Time Is Running Out: Enroll in Care to Grow Before December 30
We’re in the final days of the Care to Grow Childcare Grant Program, and the opportunity to enroll ends December 30 and we have only a few slots left. If your company is working to identify additional dollars to spend before year-end, this is a smart place to put them. Care to Grow directly supports the people who keep your business moving while giving you a meaningful return on that investment.
Employers contribute only a 20% match, and employees can receive up to $5,000 to reimburse childcare expenses they’ve already paid, going back to February. For many families, this can feel like a year-end bonus or the support they need through the holidays.
Beyond that immediate relief, Care to Grow is a practical workforce move. Childcare is one of the biggest challenges working parents face. Helping cover those costs can boost retention, strengthen loyalty, and improve productivity. It sends a clear message that your team matters and that you’re committed to their well-being.
If you’re finalizing your 2025 budget or looking for last-minute year-end investments that make a real difference, don’t let this deadline pass. After December 30, the program closes.
We have made this an easy process for everyone. If you’d like to talk through the details or see how to get started, I’m here to help.
-Crystal
President and CEO
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| What Do You Want to Learn More About? | | | | UPCOMING SHAWNEE FORWARD EVENTS | |
Join Us This Thursday for Our Final SF101 of the Year
We’re wrapping up 2025 with one last SF101 this Thursday, December 18, and it’s a great way to prepare for a strong start in 2026.
If you want to get more out of your membership next year, this session will walk you through the programs, events, and resources available to help you connect, grow, and stay involved in the business community. Whether you’re brand new to Shawnee Forward or just want a quick reset, you’ll leave with clear next steps and new ideas to put into action.
Thursday, December 18 at 8:45 AM
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Stand Up Rural America Regional Forum
Shawnee Forward is proud to host a two-day regional event that brings the best of rural economic development right to our community. The Stand Up Rural America Regional Forum will feature seven sessions led by national experts, regional leaders, rural trailblazers, and positive disruptors who are driving change in rural communities across the country.
Attendees will dive into topics such as:
- Planning and leadership
- Tourism and entrepreneurship
- Downtown revitalization and regionalism
- Business retention and expansion
- Communications and marketing
- Housing, childcare, and rural broadband
- Talent development and technology tools
This event is built specifically for Rural America. Participants will leave with practical tools, strategies, and ideas they can put to work in their cities, counties, and regions right away.
Registration is now open.
Mark your calendar, secure your spot, and plan to be part of this important conversation.
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Sponsor the Stand Up Rural America Regional Forum
Shawnee Forward is hosting the Stand Up Rural America Regional Forum, a two-day gathering that brings together national experts, regional leaders, and rural trailblazers for meaningful conversations about rural economic development. This event will draw attendees from across Oklahoma and beyond, creating a strong platform for visibility, connection, and brand exposure.
Sponsoring this forum is a chance to:
- Position your organization as a supporter of rural growth and innovation
- Connect with decision-makers, community leaders, and economic development professionals
- Strengthen your reach across multiple counties and regions
- Showcase your services to a highly engaged audience
- Support an event designed to move rural communities forward
Whether your goal is visibility, relationship-building, or aligning your brand with community and economic progress, this event provides a strong return.
| | Your Top Request for 2026: More Networking. We Heard You. | | |
You’ve been clear that networking is the number one thing you want from your chamber membership. So in 2026, we’re leaning in with the launch of our Social Exchange series.
These gatherings are built around connection, conversation, and getting to know other members in a relaxed setting.
You’ll have two chances every month to plug in:
1st Thursday: Business Before Hours | 8:00–9:15 AM
3rd Thursday: Business After Hours | 5:00–6:30 PM
That adds up to 24 networking opportunities next year through this series alone. It’s a simple way to build relationships, meet new people, and introduce others to your business.
Most 2026 dates already have hosting partners, and the calendar is close to full. If you’d like to host a Social Exchange, now is the moment to reach out. Only a couple of dates are still open, and they won’t last long.
Hosting is free. We just ask that you provide light snacks, drinks, and a small giveaway item for a fun raffle.
Make plans to join us throughout 2026 for the Social Exchange series and stay connected by checking the Events Calendar on our website. It’s one of the best ways to stay engaged and grow your network in the new year.
| | Holiday Business After Hours with Sovereign Bank | | This is the one you won’t want to skip. See you there! | | |
Our biggest after-hours event of the year is almost here, and you won’t want to miss it.
Last year’s Holiday Business After Hours was packed, lively, and full of great connections, and this year is shaping up to be even bigger. Sovereign Bank always knows how to host a party, and they’re opening their doors once again for an evening of networking, giveaways, refreshments, hors d’oeuvres, and a whole lot of holiday cheer.
Break out your pastels and help us close out 2025 with one of the most fun events on our calendar.
Make plans to be there, and let us know you’re coming by scanning the QR code or clicking the registration link today.
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Small Business Update: Preparing for 2026 and Beyond
From tariffs and tax changes to hiring, AI, and insurance costs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley shares what small businesses need to know heading into 2026.
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SBA Made in America Resource Summit
Local businesses looking to grow, strengthen operations, or explore new markets have a great opportunity coming up. The Oklahoma District Office is hosting a free event in Oklahoma City designed to connect businesses with the federal, state, and local resources that can help them take their next step. Registration is required.
The event will highlight tools and assistance for companies interested in manufacturing, expanding their workforce, improving safety, accessing funding, or exploring international trade. If your business is looking to innovate, scale, or tap into new opportunities, this is a strong place to start.
You’ll hear directly from experts representing:
- U.S. Small Business Administration
- U.S. Department of Labor – Wage and Hour Division
- U.S. Commercial Service – International Trade
- Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance
- Oklahoma Small Business Development Center
- Oklahoma Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- Oklahoma Employment Security Commission
- Tulsa Ports
This session is built to give businesses practical and actionable information and a clear understanding of available support.
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Winter Wonderland is here in historic downtown Shawnee!
This exciting holiday event has transformed the Santa Fe Depot into a festive gathering place filled with music, lights, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. The highlight of the season will be the featured ice rink, along with a variety of attractions for all ages to enjoy.
Everyone is invited to spend an evening in downtown Shawnee, grab dinner at one of our fantastic local restaurants, then head over to Winter Wonderland for sweet treats available for purchase from holiday-themed food trucks. Classic Christmas movies will play on the jumbo screen throughout the season, adding to the magical atmosphere.
Event Dates:
• December 5 & 6
• December 13
• December 19 & 20
All evenings from 6:00–10:00 p.m.
They’ll also feature special guest entertainment on select nights to make each visit memorable.
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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, 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. | | Shawnee Forward | 405-273-6092 |
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