In the KNOW!

February 17, 2026

Your Voice Matters: Help Shape Our Legislative Priorities

One of the most important roles of the Chamber is making sure the business community has a strong, clear voice in conversations that impact our local economy. As we move further into the legislative season, that work begins with listening.

If you were unable to attend our first Legislative Luncheon, we still want to hear from you.

Each year, we ask our members and business partners to participate in our Legislative Priorities Survey. This survey helps us understand the real challenges and opportunities businesses are facing right now, and it directly shapes how we advocate on your behalf throughout the legislative session.

From workforce needs and infrastructure to regulations, economic development, education, and the overall business climate, your feedback helps us identify common themes and shared priorities. It gives us direction for our conversations with elected officials and ensures the Chamber is representing the full voice of our business community, not just a few perspectives.

The reality is simple: the stronger the participation, the stronger the message. When we can point to real feedback from local businesses, our advocacy becomes more focused, more credible, and more effective.

Please take a moment to complete this short 9-question survey. Your input helps guide the work ahead and ensures your concerns, ideas, and priorities are part of the discussion.

Thank you for taking the time to share your voice and help shape the Chamber’s legislative priorities for the year ahead.

-Daniel

Director, Chamber of Commerce

Complete the Legislative Priorities Survey

We are officially one week away from welcoming rural leaders from across the country to Shawnee for the Stand Up Rural America Regional Forum, happening February 24–25.

The energy is building, and this is shaping up to be a meaningful opportunity for anyone invested in the future of rural communities.

This Forum is built specifically for Rural America and will bring together nationally recognized experts, experienced practitioners, and community leaders who understand both the challenges and the opportunities facing rural regions today. Over two days, attendees will explore practical strategies around economic development, downtown revitalization, entrepreneurship, business and workforce growth, tourism, childcare solutions, regional collaboration, and the use of advanced technology and AI tools to strengthen communities.

The speaker lineup includes influential voices like Doug Griffiths, Steve Brown, Lorie Vincent, Jon Schallert, and Sherri Johnston, along with additional panelists sharing real-world case studies and proven ideas that communities can put into action immediately.

If you have been considering attending, now is the time to make plans. Rural communities are strongest when we learn from one another, collaborate, and move forward together. I hope to see many of you there next week.

Learn More and Register

UPCOMING SHAWNEE FORWARD EVENTS

Join us for our next SF101 session this Thursday, February 19.

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 this Friday for the next Legislative Luncheon, part of our 2026 Legislative Luncheon Series.

These luncheons give our business community a front-row seat to the legislative session and the opportunity to hear directly from our local legislators about the issues shaping our region.

This session will include updates from the Capitol, current legislative priorities, and discussion on how proposed policies could impact local businesses and our community. Attendees will also have the chance to participate in a Q&A with our legislators.

Legislative Luncheons are designed to keep you informed, connected, and engaged throughout the session.

Chamber members attend free

-Non-members may attend for $25

-Lunch is provided, and registration is required

Please join us in welcoming our newest Shawnee Forward 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.

Membership Directory

BUSINESS RESOURCES

How Long Should Your Small Business Keep Documents?

With no single rule for how long to store tax forms, personnel files, or bank records, creating a clear document retention policy is essential for staying compliant and organized. Explore these best practices to build a realistic record‑keeping system.

Read the full article here

MEMBER EVENTS

Click on each image to learn more.

We Care.aoke 2026: The CRMA Awards

Join Community Renewal for an evening of dinner, drinks, Singo, karaoke, and good company all while supporting Community Renewal of Pottawatomie County

Date: Friday, March 7, 2026

Time: Starts at 6:00 PM

Location: Grand Event Center - 777 Grand Casino Blvd, Shawnee, OK 74804

Attire: Cocktail / CRMA Awards Glam (optional—but encouraged! Think your favorite MTV VMA looks.)

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.

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Shawnee Forward | 405-273-6092