 | A Career Built on Connection, Storytelling, and Regional Impact As we celebrate the people who power our work, we’re proud to recognize Stacey Mallett, Vice President of Communication, on her Chamber-versary—marking 33 years with the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce. Since joining in 1993, Stacey has helped shape how the Chamber connects with members and tells the story of our region’s growth, impact, and opportunity. |
The Power of Connection
At the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, connections are at the heart of everything we do—and for Stacey Mallett, Vice President of Communications, that’s exactly what started it all.
“The power of connections,” Stacey says when asked what brought her to the Chamber. “Someone I worked with previously took a job here. When she later moved back closer to family, she recommended me—and the rest is history.”
That introduction sparked a career that has spanned multiple roles and helped shape how the Chamber connects with its members and tells its story.
At the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, connections are at the heart of everything we do—and for Stacey Mallett, Vice President of Communications, that’s exactly what started it all.
“The power of connections,” Stacey says when asked what brought her to the Chamber. “Someone I worked with previously took a job here. When she later moved back closer to family, she recommended me—and the rest is history.”
That introduction sparked a career that has spanned multiple roles and helped shape how the Chamber connects with its members and tells its story.
Growing with the Organization
Over the years, Stacey has worn many hats—starting in membership sales and later leading membership, marketing, or both at different times.
“I believe they are two sides of the same coin,” she explains. “You can’t effectively do communications or marketing for the Chamber without really understanding membership. When it comes down to it, we’re all in the membership business—that’s why we do what we do.”
Today, Stacey brings that well-rounded perspective into her role as Vice President of Communications—something she says she especially enjoys focusing on.
Over the years, Stacey has worn many hats—starting in membership sales and later leading membership, marketing, or both at different times.
“I believe they are two sides of the same coin,” she explains. “You can’t effectively do communications or marketing for the Chamber without really understanding membership. When it comes down to it, we’re all in the membership business—that’s why we do what we do.”
Today, Stacey brings that well-rounded perspective into her role as Vice President of Communications—something she says she especially enjoys focusing on.
From Mailed Newsletters to Digital Domination
Having been part of the Chamber through major shifts in communication, Stacey has seen firsthand how dramatically the landscape has evolved in today’s digital-first world.
“What’s changed? Well…we have the internet now,” she says with a smile. “Boy, that really ages me!”
“When I started, our primary communication vehicle was a mailed monthly printed newsletter,” she recalls. “I’ve experienced the rise of online communication and social and mobile dominance. My first cellphone was literally that…a phone. And it barely fit in the bottom of my briefcase. (That’s what we used to call a ‘laptop bag' because we didn’t carry our computers around with us!”)
While the speed and volume of communication have increased exponentially, Stacey is especially intrigued by what’s next. “AI, and how it can streamline and enhance what I do, especially as a communications department of one—that fascinates me. Not that I ever want to see the human element taken out of the creative process. It’s a delicate balance.”
Having been part of the Chamber through major shifts in communication, Stacey has seen firsthand how dramatically the landscape has evolved in today’s digital-first world.
“What’s changed? Well…we have the internet now,” she says with a smile. “Boy, that really ages me!”
“When I started, our primary communication vehicle was a mailed monthly printed newsletter,” she recalls. “I’ve experienced the rise of online communication and social and mobile dominance. My first cellphone was literally that…a phone. And it barely fit in the bottom of my briefcase. (That’s what we used to call a ‘laptop bag' because we didn’t carry our computers around with us!”)
While the speed and volume of communication have increased exponentially, Stacey is especially intrigued by what’s next. “AI, and how it can streamline and enhance what I do, especially as a communications department of one—that fascinates me. Not that I ever want to see the human element taken out of the creative process. It’s a delicate balance.”
Making the Chamber Relatable
For Stacey, effective communication starts with one thing: people.
“My goal is to make what we do and who we are relatable,” she says. “’Chamber of Commerce’ can sound a little stand-offish. But when you focus on the people—our staff, our members, our partners—and how they help businesses succeed, it changes everything.”
That people-first approach carries into how she tells the Chamber’s story.
For Stacey, effective communication starts with one thing: people.
“My goal is to make what we do and who we are relatable,” she says. “’Chamber of Commerce’ can sound a little stand-offish. But when you focus on the people—our staff, our members, our partners—and how they help businesses succeed, it changes everything.”
That people-first approach carries into how she tells the Chamber’s story.
“Metrics matter, but stories show what those numbers actually mean,” she explains. “It’s the difference between saying we helped a business access capital and showing how that helped them grow, hire, or stay open. When people can see themselves in those stories, that’s when the Chamber’s value really clicks.”
Relationships Drive Impact
Ask Stacey what makes working at the Chamber unique, and the answer is immediate: “The people.”
That perspective has shaped one of the biggest lessons she’s learned over the years: Relationships are everything. Programs and initiatives matter—but it’s the relationships behind them that drive real impact.
"I have had the pleasure of meeting, and working with, a lot of really great people over the years. And I cannot say enough about the team here. (Even when my team-mates have changed). Every day you’re working alongside individuals who care deeply about this region and are actively trying to make it better. I am so lucky to enjoy what I do, who I do it with, and who and what I do it for.”
Ask Stacey what makes working at the Chamber unique, and the answer is immediate: “The people.”
That perspective has shaped one of the biggest lessons she’s learned over the years: Relationships are everything. Programs and initiatives matter—but it’s the relationships behind them that drive real impact.
"I have had the pleasure of meeting, and working with, a lot of really great people over the years. And I cannot say enough about the team here. (Even when my team-mates have changed). Every day you’re working alongside individuals who care deeply about this region and are actively trying to make it better. I am so lucky to enjoy what I do, who I do it with, and who and what I do it for.”
Life Outside the Chamber
Outside of work, Stacey keeps things simple.
“I tend to be a bit of a homebody,” she shares. “My favorite Toledo spot is probably my backyard patio, enjoying a glass of wine and some charcuterie on a summer evening, with my husband and our labradoodle by my side.”
But when it’s time to go out, there’s a clear favorite: “Mancy’s Steakhouse is our go-to for special occasions.”
Outside of work, Stacey keeps things simple.
“I tend to be a bit of a homebody,” she shares. “My favorite Toledo spot is probably my backyard patio, enjoying a glass of wine and some charcuterie on a summer evening, with my husband and our labradoodle by my side.”
But when it’s time to go out, there’s a clear favorite: “Mancy’s Steakhouse is our go-to for special occasions.”
A Meaningful Role in a Community That Matters
For Stacey, serving the Toledo region through her work at the Chamber is deeply personal.
“It’s about helping create opportunities for businesses and people—and knowing that work has a ripple effect across the entire region.”
“I’ve spent my career here, and this organization and our community has given me a lot,” she reflects. “Being able to contribute—even in a small way—to its growth and future is something I take pride in.”
For Stacey, serving the Toledo region through her work at the Chamber is deeply personal.
“It’s about helping create opportunities for businesses and people—and knowing that work has a ripple effect across the entire region.”
“I’ve spent my career here, and this organization and our community has given me a lot,” she reflects. “Being able to contribute—even in a small way—to its growth and future is something I take pride in.”
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