Woodstock Chamber moves into new digs

The Woodstock Chamber of Commerce recently moved into 21 Market Street, allowing the organization to better serve its members. (Contributed Photo)

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Woodstock Chamber of Commerce has a new home at 21 Market Street.

The organization recently moved from the second floor of the United Way Oxford building, something Chamber General Manager Mike Crabbe said has its advantages.

“The thought came up that there was this office available in the city-owned Market Centre, and if the chamber had an opportunity to move into that space, it would give us the chance to be alongside some of our business-minded community partners.”

Those partners are the Business Improvement Area (BIA), the Oxford County Small Business Centre, the Downtown Development Officer and the city’s Economic Development Department.

“Ultimately, it has resulted in creating a business hub so when folks need help, they come in and between all of the organizations they’re going to leave with the answers they came in for,” explained Crabbe.

The chamber progressed gradually over the past several weeks, culminating in its official opening on Jan. 2. He added the move has already paid off in being able to steer someone in the right direction.

“I’ve had a member come in with a question about chamber-related things, and through the conversation, we realized there were some things outside the scope of our work they needed help with. Traditionally, I would hand over a business card and say reach out to these folks and for me, that’s where the conversation would end.”

Crabbe said in this case, he was able to talk across the floor and introduce them to the person who could provide the right help.

“In this case, Brenda from the Small Business Centre happened to be available. The client came in with 10 questions, five for me and five for her, and left with all the answers. For the chamber, it’s a huge benefit to know we have friends within arm's reach, who we know can help our members.”

He added there are other obvious advantages to the new workplace.

“Our old office wasn’t accessible, whereas now we are fully accessible, and that was a huge win for the chamber. We also have access to a decent-sized boardroom where we can hold networking events, so that’s a game-changer for us.”

Crabbe added he will also be able to offer education sessions to people outside of the chamber by collaborating with their new neighbours.

“There are more opportunities to lean into each other’s events and we have goals of actively preparing events together.”

He explained the move also allows the chamber to better achieve its strategic goal of being a community player.

“By that I mean somebody our members can rely on to have access to the other networks around and our goals of being a more collaborative organization with like-minded folks. My goal over the next couple of years is to instill the importance of community.”

Crabbe added Woodstock is growing incredibly quickly, but the small-town lure remains and is something that should be highlighted.

“By working together we can embrace the growth while still maintaining that small-town charm of knowing who people are. Having something like this business hub is going to help us cross-pollinate across each of our organizations.”

The chamber’s former home is looking for a new tenant on the second floor of the United Way Oxford building at 447 Hunter Street. The office is available for lease to a local non-profit or charitable organization and is approximately 300 square feet and fully furnished. Anyone interested can reach out to Kelly Gilson at 519-539-3851 ext. 301 or kelly@unitedwayoxford.ca.