Welcome to the Highland County Chamber of Commerce

Chamber announces STEEL Conference

July 30, 2025 (Hillsboro, OH) – The Highland County Chamber of Commerce’s second annual STEEL Conference is scheduled for Wednesday, October 29, 2025. The Chamber invites businesses to become sponsors as well as participate in this exciting event that has been created to energize and strengthen Highland County’s business community. STEEL stands for Strengthening Together Experienced and Emerging Leaders. Anticipated attendance for the half-day event is 350 people from the area who will leave charged up and ready to lead. The event will take place at The Patriot Center at Southern State Community College located at 100 Hobart Drive in Hillsboro.

Tickets for the event are $100.00 and can be purchased by visiting the Chamber office at 129 North High Street in Hillsboro, calling 937-393-1111, or can be purchased online at www.thehighlandchamber.com with an additional fee. Chamber member tickets are on sale now and will be available to the general public on September 15, 2025. Tickets will not be available on the day of the event. Seating for the event will be limited so purchase your ticket early.

This year’s keynote speaker is Mike O’Connell. O’Connell is a pastor, speaker, coach, and writer who is passionate about helping people unleash their God-given potential. As the Associate Lead Pastor at Love Church in Omaha, NE, Mike has spent the last decade equipping individuals and organizations to lead with clarity, courage, and conviction. From walking on at Iowa State to playing professional football, Mike's journey is marked by grit, faith, and resilience. He brings that same tenacity to his work with leaders across the country through keynote talks, coaching, and his signature live event, The Lead Different Experience—a leadership gathering designed to challenge conventional thinking and inspire transformational impact. Mike has shared the stage with thought leaders like Jon Gordon, Ryan Leak, and Jordan Montgomery, and is known for delivering high-energy, high-impact messages that move hearts and activate growth. He lives in Omaha with his wife Jerica and their three kids, and is committed to building a life and legacy that points people to purpose.

Additionally, the event will be filled with ice breakers, networking time, a panel discussion featuring Highland County’s experienced and emerging leaders, and a happy hour event to continue the networking.

Doors will open at 10:00 a.m. and the event will conclude at 4:00 p.m. An optional happy hour event will follow from 4:30-6:00 pm at The Porch Carryout & Grill.

Announcements about the event, as well as other Chamber activities, will be made available on www.thehighlandchamber.com as well as the Chamber’s social media accounts.