Advocacy in an Election Year:
How to Lobby and Make Change Happen for your Business
In an election year, the decisions made at the Statehouse - and on the ballot - can have a direct impact on your business, your workforce, and your bottom line. But for many business leaders, knowing where to start when it comes to advocacy can feel overwhelming.
Join us for a timely and practical conversation featuring Rick Carfagna, Senior VP for Government Affairs of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, as he shares insights into the key policy issues shaping Ohio’s business climate - and what they mean for employers right here in our region.
From workforce development and taxation to energy, healthcare, and regulatory policy, Steve will break down what’s on the horizon and how business leaders can effectively engage in the legislative process. Whether you're new to advocacy or looking to sharpen your approach, this session will provide clear, actionable guidance on how to make your voice heard.
Walk away with a better understanding of:
- The top issues impacting Ohio businesses in 2026
- How policy decisions are made - and where your input matters most
- Practical ways to advocate for your business without becoming a full-time lobbyist
If you’ve ever wondered how to influence the policies that impact your business, this is your opportunity to learn from one of the state’s leading voices in business advocacy.
Rick Carfagna, Senior VP for Government AffairsOhio Chamber of Commerce
Rick Carfagna serves as Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. In this position, he is responsible for leading the Chamber’s legislative team and overseeing the Chamber’s public policy agenda.
Carfagna formerly served three terms in the Ohio House of Representatives, including a role in House leadership as Assistant Majority Floor Leader, where he helped develop and implement the majority caucus’ policy agenda. He also spent time as Chair of the House Finance Subcommittee on Higher Education and as Vice-Chair of the House Public Utilities Committee.
As State Representative, he was the architect of Ohio’s $270 million Residential Broadband Expansion Program to bring high speed internet infrastructure to unserved households throughout the state. He also had measures enacted that combat human trafficking, stabilize mental health emergencies, provide customer protections to parents of children in daycare, and provide greater access to, and emphasis on, computer science offerings in K-12 education.
As former Chair of the Ohio Retirement Study Council, Carfagna provided legislative oversight over the state’s five public retirement systems and their approximately $218 billion in combined assets. Carfagna also chaired the Midwestern Higher Education Compact, a consortium of 12 member states that strengthens postsecondary education through cost-savings initiatives and policy solutions.
A native of the Columbus area, Carfagna earned his B.A. in Political Science from John Carroll University. From 2002 until 2017, Carfagna worked as Government Relations Manager for Time Warner Cable, where he oversaw legislative and regulatory issues at the local, state, and federal levels. Prior to his tenure in the Ohio House, Carfagna was twice elected to the Genoa Township Board of Trustees where he served for seven years.
Rick currently serves as the Governor’s appointee to the Sunset Review Committee, tasked with evaluating various state agencies, boards and commissions to evaluate their usefulness, performance and effectiveness. He was also appointed by the Ohio Senate to the Ohio Pavement Selection Advisory Council under the Ohio Department of Transportation. Rick is a board member for Groundwork Ohio, a non-profit focused on early childhood issues, and is on the executive committee of the Association of Independent Colleges & Universities of Ohio.
Rick Carfagna and his wife, Jill, reside in Genoa Township and are the proud parents of a daughter, Isabella.
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Date and Time
Tuesday Jun 9, 2026
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM EDT
11:00AM - 11:30AM | Registration, Networking, Coffee
11:30AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks
11:45AM | Lunch served
12:00PM - 1:30PM | Featured Speaker
Location
The Golf Club at Little Turtle
5400 Little Turtle Way
Westerville, OH 43081
Fees/Admission
$45 | Members
$55 | Potential Members
$550 | Corporate Branded Table of 8
$650 | Corporate Branded Table of 10
Contact Information
Jessica Schwarz
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