June 04, 2025
Local News

Woodstock Chamber of Commerce forms new volunteer committee

By Submitted Report

Woodstock Chamber of Commerce & Industry Ambassadors (L to R) Front Row—Casey Meyers/Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices; Olga Ortiz/Berry Global; Natalia Arroyave/BMO Harris. Back Row—Arturo Flores/Success Realty Partners; Joe Starzynski/Home State Bank; Arlene Lynes/Read Between the Lynes; Tom Nierman/Nierman Landscape & Design; Kate Halma/True Blue Dogs; Terry Willcockson/City of Woodstock; Melissa McMahon/Mixin Mingle; John Blazier/Fraser Wealth Management; Donna Besler/Home State Bank. Not Pictured: Rick Bellairs/Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices; Don Fischer/Extra Eyez Inspections. (Photo provided)

Woodstock Chamber of Commerce & Industry announces the formation of a new volunteer committee who will be wearing identifiable red blazers as they roll out Woodstock’s red carpet to welcome and assist businesses new and old.

The Ambassador Club model is used in chambers of commerce in many surrounding communities. Fourteen community leaders, representing retail, commercial, industrial and public service organizations, were recommended for the highly interactive role, with connections to all geographical areas of Woodstock. These individuals will attend chamber mixers and new business ribbon cuttings, and assist with administrative details, publicity and event support for chamber functions. They provide an easily recognized information resource, both for new businesses needing help establishing their Woodstock location and for existing businesses and residents interested in what’s happening locally.

Chamber events such as mixers and ribbon cuttings are open to the public and offer an easy way to connect with friends and neighbors, learn about new products and services, and present a friendly introduction to those who are new to the area.

Woodstock Chamber, often in concert with the city of Woodstock, serves an integral role planning and presenting many of the community's special events. Along with operating Woodstock's official Visitors Center at their 127 E. Calhoun St. location, the chamber publishes the annual Community Guide; sponsors business development workshops; provides networking opportunities for a variety of interest groups; and, offers a detailed website with information about chamber members and membership benefits, in addition to listing all Woodstock activities, at: www.woodstockilchamber.com. Interested parties can also attend the Chamber Connections 101 session, every fourth Thursday at 8:30 a.m. to learn more about the group's membership benefits.

“We are thrilled at the responsiveness of these excellent community volunteers to this new chamber offering,” Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Danielle Gulli said. “The ambassadors will do a wonderful job to promote Woodstock as an outstanding place to do business, and heighten awareness of Woodstock Chamber’s many programs and events. These additional efforts and friendly faces will help all Woodstock businesses grow as a result.”

For information, contact Ambassador Chair Donna Besler at Home State Bank dbesler@homestateonline.com.