In the KNOW!

 

April 13, 2026

 

Are You in the Right Room?


"A bottle of water can cost $1 at a store, $2 at the gym, $4 at the airport, and $8 at a concert. Same product. Same value. Different environment."

-Anonymous


Value doesn’t change. The environment does.

That’s true for businesses, nonprofits, and people.

If you’ve ever felt like your efforts aren’t getting the traction they deserve, it may not be about working harder. It may be about where you’re showing up. The right environment creates visibility. It builds relationships. It opens doors that don’t exist anywhere else.

That’s what a strong chamber is meant to be.

But here’s the reality: our chamber is only as strong as the people who engage in it.

For our members, this is your reminder. Don’t sit on the sidelines. Show up. Make the connection. Attend the event. Have the conversation. Support another business. Partner with a nonprofit. The more you lean in, the more value you’ll see, not just for your organization, but for your team and your customers.

For those who aren’t members yet, this is your invitation.

If you’re looking for a place where your business is seen, where relationships turn into opportunities, and where people are working together to move something bigger forward, this is it. This is the room.

What we’re building is more than networking. It’s a community of businesses and nonprofits working side by side to create a stronger local economy, better opportunities for our employees, and a place our families are proud to call home.

That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when people choose to be part of it.

So don’t settle for being in the wrong environment. Get in the right room. Lean in and be part of building something that matters.

-Daniel

UPCOMING SHAWNEE FORWARD EVENTS

 

Your network grows when you show up. Social Exchange gives you two chances each month to connect with fellow Chamber members, share what you do, and build relationships that actually matter.

To make networking easier to fit into your schedule, we offer both before-hours and after-hours Social Exchange options each month, so you can choose the time that works best for you.

Free for Members!

Next After Hours | April 16th 5-6:30 PM

Join us on April 16th for our next after-hours Social Exchange from 5:00–6:30 PM at BancFirst Insurance Services.

Next Before Hours | May 7th 8-9:30 AM

Join us on May 7th for our next before-hours Social Exchange from 8:00–9:30 AM at the Pottawatomie County Admin Building.

Join us for our next SF101 session this Thursday, April 16th.


This session is a great fit for new members, current members who want to get more involved, or anyone considering joining the Chamber.

We’ll walk through the programs and services we offer, how to get the most out of your membership, and the many ways Shawnee Forward helps businesses grow while strengthening our community. You’ll also learn about networking opportunities and how to plug in at a level that makes sense for you.

Join us for an evening that’s equal parts fun and useful.


Dining with Confidence – Etiquette Dinner is your chance to learn or refresh your skills in professional dining in a relaxed, no-pressure setting. Whether you’re heading to a gala, business dinner, or company event, we’ll walk you through everything from place settings to which fork to grab (and when).

We’ll kick things off at 5:30 PM with networking and mocktails, then move straight into a guided 7-course meal where you’ll learn everything you need to know to feel confident and impress your table guests at your next formal dinner.

This isn’t a stuffy lecture. It’s a hands-on experience where you can ask questions, enjoy a great meal, and walk away ready for any place setting put in front of you.


Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early. Registration Required.

Free for members

$40 for non-members



Thank you to our sponsors, First United Bank and Oklahoma Baptist University, for making this event possible.

 

NEW MEMBER WELCOME

Please join us in welcoming our newest Shawnee Forward Chamber of Commerce members. Click their logo to learn more about their business or organization and find opportunities to connect and support them in our community.

To learn more about all of our members, visit the Membership Directory on our website or click the button below.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

 
 

BUSINESS RESOURCES

 

Google's Newest AI Commerce Tools Hold Promise for Driving Small Business Growth


Google is rolling out tools like conversational search, instant checkout, and brand‑customized assistants that could change how customers shop and how small businesses sell. As these tools become available to merchants of all sizes, discover how AI commerce could help you compete and convert more customers. 

MEMBER EVENTS

Click on each image to learn more.

The Oklahoma Baptist University Theatre program presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare. Performances will take place in the Sarkeys Black Box Theatre April 16-18, 23-25 at 7:30 p.m., with matinee performances April 19 and 26 at 2 p.m.

General admission is $10 and student admission is $5 with a valid student ID. Tickets may be purchased online at okbu.edu/theatre.

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, ShawneeCTV, 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.

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