Columbus Chamber Launches Memorial Fund for Small Business Leaders

The Don DePerro Memorial Fund will support access to training programs for local entrepreneurs.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 5:31am

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The Columbus Chamber of Commerce has established the Don DePerro Memorial Fund to honor its late former president and CEO. The fund will provide scholarships for small business leaders to access the chamber's flagship training programs, including the Columbus WINS sales program and the Elevate Cbus leadership experience.

Why it matters

Don DePerro was widely regarded as a champion of small businesses in the Columbus region. This memorial fund aims to continue his legacy by investing in the development of local entrepreneurs and business owners, which is seen as crucial for the area's economic growth.

The details

The Columbus Chamber launched the Don DePerro Memorial Fund in early February 2026. The fund will support access to the chamber's Columbus WINS sales training program and the Elevate Cbus leadership experience, both of which are six-month programs. The chamber is inviting community members and businesses to contribute to the fund through its website.

  • The Columbus Chamber launched the Don DePerro Memorial Fund on February 2, 2026.
  • Don DePerro, the former president and CEO of the Columbus Chamber, passed away in January 2025.

The players

Don DePerro

The late former president and CEO of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, who was regarded as a champion of small businesses in the region.

Derrick R. Clay

The current president and CEO of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce.

Columbus Chamber of Commerce

The local business organization that launched the Don DePerro Memorial Fund to support small business leaders in the Columbus region.

Kenny McDonald

The former president and CEO of One Columbus, who described DePerro's death as a tough loss for the Columbus business community.

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What they’re saying

“Don DePerro understood something fundamental about economic growth: it starts with people. He believed deeply in small businesses and in the leaders behind them. This fund honors his legacy in the most meaningful way possible, by investing in the talent, skills, and confidence of the people who will build the next chapter of our region's economy.”

— Derrick R. Clay, President and CEO, Columbus Chamber of Commerce (dispatch.com)

“His leadership meant the world to that organization. And as a partner, he just couldn't have been a bigger advocate and cheerleader for Columbus, period.”

— Kenny McDonald, Former President and CEO, One Columbus (dispatch.com)

What’s next

The Columbus Chamber is inviting community members and businesses to contribute to the Don DePerro Memorial Fund through the organization's website.

The takeaway

The establishment of the Don DePerro Memorial Fund demonstrates the Columbus business community's commitment to honoring the legacy of a respected small business advocate and investing in the development of local entrepreneurs, which is seen as crucial for the region's economic growth.