In the KNOW!

September 2| 2025

Hello Shawnee Forward Community!

I’m excited to introduce myself as the newest member of the Shawnee Forward team. My name is Amanda Wilson, and I’ve recently joined Shawnee Forward as an Office Manager.

As I am brand new to the community, I can’t wait to connect with our incredible local businesses, community leaders, and residents.

A little about me: I studied at Adams State University in Colorado before beginning a 12-year career in banking. I started as a teller and worked my way up to AVP Regional Operations Officer. Along the way, I gained valuable experience in leadership, operations, and building strong relationships. I’ve always been passionate about giving back to the communities I’m part of. Over the years, I’ve volunteered with organizations such as Junior Achievement, the Boys & Girls Club of Chaffee County, the Salida Community Center, and numerous school and sports clubs. I’m excited to bring that same commitment and energy to Shawnee Forward and to our community here in Shawnee and Pottawatomie County. When I’m not at work, I love spending time with my husband and our 16-year-old daughter. As a family, we enjoy camping, hiking, relaxing at the lake, fishing in our pond, and even skydiving for a little extra adventure - to clarify skydiving is done without the 16 year old.

I’m truly honored to be part of Shawnee Forward and to contribute to the growth and success of Shawnee and Pottawatomie County. I’m looking forward to meeting many of you soon—please don’t hesitate to reach out, introduce yourself, or say hello at our next event!

-Amanda

Office Manager

QUICK CLICK QUESTION

What's the biggest area of growth you'd like to see for your business this year?

Expanding Customer Base

Improving Digital Focus

Building Stronger Partnerships

Hiring & Team Development

HAPPENING SOON!

NEW event!

Social Exchange is your chance to meet, mingle, and make new connections with fellow Shawnee Forward members. Join us in a relaxed setting where conversation flows, ideas spark, and relationships grow. Come network, connect, and discover the people and businesses that make our community stronger. We can’t wait to see you there!

Come enjoy the company - food and drinks are pay-your-own-way

This event is free for Shawnee Forward Members.

Let Us Know You Are Coming

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW!

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 and Sponsorships

Dale Public Schools

BUSINESS RESOURCES

How to Develop Leaders in Your Organization

Developing leaders in your organization requires a systematic approach. Start by recognizing leadership potential early through talent assessments.

Read Full Article Here

MEMBER EVENTS

Pioneer Library System's Spark a Change Inspires Exploration and Connection

Pioneer Library System is thrilled to announce engineer and former astronaut Leland Melvin as the 2025 keynote speaker for the annual Spark a Change series. Spark a Change is PLS’s signature initiative inviting community members to spark curiosity, drive action, and inspire positive transformation in themselves and their communities.

This year’s theme focuses on the importance of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) careers. Melvin, a strong advocate for STEAM education, will encourage conversations around career exploration. As part of this series, PLS provides free copies of Melvin’s Chasing Space and Chasing Space: Young Reader’s Edition to the public (while supplies last). Customers are encouraged to pick up a copy then engage in Spark a Change book discussions and events. eBook and audio versions are available through the PLS Connect app.

Join us at the Gordon Cooper Technology Center in Shawnee on Saturday, September 13, at 6:00 pm, to hear how Melvin’s traveled from the football field to space, and how perseverance, curiosity, and courage can launch anyone toward greatness. This free community event is designed to ignite imagination, empower change, and remind us all that no dream is out of reach. Whether you're a student, educator, parent, or lifelong learner, you'll leave inspired to reach for the stars — and spark change right here on Earth.

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