Progress requires more than momentum. It requires leaders willing to stay engaged in the strategic work behind it and commit to “Going the Distance”.

This morning, more than 300 business leaders from across the region gathered for Vision 2026 with that mindset. They stepped away from day to day demands to focus on what it will take to keep our region competitive, connected and positioned for long term success.

Vision creates space to reflect on priorities, confront challenges and recommit to the partnerships that move business forward. It is where we set the pace for the year ahead and ensure we are running toward shared goals.

As our region grows, so do the opportunities and pressures that come with it. Throughout the morning, attendees engaged with the Chamber’s direction and demonstrated their commitment to supporting the work ahead. Lasting prosperity depends on leaders who stay involved and move forward together. The energy and focus each leader brought to the room reflected that.

A Focus on the Long Run

Chamber President and CEO Kevin Sheilley centered his remarks on preparation and perspective.

Over the past year, the Chamber has focused on strengthening its foundation, building capacity and clarifying priorities. With that groundwork in place, the organization is positioned to take meaningful steps forward.

Kevin shared his view of where the region is headed, what the future could look like for both the community and the Chamber and why this work cannot happen in isolation. Continued progress will require business leaders to stay engaged and aligned. We move further when we move together.

Expanding Business Advocacy

A key highlight from the morning was the continued expansion of the Chamber’s Business Advocacy team.

With added capacity and new engagement tools, the team is increasing the Chamber’s impact at both the local and state levels. Kevin outlined priority advocacy issues and emphasized the importance of ensuring the business community has a strong, coordinated voice on policies that shape growth, infrastructure and economic competitiveness.

Advocating for our region’s businesses remains core to the Chamber’s mission and essential to the region’s success.

Advancing Workforce and Education

Attendees also received updates from the Chamber’s Workforce and Education team.

Progress continues on the developing Education and Workforce Blueprint, designed to better align employers and educators around current and future talent needs. The upcoming Regional Workforce Coalition will bring leaders together to collaborate more intentionally on workforce challenges and solutions.

The team also highlighted how the region’s maritime industry has evolved, offering a real example of how workforce strategy and industry growth intersect.

Elevating Business Creation

Business Creation will play an even larger role in the year ahead.

The Chamber welcomed Campbell Wiltshire as Vice President of Business Creation, signaling a deeper commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses. Kevin shared a preview of upcoming initiatives, including the Entrepreneur Ecosystem Roadmap and the implementation of the Kauffman FastTrac program to equip founders with practical tools to launch and grow.

Supporting business formation and scale is becoming a more defined pillar of the Chamber’s strategy.

A Shared Commitment to the Region

Each year, Vision brings together members, community leaders, businesses and public officials with a shared purpose. The energy in the room reflected a collective commitment to advancing a strong and competitive region.

If you were unable to attend, be sure to check out tomorrow’s Do You Have a Minute? on the Chamber’s LinkedIn page and Instagram story to hear Kevin’s reflections from the morning.