April 2020 Newsletter
Digital marketing call Enid Chamber at 580.237.2494
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Enid Hospitals Requesting Personal Protective Equipment Donations
Healthcare workers are utilizing their personal protective equipment at record rate due to concerns surrounding the COVID 19 virus.

St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center and INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center are searching for local companies that have made or have the capability of making 70% or greater isopropyl alcohol, Glycerol 98%, Hydrogen Peroxide 3%, Ethanol 96%, protective masks, gloves or impermeable gowns, cleaning wipes (alcohol or PDI). If you have 3D printers in your business and could potentially make clear plastic face shields, this would be helpful to know as well. Our Enid hospitals are also able to take any unopened containers of any of the above items.
 
For more information or to donate, please contact Jon Blankenship at the Greater Enid Chamber
of Commerce at [email protected] or 580-237-2494. Please help if you can.
Update on SBA Disaster Loans and the CARES Act
In regard to applying for multiple programs, we have learned that a business can only apply for a SBA disaster loan OR the new COVID-19 Response Bill Paycheck Relief Program, not both. 
 
You can participate in both programs only if you are approved for the SBA disaster loan by the end of March. 
 
To access the summary, click here: Phase 3 Bipartisan Summary of CARES Act
 
Helpful links:
 
 
Please let us know if you have any questions, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce is here to assist your business.
 
Questions can also be sent to [email protected]
Helping Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
This is an unprecedented time of uncertainty for our nation and it is having a severe impact on businesses. Here are some ideas for consumers and businesses to consider.
How Consumers Can Help
Support Our Enid Retailers
• Help small business retailers during this difficult time
• Shop locally online
• Buy a gift card from your favorite retailer(s) to use at a later date
• Order carryout/to go from restaurants
• Ask business owners how you can help

What Retailers Can Do Now
Up Your Game Online
• Promote your business while being mindful of health concerns. Working remotely means more online shopping, so up your game online
• Establish or improve your social media presence
• Create or enhance online shopping opportunities
• Communicate with your customers by live streaming
• Update customers on new products and/or services you have coming
• Highlight your commitment to public health and safety through your website and social media
Now Accepting Chamber Board Nominations
Todd Hamilton, Enid Chamber Chairman-elect, is chairing the Nominating committee, as outlined in the Chamber by-laws, to develop a slate of directors to replace the Chamber directors who will be completing their three-year terms on June 30, 2020.

If you have someone you would like to suggest for a Chamber Board nomination, please contact Todd Hamilton at [email protected] or Jon Blankenship at [email protected] by Thursday, April 9. The slate of five board nominees will be presented in the May newsletter for approval by the general membership.
Chamber Event Schedule Update
As a result of the outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, please note the following changes to the Chamber Event Schedule:

Chamber Ambassadors’ Meeting on April 2 - cancelled

Business After Hours on April 9 - cancelled

Downtown Threads Ribbon Cutting , originally scheduled for April 3 - rescheduled for
Friday, May 1 @ 4pm

Enlisted Appreciation Night originally scheduled April 25 - postponed and may be rescheduled at
a later date

E nid Legislative Trip to Washington, D.C., originally scheduled in May - postponed and may
be rescheduled at a later date
Welcome New Chamber Members!
Anywhere 24/7!
Personal Transportation Services
P.O. Box 50
Medford, OK 73759
Phone: (903) 738-0445
Rep: John Frederick
Business Category: Transportation
NextLink
5111 Enterprise Blvd.
Enid, OK 73701
Phone: (855) 698-5465
Rep: Katy Keenie
Business Categories: Internet Services, Internet
  Net Taxable Sales for Enid
January 2020:

2019
$ 61,175,002

2020
$ 78,720,965

28.68%
Respond to the 2020 Census!
All households should have received an invitation to complete the Census in the mail by March 20. Completing the Census takes less than 15 minutes and can be done by phone, mail, or for the first time online.

If you did not receive an invitation to respond or have lost your Census ID, you can still go to my2020census.gov and respond.

The Census plays a crucial role in funding for roads, schools, hospitals, and emergency services. It is estimated that Enid could lose $1,675 per person, per year to help fund these services if they are not counted. Please share with your family, friends, and employees the importance of filling out the Census to help shape our future. 
LGE Class XXIX Spotlight
Kegan Tuohy
Hometown: Enid, OK
Family: Single
Occupation/Profession: Commercial Lender at   Stride Bank, N.A.  I serve the lending needs of my community by working with individuals and businesses to achieve their financial goals.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
My father once told me that if I found myself in a potentially bad situation, I should ask myself the following:
"Would you feel comfortable explaining the outcome of your actions to your grandmother"
What qualities do you look for in a leader? I want a leader to inspire me and cause me to think critically about my future. Often, this is an individual that makes me want to emulate their actions and learn from their experiences. 
If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning a medal for?
Considering I've never won a medal for any act of athleticism, the Olympic mindset has never been present; however, because this question states ANY activity, I would have to default to my ability to withstand spicy foods and peppers that would be unbearable to most.
Favorite thing about Enid?
Being born and raised in Enid, this community is the source of my childhood memories. It is a special feeling to remain optimistic for our city's future, while also keeping a fond eye on the past.
Steven Walkingstick
Hometown: Houston, TX
Family: Single with two adopted dogs (Molly and Harley) 
Occupation/Profession: I am the Executive Director of  The Commons , a non-profit, faith-based retirement community. I oversee the operations of all areas of the community: independent living, assisted living, nursing care and memory support. We have approximately 160 employees and 300 residents. 
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? 
Follow your gut. The majority of the time, we know what the right action is to take. The challenge is having the strength to take that action. 
What qualities do you look for in a leader?  
I look for someone who is genuine, regardless of the audience. Also, someone that is passionate about what they do, transparent, open to new ideas and leads with clarity. 
If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning a medal for?  
If they gave out medals for taking a nap in a recliner with two dogs on your lap, everyone else would be competing for silver. 
Favorite thing about Enid?  
My favorite thing about Enid is the welcoming culture. I was amazed at how quickly I felt like I was a part of the community after moving here. In everything from work, church and local civic organizations, I didn't feel like an outsider for very long. The culture of Enid solidified for me that this is exactly where I'm supposed to be.
Hometown: Enid, OK 
Family: Married to Cody. Children are Colton, 22; Hayden, 17; Cooper, 12; and Charlee, 10 
Occupation/Profession : Small Business Management Coordinator at the State Center for Business Development Center at  Autry Technology Center . Our team provides professional business training to those interested in starting, expanding or operating a small business.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? "Whatever will be, will be." 
What qualities do you look for in a leader? 
To me, an effective leader is someone who inspires others to greatness, can use constructive criticism for the betterment of that person and the team, and whose end-goal is to stand next to those they are leading, demonstrating that they were successful as a group. 
If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning a medal for? 
Handling life. Juggling kids, a husband who works very hard, a full-time job, and commitments to family and friends - that has to be somewhat of an extreme sport. I wouldn't win the gold, but I think I could secure a solid bronze. 
Favorite thing about Enid?  
The spirit. If you just take the time to look around, there are so many wonderful things happening here and so many wonderful people making it happen. Enid is alive and well and I love watching our "little town" continue to grow and prosper because people have the love and spirit to make it happen.
Thank You for Your Renewal!
Thank you for your renewal! Your continued support and investment makes a difference for Enid! Click on any blue member below to go directly to their web page.
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Enid Chamber of Commerce | 580.237.2494 | 580.237.2497 | enidchamber.com