The Chamber is proud to announce that our own Brian Dicken, Vice President of Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives, was recently recognized by the Association of Defense Communities, or ADC, as a 2023-2024 Defense Community Champion.
The Defense Community Champions program celebrates leaders on base, in communities and across local governments and industry who make a difference in their defense communities.
The Defense Community Champions program celebrates leaders on base, in communities and across local governments and industry who make a difference in their defense communities.
It is the mission of the ADC to build resilient communities that support America’s military. They are the connection point for leaders from communities, states, the military, and industry on community-military issues. With nearly 300 communities, states, regions, and affiliated industry organizations, the ADC represents every major defense community or state in the nation.
This year, the Defense Community Champions program recognized 16 local champions in partnership with Navy Federal Credit Union, a longtime supporter of service members.
Brian was presented with his award on Wednesday, November 15th, at the Chamber's Focus on Business Lunch, presented by KeyBank, by Wendy Gramza, President & CEO of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Brian was recognized for his advocacy efforts on behalf of our region’s military assets. He has secured funding for several projects including a new deployment processing center, fitness facility, and permanent hangers at the Ohio National Guard 180th Fighter Wing. To make Ohio an attractive place for military families, Brian advocated to add the Guard and Reserve to the State of Ohio occupational licensing reciprocity law. He initiates conversations with local, state, and federal officials to be forward-thinking about opportunities and is a firm believer in not exchanging business cards for the first time during a crisis. He is also a member of the ADC Federal Outreach and Advisory Council.
In his role at the Chamber, Brian oversees the Government Affairs committee and sub-commitees as well as our Public Policy Agenda which, in addition to advocating for policies that promote and support federal and military installations in the region, also focuses on:
Visit https://www.toledochamber.com/advocacy-public-policy.html for more information.
If you need help navigating the political landscape, building a relationship with an elected official, getting clarity on a legislative issue or workplace regulation, or perhaps you have aspirations in public service yourself, reach out to Brian at [email protected]. Or, just tell him congratulations!
This year, the Defense Community Champions program recognized 16 local champions in partnership with Navy Federal Credit Union, a longtime supporter of service members.
Brian was presented with his award on Wednesday, November 15th, at the Chamber's Focus on Business Lunch, presented by KeyBank, by Wendy Gramza, President & CEO of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Brian was recognized for his advocacy efforts on behalf of our region’s military assets. He has secured funding for several projects including a new deployment processing center, fitness facility, and permanent hangers at the Ohio National Guard 180th Fighter Wing. To make Ohio an attractive place for military families, Brian advocated to add the Guard and Reserve to the State of Ohio occupational licensing reciprocity law. He initiates conversations with local, state, and federal officials to be forward-thinking about opportunities and is a firm believer in not exchanging business cards for the first time during a crisis. He is also a member of the ADC Federal Outreach and Advisory Council.
In his role at the Chamber, Brian oversees the Government Affairs committee and sub-commitees as well as our Public Policy Agenda which, in addition to advocating for policies that promote and support federal and military installations in the region, also focuses on:
- Tax policies that promote economic growth and job creation as well as rules and regulations which are clear and easily complied with.
- Advocating for the establishment of a free-flow connection between Toledo and Columbus to enhance the region's ability to participate in the economic success of the state.
- Supporting workforce development efforts and awareness of career opportunities as part of the overall strategy to attract and retain talent in the Toledo region.
- Local government that is efficient and responsive to the needs of its businesses and residents.
Visit https://www.toledochamber.com/advocacy-public-policy.html for more information.
If you need help navigating the political landscape, building a relationship with an elected official, getting clarity on a legislative issue or workplace regulation, or perhaps you have aspirations in public service yourself, reach out to Brian at [email protected]. Or, just tell him congratulations!
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