Tourism might sound like something that belongs to big cities and beach towns, but in Oklahoma it’s just as important on our rural main streets as it is in any urban entertainment district. For communities like Chickasha, tourism isn’t a luxury or an afterthought, it’s a real economic engine, a community-builder, and a point of pride. As OKC focuses on the Thunder playoffs, the 100 year anniversary of Route 66 and many other events that will drive visitors to the metro area, I believe it’s time for us to appreciate what’s happening right here in Chickasha! When people choose to spend a day, a weekend, or a vacation in a small town, they’re doing much more than taking photos and buying souvenirs. They’re helping keep the lights on in locally owned businesses, supporting public services through sales tax, and breathing new life into our historic downtowns and rural attractions. Chickasha is a perfect example of what rural tourism can do when a community leans into its strengths. In rural Oklahoma, every visitor dollar stretches farther. When families come to Chickasha for the Festival of Light, a sports tournament, to see the Leg Lamp or the Oklahoma Food Truck Championship, their spending ripples through our economy. Hotels fill up, providing jobs and generating vital lodging and sales tax revenue. Local restaurants see extra business, often enough to carry them through slower seasons. Boutiques, antique shops, and local retailers benefit from increased foot traffic, especially in our downtown . Gas stations, grocery stores, and service businesses see higher sales as visitors stock up and refuel before heading home. One of the strengths of Chickasha’s tourism story is that we didn’t wait for someone else to hand us an attraction. We built our own. Festival of Light turned Shannon Springs Park into a winter destination that draws visitors from across the state and the country. What started small has grown into one of Oklahoma’s signature holiday events. Oklahoma Food Truck Championship has taken a trend…”mobile dining “and turned it into a marquee fall event that showcases small businesses and gives people a reason to discover downtown Chickasha. The Chickasha Leg Lamp , our towering tribute to Noland James and the movie “A Christmas Story,” has become a year-round photo-op and conversation piece. It’s quirky, fun, and exactly the kind of unique landmark that puts a town on the map. Chickasha Sports Complex attracts youth tournaments that fill hotel rooms and restaurants nearly every weekend in peak seasons. Sports tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments in the country and Chickasha has positioned itself right in the middle of it. Grady County Fairgrounds hosts a steady calendar of fairs, livestock shows, rodeos, trade shows, and special events that draw in participants and spectators from literally all over the country. None of these happened by accident. They came from volunteers, civic groups, city and county support, private donors, and local businesses working together. That’s what rural tourism looks like at its best: local people investing in local ideas. We should never underestimate the power of a First Visit, for many people, tourism is Chickasha’s handshake. That first visit often leads to a second. Maybe they come back for another tournament, another festival, or just to explore more of what they saw the first time. Sometimes, that casual visitor becomes a student, a new resident, or even a business owner. We have already proven what’s possible when a rural Community decides to dream a little bigger. From the Festival of Light to the Leg Lamp, from our sports complex to our fairgrounds, we’ve built a tourism portfolio many towns our size would love to have. Oh and by the way…for those that didn’t think the Leg Lamp would draw tourists year around? A Route 66 tour bus came to town last week to take a picture. They drove 45 minutes out of their way to come here. Stop by and see the Crafty Queen at the visitor center sometime and hear more stories of all visitors she welcomes! Tourism in rural Oklahoma isn’t about becoming something we’re no, it’s about showcasing who we are, our creativity, our history, our hospitality and turning it into opportunity. For Chickasha, that’s not just good news… That’s #TheGoodStuff.

Some nights, you can just feel the heartbeat of a community. That’s what last Friday night felt like at the Grady County Fairgrounds as more than 400 people gathered for the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Banquet. It was one of those evenings that reminded us why small towns matter, why local effort counts, and why it’s worth taking the time to stop and celebrate the people who quietly keep everything moving. Under the glow of the banquet lights, you could see the full spectrum of Chickasha in one room: small business owners, long-time professionals, young entrepreneurs, educators, civic leaders, volunteers, and families. Different stories, different backgrounds, all sharing the same purpose: to celebrate all the positive things that happened in 2025. Events like this matter more than we sometimes realize. Small businesses are the backbone of towns like ours. They sponsor youth sports teams, donate to school fundraisers, help with church events, take a chance on hiring local students, and show up for every raffle, auction and charity drive. When a community need arises like a benefit dinner, a family in crisis, a scholarship fund, our small businesses are almost always among the first to say, “How can we help?” This annual banquet encourages others. When new entrepreneurs hear the stories of local success, of people who started small and built something strong right here in Chickasha then it plants seeds. It tells the next generation that they don’t have to leave town to do something meaningful. They can build, create, and thrive right where they grew up. It reinforces that progress is happening. It’s easy to get caught up in problems, headlines, and challenges. An evening dedicated to awards, milestones, and achievements forces us to take inventory of the good: new jobs created, storefronts filled instead of empty, buildings revitalized, and partnerships formed. It reminds us that, step by step, this community is moving forward. And finally, it pulls us together. Any time over 400 people share a meal and a common purpose, something powerful happens. New connections form, old friendships are rekindled, and ideas for future collaboration start quietly at round tables over coffee and dessert. The Chamber banquet wasn’t just about applause, it was about strengthening the relationships that will generate the next round of successes we’ll be celebrating a year from now. If you own or work for a local small business, volunteer with a civic group, coach a team, or simply choose to shop and eat locally, then you were part of what was celebrated in that room, whether you were able to attend or not. For a complete list of all the businesses and individuals that were recognized, go the Chickasha Chamber Facebook page or website. A community that doesn’t just talk about supporting local, but takes the time to dress up, show up, clap loudly, and say together, “Well done. Let’s keep going.” That’s #TheGoodStuff! 

Every so often, somebody shrugs and says, “My one vote doesn’t really matter.” In Chickasha, that’s just not true. In last year’s City Council election, less than 900 people voted. We’re not talking about thousands of ballots and landslide victories. We’re talking about races that have been decided by three or four votes. Not three or four percent…three or four people. The size of a family. A carpool. A coffee group. That means if you and your spouse both stay home, you just cut a candidate’s margin of victory or defeat in half. If you, your neighbor, and your co‑worker don’t bother, you may have just changed who’s sitting on the City Council for the next two years. Local government is where the decisions closest to your daily life are made. Our City Council doesn’t control everything, but it does help shape how safe your streets are, whether your road gets repaved or keeps collecting potholes, or how your tax dollars get used right here at home. These aren’t abstract debates happening in some far‑off capitol. They’re choices about your neighborhood, your water bill, and your kids’ future. Here’s something else worth remembering: City Council members in our town don’t get paid for the job, not a salary, not a stipend, not a bonus. They’re volunteers. The people whose names end up on that ballot are your neighbors. Folks who have jobs and families and still choose to spend their evenings in council chambers reading budgets, listening to complaints, and trying to make steady, practical decisions for the town. They get the phone calls when a streetlight is out or a ditch is overflowing. They’re the ones answering questions at the grocery store and at the ballfield. They miss family dinners to sit through long meetings so the rest of us can have a say in how our community is run. Is every decision perfect? No. Do council members always agree with each other, or with you? Of course not. But they are people who stepped forward when it would have been easier to stay home. The least we can do is step into a voting booth. If we want good people to keep volunteering, we need to show up for them. Low turnout sends a message that we’re not paying attention. Strong turnout says, “We care who leads us, and we’re watching.” Do you like what’s happening in Chickasha right now, then get out and vote. Do you think we are on the wrong path and we need to change directions, get out and vote. When most of us vote, City Council starts to look more like the town it serves. Different ages, backgrounds, and ideas all reflected in those seats up front. Next Tuesday, April 7 th is the City Council election. When the results are announced and you hear that a City Council seat was decided by three votes, you’ll know you were one of them. That’s #TheGoodStuff about living in a small community… what you do matters!

OKC is the home of the defending World Champion OKC Thunder. They will be hosting Olympic events in 2028. None of this would be possible without their City leaders dreaming BIG dreams back in the 90’s when they suffered an economic development failure which lead to MAPS. I know we aren’t OKC, but I often wonder if we dreaming big enough here in Chickasha? When you look at the success of the Chickasha Leg Lamp, you can’t dispute that Tim Elliot’s Big Dream worked, but now what? What is our Vision for Chickasha for the next 5-7 years? How do we embrace growth and try to steer it where it benefits our Community the most? Small dreams feel safe. They don’t rock the boat. They don’t risk embarrassment. They don’t invite anyone to say, “Who do you think you are?” But small dreams rarely change a town. They maintain it. They preserve it. Sometimes they slowly drain it. You can see the difference between “maintenance dreaming” and “transformational dreaming” everywhere. One of the quiet tragedies in a lot of small towns isn’t a lack of talent, money, or opportunity. It’s a lack of permission to dream big. We talk ourselves out of it before we even start. What if we changed “We’re just Chickasha” into “We’re Chickasha and that’s our superpower”? Because we have things the big cities can’t manufacture: A tight‑knit Community where neighbors matter, a historic downtown with real character, room to grow, create, and build without being crowded out and people who show up, volunteer and care. Those are ingredients big dreams are made of. So What Could Big Dreams Look Like Here? Not every big dream is about professional sports or the Olympics. But the scale of our thinking? That part matters. What if we asked questions like: What would it take for Chickasha to be one of the top small‑town arts and culture destinations in the region? What would it look like to make Chickasha the best place in Oklahoma to start and grow a small business? How could we become a hub for innovation at our Industrial Park? What would it take to enhance Chickasha’s brand as a must‑visit Christmas destination for the entire country, building on the Festival of Light and the Leg Lamp? How do we become a model community for walkable streets, great public spaces, and quality of life? None of those questions are about pretending to be a city we’re not. They’re about becoming the best possible version of who we are.Look around and you’ll see proof that Chickasha’s capacity for big dreaming is already here. The way local volunteers, city staff, and sponsors pull together to put on events that punch above our weight. The businesses that took a risk on Main Street when it would’ve been easier to go somewhere “safer.” The Community projects and nonprofits quietly changing lives with limited budgets and unlimited heart. That’s #TheGoodStuff right here at home…people who care enough to try. The question now isn’t whether we have dreamers. We do. The question is: Are we giving ourselves permission to dream even bigger?

One of the greatest strengths of any successful Community isn’t found in its buildings, its streets, or even its businesses. The true strength of a Community is found in its people, especially those who choose to step forward and lead. Volunteer leaders are the backbone of thriving towns. They are the individuals who give their time, energy, and ideas to make their Community better, often without recognition or compensation. They serve on boards, organize events, mentor younger leaders, and help guide important conversations about the future. Without volunteer leadership, Communities simply cannot grow and improve the way they should. Here in Chickasha, we are fortunate to have many people who are willing to step up and serve. One of the most important ways we cultivate those future leaders is through the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Chickasha program. Leadership Chickasha was created to help identify, develop, and connect emerging leaders in our community. Participants spend months learning about different aspects of Chickasha: from education and healthcare to agriculture, local and county government, economic development, and civic organizations. The goal is simple… help people understand how our Community works and inspire them to become involved. Two individuals who have been instrumental in making that program successful are Kimmy Loggins and Johnny Trammell. Both Kimmy and Johnny have dedicated countless hours to Leadership Chickasha, helping guide participants through the program while encouraging them to see the many opportunities to serve and lead. Their passion for developing future leaders is evident in the way they mentor, encourage, and challenge each class to think about how they can make a difference. Programs like Leadership Chickasha don’t happen by accident. They happen because people like Kimmy and Johnny believe in the importance of investing in others. They understand that our Community’s future depends on preparing the next generation of leaders today. Many of the individuals who have gone through Leadership Chickasha have gone on to serve on boards, lead nonprofit organizations, support Community initiatives, and help move Chickasha forward. That ripple effect is exactly what strong volunteer leadership creates. Communities that continue to grow and succeed are the ones where people don’t wait for someone else to solve problems or create opportunities. Instead, they raise their hand and say, “I’ll help.” That spirit of service is alive and well in Chickasha, thanks to dedicated volunteers like Kimmy Loggins and Johnny Trammell and the many graduates of Leadership Chickasha. We continue to build a stronger Community for the future full of #TheGoodStuff! 

Property taxes are one of the most discussed—and often misunderstood—topics in Oklahoma. They fund many of the essential services we rely on every day, from our public schools and career technology system to county government and city services. With several proposals currently being discussed at the State Capitol that could impact how property taxes are structured in Oklahoma, it’s important for our community to understand what those changes might mean locally. That’s why the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Property Tax Legislation Town Hall this Friday, March 13th at 9:00 a.m. at Chickasha City Hall (117 N. 4th Street). We are grateful that State Representatives Brad Boles and Dick Lowe will be joining us to walk through some of the legislation currently being discussed at the Capitol. They will explain the proposals being considered and how those ideas could potentially impact county government, public schools, career technology programs, and the City of Chickasha. One of the most valuable parts of the meeting will be a simple breakdown of where your property tax dollars actually go. Many people are surprised to learn how those funds are distributed and which entities rely on them to provide services in our community. This Town Hall is not about taking sides, it’s about providing information. When legislation at the state level has the potential to affect local services, the best thing we can do as a community is make sure citizens have clear and accurate information. We encourage anyone who owns property, operates a business, or simply wants to better understand how local government works to attend. Coffee and donuts will be served , and the format will allow time for questions so citizens can hear directly from their elected officials. Chickasha has always benefited from engaged citizens who care about the future of our community. Opportunities like this Town Hall allow us to stay informed and be part of the conversation about decisions that affect our schools, infrastructure, and public services. If you’ve ever wondered how property taxes are calculated, where those dollars go, or what changes might be coming , this will be a great opportunity to learn more. Caring about our Community…well that’s #TheGoodStuff!

If you’ve driven across Chickasha lately, you can see it with your own eyes… we are growing and we are improving. Growth is exciting. New buildings, new investments, new activity. But improvement is just as important. It signals confidence. It tells the story of a community that believes in itself enough to reinvest, remodel, and raise the standard. Right now, that story is unfolding all across town. First Baptist Church is undergoing significant remodel work, not just cosmetic updates, but improvements that position their facilities to better serve families, students, and the broader community for years to come. When long-standing institutions reinvest at that level, it reflects stability and long-term vision. Canadian Valley Technology Center is also making improvements. CareerTech continues to be one of Oklahoma’s strongest competitive advantages, and when CV Tech upgrades facilities and programming, it strengthens our workforce pipeline. That matters for our students, for employers, and for every business we recruit to Chickasha. Chickasha Public Schools have multiple building projects underway as well. Investing in educational infrastructure is one of the clearest indicators of a forward-looking community. Strong facilities support strong outcomes and families notice that when deciding where to live. The County also has remodeling plans for the Courthouse. That is how some people view Chickasha, when they do business at the County seat of Grady County. And at the corner of 4th and Grand, new retail construction is rising from the ground. That project represents visible growth with new commerce, new jobs, new activity in the heart of town. It’s sure to be busy this holiday season as new retail opens up. But here’s what stands out… this isn’t just expansion. It’s reinvestment! We are not simply adding to Chickasha; we are upgrading Chickasha. That distinction matters. Communities that only chase new projects without maintaining what they have often plateau. Communities that consistently improve existing assets: churches, schools, training centers, commercial buildings, they create sustained momentum. What we’re seeing right now is confidence. Confidence from congregations. Confidence from educators. Confidence from retail investors. Confidence from families who choose to build here. Improvement signals belief and belief fuels growth. Chickasha isn’t standing still. You can see the scaffolding. You can hear the construction. You can watch progress take shape on nearly every side of town and that’s #TheGoodStuff. 

One of the most powerful economic development tools we have in Chickasha isn’t a tax incentive, a highway, or even a new building, It’s Canadian Valley Technology Center. As we continue recruiting companies from California and other high-cost states, one thing becomes crystal clear in every serious conversation: workforce wins deals. Here in Chickasha, we have a competitive advantage that many states, especially California simply do not at our level. Oklahoma’s CareerTech system is one of the strongest in the nation. Canadian Valley Technology Center is not just a school; it is a strategic workforce engine. It prepares high school students, adult learners, and incumbent workers with hands-on, industry-driven training that aligns directly with the needs of manufacturing, industrial, and skilled trade employers. When we sit across the table from a manufacturer considering relocation, they want to know three things: Can I find skilled workers? Can I train them efficiently? Can I grow my workforce without breaking the bank? In Chickasha, the answer to all three is yes! Manufacturing companies in Oklahoma benefit from a CareerTech system that develops welders, machinists, industrial maintenance technicians, electricians, CNC operators, healthcare professionals, and more, right here at home. Students graduate job-ready, with industry certifications and real-world experience. That reduces onboarding time, lowers training costs, and improves productivity from day one. Even more impressive is the on-site training support CareerTech provides to businesses. When a new company opens its doors in Chickasha, Canadian Valley Technology Center can design customized training programs, deploy instructors, and train employees on-site. That is a powerful recruiting tool. Now consider this: the state of California does not have a statewide CareerTech system structured like Oklahoma’s. They do not have the same coordinated, industry-aligned, publicly funded workforce development infrastructure. Companies relocating from California are often stunned when they learn about the level of support available here. I saw this first hand last week when we hosted a site visit from a California company and CVT made a presentation to them. In California, workforce development can be fragmented, expensive, and heavily regulated. In Oklahoma and specifically in Chickasha, it is collaborative, responsive, and built to serve industry. That difference matters. A Lot! It means when we recruit manufacturing operations to the Airport Industrial Park or other development sites, we’re not just offering land and buildings. We’re offering a workforce pipeline, we’re offering a partnership. We’re offering a Community that understands that education and economic development go hand in hand. Canadian Valley Technology Center strengthens our high school students’ career pathways, supports adult learners seeking new opportunities, and provides direct business solutions for employers. That is not just good education policy. That is smart economic strategy. Communities grow when their workforce grows and because Chickasha has Canadian Valley Technology Center in our backyard, we are better positioned to compete, to recruit, and to win. That’s not just economic development… That’s #TheGoodStuff.

One of the best things about Chickasha has always been our people. We smile. We hold doors. We strike up conversations in line at the convenience store or across the table at our favorite local restaurant. It’s just who we are. And right now, that simple kindness matters more than ever. Across the country, companies are looking for places to grow: manufacturing firms, logistics operations, entrepreneurs, and family-owned businesses searching for the right community to call home. And here’s the thing: sometimes they don’t show up in a suit with a name badge that says “Site Selector.” Sometimes they’re the person grabbing coffee next to you. Sometimes they’re eating lunch at your favorite restaurant. Sometimes they’re filling up their tank on the way through town. You never really know who might be visiting Chickasha with big decisions on their mind. That’s why every “hello,” every friendly nod, every “welcome to Chickasha” carries more weight than we might realize. First impressions aren’t made in boardrooms, they’re made in our stores, our restaurants, our shops, and our streets. When visitors see a community that is warm, welcoming, and proud of where it’s headed, it leaves a mark. It tells them this is a place where people care. A place where employees would want to live. A place where a business could put down roots and thrive. We talk a lot about growth, opportunity, and momentum and rightly so. But the secret ingredient has always been us. Our attitude. Our hospitality. Our willingness to make someone feel at home, even if they’re only here for a day. So this week, let’s keep doing what Chickasha does best. Be kind. Be welcoming. Say hello. You just never know when that small moment might play a role in the next big chapter for our community, let’s show them #TheGoodStuff!