In the KNOW!

November 10 | 2025

Small Business Season: Every Purchase Has a Purpose

This holiday season, let’s make sure every purchase has a purpose.

When you shop local, you’re doing more than making a purchase; you’re investing in your neighbors, your schools, and your community's future. You’re helping power dreams, create jobs, and sustain the places that make Pottawatomie County feel like home.

Think about your favorite spots: the coffee shop with the best latte, the boutique where you always find that perfect gift, the restaurant where your family traditions come to life. These aren’t just businesses, they’re part of our story.

Now through December 31, join us in celebrating Small Business Season and showing appreciation for the entrepreneurs and teams who pour their hearts into every detail.

Here’s how you can make an impact:

Shop local for gifts and unique finds at Shawnee boutiques and markets.
Dine local at hometown restaurants and enjoy the flavors that make our community special.
Share local by tagging your favorite small businesses online and helping them shine this season.

Let’s make this a season to remember.

Shop local. Dine local. Celebrate local.

-Daniel

Director of Operations

QUICK CLICK QUESTION

What’s the best time for networking events?

Early morning (before work)

Midday (lunch sessions)

Late afternoon (happy hour style)

Evenings

Depends on the event

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Celebrate Our Growing Business Community!

Join us as we welcome new businesses and celebrate local growth at our upcoming ribbon cuttings. These events are a great way to connect, show support, and help new members feel the strength of the Chamber community.

Bring a coworker, meet fellow members, and be part of the excitement as we cut the ribbon on new investments and opportunities in Shawnee. We’d love to see you there!

Congratulations! First American Title

Last week, we celebrated First American Title’s ribbon-cutting and the opening of its new Shawnee office location. As an established part of our business community, their continued investment shows a strong commitment to serving Shawnee and supporting local growth.

We’re proud to partner with First American Title and appreciate all they do to provide trusted title and closing services for homebuyers and businesses alike.

Learn more here

We’re excited to welcome the newest members of Shawnee Forward! Each one brings fresh energy and commitment to our growing business community. Take a moment to learn more about them by clicking their logos below and visiting their websites.

SAVE THE DATE

BUSINESS RESOURCES

How to Create and Optimize Your Google Business Profile and SEO

Your Google Business Profile is a free tool to help you improve your local SEO efforts and attract more customers. These six steps will help you optimize your Google Business Profile.

Learn More Here

PCYP

Last week, the Pottawatomie County Young Professionals (PCYP) met at Oklahoma Baptist University's Recreation and Wellness Center for a fun and energizing morning of team-building, complete with a climb up the rock wall! Big thanks to the OBU wellness team for hosting us and leading such a great experience.

PCYP is a network of young professionals ages 18–40 who live or work in Pottawatomie County. The group connects through networking, leadership development, and community involvement opportunities throughout the year.

Learn more about PCYP at shawneeforward.com/young-professionals

MEMBER EVENTS

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.

A Rare Sponsorship Opportunity

For the first time in a long while, Shawnee Forward has an opening for the exclusive sponsorship of In the Know.

This weekly e-newsletter reaches more than 2,900 local professionals, business owners, and community leaders who are actively shaping the future of Shawnee and Pottawatomie County. It is one of our highest-engagement communications and a trusted source for regional updates.

As the newsletter sponsor, your business will receive:

• Banner ad included in every issue

• Hyperlinked logo on our archived newsletter webpage

• One featured article per quarter to highlight your business

• First right of refusal to renew the sponsorship annually

If your organization wants consistent visibility with key decision makers, this is a smart place to be. It may be a while before this opportunity opens again.

Reach out to me directly if you’d like to claim it.

daniel@shawneeforward.com | 405-273-6092

Shawnee Forward | 405-273-6092