to help further the success at The Madison County Chamber of Commerce and her community. She graduated from Ohio Institute of Photography and Graphic Design and worked for Ohio Magazine, Today’s Columbus Woman, and as an account executive for The Columbus Dispatch serving the Greater Columbus area. While raising her children, she worked independently as a freelance photographer and graphic designer.
Ashley and her husband Brian, both graduated from London High School and are franchise owners of Dairy Queen. They have three children who have gone to school in Madison County. She has volunteered at Children’s Hospital, sat on The Women’s Board at The Columbus Museum of Art, and has been an active parent and community member in the Jonathan Alder School district.
Ashley enjoys working directly with the community, building relationships, and watching Madison County grow.
Nicole Thomas
Membership Assistant
Nicole Thomas has proudly called Madison County her home for over a decade.
Living in London since 2012, she is a local Real Estate Advisor and Mom whose passion is to see her beautiful town flourish. She graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Graphic Design & Business, along with all licensing required to practice Real Estate in the state of Ohio. As a champion of causes and believer in making a difference, she is beyond excited to be working with the Madison County Chamber of Commerce to make a positive impact on our community.
Nicole Thomas
Membership Assistant
Nicole Thomas has proudly called Madison County her home for over a decade.
Living in London since 2012, she is a local Real Estate Advisor and Mom whose passion is to see her beautiful town flourish. She graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Graphic Design & Business, along with all licensing required to practice Real Estate in the state of Ohio. As a champion of causes and believer in making a difference, she is beyond excited to be working with the Madison County Chamber of Commerce to make a positive impact on our community.
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