When we moved from Main Street, we anticipated our current location would be temporary while we looked for the office that would most fit our vision for who our organization would be. At that point, we were transitioning into programming that would be impactful to our members and the business community, including our work around leadership development, education, and business support.

We have now found the location that is aligned with that vision, and we are excited to announce that we will begin our move to the fifth floor of the 100 Seneca building in Oil City this September. As of October 1, your Chamber will have a new address. As one of the first tenants in the newly renovated building, we are excited to watch 100 Seneca become a thriving center for business collaboration.

Chamber President Susan Williams shares that this move will put staff and the organization in an even better position to serve members and the community. Susan remarks, “Our current office at 24 Seneca Street has served us well for the last 8 years, but we have outgrown this space. When the Chamber relocated from Main Street in 2017, we had a staff of three. With staff now including four full time, one part time, and two summer interns, we are using every corner of this office.”

The new Chamber office will provide staff with access to meeting and conference rooms, which will be a benefit to those we work with, whether in a confidential meeting or when offering training or larger gatherings.

Emily Lewis, Executive Director of the Venango County Economic Development Authority, explains how this partnership can benefit all businesses: “The Chamber is connected to businesses from concept to maturity, both small and large, who seek resources and connections. The VCEDA brings the knowledge and understanding of how to best support business in our current system, and we are excited at the opportunity to work closely with the Chamber to maximize the delivery of resources to our community.”

The Chamber will continue to welcome visitors, from businesses or the community at large, but it is important to note the Chamber no longer sells merchandise. The Venango Museum is Oil City’s official visitor center and now has some items that we previously offered, including T-Shirts, mugs, postcards, and such. We will have a supply of visitor guides and brochures but suggest that those seeking relocation or visitor information stop by the Oil Region Alliance, the County’s designated tourism agency.

The Chamber office will continue to be open Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 4:00 (often staffed earlier and later), at the current location and eventually at 100 Seneca Street. Susan suggests that anyone wanting to meet with her or other staff – call in advance, to avoid inconvenience if staff is out at a meeting or event, but also extends the offer to meet at your business or at a space convenient to you.

Please update the Venango Chamber’s mailing address for correspondence or payment/billing to: P.O. Box 376, Oil City, PA 16301

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s June 2024 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.