In the KNOW!

September 22 | 2025

Showcasing Pottawatomie County on the National Stage


I am so excited to share some big news with you. Shawnee Forward and our community were recently featured in Business in Focus magazine. Business in Focus is a national publication with more than 250,000 readers. This kind of opportunity doesn’t come around often, and it allows us to showcase Pottawatomie County on a national stage as a place where businesses can thrive, families can grow, and opportunities are endless.

Being included in this magazine is more than an honor, it’s a reflection of the incredible collaboration and determination that define our community. Shawnee Forward’s story is really our story: the small business owners who pour their hearts into their work, the manufacturers who create jobs and innovation, the educators preparing the next generation, and the city and county leaders who are working together like never before. This feature shines a spotlight on the way we come together to support growth, solve challenges, and build a future worth investing in.

What excites me most is that readers across the country now get to see what we already know. Pottawatomie County is full of possibility. We have new programs tackling childcare needs, partnerships that connect college students with local employers, and major agreements that strengthen economic development efforts, we’re creating momentum that’s both inspiring and impactful.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read the article. It captures not only the milestones we’ve achieved, but also the energy, creativity, and vision that make our community such a special place to live and do business. Together, we are telling our story. And it’s one that is just getting started.


-Crystal

President/CEO

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HAPPENING SOON!

Next Monday!

Shawnee Forward Members, You’re Invited: The Social Exchange!


Be part of something new, join us for the very first Social Exchange networking event, hosted at the FireLake Golf Course Clubhouse. This is your chance to kick off a fresh way to connect with other professionals and community leaders.


When: Monday, September 29 • 4:30–6:00 PM

Where: FireLake Golf Course Clubhouse

Details: Appetizers will be served • Cash bar available


Need a new headshot? Stop by during the event and get a professional headshot for free, perfect for updating your LinkedIn profile or company bio.


Help us launch this new networking event with great conversation, good food, and meaningful connections. Don’t miss this inaugural gathering!


This is a free event for Shawnee Forward Members only. 

Visit Shawnee is hosting the Empty Buildings Tour in Downtown Shawnee on October 22nd & 23rd! This is a glimpse into its bright future. Join us in exploring the potential of these incredible spaces and supporting our downtown revitalization efforts. Come see what's possible in Downtown Shawnee!


Learn more information here.


Loom LLC

BUSINESS RESOURCES

How to Understand and Extend Your Financial Runway. A Simple Guide for Small Business Owners.


Most small business owners are playing a game of financial chicken, and they don't even realize it.

MEMBER EVENTS

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Want Your Event in Our Newsletter?

If you're a Shawnee Forward member and have an upcoming event you'd like to share, we’d love to help spread the word! Please email your flyer to Daniel or Crystal at least two weeks before the event, and we’ll include it in the two newsletters leading up to your big day. It’s a great way to get your event in front of the community. Don’t miss out on this member benefit!



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