Autumn greetings, Oxford! The weather is changing once again and instead of the sweltering hot days of summer, we’re waking up to cool breezes and bearable temperatures in the afternoon. Before you know it, we’ll have the dreaded shovel at standby to clear the white stuff. But, we’re not there yet – so let’s enjoy it while we can!

I was asked by an out-of-town friend the other day what I like about Oxford so much. I’m not sure I’ve ever been asked an easier question. The answer is easy – the people. The citizens of our borough are a diverse, kind, ambitious, compassionate and generous group of friendly folks who like to enjoy the perks of small-town living. Yes, Oxford is growing by leaps and bounds and you have the occasional flare up on the message boards (all towns have those), but when you boil it down to the essence of who we are – we are a family. We are a family of passionate people who want our friends and families to persevere through hard times, build each other up and support each other in every facet of our lives. That’s what we are about. I don’t know how many people tell others they are proud to be an Oxfordian, but I can honestly say that I am proud to be part of such a wonderful community of individuals and businesses that strive for excellence in our personal lives and professional lives. For that, I thank you!

What is so great about the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce is that it doesn’t only include Oxford. Our business members and community partners are not just our downtown area, but businesspeople from Parkesburg to Kennett Square, West Grove to Rising Sun, Maryland. They all play a part in making our region of the tri-state area the best it can be. We’ve had a tremendous year at the Chamber.  It’s not because of just who is part of the Chamber, but the people that support our Chamber and our member businesses. It’s the family. The family of Oxfordians and other communities who continue to put small and local above big and national.  Those that continue to know the employees at our businesses by name and not those who are just a number or statistic in the corporate data machines. You are who makes Oxford great, who makes our area great and who continues to support the small (and some larger) local business that comprise the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce. Thank you for being a part of the Chamber family.

As always, remember those businesses whose logos you see at our community events. Those are the businesses who support the community activities and continued growth of our area. The Movies in the Park sponsors, the Everyday Hero 5k sponsors, the local school organization sponsors and all the events that make Oxford the place to live and raise a family. Your Chamber of commerce appreciates you more than you can imagine, and we’re committed to continuing to build the legacy that is the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce for years to come.

Humbly in your service,

Dennis M. McCartney

President