CHICKASHA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
What's Next?
Ready to get involved in something magical? Don't miss your chance – check out our upcoming events and learn more about what the Chamber does!
CHICKASHA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Chickasha Chamber is recognized as the front door of Chickasha and an advocate for the Chickasha business community. The Chickasha Chamber was started in the early 1900s by Chickasha businessmen who formed an organization to work together in the interest of Chickasha. Called the “Chickasha Commercial Club,” it later evolved into the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce which has been an important instrument in Chickasha’s stability since 1923.
The Chickasha Chamber houses a Board of Directors made up of member representatives from diverse areas of the business community.
Newest Members
Upcoming Events
A man came into the Chamber this week and wanted some information about what was going on in Chickasha. He said he was considering purchasing a business here, but wanted to know more about what was going on. As often is the case, he didn’t want to say which business it was, but very politely and professionally asked a lot of questions about our town. I asked him my favorite question when someone says they are moving here or buying a business here: “Why Chickasha?” He responded by saying that he comes through Chickasha regularly and has noticed something different the past couple of years. He said he used to think of Chickasha as a dying town, with not much happening, but something has changed. He wanted to know what was different about our town because he now wants to invest in it. His answer made me think of a quote from former football coach and motivational speaker Lou Holtz: “Nothing on this earth is standing still. It’s either growing or it’s dying. No matter if it’s a tree or a human being.” That’s a pretty powerful quote and I think it’s right on. I often hear from visitors that they can feel the energy when they come to Chickasha, an energy that didn’t exist a few years ago. I understand what they are saying, but it’s really hard to explain it. I can’t imagine giving an economic development update at City Council and telling them that our “Energy” was good. They want to hear about sales tax trends, new jobs coming to town, and what we are doing to help our local businesses. That is fair and that is usually the information I provide to them. At this week’s City Council meeting, a local citizen spoke to the Council and referred to what the EDC is currently doing as “playtime” and being concerned about quality of life instead of “hard manufacturing.” His thoughts were that a good economic development plan would be to work on infrastructure and crime. Now most people understand that the City has departments that handle that, but his comments show that understanding what economic development is can be difficult. So what should we be doing in Chickasha Oklahoma? Should we be creating an atmosphere that makes people want to invest or open a business? Should we work on being a town where people want to move to because they like what they see? Is that an aspect of economic development? The gentleman that stopped into the Chamber this week seemed to think so. He no longer sees a dying town of the past, but instead a place where he can feel something going on. Maybe Lou Holtz was right, maybe standing still is the same as dying in our fast paced world? Being a City that is moving forward and attracting investment, well that certainly has to be #TheGoodStuff!
During a break at the four- hour City Council meeting Monday night, I had two different people come up to me with comments. I had given an Economic Development update to the City Council earlier and was excited to present very positive data about our local economy, housing projects and the job market. As I have stated multiple times, Chickasha is far from perfect, but we have so much to be excited about. What I heard during the break was that I was a “Salesman” and a “Cheerleader.” I don’t believe either of their comments were meant to taken as compliments. In my role as the Director of the Chickasha Economic Development Council, I promote or “sell” Chickasha to potential businesses. That’s literally my job. The EDC has a contract with the CIA and it says that in the contract. All of the economic data I presented at City Council was just that, factual data. Matt Brooks is the research analyst for the EDC and he goes to sources like the Oklahoma Tax Commission to present reports on statistical data. I love Chickasha and I love what I do. I won’t apologize for telling everyone all the positive stuff that is happening here, that was the whole idea behind starting this column back in 2020. If you too Love Chickasha and like the momentum we currently have, I encourage you to call or email your City Council representative, come to a Council meeting and sign up to speak for three minutes under “Citizens to be heard” and let everyone know what you think about YOUR town. Studies show that the majority of the world looks at things negatively, our town is no different. That’s why I am asking you to share your thoughts on all the progress we are seeing. Our City is facing some historic decisions coming up as the Council considers implementing two different Tax Increment Financing Districts. If you want to know more about what that means, check out the Chamber website for five different podcasts that inform citizens about how TIF’s work. I may be “selling” #TheGoodStuff about our Community, but now it’s your turn to let your voice be heard. Let’s go Chickasha, we can do this!
It’s FAIR season and with that comes all kinds of fun and excitement. Get ready for a spectacular celebration at the Grady County Free Fair from August 22nd thru 24th! This beloved annual event is the perfect blend of tradition and fun, offering everything from live entertainment and thrilling rides to agricultural exhibits and delightful contests. Whether you are a local or a visitor, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendars and bring the whole family for an unforgettable experience! Monday, Aug. 19, 2024 4:30pm----Princess Contest Interviews 6:30pm----3rd ANNUAL LITTLE MISS Contest 7:00pm----34th ANNUAL PRINCESS TALENT SHOW Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024 3:00pm-5:30pm----Take OHCE, 4-H, Open Class, Farm Mechanics, and Flower Entries Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024 9:00am----Judge OHCE, 4H, FCCLA, Open Class, Farm Mechanics & Flowers 9:00am----HAY SHOW Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024 10:00am---- Youth Horse Show (Indoor Arena) 12:00pm-9:00pm----Vendor Booths Open in North Building and Event Center 12:00-2:30pm----Cake entries due 3:00-5:00pm----Judge Cakes 6:00pm----Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Fair Honoree Presentation 6:00pm----CARNIVAL OPENS (6pm-11pm) 6:10pm----Cake Auction followed by Princess and Little Miss Crowning 7:00pm----Live Entertainment (The First Look Band) Friday, Aug. 23, 2024 10:00am-9:00pm----Vendor Booths Open in North Building and Event Center 6:00pm----GOAT SHOW-release after Grand Drive Immediately Following Goat Show---SHEEP SHOW-release after Grand Drive 6:00pm----CARNIVAL OPENS (6pm-11pm) 7:00pm----Live Entertainment (Southern Sailor Band) 8:00pm----American Rodeo Qualifier (Outdoor Arena) Concert to Follow Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024 8:00am----4H/FFA Tractor Driving Contest (Written Test First) 9:00am----SWINE SHOW-release after Grand Drive 9:00am-9:00pm----Vendor Booths Open in North Building and Event Center 9:00am----POULTRY SHOW 10:00am----RABBIT SHOW 12:00pm-11:00pm----CARNIVAL OPENS (weather permitting) 1:00pm----FFA OLYMPICS CONTEST 2:30pm----MULLET CONTEST (Event Center) 3:00pm----CATTLE FITTING CONTEST 4:30pm----PET SHOW 5:00pm----BUCKET CALF SHOW 5:00pm----DAIRY SHOW (immediately following Bucket Calf Show) 5:00pm----BEEF SHOW-release after Grand Drive (following Dairy Show) 6:00pm----Open Alfalfa Hay Bids 6:00pm----KIDS’ PEDAL TRACTOR PULL 6:00pm----All OHCE, FCCLA, Open Class and 4H Exhibits released 8:00pm----American Rodeo Qualifier (Outdoor Arena) Concert to Follow The fair not only highlights our community's talents and traditions but also fosters a sense of togetherness and joy. From the excitement of the carnival rides to the talent showcased in various contests, the fair is a testament to the heart and soul of Grady County. There is something for everyone at the 109th Grady County Free Fair, August 22nd thru August 24th.
Check Out The Chickasha Chatter Podcast
Discover the heartwarming essence of Chickasha in our later episode of the Chickasha Chamber Chatter Podcast.
Thank You to
Our CHAIRMAN CIRCLE & President Club Investors!
Quick Links
Connect With Us
All Rights Reserved Chickasha Chamber of Commerce
Member Services by Pippily.Ai