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Looking to Get More Connected? Meet the Ambassadors
Strong chambers are built on strong relationships, and our Chamber Ambassadors play a key role in making that happen.
The Shawnee Forward Ambassador Committee is a limited group of engaged member businesses that serve as champions and representatives of our broader business community. Ambassadors serve as the welcoming face of the Chamber, supporting fellow members by volunteering and attending Shawnee Forward events, assisting with ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, and grand openings, and making personal connections that help businesses feel informed and included.
Beyond their visibility, Ambassadors play an important role in communication and connection. They help share member feedback, help us promote Chamber programs and resources, and connect businesses with opportunities that help them grow. In many ways, they help us tell the story of Shawnee Forward by showing up, building relationships, and advocating for the value of Chamber involvement.
Simply put, Ambassadors help strengthen our business community by supporting our members and advancing our shared mission to enhance regional economic growth in Pottawatomie County.
If you are interested in learning more about getting involved with the ambassadors, I invite you to join us for an upcoming Ambassador interest meeting on Wednesday. More information and event details are listed below.
-Daniel
Director, Chamber of Commerce
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Ambassadors Committee Interest Meeting
February's Ambassador meeting will be an informational session for those who have served previously and individuals interested in learning more about the committee, expectations, and level of commitment. Ambassadors typically meet on the first Wednesday of each month.
If you are interested in learning more, we invite you to join us on Feb 4th.
Wednesday, February 4th
9:00 AM
Shawnee Public Library
| | LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES SURVEY | | |
If you were unable to attend Friday’s Legislative Luncheon, we still want to hear from you. Each year, we survey our business community to better understand the issues that matter most and to help shape the Chamber’s legislative priorities. This year’s Legislative Priorities Survey will guide our advocacy efforts as we head into the upcoming legislative session.
The survey gives you an opportunity to share the challenges facing your business, from workforce and infrastructure to regulatory concerns, economic development and education. Your responses help us identify common priorities, guide conversations with our elected officials, and ensure we are advocating on behalf of the full business community. Please take a moment to complete the survey so your voice can help shape our legislative priorities.
Thank you for taking a moment to complete the survey so your voice can be part of our legislative priorities.
| | STAND UP RURAL AMERICA REGIONAL FORUM | | |
Stand Up Rural America Regional Forum
This month, Shawnee will welcome leaders and practitioners from across Oklahoma and around the country for the Stand Up Rural America Regional Forum, happening February 24–25 at the Grand Casino Hotel & Resort. This event will replace our annual Economic Development Summit, giving us the opportunity to host national speakers focused on helping rural communities thrive.
This two-day forum will feature a strong lineup of national speakers, engaging panel discussions, meaningful networking, and opportunities to connect with others who care deeply about the future of rural communities. Attendees will hear from Doug Griffiths, Jon Schallert, Sherri Johnston, Steve Brown, and many other respected voices who are working on the front lines of rural economic and community development.
Conversations will cover practical topics impacting rural regions today, including taking action at the local level, AI and technology strategies, destination marketing, entrepreneurship, downtown revitalization, childcare solutions, and emerging rural trends. The focus is on real ideas, shared learning, and takeaways participants can put to work back home.
Shawnee Forward is proud to serve as the host organization for this regional forum, and we appreciate the sponsors and partners helping make this event possible. Registration is open, and sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are still available.
| | UPCOMING SHAWNEE FORWARD EVENTS | | |
Young Professionals 18-40, Join us tomorrow, Tuesday, February 3, from 12–1 PM for a Lunch & Q&A with Joe Wuest, Vice President of Campus Life at Oklahoma Baptist University. Joe brings a strong background in higher education and community leadership, and this is a great chance to hear his story and ask questions in a casual setting.
This event is free, and lunch is provided, but registration is required. Please register by this Friday.
Thank you, Oklahoma Baptist University, for sponsoring this session.
Know a young professional who should be there? Invite them and make sure they’re registered. We hope to see you Tomorrow!
Pottawatomie County Young Professionals (PCYP) is a program of Shawnee Forward, bringing together professionals ages 18–40 to connect, grow, and get involved in the community through networking, leadership, and service opportunities.
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Next Before Hours | February 5th 8-9:30 AM
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.
Join us on February 5 for our before-hours Social Exchange from 8:00–9:30 AM at South Central Industries. It’s free for members, and you’ll leave with new contacts and fresh energy.
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Join us for our next SF101 session on 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.
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Next Legislative Luncheon | February 20th
Join us for the next Legislative Luncheon on Friday, February 20, as part of our 2026 Legislative Luncheon Series. These luncheons give our business community a front-row seat to the legislative session and a chance to hear directly from our local legislators on issues that matter to our region.
This session will focus on updates from the Capitol, current legislative priorities, and how proposed policies could impact local businesses and our community. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A with our local 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.
Register below to reserve your seat and join the conversation.
| | 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. | |
10 Small Business Trends Every Owner Needs To Know for 2026
Change came quickly for small businesses in 2025. New technology, a tighter job market, and rising customer expectations reshaped how owners operate and grow. Looking ahead, 2026 will bring even bigger shifts — the kind that calls for focus, smart planning, and flexibility.
These 10 small business trends give you a clearer picture of what's ahead. That means handling compliance updates smoothly, making smarter calls about your team, and building momentum for growth in 2026.
| | | Click on each image to learn more. | | |
Upcoming Blood Drive Opportunities
Our Blood Institute has several upcoming blood drives in our community, giving you an easy way to make a real difference close to home. Click the link to see upcoming dates, locations, and to register for a time that works for you.
2/13 First United Bank:
Kickapoo Bank: 9:00-11:00 AM | https://bit.ly/4r3V1yf
Harrison Bank: 1:30-4:00 PM | https://bit.ly/45JctA3
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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 | | | | |
