Finding Community Through the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce

Prior to joining Oaks, most of my professional experience was rooted in Central and Northern New Jersey. I attended college in North Jersey, live in Mercer County, and if I’m being completely honest, anything beyond Bordentown felt unfamiliar, unless it was a destination like Atlantic City or the Shore.

One of the most meaningful parts of my role at Oaks has been building relationships with the people who live and work in the communities we serve. While Oaks has a statewide reach, our roots run deep in Burlington County. Founded in Moorestown, Oaks has maintained a strong footprint in the region for decades, making it important for me to better understand the community and the people who help make it thrive.

I quickly realized that the best way to immerse myself in Burlington County was to get involved with the local chamber of commerce. Joining the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce (BCRCC) turned out to be one of the best decisions I could have made.

Unlike many chambers that can sometimes feel transactional or overwhelming, the BCRCC has what I can only describe as a boutique feel. It is personal, welcoming, and genuinely relationship-driven. Members know one another, support one another, and truly care about helping each other succeed. They show up for one another’s events, celebrate milestones together, and are often among the first to offer support when challenges arise.

A large part of that culture comes from the leadership of Kristi Howell and her team. Kristi has always taken pride in meeting members where they are. She makes it a point to get to know people personally and encourages members to reach out directly for guidance, introductions, and support. That level of accessibility and investment in members is something special.

The Chamber became an essential part of my own success in getting to know Burlington County and in helping me better understand the region, make meaningful connections, and feel more rooted in the community Oaks calls home. In fact, my experience was so impactful that I recently joined the Chamber’s Board of Directors, wanting to give back to an organization committed to helping people and businesses build one another up.

If you have ever considered becoming involved with the BCRCC, I encourage you to explore it. Better yet, reach out to me at Denise.Soto@oaksintcare.org and I would be happy to invite you to join me as my guest at a future luncheon so you can experience the Chamber’s warm, welcoming environment for yourself.

Denise Soto, MS, CFRE

Chief Development & Communications Officer

Oaks Integrated Care