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Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders: Get Your Young Professionals Connected
One of the best parts of my role at Shawnee Forward is getting to connect with people who are passionate about building something, whether it’s a business, a career, or a stronger community. That’s exactly what PCYP (Pottawatomie County Young Professionals) is all about.
PCYP is a network for young professionals ages 18–40 who live or work in Pottawatomie County. We focus on connection, professional development, community service, and mentorship. It’s open to anyone in that age range, and there’s no cost or membership fee to join. Just show up and get involved.
If you have young professionals on your team, I want to personally encourage you to invite them to one of our upcoming PCYP events. This group is a great way for them to expand their network, grow their leadership skills, and feel more rooted in our community. We’ve seen new friendships form, business collaborations spark, and even folks step into new leadership opportunities, all because of the relationships built through PCYP.
We’re always welcoming new faces, and I’d love for your organization to be part of it.
Our next PCYP meetup is tomorrow, August 5, at 9:00 AM, at Chick-fil-A.
Sign up to stay in the loop
Let’s keep investing in the future of Pottawatomie County, one young professional at a time.
-Daniel
Director of Operations
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Shawnee Forward Welcomes
2025-2026 Board of Directors
The 2025-2026 Shawnee Forward Board of Directors is now in place, bringing together a strong team of local leaders committed to supporting business growth and community progress.
We’re grateful for their willingness to lead and serve, and we’re excited for the year ahead under their guidance.
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PCYP Meet-Up Tomorrow:
August 5 at 9 AM at Chick-fil-A
Join us tomorrow at Chick-fil-A for our next Pottawatomie County Young Professionals gathering! Meet our incoming co-chairs, Allison Coffman (OBU) and David Dinsmore (Sovereign Bank), and connect with other local young professionals.
We’ll chat about what’s ahead for the rest of 2025 and how you can get involved. PCYP is open to individuals 18–40 who are looking to grow, give back, and build meaningful connections right here in our community.
Meet other young professionals and connect with us over breakfast and coffee at Chick-fil-A! We can’t wait to see everyone and invite a young professional to join us.
| | Bowling for Business, August 19 | | |
Ready to Roll? Bowling for Business is Almost Here!
Join us Tuesday, August 19, at FireLake Bowling Center for one of the most fun, competitive, and high-energy events of the year! This is your shot to show off your skills, connect with other professionals, and maybe even snag some bragging rights and prizes.
There’s still time to sign up your team and grab a sponsorship, but don’t wait. Lanes are filling fast, and you do not want to be the one hearing about it instead of being there.
Sponsorships are also available if you want to showcase your business, but you'll need to move quick. Sponsorship Deadline is August 6th.
Reach out to Crystal or Daniel to sign up or snag a sponsorship before they’re gone!
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Whether you're a business leader, community advocate, or simply someone who cares about where our region is headed, this event is your opportunity to hear directly from city and county leadership.
Get updates on key initiatives, upcoming projects, and the vision shaping our region’s future. Don’t miss this chance to stay informed and engaged with the progress happening across Shawnee and Pottawatomie County.
Registration is open, and Sponsorships are available.
| | 2025-2026 Partnership Guide | | |
Put Your Business in the Spotlight
Looking for ways to get your business in front of more people this year? Shawnee Forward has plenty of opportunities to help you stand out.
Whether you're interested in sponsoring a signature event, supporting a community program, or getting your name out there through one of our networking gatherings, there’s something for every budget—and some options are limited.
Click the image above to see what’s available. Have questions or want to claim a spot? Reach out to Daniel or Crystal. We’re here to help you make it happen.
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Leadership Shawnee Class #39
Applications Are Now Open!
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New Fiscal Year, Fresh Start!
July 1 marked the start of our new physical year for Shawnee Forward, making it the perfect time to review your Shawnee Forward member profile on our website in the Business Directory. Make sure your business info is current so people can find you in the member directory! Double-check your:
- Company reps
- Emails & phone numbers, address
- Website address & Social media links
- Logo (if you're at the Essential level or above)
You can log in and update everything through the Member Login. If you need help accessing your account, reach out to Daniel by phone or email—he’s happy to help!
| | WorldAtlas Names Shawnee to its list of 10 Best Places to Call Home in Oklahoma in 2025 | | |
"Shawnee is another great location in Oklahoma that provides housing well below the national average and with a gradual increase in population, it is clear many are realizing the opportunities that await. Shawnee, Oklahoma, stands out for its entertainment, where you can beat the heat at the Shawnee Splash Water Park, a large outdoor pool open from May to August that also has a climbing wall, slides, and a spray ground area. If you want a fun place to take the family, then look no further than Kids Space Park, a top-five largest premier park. Shawnee is also home to one of the oldest museums in Oklahoma, the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, which has over 8,000 years of culture and art worldwide."
Read the full article here
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The Essential Rules of Email Marketing for Small Businesses
Elevate your strategy with promotional emails and newsletters while adhering to basic guidelines. Use these tips to plan your approach.
As a small business owner, you know that effective email marketing can be a game-changer for your company. The right strategy engages audiences, increases open rates, and drives conversions. But with so many rules and best practices to consider, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
Don’t settle for mediocre campaigns when you can be a pro. Explore email marketing guidelines for audience segmentation, newsletters, A/B testing, and more. Here’s the inside scoop on perfecting your techniques.
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Shawnee Forward: Driving Economic Growth and Community Prosperity in Pottawatomie County
Published in the Shawnee News-Star & Experience Shawnee publications
By Crystal Romanyszyn, Shawnee Forward President and CEO
Pottawatomie County is on the rise. At the heart of this progress is Shawnee Forward, a unique organization that serves both as the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Organization for the region. Formed in 2017 through a strategic merger, Shawnee Forward was designed to streamline efforts, eliminate duplication, and maximize impact. This dual role enables us to be more agile and responsive to economic shifts, ensuring that the businesses and communities we serve are equipped to thrive in a changing landscape.
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Gordon Cooper, Rocket Man Run
August 23rd
Register Here!
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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!
Miss a Newsletter?
If you missed a recent newsletter, you can catch up anytime by viewing the archives on our website here.
| | Thank you, CLEAResult, for your generous sponsorship of our newsletter, "In the Know". Your support enables us to keep our community informed and engaged with the latest updates and events. | | |
Shawnee Forward | 405-273-6092 |
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