Last month, the Worthington Area Chamber hit the road...sorta.
We launched the Worthington Works Listening Tour, a series of weekly stops across Worthington’s primary “business districts.” Each session was designed to listen—really listen—to the heartbeat of our business community during a time of economic and political uncertainty. This wasn’t about long-term vision planning (we’ll leave that to the City’s Worthington Together comp plan process). This was about today: the pressing challenges our businesses are currently navigating and what the Chamber can do now to help.
The tour officially began with the Linworth Connect meeting in April, then continued through the month of May with one stop per week:
- May 6: Huntley Road Business District
- May 15: Wilson Bridge Business District
- May 22: North High Street Business District
- May 29: Old Worthington Business District
Attendance ranged from large to small groups but all with casual, intimate conversations. We welcomed folks from a range of industries, employers, entrepreneurs and even community members who simply wanted to understand more about the challenges facing our businesses.
Each session asked three essential questions:
- What are the most critical challenges facing your business?
- Are you feeling the impact of recent federal and state decisions—and how are you navigating them?
- What can the Chamber do right now to help?
WHY THE WORTHINGTON WORKS TOUR MATTERS AND WHY NOW?
The pandemic showed us something clear: Chambers of Commerce either stepped up—or stepped aside in how they responded to supporting businesses. Now, 4–5 years later, we’re in the next big challenge for local businesses. And once again, it’s time to lead from the front.
That’s why we launched the Worthington Works Tour—not to guess what our members need, but to hear it firsthand. Because stepping up isn’t enough anymore. We must accelerate change—get the right resources in place, deliver timely results and build programs that help Worthington area businesses navigate uncertainty and thrive.
COMMON THEMES & TAKEAWAYS
Across every session, regardless of who we spoke to, business size, or industry—some consistent themes emerged:
- Housing Is a Business Issue
In every single session, the conversation turned to housing. Whether in terms of customer acquisition (more heads and beds equal more sales) or for recruitment/retention of top talent to live close to work. There were even stories who had recent college graduates who are not able to afford to move back here.
Let's be clear: This is a comprehensive plan–related issue—Worthington Together is expected to tackle this in depth, and City Council’s Housing Assessment laid a strong foundation for that discussion. But the fact that housing dictated every single conversation we had with businesses is worth noting. It was, hands down, the most consistent theme raised in every session.
One business owner shared a story that hit home:
“I lost my best manager—not to a better job, but to a more affordable zip code. Same job, same pay. But she couldn't afford to live in the area anymore.”
- All-Time Highs or All-Time Lows—No In-Between
Whether it was during a session or a parking lot chat afterward, it became clear: our business community is experiencing extremes. Some are riding record highs, while others are scraping bottom. The economic climate is creating unpredictability that’s either accelerating growth or triggering fear-based, conservative spending—both among businesses and consumers. Either way it impacts short term and long-term planning for our businesses.
One business owner shared that the past two months have been his best numbers to date after having record low numbers to start the year. If it continues, he needs to hire another employee and with it purchase another vehicle, but it’s too unpredictable and too expensive with tariffs to do so right now.
- Support Local—Now More Than Ever
Worthington’s businesses aren’t just storefronts. They’re owned by our neighbors, PTA volunteers, little league coaches and parents at drop-off. Now more than ever, they need us. And now more than ever, we need them. Shopping small isn’t a trend—it’s an economic stabilizer in uncertain times. In hard times, we especially have to support these businesses and our neighbors.
- The Rising Cost of Everything
Inflation isn’t just cutting into profits—it’s cutting into possibilities. From forecasting and budgeting to recruiting and retaining talent, rising costs are disrupting business models at every level. One small business in the mental health space shared how increased insurance costs, with no increase in money back to his practice, led to lower income and ultimately losing a valued team member. He couldn’t afford to offer a raise, and she had to leave for a less desirable work environment that paid more.
SO, WHAT'S NEXT?
These conversations were a starting point—not a finish line. The Chamber is committed to taking what we’ve heard and turning it into action. That means:
- Offering targeted workshops and Lunch & Learns around top challenges
- Evolving our resources and advocacy efforts to match today’s environment
- Staying present, active, and relentlessly responsive to what our businesses need most
Because this isn’t just another season of uncertainty. It’s another chance to show what kind of Chamber we are. Stay tuned for more from us. Now it's time to get to work and we hope you'll join us!
