As the new director for the Oxford Chamber of Commerce, Nicole Stirrett is on a mission to get to know the local business community.
‘I plan on going and knocking on every door,? she said.
On the job since July 1, Stirrett is genuinely excited about devoting her time and talents to improving Oxford. She’s lived here for the past three years.
‘I look forward to the opportunity to help the community that I love and call home,? she said.
Prior to the chamber, Stirrett owned and operated a real estate appraisal company for 11 years.
‘I know the importance of deadlines and doing things in a timely manner,? she said. ‘And I enjoy being out in the field.?
Stirrett is manning the chamber office from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, then visiting businesses from 1-3 p.m.
‘If you see me, please come by and say hi,? she said.
While social media and e-mail are common ways to communicate these days, Stirrett still believes in the value of meeting people and shaking their hands.
‘I truly feel (making) a face-to-face connection is more important,? she said.
Raising public awareness about the chamber ? how it can assist and promote businesses, what services it has to offer, etc. ? is one of Stirrett’s top priorities. She wants the chamber to be the go-to information center for new residents and new businesses.
Stirrett is encouraging businesses to become not just chamber members, but active participants in the organization and its events.
‘I’d like for a lot more businesses to get involved because when they’re involved, it puts their name out there and brings in revenue, not only (for) themselves, but (for) the community,? she said.
The fact that Oxford already has a ‘very diverse? business community is viewed by Stirrett as big plus for the town.
‘That’s my favorite thing about Oxford ? you don’t have seven of the same thing,? she said. ‘There’s a bunch of different businesses around here.?
Community is very important to Stirrett.
That’s why she does a lot of volunteer work through the school system and her children’s sports programs. Her family has been involved with Oxford Jr. Wildcats football and the Oxford Recreational Baseball Association.
She and her husband, Matt, have been together for almost eight years. They have two sons ? Seth, a sixth-grader at Oxford Middle School, and Evan, a fifth-grader at Clear Lake Elementary.
Stirrett runs a side-business called Stir It Up Cupcake Co. She bakes cupcakes for weddings, showers, birthday parties, graduations and other festive occasions.
Chamber President Deb Uren firmly believes they picked the right person for the director job.
‘She is exactly what we’re looking for,? she said. ‘She has a passion for the community and is involved in the community with her kids.?
‘She is definitely going to be an excellent, excellent face for the chamber,? Uren continued. ‘I look forward to having her out and about, meeting our chamber members and potential chamber members.?