71st Annual Groundhog Breakfast

Rise and shine! Join us for one of Licking County's most anticipated traditions, the 71st Annual Groundhog Breakfast! This signature Chamber event brings together hundreds of business and community leaders for a morning of networking, community celebration, economic insights, and an inspiring keynote presentation.

Come extra early for something spectacular! Doors open at 5:30 a.m. with an exciting Drone Light Show illuminating the early morning sky! The show will be visible outside Adena Hall, facing the interior of the Ohio State Newark/COTC campus.

Breakfast lines open at 5:45 a.m., featuring delicious food from Morning Harvest Cafe and freshly brewed coffee from Coffee Shack Coffee Roasters. Enjoy connecting with fellow attendees before the program begins at approximately 6:40 a.m.

The festivities kick off with the Presentation of Colors by the Licking County Sheriff's Office and the National Anthem performed by Miss Ohio Lexie Miller. Our emcee and Chamber Board Chairman, Jimmy Peck, will welcome attendees alongside our celebrity groundhog, followed by remarks from our corporate sponsor, The Energy Cooperative.

Attendees will also hear an economic forecast featuring area industry leaders, along with an update from the Licking County Chamber of Commerce.

Featured Keynote Speaker: Angus Fletcher

Why AI Is Smart, But You're Smarter

We're excited to welcome Angus Fletcher, bestselling author of Primal Intelligence, nationally recognized researcher, and Professor of Story Science at The Ohio State University!

Drawing on groundbreaking neuroscience research with U.S. Army Special Operations, Fletcher will explore what makes human intelligence uniquely powerful and how we can tap into our brain's extraordinary ability to navigate uncertainty, solve problems, and think creatively in ways AI cannot replicate.

A Yale PhD and recipient of a U.S. Army Commendation Medal, Fletcher has earned praise from thought leaders including Malcolm Gladwell, Brené Brown, and Rick Rubin. Prepare for a fascinating, thought-provoking presentation that will challenge how you think about AI, leadership, and the power of the human brain!

We'll wrap up the morning by presenting the John Alford Community Service Award, followed by the much-anticipated unveiling of our groundhog!

The festivities conclude by 9 a.m., leaving attendees inspired, informed, and ready for the year ahead.

Don't miss this longstanding Licking County tradition. We look forward to celebrating with you!

In the rare occasion of a Level 2 snow emergency, the event will be presented virtually at a future date and time.