Highland County is a community rich with heritage, entrepreneurship, and opportunity. It is a small, rural community with members full of determination, innovation, and charm. With many in the community becoming local business owners who aid in the growth and economic development of the county, the Highland County Chamber of Commerce works to aid in their successes.

The Highland County Chamber of Commerce is more than just a network of businesses—it is a strategic partner in fostering local prosperity. Through advocacy, business support services, marketing, and community programming, the Chamber plays a crucial role in helping businesses thrive. Whether connecting entrepreneurs with local resources, hosting educational seminars, or organizing events that draw attention to local goods and services, the Chamber is a driving force in Highland County’s economic landscape.
 
Key Roles and Services:

1. Relationships From startups to established enterprises, the Chamber provides tailored resources such as networking events, educational seminars, and annual events. The Chamber seeks to connect businesses to make Highland County a place that emphasizes Cooperation over Competition.
2. Resources and Savings: Members of the Chamber receive cost-saving benefits such as Health Insurance programs, energy program, workers compensation, and more.
3. Promotion: The Highland County Chamber seeks to assist its members with promotion through efforts such as social media promotion, ribbon cuttings and groundbreaking events, online membership directory, press releases, and the Chamber Partners Program.
4. Education: The Chamber desires for its members to be informed and competitive through programs such as Building Success Seminar Series, HFC Safety Council, Seminars/Webinars, Ag is Everyone's Business, the Monthly Newsletter, and Marketing Assistance.

The People Behind the Mission:

 Behind the Chamber’s success is a small but dynamic team of professionals deeply committed to Highland County’s well-being. Their knowledge of local needs, tireless work ethic, and passion for community impact are evident in every initiative they lead.

Executive Director, Jamie Wheeler: Jamie serves as the Executive Director of the Highland County Chamber of Commerce and the Visitors Bureau of Highland County.

As Executive Director, Jamie oversees community initiatives, communications, and member services. She works closely with small business owners, government officials, and community leaders to ensure that the Chamber remains a relevant, responsive, and respected voice in the region. From organizing business networking events and advocating for local interests at the state and level, to connecting entrepreneurs with resources and championing workforce development. Under her leadership, the Chamber has expanded its programming, strengthened partnerships, and helped highlight the value of shopping local and supporting hometown enterprises.

Jamie and her husband, Ben, are residents of Highland County and proud parents to three boys. Together, they raise cattle and sheep, supporting local 4-H and FFA members—an investment not just in agriculture, but in the next generation of community leaders. They are also involved with the Ohio Angus Association, Ohio Cattlemen's Association, Highland County Farm Bureau and Ohio Farm Bureau.

Membership Engagement Specialist, Amber Dunseith: Amber serves as the Membership Engagement Specialist at the Chamber of Commerce, where she supports member relations through billing assistance, event coordination, and consistent communication. She also assists in the Chamber’s social media marketing, helping to promote events, initiatives, and member success stories. Amber focuses on member engagement and retention, ensuring businesses see real value from their Chamber involvement. She joined the Chamber Team because she wanted to be a part of the Chamber's mission to assist and connect. In her short time with the Chamber, she has been able to help with annual events such as the Ag is Everyone's Business event and the Annual Meeting and Dinner.

Outside of the office, she enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with her family. She is also passionate about mission work and international travel, having participated in outreach trips to Zambia, Jamaica, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Member Services Intern, Addy Knauff: Addy is a proud team member at The Highland County Chamber of Commerce, where she has been actively involved since 2024. She began her journey with the Chamber as a student intern and is driven by her passion for supporting local businesses and building community connections.

This fall, Addy will attend Wilmington College, where she plans to major in Agricultural Communications and Leadership with a minor in Agribusiness.
She lives just outside of Hillsboro, Ohio, on her family’s llama and alpaca farm—AJ’s Wacky Alpackys. Addy is passionate about agriculture, youth leadership, and community development, and she’s excited to keep growing both personally and professionally through her work at the Chamber.

Board of Directors: Comprising local business leaders, educators, and civic representatives, the Board provides oversight, strategic direction, and insight that aligns the Chamber’s goals with the community’s broader aspirations.

A Commitment to Community: What sets the Highland County Chamber of Commerce apart is its unwavering commitment to economic development and quality of life. Their work extends beyond business—it’s about building a stronger, more connected Highland County. Whether you're a business owner, a community member, or a visitor, the Chamber’s influence can be felt across the county. And behind every successful project, every ribbon-cutting, and every thriving uptown storefront, there’s a dedicated Chamber team working to make Highland County the best it can be.