A New Season, A New Era: Blackwell Chamber of Commerce Embraces Change for the Future

Fall is a season of change. The leaves turn, the air sharpens, and with each cool morning comes the promise of something new. For the Blackwell Chamber of Commerce, this fall is more than just a change of weather—it is the beginning of a new chapter, a reimagined path forward for Blackwell, its businesses, and its people.

After months of discussions, revisions, and careful planning, the Chamber has embarked on a restructuring process aimed at strengthening its foundation and expanding its reach. At the heart of this transformation is Chamber Executive Director Noel Black, whose passion for community and commerce is shaping the Chamber’s future.

“Change is never easy,” Black said with conviction, “but this change is necessary. It’s about focusing on what truly benefits Blackwell—our businesses, our organizations, and our families. Every discussion, every vote, every decision has been made with that purpose in mind.”

The momentum began in January, as Chamber leaders examined their bylaws and procedures. By June, new bylaws had been enacted. In July, the Chamber Board voted to restructure, a decision that officially went into effect in August. That decision reduced the Board from 22 members to 12, creating a more streamlined, focused group.

But the restructuring was not about cutting back. Instead, it was about sharpening the Chamber’s mission. The new structure divides responsibilities into two clear groups: those who will focus on the infrastructure of the Chamber—financials, legal work, and long-term strategy—and those who will serve as Ambassadors, the public face of the Chamber, helping coordinate events, support members, and strengthen ties within the community.

“We’ve had many long, productive conversations,” Black explained. “Our goal isn’t just to host community events, but to create opportunities that serve our members while also enriching the entire community.”

Some events, like the beloved Community Easter Egg Hunt, will now be carried by other organizations such as the Methodist Church. That decision reflects the Chamber’s new approach: focusing resources where they can have the greatest impact while partnering with others to keep community traditions alive.

This new vision will make its grand debut in October with the Chamber’s first-ever Boo Bash, a Halloween block party set for October 28 on West Blackwell Avenue. Complete with trick-or-treat booths, costume contests, and free vendor spaces for businesses, the Boo Bash will embody the Chamber’s mission of blending commerce with community celebration.

“The Boo Bash means a lot to us,” Black said, her voice filled with emotion. “It’s more than just a party. It represents a turning point—a symbol of the new path we’re carving out for the Chamber. It’s about togetherness, opportunity, and pride in Blackwell.”

Vendor registration opens in mid-September, and Black is encouraging all businesses—whether Chamber members or not—to take part. “This is a chance to welcome everyone to the table,” she said. “We want to bring in new businesses, show them what Blackwell has to offer, and create an event that is fun, safe, and memorable for families.”

But the Chamber’s ambitions extend well beyond holiday celebrations. Black and her team are working closely with the Blackwell Economic Development Authority (BEDA) and the Blackwell Industrial Authority (BIA)—two organizations with long-standing roles in supporting industry and growth in the region.

“We have an excellent relationship with both the BEDA and the BIA,” Black emphasized. “Together, we are constantly looking for ways to attract new businesses, support the ones we already have, and ultimately improve the quality of life for everyone in Blackwell.”

The BIA, established in 1969, has been instrumental in developing the Blackwell Industrial Park, which is now home to manufacturing, agricultural, and renewable energy industries. The BEDA, created in 2016, continues to drive growth across sectors and support business expansion. Both entities target industries that align with Blackwell’s strengths, and the Chamber intends to remain a key partner in these efforts.

One of the Chamber’s challenges, Black acknowledged, is correcting misconceptions. Some assume the Chamber only serves Blackwell-based businesses.

“We serve nearly 200 businesses across the region,” she said. “From Tonkawa to Ponca City, from Braman to right here in town, if you’re investing in Blackwell, if you’re supporting Blackwell, then we’re here to serve you.”

Another misconception is that involvement is reserved for board members or business owners. Black was quick to set the record straight: “Anyone can be involved with the Chamber. If you’re part of this community, you can contribute. You can volunteer, attend events, support programs, and be part of something bigger than yourself.”

To foster this inclusivity, the Chamber will begin looking to recruit “ambassadors” in January 2026, with plans to meet quarterly. In the meantime, opportunities abound for volunteers to join in on events, ribbon cuttings, Chamber Coffee gatherings, Maroon Lunch Mobs, and more.

For Black, this moment feels like the culmination of her career so far. A Lamont native and Tonkawa High School graduate, she has spent more than a decade working in chambers of commerce, from Perry to Ponca City, serving in roles that spanned tourism, communications, and leadership. With training from the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organizational Management, the Chamber Management Institute, and the University of Oklahoma’s Center for Chamber of Commerce Excellence, Black brings both experience and passion to her role.

“My work has always been about building people up, building businesses up, and building communities up,” Black said. “That’s what chambers are for. That’s why I’m here.”

As the leaves turn and Blackwell prepares for fall, the Chamber of Commerce stands ready for its own season of renewal. With new structure, new energy, and a new vision, Noel Black and the Chamber Board are looking ahead—not just to October’s Boo Bash, but to years of growth, partnership, and progress.

“This is our new era,” Black said. “And it’s only the beginning.”