
Interviewee:
Rinus Oosthoek (He/Him)
In your words… Tell us about your organization, business, initiative.
The Salem Chamber of Commerce: Your Business is Our Business
The mission of the Salem Chamber of Commerce is to make Salem a better place to live, work, and do business. The Salem Chamber serves as the voice for member businesses, representing, advocating and working to enhance the business and civic environment. With close to 500 members, we are the largest business organization in Salem.
Tell us a bit about you and why you do what you do? Share your passions for your business, initiative, organization.
Rinus Oosthoek is the Executive Director of the Salem Chamber of Commerce. Prior to joining the Salem Chamber, he was the director of Beverly Main Streets, and the CEO of Oosthoek Group, an international consulting, marketing and sales consultancy. Rinus was the manager of the North American sales office for Amsterdam, RAI Group and an International Trade Consultant at the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce in the USA, both in The Hague and New York. Rinus studied International Marketing & Management at Utrecht University, where he also received a Bachelor Degree in Geography & Home Economics.
What role do you think your business plays in supporting a more creative community? OR your community in general. (Bonus! Why do you think a more creative community is important?)
The Salem Chamber represents businesses and organizations in all industries and sectors, and one of our main roles is to connect and represent people and businesses across industries, including the creative community.
What was the last book you read OR What was the last video you watched that made an impact on you?
Rachel Maddow – Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism
What’s the one thing people would be surprised to learn about you or your business?
I’m Dutch, but not from Holland. I’m born in the province of Zeeland, the Netherlands.
Creative Collective is a group of economic development strategists, small business supporters, activation specialists, and believers in the importance of the creative workforce. We foster growth, sustainability, and scalability for small businesses, creative thinkers, organizations, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Learn more and join Creative Collective at www.creativecollectivema.com/join
