VANDALIA-BUTLER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - A "Force for Good" Team
Behind the Scenes with the Vandalia-Butler Chamber of Commerce "Force for Good" Award Winners
Every week for nearly 3 years, at a building in the back of St. John’s Lutheran Church, you can find Nick Kavalauskas leading a group of business leaders through a Coffee with Champions discussion.
Pull into the parking lot on Wednesdays a little before 8 am, and you usually find about 15-20 cars outside. And when you go inside, you’ll have fresh coffee waiting for you and a group of friendly, outgoing people who are interested in learning and growing together, both professionally and personally.
This team of Champions is always going above and beyond for each other and their community.
This is why they are our most recent “Force for Good” team winner.
What does this Wednesday group think about Nick and their local chamber group?
“I think the camaraderie is what makes them special, that they’re very supportive. They become your friends.” -Susan E.
“ A big part is Nick Kavalauskas. He is what makes it amazing: the programs they offer for everybody and the energy within the chamber. It’s just that there’s a synergy there.”- Susan P.
“I would say that the biggest takeaway for me is that we have a bunch of people who work together. To try and help each other get better. And if you have that in a community, it really helps. And the more of those that we get together, the more we can produce it in the community. - Paul F.
“Since I joined the Chamber, I actually feel like I’m part of the community, and even though I don’t live directly in Vandalia, it feels like I’ve got neighbors. I’ve got people that I work with, so it’s awesome. This is the first time I feel like I’m part of the community.” - David A.
A Conversation With Nick Kavalauskas
I recently had a chance to sit down and talk with Nick Kavalauskas, the always-moving President & CEO of the Vandalia-Butler Chamber of Commerce. I wanted to learn a little more about the chamber and its Coffee with Champions team.
Nick, Tell Us About Your Organization
“We have been serving the Vandalia-Butler community since 1947…. almost 80 years! A fun fact is that Butler Township was the 1st Township in America to have a Chamber of Commerce.
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to help local businesses grow, save money, and stay connected within the community. We host over 150 networking events throughout the year (weekly, monthly, and annual events, partnered with the City, Township, and School District).
From a cost and time saving benefit perspective, we are grouped together with over 200+ chambers in the state of Ohio (Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance – SOCA) to bring incredible cost saving benefits such as medical insurance plans, workers’ compensation savings, chamber energy program gas/electric/solar, payroll, credit card processing, and more.
What are you most proud of about your Chamber?
“That’s a tough one because there are so many things, hard to narrow down. 80 years is something special, given all the challenges/opportunities/changes that have happened in the World since 1947.
Ultimately, though, it comes down to how much this community embraces what we do year after year. The support and collaboration between membership, the city, township, schools, the board, and the financial backing of our incredible partner sponsors make this a very special organization to be affiliated with.
This simply does not happen in most places.
How long has your Chamber been a part of the Coffee with Champions program?
“We will hit 3 years on August 26th. The only regret is that we didn’t start sooner.
(Above video - The group doing their best impression of Lance’s weekly video introduction.)
Who usually facilitates your group?
“I typically run most of them, but it’s also a good idea to sub out a few times. Sometimes I will just move over and be a participant, but normally I’m out taking care of something else.
Also helping out is
Ron Shumaker – owner of Coach Shu Inc.
John Wheeler – owner of Digital Cowboy Computer Services
What makes your group special?
“This group is incredible!
They bring the energy and diverse perspectives every single Wednesday morning. The age range is full scale, 18-65+. Multiple nationalities and all sizes of business.
Their willingness to participate, share real-life experiences, and support or agree to disagree with one another is fascinating to listen to every week.
I couldn’t ask for a better group, and I’m thankful they come back consistently. We average anywhere from 15 to 20 people a week.
Nick, what are you most proud of about your Coffee with Champions group?
1. I’m grateful for the financial support from Abbey Credit Union – presenting sponsor. This keeps it free and open to the public for us. We ultimately would love for businesses to join our Chamber if they are not members, but it’s not required for our group.
2. I am most proud of the character and how supportive this group is of one another in both business and personal situations. I think I speak for everyone, saying friendships have been made and grown stronger from the connections made every week. This group and program have injected new energy into our Chamber’s programming and networking.
How does someone attend a CwC meeting?
They meet every Wednesday from 8:00 to 8:59 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church.
It is open to anyone and everyone. Sign-up is not required.
Go check them out!
A huge thank you to the Vandalia-Butler Chamber of Commerce CwC team for being a “Force for Good”! We appreciate you!
- Lance & Jessica Miller
Founders - Coffee with Champions
Learn More About Coffee with Champions
Nick is a good guy!