COLUMBUS—The Christian Business Partnership (The Partnership) launched Tuesday, February 21, becoming Ohio’s first and only statewide Christian chamber of commerce. The Partnership aggressively advocates for the religious liberty of Christian employers and for a fair and free marketplace that enables entrepreneurs to thrive and compete.

The Partnership, a former network of Center for Christian Virtue (CCV), remains associated with CCV but now is a stand-alone, non-profit chamber of commerce. Under the leadership of Executive Director Matt Stiers, The Partnership will be a model for state-based Christian and conservative chambers across the nation.

“Christians in the marketplace face unique challenges in America today,” Stiers said. “From cancel culture to woke forces driving dangerous social agendas like environmental, social, and governance (ESG), Christian business owners need a uniting force and voice at the Ohio Statehouse to stand for First Amendment freedoms and economic policies that allow
businesses to grow and compete.”

Along with advocacy at the Statehouse, members of the Christian Business Partnership will enjoy a number of benefits, including:

  • Access to The Partnership’s Cornerstone Healthcare Program

  • Educational resources and seminars on how to navigate legal and regulatory challenges

  • Networking opportunities with other Christian leaders throughout Ohio

  • Inclusion in The Partnership’s worker’s compensation group plan

  • And much more!

For nearly two years, Center for Christian Virtue and allies across the state met with business leaders to understand their concerns and develop a solution. The Partnership will bring a powerful voice to the discussion about the future of the state and nation, ensuring Ohio is the leading place to start and run a business and the best place to raise a family.

“The Partnership understands that our state is only as strong as our families. For Ohio to value and protect children and families, it’s just as important to have low taxes and regulation as it is to have law and order,” said Aaron Baer, President of Center for Christian Virtue.

The Partnership’s public policy advocacy will focus on six key areas:

  • Right to the Marketplace: First Amendment protections for Christian businesses and business owners are of paramount concern.

  • Strong Families, Strong Economy: Better workers and increased economic activity are the result of secure, stable families.

  • Law and Order: Our communities deserve protection, which can only come from supporting law enforcement.

  • Regulation Reform: Less red tape means more innovation and creative problem solving from the business community.

  • Dignity of Work: Because a career is part of a Christian’s call, fair wages and honorable work are an emphasis.

  • Workforce Development: Education helps not only the employee, but also the business.

There are two levels that business leaders can join The Partnership—Executive and Advocate.

Advocate members have access to:

  • The Partnership’s public policy and government relations teams

  • Legal resources and experts on First Amendment and regulatory issues

  • Benefit and affinity programs, including The Partnership’s Cornerstone Healthcare Program

  • The Insider, The Partnership’s bi-weekly briefing on political and legal news that impacts Christian-owned businesses

  • Networking opportunities with other Christian-owned businesses throughout Ohio and the nation

Executive members have access to all of the Advocate-level benefits, plus:

  • Private roundtables with Ohio lawmakers and national leaders

  • Opportunity to serve on one of The Partnership’s Leadership Councils

  • Assessment Tool, The Partnership’s exclusive diagnostic rating of the threat your business faces of “cancellation” or legal action by vendors or corporate partners in your supply chain.

Business owners can join today!

For more information, contact Christian Business Partnership Program Manager Sam Huddleston at contact@cbpohioorg.

The Christian Business Partnership aggressively advocates for the religious liberty of Christian employers and for a fair and free marketplace that enables entrepreneurs to thrive and compete. For more information, visit cbpohio.org

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