Shawnee Forward- In the Know: Week of January 19

In the KNOW!

January 20, 2026

Are We Helping Our Community Grow—or Holding It Back?

I just recently finished the book 13 Ways to Kill Your Community by Doug Griffiths, and it is one of those books that sticks with you long after you turn the last page. Not because it is negative, but because it is honest.

Griffiths lays out a simple but powerful premise: communities often hold themselves back, not because of a lack of opportunity, but because of habits, mindsets, and decisions that quietly chip away at progress. Complacency. Resistance to change. Waiting for someone else to fix the problem. Assuming decline is inevitable. The book challenges readers to recognize these patterns and, more importantly, choose a different path.

What makes the message resonate is that it is practical. This is not theory or academic jargon. It is rooted in real places, real people, and real decisions that either move a community forward or leave it stuck.

That message is exactly why we are excited to welcome Doug Griffiths as the keynote speaker for the Stand Up Rural America Regional Forum this February 24-25, hosted right here in Shawnee.

Shawnee Forward is proud to host this two-day regional event that brings the best of rural economic development directly to our community. The Stand Up Rural America Regional Forum is designed specifically for rural places that want to grow, adapt, and lead with intention. It brings together national experts, regional leaders, rural trailblazers, and positive disruptors who are doing the work and seeing results across the country.

This event is built for action. Participants will leave with practical tools, strategies, and ideas they can put to work immediately in their cities, counties, and regions. Whether you are an elected official, business leader, nonprofit partner, educator, or community advocate, this forum is designed to meet you where you are and help you move forward.

Doug Griffiths’ keynote will set the tone for the entire event, challenging us to take an honest look at how we show up for our communities and what it really takes to build places people want to live, work, and invest in.

Registration is now open below. Mark your calendar, secure your spot, and plan to be part of this important conversation about the future of rural America.

-Daniel

Director, Chamber of Commerce

QUICK CLICK QUESTION

What is your biggest business priority for the next 90 days?

Attracting new customers

Retaining employees

Investing in equipment or technology

Strengthening marketing and visibility

Preparing for the rest of the year

STAND UP RURAL AMERICA REGIONAL FORUM

Stand Up Rural America Regional Forum Keynote Speaker

Doug Griffiths, MBA is a wildly popular community strategist and author of two best-selling editions of “13 Ways to Kill Your Community”. He has supported, guided and inspired hundreds of communities to create effective change. Through his strong message, he is dedicated to helping communities across North America find their own pathway to success.

He grew up on a ranch outside a small town where he learned the value of hard work, critical thinking skills, and the value of community. Based on Doug’s bestselling book, 13 Ways to Kill Your Community, the presentation is sometimes startling and often revelatory. Doug’s anecdotes are delivered with his special brand of wit and wisdom, and in a way that ensures audience members are empowered and confident in their role to make their community, organization, or business successful.

Doug’s message will fire you up and help you find a renewed sense of ownership and responsibility towards the community that you live in.

Learn More and Register

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.

Secure Your Sponsorship

UPCOMING SHAWNEE FORWARD EVENTS

Pottawatomie County Young Professionals

Join us Today, Tuesday, January 20th, from 12-1:00 PM at Vans Pig Stand at 3815 N Harrison St, as Pottawatomie County Young Professionals kick off the new year with a networking lunch. It’s a great chance to connect with other area young professionals ages 18 to 40, share ideas, and build relationships in a relaxed setting. There’s no cost to attend, just cover your own lunch.

Let Us Know You Are Coming!

2026 Legislative Luncheons

The 2026 series begins with a pre-session luncheon on January 23, offering a valuable opportunity to engage with legislators before the legislative session begins. Additional luncheons will take place during session, giving attendees a firsthand look at what’s unfolding at the Capitol and how it may affect our region.

Legislative Luncheons provide a practical way to stay informed, ask thoughtful questions, and connect with others invested in the future of our community.

Connect with our local legislators and take part in meaningful conversations that impact your business and our community through a four-part Legislative Luncheon series. These gatherings are designed to bring business leaders and community stakeholders together to discuss priorities, raise concerns, and strengthen our collective voice.

Chamber members attend free. Non-members are welcome to attend for $25. Lunch is provided, and registration is required.

Reserve your seat and join the conversation.

Reserve Your Seat

Your network grows when you show up! The Social Exchange gives you two chances every month to connect with other chamber members, share what you do, and build relationships that actually matter. Whether it’s a before-hours or after-hours, you’ll leave with new contacts and fresh energy. And it’s free for members.

Let Us Know You Are Coming!

We had a great night connecting our business community at Business After Hours. Thanks to our host, Stuart & Clover, for opening the doors to their newly renovated space and creating such a welcoming setting for conversation and connection.

These events are all about relationships, energy, and bringing people together in a way that makes Shawnee a great place to do business.

Stuart & Clover Social Exchange on January 15th

2026-2027

SHAWNEE FORWARD BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BUSINESS RESOURCES

15 Tax Deductions Your Business Should Know About

Tax deductions reduce your business’s taxable income, which can save you money on quarterly or yearly taxes. Here are 15 tax deductions your small business should know about.

Read the full article here

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.

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.

1/23: Shawnee Middle School:

https://www.yourbloodinstitute.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/679468

1/24: Shawnee Mall:

https://www.yourbloodinstitute.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/674703

1/28 & 1/29: OBU:

https://www.yourbloodinstitute.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/674701

1/30: Georg Fischer:

https://www.yourbloodinstitute.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/674711

1/30: Shawnee Care Center:

https://www.yourbloodinstitute.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/685481

1/30: Higginbotham White's Ace:

https://www.yourbloodinstitute.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/685507

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!

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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