Business Academy

The world of business is always expanding; so, we are too.

The Ohio Chamber of Commerce's Business Academy is a resource created for Ohio businesses to gain comprehensive understandings on a variety of topics through free webinars and educational resources. The Ohio Chamber has partnered with top business leaders, employment lawyers, industry leaders and legal experts to provide information and webinars on areas pertinent to business including human resources, employment law, marketing, technology, finance and best industry practices.

WEBINARS

Managing the Modern Workforce: Legal Tips and Traps for Accountability Gaps, Absenteeism, and Performance Reviews

July 15, 2026

Managing today’s workforce requires more than policies and procedures—it demands practical strategies for addressing accountability, attendance, and performance challenges while staying compliant with evolving employment laws. In this informative webinar, William Nolan, Partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, will explore the legal risks and best practices employers should consider when managing absenteeism, closing accountability gaps, and conducting effective performance reviews. Attendees will gain insight into common workplace pitfalls, documentation strategies, performance management techniques, and proactive approaches to reducing legal exposure while fostering a productive workplace culture. Whether you oversee HR, operations, or people management, this session will provide actionable guidance for navigating complex workforce issues with confidence.

AI & Cybersecurity for Small Business Success

July 23, 2026

This workshop will explore how artificial intelligence acts as a double-edged sword—empowering attackers with automated hacking and cloning tools while simultaneously providing powerful new defensive capabilities. Attendees will move past complex jargon to learn actionable, budget-friendly strategies because effective cybersecurity relies on consistency and awareness rather than massive IT budgets. Our workshop will equip you with foundational tools to safeguard your livelihood, supply chain, and customers against today’s top threats. Speaker: Tristen O’Brien, Director of Cybersecurity Solutions, Verizon With over two decades of experience at the frontier of emerging technology, Tristen is a leading authority on the intersection of Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence. As the Director of Cybersecurity Solutions, he moves beyond traditional defense, leveraging his doctoral research in AI to help businesses navigate the complexities of the modern threat landscape. A published author and recognized thought leader, Tristen blends 22 years of technical rigor with forward-thinking insights, making him a sought-after advisor for organizations looking to secure their future in an AI-driven world.

Media Training 101

August 20, 2026

The Ohio Chamber’s Media Training 101 Webinar will explore how leaders can shine in interviews and in public settings. Dan Williamson, senior vice president at Werth PR, will talk through how to develop and deliver a strategic message and how to respond to tough questions. These are tips can come in handy whether you’re talking to a reporter, a client, or your boss. Dan, whose professional history includes experience as both a journalist and a media spokesperson for the Columbus mayor’s office, will also lead interactive mock interviews to demonstrate what a media encounter can look like in real time. We are looking for 2-3 individuals to participate in these mock interviews, if you're interested please reach out to Meg Melcher at mmelcher@ohiochamber.com.

Certification

The Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s Business Academy is accredited by the National Society of Human Resource Management, the thought-leader and trailblazer of human resource matters. Our accreditation guarantees that those who participate in our curriculum have the opportunity to earn HRCI or SHRM credits (for human resource professionals) or CLE credits (employment lawyer continuing education credits).

The Ohio Chamber, the Ohio Chamber’s Business Academy and its participating presenters and contributors make no representations or warranties, express or implied, that the information presented in the HR Manual, employment law posters, webinars (live webcast or recorded) and webinar associated materials (hereinafter collectively, “HR Materials”) will prevent you or your company from being named as a party in an administrative proceeding before any local, state or federal agency or an action filed in any court.

The use of Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s Business Academy HR Materials does not establish an attorney-client relationship between yourself, your organization and the Business Academy attorney presenters and contributors. The Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s Business Academy HR Materials are meant to be used for informative purposes only and are not a substitute for consulting your own legal counsel regarding any issues you or your organization may face. You and or your organization should always contact your own legal counsel should the need arise.