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, Programs and Financial Manager

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.

Stephanie Blanchard, Programs and Social Media Coordinator

Stephanie Blanchard is a seasoned marketing professional with over 15 years of experience, including an impressive tenure at Park National Bank. Her expertise spans marketing, advertising, graphic design, social media communications, event planning, fundraising, and digital marketing—with four years focused specifically on digital marketing strategy and analytics.

She holds an Associate's Degree in Digital Media Arts from North Central State College in Mansfield and has earned multiple certifications, including Google Ads - Measurement, Google My Business, Google Analytics, and the Foundations of Digital Marketing and E-Commerce.

She has also been very active in the community over her career, including involvement with the United Way of Richland County, Buckeye Imagination Children's Museum, Habitat of Humanity of Richland County, United Way of Richland County Power of the Purse Committee, United Way of Richland County Big Red Book Shelf Committee, and various community events for the organization's she worked for over the years as well. 

Stephanie lives in Danville, Ohio, with her husband Nick and their two children, Grayson and Madelyn.

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