In the KNOW!

February 9, 2026

Why Rural Leaders Should Be in Shawnee on February 24–25

As someone who works daily with local businesses, community leaders, and partners across Pottawatomie County, I see firsthand both the challenges and the opportunities facing rural communities. That is why I am excited to share that we are just two weeks away from hosting a national event focused entirely on Rural America.

On February 24–25, Shawnee will host the Stand Up Rural America Regional Forum, bringing rural leaders from across the country together for two days of meaningful conversation, practical learning, and connection. This Forum is designed specifically for rural communities and the people doing the work to help them grow and thrive.

Attendees can expect sessions that focus on real-world strategies for economic development, downtown revitalization, entrepreneurship, business growth, tourism, logistics, childcare solutions, workforce and youth development, regional collaboration, and the use of advanced technology and AI tools. The emphasis is on ideas you can take home and put into action, not theory.

We are also pleased to welcome a strong lineup of nationally recognized speakers, including Doug Griffiths, strategist and author of 13 Ways to Kill Your Community; Steve Brown, author of The Golden Toilet and AI strategist; Lorie Vincent, strategist and author of Stand Up Rural America; Jon Schallert, destination business expert; and Sherri Johnston, President and CEO of LaGrange County EDC, along with other experienced practitioners from rural communities across the country.

This Forum is a great fit for chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, cities, counties, elected officials, utilities, downtown and Main Street organizations, lenders, regional partners, and anyone with a vested interest in the future of rural places.

We are proud to host this event, which will be held at the Grand Casino Hotel & Resort. Registration is open, and sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are still available.

If you care about the long-term strength of rural communities and want to learn alongside others who share that commitment, I encourage you to join us. This will be a valuable two days of learning, networking, and celebrating what makes Rural America special.

-Daniel

Director, Chamber of Commerce

Learn More and Register

Secure Your Sponsorship

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES SURVEY

If you were unable to attend our first 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.

Complete the Survey

UPCOMING SHAWNEE FORWARD EVENTS

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.

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.

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

Thank you to everyone who joined us last week for our Social Exchange Before Hours hosted by South Central Industries. It was a fun, Valentine-themed before-hours gathering filled with good conversation, new introductions, and meaningful connections.

A big thank-you to South Central Industries for hosting and welcoming our members so early in the morning. We appreciate your hospitality and support of our business community.

This is exactly what Social Exchange is all about. Showing up, connecting, and building relationships that make our Chamber stronger. If weren't here, you really missed out on a great networking opportunity! Check the events calender for upcomming opportunities to connect.

BUSINESS RESOURCES

From Views to Value: A guide to TikTok for business

TikTok isn’t just viral dances anymore — it’s become a powerful discovery engine for small businesses ready to grow. Use this guide for a breakdown of metrics that matter and how to use TikTok’s built-in insights to reach more customers.

Read the full article here

MEMBER EVENTS

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

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