In the KNOW!

October 20 | 2025

Economic Development Is Everyone’s Business

Economic development isn’t the work of one organization or one person. Economic Development is the collective effort of an entire community. Every business owner, educator, civic leader, and resident plays a role in shaping the future of Pottawatomie County. Whether you’re mentoring a student, investing in property, creating jobs, or simply choosing to shop local, your actions contribute to the growth and vitality of our region.

From time to time, you may be asked to step up and engage. That’s part of our shared civic responsibility. Maybe it’s taking a few minutes to complete a survey, joining a roundtable discussion, supporting local businesses, or sharing a positive story about our community. Even helping to offset negative narratives by highlighting the progress and good work happening here makes a difference.

Strategic growth happens when we all move forward together. If we all take the time to listen, participate, and collaborate with purpose, we will grow in a way in which everyone benefits. At Shawnee Forward, we’re proud to help connect people, ideas, and opportunities so that every action, big or small, builds toward a stronger Pottawatomie County.

-Crystal

President and CEO

QUICK CLICK QUESTION

Which Shawnee Forward member benefit do you find most valuable?

Networking and events

Business promotion and visibility

Educational programs and workshops

Advocacy and community representation

HAPPENING SOON!

This Friday!

Eggs & Economics:

The Role of Retail in Economic Development

If you’re a business owner, developer, retailer, broker, builder, franchisee, or community leader, you need to be in the room for this one.

Join us next Friday for Eggs & Economics, where we’ll take a deep dive into the retail data and market trends shaping Pottawatomie County's economic future.

You’ll hear from Nicholas Albracht with The Retail Coach and George Williams with Price Edwards, two leading experts in retail analytics and site selection. They’ll break down:

The newest retail data and what it reveals about Pottawatomie County's opportunities
National and regional retail trends driving local investment
How to attract and retain retailers that strengthen our economy

If your work touches development, site planning, real estate, retail, or small business, you’ll walk away with valuable insight that can inform your next move.

Breakfast is included with your registration; come hungry for both data and conversation.

Event Details:

Friday, October 24th

The Grove at Union

7:30 am - 9:00 am

$20 Members | $30 Non-Members

Space is Limited!

RIBBON CUTTINGS

STATE OF THE REGION RECAP

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2025 State of the Region. City, County, and Citizen Potawatomi Nation leaders shared key updates on ongoing projects, infrastructure improvements, and collaborative efforts driving growth across Shawnee and Pottawatomie County.

From economic development and workforce initiatives to public investments and partnerships, the event highlighted how our region is working together to build a stronger, more connected future.

A special thank-you to our sponsors for making this event possible and for their continued investment in our community’s growth: Sovereign Bank, SSM Health, BancFirst, Oklahoma Baptist University, and Vision Bank.

If you missed it, or want to revisit the conversations, you can watch the full replay here.

Watch the 2025 State of the Region

BUSINESS RESOURCES

How to Help Customers Leave a Google Review of Your Business

Once you understand how Google reviews work, you can encourage and teach your customers how to leave your business a review.

Google reviews can improve your search engine visibility, help you stand out from competitors, and make a good first impression on potential customers. And by understanding how to leave a Google review for businesses, you’ll be better equipped to teach your customers. Here are four steps to leaving a Google review.

Learn More Here

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!

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