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
Our year in 2024 has been another journey of rapid growth in membership and a continued effort to educate our Members of all the benefits at the Madison County Chamber of Commerce. We have brought in 93 new Members, and we surpassed 500 total Members. As promised, we have added a part-time Membership Assistant to help with the increased workload because of adding 192 Members in the last two years. We have added 2 new Chamber Member Benefits through the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance (SOCA). We also increased the number of events that we provided in 2024 by adding our first ever Rummage Sale, our first ever Fall Fest that was a free event for families and over 300 were in attendance, and we also had for the first time ever a Holiday Market that saw lines out the door and lots of excitement for those in the mood for Holiday shopping. All these events happened because we had so many amazing volunteers and community members participating.
The Madison County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has helped guide the Chamber to new and improved processes and increased the professionalism of all that we do. This included over $30,000 in capital improvements to the inside of the Chamber offices with new paint and carpeting, painting and updating the shelter house, and replacement of the Storage Shed at the Farm Science Review that was taken out by last year’s tornado. We have seen over 15 new Members join our Safety Council and that has helped us expand our sponsorships at different community events and our Leadership Development Collaborative continues to offer leadership training to our Chamber Members.
Madison County has also continued to see strong momentum in housing and retail development. Industrial and commercial growth is showing a renewed interest in all parts of Madison County. The Madison County Chamber of Commerce will help do everything that we can to continue supporting all those who want to join us on the journey through Madison County!
As we look forward to 2025 and beyond, let’s continue to maintain an attitude of gratitude for the blessings and values that we have in Madison County. Let’s be open to welcoming others who will join us on our journey through 2025. The Madison County Chamber of Commerce Board and Staff continue to have optimism and enthusiasm for what the future holds.
It is with great pleasure and excitement that we present the 2024 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.
Board Members
- Jody Carney, Village of Plain City
- Patrick Closser, City of London
- Josh Cross, First Energy
- Andrew Drake, Harbourport
- Liz Finchum, ReMax Leading Edge
- Leroi Sengstock, Stanley Electric
- Todd Hoadley, Tolles Tech
- David Kell, Economic Develop.
- Liz Lynch, Lynch Funeral Home
- Ray Martin, Village of West Jeff
- Brian McMahon, Tech Support
- Bob Patterson, CK Signs
- Tamara Reed, DNA
- Amy Rees, Madison County
- Bryan Robinson, BST
- Cindy Stout, Madison Health
- Susie Taylor, Taylormade Marketing
- Susan Thompson, Board of DD
- Samantha Wilkins, Mahle Behr
- Ashley Winebrenner, Dwyer Ins.
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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