#TheGoodStuff: Welcome Storm Season?
6 May 2025
I saw a Facebook post recently from News 9 Weatherman Jed Castles. He was parked at 6th & Chickasha by the Chickasha Area Arts Council mural that says: Chickasha Oklahoma…Good Things Happen Here. Jed asks his followers to guess where he was as he was waiting to chase storms and of course everyone guessed Chickasha. But as we are now at the beginning of May and storm season, it made me think about how many visitors we will be seeing here in the next couple of months.
This weekend is graduation at USAO and there will be parents, family and friends in town to celebration that milestone for all the graduates. Chickasha High School and Canadian Valley Technology also have graduation coming up in May. USAO Softball will probably host another National Regional in a couple of weeks that will bring teams and their fans from all over the Country.
Whether it’s Storm Trackers or any other visitor, there will be a lot of people stopping off for a bite to eat, stay the night, take a picture at the Leg Lamp…who knows why, BUT…they will be visiting Chickasha. I know for a fact that we have had major national retailers in town for a site visit. How were they greeted at the restaurant? Was the convenience store clerk nice? When you see someone that is obviously from out of town at the store do you smile at them and say hello?
You never know who our visitors are, but if we try to be welcoming to everyone then that mural that the Arts Council did becomes very factual. We know that a visitor from California that saw the Leg Lamp being built liked this town enough to invest millions and he is buying the Airport Industrial Park and big news will be coming soon on that. First impressions are very important! We don’t want severe storms, but the visitors they bring are always welcome. When we appreciate someone new coming to our Community, you just never know what that could lead to? It might just be the CEO of a big company or it might just be someone that needs a smile and a friendly hello as they are passing through, either way they get to experience #TheGoodStuff!
Back in 2020 before Covid hit, I remember talking with people about the population of Chickasha. They were concerned that our town had not seen any measurable growth in decades. We had always been around 15-16 thousand in population. I responded that at least we weren’t declining like many rural towns in Oklahoma. As you may remember, the census was done in 2020 and when they were done they reported that our population was 16,059. This number reflects people living in the Chickasha city limits and we all know there are a lot of people that live within a few miles of town that don’t show up in these numbers. One of the things the EDC has done the past few years is track out Trade Area. We define that as people that come to Chickasha at least once a month for 12 consecutive months. We use Placer data to determine this. In 2022 our Trade Area exceeded 89,000 people, but the latest data now shows that we are over 120,000 people coming to Chickasha monthly. This increase reflects how the area between us and OKC has grown, but also reflects the advertising campaign we have in the area reminding people to shop Chickasha. New estimates from the U.S. Census American Community Survey shows that as of July 1, 2024, Chickasha’s population has reached 17,014. This is an increase of almost 1,000 from the 2020 base estimate of 16,059. We finally exceeded that 17,000 number…but only for a short time. We have more housing developments underway and there will be more announced soon. Chickasha is growing! There was a time when there were NO new housing developments happening in Chickasha, but that has changed. Why is Chickasha growing? There are a lot of reasons, but the main one is because everyone is working together to make things better and to attract new business and welcome new neighbors. We hit a milestone of now being over 17,000 in population, that my friends is definitely #TheGoodStuff!
In the coming months, we will be contacting businesses from outside of Oklahoma and recruiting them to expand or relocate to Chickasha Oklahoma. My question to you is “Why”? If you were in Southern California for example, what would make you want to move your business here? How would you describe our Community to someone that’s never been here? So what is a unique value statement? It a short statement that answers the question: “What makes Chickasha different from other places?” If someone from another state likes the idea of moving to this part of the country, why should they consider our town over hundreds of other towns of similar size? I have used the marketing slogan “Eat, Shop & Play in Chickasha.” It’s kind of catchy and it rhymes and all, but does it really set us apart from other places? So how would you describe your town to someone from out of state? What makes Chickasha unique? What do you think someone from a larger metro out of state would notice about our Community. What would stand out? I’m really interested to hear your thoughts. I have some ideas but can’t wait to hear what you all think… We have been recognized as an “All American City,” we have been known as the Horse Trailer Capitol of the World. Recently we had tons of news stories about being home to the World’s largest leg lamp. But we need an “elevator speech.” Something short that describes our town and why someone would move their business and family here. I have some ideas, but I really want to hear yours. Please leave your thoughts in the comments when you read this online or on social media. What do you have to say about Chickasha Oklahoma, one thing I know for sure is that it is the home of #TheGoodStuff.
I attended the grand opening of the Production House last weekend and loved what I heard and saw. This building was purchased a couple of years ago by Reagan Elkins and the Oh18 partnership of Kristen McGregor and Kristyn Allbritton. They teamed up to remodel the building into office space, retail space, a meeting room and a film studio. Yes…we have a state of the art film studio in Downtown Chickasha! All three of these young entrepreneurs grew up in the Chickasha area. In addition to being landlords, they also have successful businesses. OH18 Creative produces an incredible magazine that showcases everything happening in the 73…018. They also help local businesses with graphic design, social media and creative design. Their award winning work has been recognized on both the state and local levels. Reagan Elkins company, Intellego Media can be seen everywhere and like Oh18, has won multiple awards. He has been involved in major motion pictures, Indy films and music videos. He also does promotional videos for companies like Hart Trailer, DeHart Airconditioning and Willowbrook. The EDC and the Chamber have utilized his talents on multiple videos and TV commercials. They are literally Chickasha’s version of the American Dream. Smart creative business people investing in Chickasha and seeing the Vision of where our town is going. Most rural towns lose talent like this to OKC, Tulsa or even Dallas. Chickasha has a bright future because they choose to live, work and play in our Community. They are helping tell our story of not only where we have been, but more importantly where we are going. When the American Dream is alive and well in our town, you guessed it…that’s #TheGoodStuff.
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If you're a small business owner in Chickasha (or anywhere, really), there’s one digital tool you can’t afford to ignore: your Google Business Profile . This free resource could be the difference between someone walking through your doors—or passing you by completely. What Is a Google Business Profile? Formerly known as Google My Business, a Google Business Profile is what shows up when someone searches for your business—or a service you offer—on Google Search or Google Maps. Think of it as your digital storefront. It gives potential customers key info like your hours, location, reviews, photos, and how to get in touch. And the best part? It’s completely free . Why It Matters 1. 📍 Increased Visibility in Local Search When someone types in “boutique near me” or “Chickasha auto shop,” Google displays what’s called the Local Pack—a short list of businesses that match that search. These results sit above traditional website links and often show maps, reviews, and directions. If your business isn’t verified or doesn’t have accurate information, you’re likely missing out on being included in that list—meaning less visibility, fewer clicks, and potentially fewer customers. ✅ Businesses with complete and optimized profiles are twice as likely to be considered reputable by customers ( Harvard Media ). 2. 🤝 Builds Trust with Potential Customers Before someone calls or visits your business, they’re checking you out online. A well-maintained profile—with up-to-date hours, clear photos, and positive reviews—builds trust. It shows you're active, reliable, and ready to serve. “First impressions matter—especially online. Your Google profile is often your first chance to make a good one,” says Boise Web . 3. 📢 Free Way to Share Updates & Engage You can also use your profile to: Post updates and promotions Respond to customer reviews Share new photos of your storefront or products Answer frequently asked questions This makes your profile not just a static listing, but a tool for active community engagement. How to Claim or Set Up Your Google Business Profile It’s easier than you think: Visit google.com/business Sign in with your Google account Search for your business name Follow the prompts to claim or create your profile Verify your business (typically by postcard, phone, or email) Fill out your profile with accurate info, photos, and service details Need help? Google’s step-by-step guide is right here . Final Thoughts A Google Business Profile is one of the easiest and most effective tools small businesses can use to stand out. It’s not about being tech-savvy—it’s about being visible, trusted, and easy to find. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call or email cassie@chickashachamber.com and we can help you out!
We are blessed to have strong leaders representing us in the Oklahoma Senate and the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Representatives Brad Boles and Dick Lowe and Senator Lonnie Paxton are very active and engaged and understand how State policies can impact us here in Chickasha. They return phone calls and text messages and make time during the busy legislative session for their constituents. For our Community to grow, it is vital to have State leaders that want to help us succeed! Last week, local developer Chet Hitt and myself had the opportunity to have breakfast with the Governor and his Chief of Staff. This invitation came from the Governor because of the potential development of our Airport Industrial Park that Mr. Hitt will close on next month. Hitt has some ambitious plans to grow jobs in the 300 plus acres that has only grown grass for decades. The Governor was supportive of Hitt’s plan and was excited to hear about recruiting businesses into rural Oklahoma. Other state and federal leaders have also been supportive in helping us grow Chickasha: from United States Senator James Lankford and Congressman Tom Cole to Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell and others at both the State Department of Commerce and Tourism. It’s an exciting time right now in Chickasha, but our momentum is only possible because of so many people all working together. As Big announcements are made in the upcoming months, it will be because of a commitment that we are stronger together and that we can’t do it alone. The combination of having a strong City Manager and Mayor along with a supportive City Council is crucial to grow our town. Mix in support from local businesses, the Chamber and the EDC and we have the formula for successful growth. It takes everyone working together for all of us to enjoy #TheGoodStuff!
The City of Chickasha started offering a Downtown Grant back in 2019. An expired economic development sales tax had generated funds that provided incentives to the property owners to fix up their buildings. This was the beginning of the Downtown Revitalization. The free market system with no incentives produced no results in 30 years, it was time to try something else. The incentive was set up on a rebate program, so the property owner had to spend the money first and then turn in receipts in order to receive the grant. For every $3 dollars spent by the property owner, they would get $1 refunded back as long as the building produced a retail business that generated sale tax. This purpose of the grant was to stimulate private investment, but sales tax was a good by-product. The Grant was overseen by the EDC and thirteen different buildings addresses received grants. The buildings were renovated all along Chickasha avenue because the tax that funded this had those specific borders. The results were outstanding! Approximately $1.5 million dollars created almost $5.5 Million in private investment from the grant. BUT…over $7 Million more was spent by the private sector because of the very visible improvements in Downtown. For a detailed breakdown of this, please see the Chickasha EDC Facebook page .
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I saw a Facebook post last week from Mayor Zach Grayson discussing his experience at the Oklahoma Municipal League’s conference in Alva Oklahoma. Traveling to other rural towns in Oklahoma and seeing what they are doing is always fun. It’s good to get out of our bubble and realize how Chickasha compares to other towns, both strengths and weaknesses. From the Mayor’s post, it looks like he had time to do some reflecting on his drive home. If you want to read his entire post, it’s on the Facebook page “Chickasha Positively Speaking” which he created for everyone to share exactly that: Positivity! He is like most of us that choose to live here, he likes what he sees. He also recognizes what our Community needs to work on and that’s why he chose to run for Mayor, a position that requires a lot of time, with zero financial compensation. His rewards is helping lead our town and to unite us to work together for progress. In his post, Zach commented on feedback he has received from people that have lived here their whole life or at least several decades and how they like what they see. I have heard a lot of that too. I wonder if we took a poll of the citizens that live in Chickasha and asked them what they think about how our town is going, what would the results of the poll be? I guess we will find out next Tuesday, April 1 st when citizens will go to the polls and Vote for City Council. Being a City Council member pays no salary, just like the Mayor’s job, it’s strictly volunteer. For someone to run for Council they have to be willing to attend a minimum of two meetings a month on Monday nights. They have to represent the citizens of the Ward they live in and make decisions that shape our future. It’s a commitment, very different from those that like to sit back and criticize everything on social media. Next Tuesday I hope we have a huge voter turnout. I hope that citizens understand that no matter what Ward they live in that they get to vote on all three races. I hope they do some research and find the candidates that best represent their views for Chickasha and its future. Leadership matters! Whether good or bad, we get what we vote for in elections. I hope you will get out and vote and I hope you will remind all your friends to do the same. Great Leadership is the only way we will get to enjoy #TheGoodStuff!
Spring has officially sprung, and with it comes the much-anticipated Easter Shop Local Campaign ! Following the success of our previous campaigns—Local Love and Rainbow Hunters—we’re back with another exciting opportunity for our local businesses and the Chickasha community to come together and celebrate all things local this spring. From April 16th-19th , we’re encouraging everyone to shop local and join the Easter fun by participating in a city-wide Easter egg hunt. Participating businesses will hide Easter eggs in their stores, each containing a special discount, freebie, or surprise prize for shoppers to discover. Whether you’re a seasoned local or a newcomer to Chickasha, this campaign is the perfect way to connect with the community, support small businesses, and snag some fantastic deals! How Does the Easter Shop Local Campaign Work? It’s easy to get involved and even easier for your customers to participate! Here’s a quick rundown of the campaign process: Sign Up : Local businesses sign up to participate by March 28th . Once you’re on board, we’ll deliver Easter eggs filled with special offers to your business between April 9th-15th —just in time for the hunt to begin! Hide Your Eggs : When you receive your eggs, you’ll need to hide them somewhere inside your store. Each participating business is asked to provide at least 5 prizes , whether they’re discounts, free items, or fun surprises. The Hunt Begins! : From April 16th-19th , shoppers will be on the lookout for those hidden eggs, hopping from store to store in search of deals. The thrill of discovery is all part of the fun! Claim Your Prize : Once a shopper finds one of your eggs, they’ll be able to redeem their prize between April 21st-30th . Whether it’s a small treat or a big discount, they’ll be excited to return and shop with you again! Golden Eggs : For a little extra excitement, there will be three Golden Eggs hidden around Chickasha. These special eggs contain grand prizes for lucky shoppers. Who doesn’t love a good surprise? Join Us for the Big Kickoff Event! To get everyone in the spirit and make sure the hunt starts with a bang, we’re kicking off the campaign with a big event at Walmart on April 11th . This will be during Walmart’s ribbon cutting and our Chamber Connects event, which is a perfect opportunity to network with fellow local businesses and celebrate the start of the Easter Shop Local Campaign together. Be sure to stop by, grab your eggs, and learn more about how this campaign can boost your sales and connect you with new customers. Why Participate? The Easter Shop Local Campaign isn’t just about hiding eggs and offering discounts—it’s a fantastic way to: Increase foot traffic to your store Boost sales and attract new customers Connect with the local community in a fun, engaging way Showcase your business in a city-wide campaign And let’s not forget, it’s a great way to bring some joy and excitement to the Easter season! We’ve already seen tremendous participation in our Local Love and Rainbow Hunters campaigns, and we know that this Easter campaign will be just as successful, if not more! The support from the Chickasha community has been incredible, and we can’t wait to see how many people will join in on this hunt! How to Sign Up Ready to be a part of the Easter Shop Local Campaign? Sign up by March 28th to secure your spot! Just email cassie@chickashachamber.com to let us know you’d like to participate. We’ll provide everything you need, including the Easter eggs, promotional materials, and all the details on how to make the most of the campaign. We can’t wait to see how this Easter Shop Local Campaign brings our community together and supports our wonderful local businesses. Let’s hop to it—don’t miss out on this fun and exciting opportunity!