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A New Year, A Fresh Start, and Plenty of Opportunity
A new year always brings a sense of momentum. It is a natural time to reset, refocus, and think about what the months ahead could look like for your business and for our community. At Shawnee Forward, we see 2026 as a year full of opportunity to connect, learn, and move things forward together.
One thing we hear consistently from our members is how valuable relationships are. That is why networking remains a major focus this year. From casual before and after-hours networking events to targeted gatherings that bring business leaders together around shared interests, there are plenty of chances to build real connections that lead to real results.
Beyond networking, 2026 also brings opportunities to engage at a deeper level. The Stand Up Rural America Summit will bring important conversations and practical ideas focused on rural communities and economic growth. Our State of the Region event will offer a clear look at where we are today and where we are headed as a community. Legislative luncheons will keep you informed and connected to the decisions shaping our business climate, while Young Professionals programming continues to grow, offering a space for emerging leaders to build skills, relationships, and confidence right here at home.
Whether your goal this year is to grow your customer base, expand your network, stay informed, or simply be more involved in the community, there is a place for you. We encourage you to jump in, attend an event, invite a colleague, or raise your hand to get involved in a program that fits your goals.
Here’s to a strong start and a year of progress, connection, and shared success. We are glad you are part of it and look forward to seeing you throughout 2026.
-Daniel
Director, Chamber of Commerce
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| What’s your top focus for 2026? | | | | UPCOMING SHAWNEE FORWARD EVENTS | | |
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 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. | | |
2026 Legislative Luncheons
Hear directly from our local legislators and get answers to the questions that matter to your business and our community through four opportunities at our legislative luncheons. Legislative Luncheons bring business leaders and community stakeholders together to talk priorities, share concerns, and make sure our collective voice is part of the conversation before the legislative session begins. Your first opportunity is on January 23, for our pre-session luncheon.
These luncheons are a practical way to stay informed, ask questions, and connect with others who care about the future of our region.
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.
| | 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. | | |
Looking back on the past year, we’re proud of what this community accomplished together.
From celebrating 12 ribbon cuttings to welcoming 43 new members and hosting more than 65 chamber and economic development events, Shawnee Forward stayed focused on connection, growth, and opportunity.
We brought people together through Legislative Luncheons, leadership development, manufacturer tours, and the 3rd Annual Economic Development Summit, and the State of the Region, while continuing to invest in the future through programs like Leadership Shawnee, PCYP and Pathways to Professions.
Along the way, we helped secure resources that matter, including a Facade Improvement Grant to support business recovery from the tornado and a $260,000 childcare grant to help employers attract and retain talent.
None of this happens without engaged members, partners, and community leaders who care about where Shawnee is headed.
Thank you for being part of Shawnee Forward. We’re excited to keep building together in 2026.
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Small Business Update: Preparing for 2026 and Beyond
Tune into the next Small Business Update Webinar: Looking Ahead to the New Year on Thursday, January 22, at noon ET, as Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley shares what small business owners need to know about taxes and tariffs, hiring and immigration, AI, and more.
KEY REASONS TO ATTEND?
- Get clear insight into the trends and policies shaping the small business landscape in 2026.
- Walk away with practical strategies you can use to plan, hire, and invest with confidence.
- Hear directly from policy experts focused on helping small businesses navigate change and seize new opportunities.
- Give your business a head start on 2026 with actionable insights you can put to work right away.
| | | 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.
| | Click on each image to learn more. | |
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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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