Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation (Rural Oxford EDC) is a local non-profit organization that focuses on the diverse economic development and investment attraction needs of Oxford County’s rural municipalities. Oxford County is a regional municipality in Southwestern Ontario and is amongst the most prosperous rural communities in Ontario with its rich agricultural heritage and extensive agri-business, food processing, transportation, logistics, manufacturing, construction and small business sectors. It is a two tiered County and home to eight area municipalities including the Townships of Blandford-Blenheim, East Zorra-Tavistock, Norwich, South-West Oxford, Zorra, Town of Tillsonburg, Town of Ingersoll, and the City of Woodstock.
Rural Oxford EDC supports business growth and development in the Townships of Blandford Blenheim, East Zorra-Tavistock, Norwich, South-West Oxford, and Zorra. Rural Oxford EDC is a collaboration funded by these five-member municipalities. The organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors (with two representatives from each member municipality) and employs one full-time staff. The Economic Development Director works with two part-time contractors an Economic Development Officer and a Brand & Marketing Consultant.
Building on the organization’s current Strategic Plan’s success, this new Strategic Plan takes a fresh look at the current economic climate, priorities, and opportunities for impact in Rural Oxford. This new Strategic Plan, based on research and community engagement, delivers an action-based roadmap that defines and outlines Rural Oxford EDC’s 2026-2030 strategic objectives and goals.
The Strategic Plan was built on an economic and situational analysis of the area’s economy and a comprehensive public consultation process. This process merged qualitative and quantitative analyses to develop actions that are realistic and doable, supported by the community, and grounded in the realities of Rural Oxford’s economic and cultural landscape.