• About the Chamber

  • Founded in February of 1916, we have proudly served our members and the community for more than 100 years!  Knox County is unique in our vast array of businesses that call Central Ohio home.  The geographical center of Ohio is located right here in Knox County, the Village of Centerburg to be exact.  Our location is attractive for businesses, experiences, and living in a rural yet vibrant community.

    We welcome individual investors, home-based companies, and small and large corporations.  Like all chambers, we offer many services and benefits to assist our investors.  Every community has a chamber of commerce and their role in connecting people and promoting commerce is vital in our community and beyond.

    Please visit our website often for information and invitations.  Stop in our office located in the historic CA&C Depot at 501 South Main Street in Mount Vernon, Ohio.

    The Knox County Chamber of Commerce serves all of Knox County and our neighbors beyond our county lines.  How may we assist you and your business?  Let us know and we look forward to meeting you!

    Carol Grubaugh, IOM

    Executive Director

     

  • STAFF

    Carol Grubaugh, Executive Director

    Carol Grubaugh joined the Knox County Chamber of Commerce in 2000 and has served as Executive Director since December 2009. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Organizational Leadership from the Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Carol is a also a graduate of Institute for Organization Management (IOM).  She is a member of Rotary Club of Mount Vernon, serves on various committees/boards in the community, and has a passion for her Chamber work. Carol and her husband, Greg, reside in Mount Vernon.

    Debbie Ruggles, Program Coordinator

    Debbie joined the Chamber in April 2018 as Program Coordinator. Debbie serves as the Chamber's representative to the Knox County Safety Council, is a member of the Kiwanis International and serves on several committees in the community. Debbie resides in Mount Vernon with her husband, Cliff.

    Savannah Gilmore, Member Relations Coordinator

    Savannah joined the team in January 2023. She serves both the Knox County Chamber of Commerce and the Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

  • BOARD OF TRUSTEES

    The Board of Trustees serves as the policy-making body of the Chamber.

    Its members represent the business and professional leadership of the community.  

    Meet the Board of Trustees

    Executive Board

  • Bethany Celmar, Chair

    Knox Area Transit

  • Brian Huprich, Past Chair

    Ariel Corporation

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    At-Large Exec. Member

     

  • Steve Oster, Chair-Elect

    Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities

  • Lorraine Boss,

    Member Benefits Chair

    Buckeye Stoves & Step Into Fitness

  • Nick Blanchard, Treasurer

    Park National Bank

  • Sandy Coffing

    At-Large Exec. Member

    CES Credit Union

  • Upcoming Events

  • 100Years.png

  • A Message from Our Director

    Thank you for visiting our page dedicated to our 100th anniversary film, “Knox County Business: Uncommon Brilliance Then and Now”.  This project was an exciting adventure.  It is our gift to the community and others to highlight the vibrant history of Knox County business.  Leaders have overcome complications to develop our county into the pristine community it is today with outstanding manufacturing, retail, service organizations, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and superior quality of life amenities.  The Knox County Chamber of Commerce wouldn’t exist without the support and success of area commerce.  Our Chamber is here to mentor and provide resources vital to every business from those based in the home to thriving corporations.  Please enjoy the preview of our film and visit this page often for information and updates.  Our sincere appreciation goes to the staff of I-CONN Video Production for creating this remarkable film; and to our 100th anniversary committee members: Jesse Marlow, Terry Bumpus, Jeffrey Scott, Vickie Sant, Marc Odenweller, Pat McLarnan, Kelly Brenneman, Gabe Duvall and Tina Cockrell.

    Carol Grubaugh
    Executive Director
    Knox County Chamber of Commerce
    Established February 11, 1916 – A Century of Service

     

  • BOARD OF TRUSTEES

  • Amy Smart
    Riverside Recovery Services

     

    Cindy McDowell
    ACS Title and Closing Services

     

    Denise Conway
    Conway's Pharmacy

     

    Don Divelbiss
    Divelbiss Corporation 

     

    Jeff Gottke
    Area Development Foundation

     

    Jeff Lavin
    Knox County Career Center 

     

     

     

  • Jill Ballenger
    Happy Bean Coffee Shop

     

    Jeremy Abrams
    Kidwell & Cunningham 

     

    Justin Holt
    Options Plus Furniture

     

    Lisa Bragg
    Knox Community Hospital

     

    Michael Percy

    Griffin Insurance

     

    Tonya Boucher 
    Huntington National Bank

     

    Zach Greem
    Knox Public Health