JCI Vision

Our History

The Junior Chamber was formally established in 1920 as an organization that would help young people develop their skills as leaders by tackling civic problems, the North Columbus Junior Chamber have been a force for positive change in our community since 1963. In 1963, Dr. Lou Berta and a group of dedicated young men decided to form the North Columbus Jaycees. The City of Columbus had grown tremendously since the formation of the cities first Jaycee Chapter, the Columbus Jaycees and the need arose for a Jaycee Chapter in the Northern Columbus Area. Because of this, the North Columbus Jaycees was born.  

All our events are run by our members, who have regular full-time jobs but who are dedicated to improving their city. Through their Junior Chamber memberships, our members develop essential skills and connections that serve them throughout their lives and careers.

Looking for a way to best serve the community and serve the needs of its members, the founders of the chapter started with a project to paint a flag pole, which evolved into the Flags on High project. Later, the idea to create affordable senior housing in Columbus, Ohio was born. Today, the North Columbus Jaycees have two senior housing complexes which house hundreds of senior’s in Columbus. Our chapter is dedicated to serving the needs of our members, the residents of our senior communities, and the citizens of our city. 

Junior Chamber alumni include leaders such as past Presidents Gerald Ford and Bill Clinton, Domino Pizza mogul Tom Monaghan, Miss America Kay Lani Rae Rafko-Wilson and basketball great Larry Bird.