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More than 60 community leaders, including Leadership Greater Enid Class 35, traveled to Oklahoma City for this year’s Enid Day at the Capitol. Despite a shifting schedule due to a concurrent announcement from the Governor’s office, attendees heard from an outstanding group of leaders, including Representatives Chad Caldwell, Mike Dobrinski, and Carl Newton; Senator Roland Pederson; Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell; Secretary of Transportation Tim Gatz; Senate Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton; Derek Sparks representing Governor Stitt’s office; and leadership from Vance Air Force Base. We also appreciated additional perspectives from former Representative Joe Dorman. We also had special guest audience appearances from Representative Denise Crosswhite-Hader and former Representative Curt Roggow.
Throughout the day, one theme was clear: Oklahoma’s challenges and opportunities are deeply connected. Conversations ranged from education - with a strong emphasis on early literacy - to property tax proposals, infrastructure investment, and the realities of the state budget. Updates on transportation highlighted Oklahoma’s continued investment in road infrastructure, including Highway 81 and key Enid-area corridors, while discussions around the BUILD Act and the Military Strategic Planning Commission emphasized both statewide economic development efforts and the importance of strong support partnerships between the legislature and our Oklahoma military installations, including Vance Air Force Base.
One of the most insightful perspectives came from Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, who spoke to both the momentum and pressures facing Oklahoma. He highlighted continued in-migration to the state, the growing importance of infrastructure in supporting that growth, and the expanding role of aerospace as a driver of opportunity - particularly for communities like Enid. His remarks reinforced the idea that while growth brings new challenges, it also creates space for communities willing to be intentional about their future. And Enid has, and continues to make, the type of financial and social investments that set up community up for sustainable success.
For many attendees, the day also provided a first-hand look at the legislative process. Several experienced the State Capitol for the first time, with some staying to observe active session from the Gallery and others taking the opportunity to visit directly with legislators.
At its core, Enid Day at the Capitol is about connection and ensuring that our local voice is part of the conversation at the state level. The issues we are navigating as a community - healthcare access, infrastructure, affordability, and workforce - are not unique to Enid, but they position us well to lead as a strong micropolitan hub.
The Chamber remains committed to advocating on behalf of our members and strengthening the partnerships that move Enid forward.
Thank you to our speakers: Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell, Derek Sparks representing Governor Stitt's office, Senate Pro Temp Lonnie Paxton (Senate District 23), Senator Roland Pederson (Senate District 19), Representative Chad Caldwell (House District 40), Representative Mike Dobinski (House District 59), Representative Carl Newton (House District 58), Secretary of Transportation Tim Gatz, Col. Joshua Lundeby (Commander of the 71st Flying Training Wing at Vance Air Force Base), Chief MSgt. Harvey McReynolds (Command Chief Master Sergeant of the 71st Flying Training Wing, Vance Air Force Base).
Thank you to our sponsors for helping us facilitate this important day! - City of Enid, Oklahoma Gas & Electric, Oklahoma Natural Gas, Oxbow Calcining LLC, Security National Bank, Stride Bank.
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