From connecting businesses to greeting guests at the Visitor Center to planning some of the community’s most popular events, your Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce team is on the go year-round.

In fact, you might be surprised at all they do!

As executive director, Miranda Hoppock oversees the Chamber’s operation, advocates for the empowerment of members and supports members in achieving their business goals.

“What isn’t there to love about this job?!” Miranda says. “We get to work for a member-driven non-profit, run the visitor information center, host community events, be the marketing arm for Oak Harbor, and connect the Military and community to other community members, connect the community to the business community, and connect businesses to businesses!”

Making all those roles possible is the Chamber’s exceptional team, Miranda says.

Working behind the scenes and as the first point of contact for businesses and visitors, “they do so much,” Miranda says. “I couldn’t do it without them and the Chamber would not be successful without them.”

Cathleen Snow helps with daily Chamber operations and events, but as a Community Connector she especially enjoys greeting Oak Harbor guests with a warm welcome. “I enjoy answering their questions about our beautiful Island and about the numerous events we put on throughout the year.”

Like Cathleen, Community Connector Hailey Beecher ensures guests are greeted warmly, answers any questions they may have about the island, and helps the events team. She also helps with membership – registering new members, communicating with member sponsors before and after events, and following up with members every few months.

“​I love the interaction within the community that this job provides, but the most wonderful thing is working with the staff we have here in office,” Hailey says. “Oak Harbor is beautiful both in nature and in community. Both of these make is easy to work and be involved on a daily basis.”

Helping get the Chamber’s message out is Autumn Parks, the marketing and graphic designer, who in addition to creating the Chamber’s promotional material, also manages its social media.

“I love that I get to be creative and interact with so many different people,” says Autumn, who enjoys sharing Oak Harbor’s many benefits with members, the community and visitors. “Oak Harbor is a beautiful, quiet town that I’ve lived in for so many years. There’s always someplace to explore and enjoy!”

As Event Coordinator, the Chamber’s Vicki Graham is the go-to person for all Chamber and partnered community events.

“I love the camaraderie of the business community and the smiles on everyone’s face while they’re enjoying our events,” Vicki, who’s thrilled to share not only region’s beautiful scenery with event guests, but also the sense of community. “We really are one big family.”

Miranda agrees.

“With its hometown feel that has all the amenities of a larger municipality, the sense of community is one of the reasons that Oak Harbor is such a great place to live and work.”

Welcome the New Year with a bang!

Mark your calendars for New Year’s Eve when the Oak Harbor Chamber hosts the much-anticipated annual fireworks show. The family-friendly event lights up the sky over the bay at 9 p.m. – midnight on the East Coast – allowing all ages to take in the fun.

Looking ahead, the Oak Harbor Chamber’s jam-packed 2020 events season kicks off with the annual awards Feb. 29. And you won’t want to miss the July 4 festivities – named by USA Today as one of the country’s top 10 Fourth of July Festivals!

Learn how the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce can help you: Visit oakharborchamber.com or call 360-675-3755.