In the KNOW!

 

March 30, 2026

 

Building Connections Ahead of the Ballot


One of the most important roles we serve as your chamber of commerce is through advocacy.

That doesn’t just happen at the Capitol or through policy conversations. It starts right here at the local level by creating opportunities for our business community to stay informed, ask questions, and engage with the people who want to represent us.

That’s exactly why we’re hosting our first-ever Candidate Hob Nob on April 23rd.

As we head into another election cycle, there are a lot of decisions ahead that will shape our State, our community, our workforce, and our local economy. This event is designed to make those decisions feel a little more approachable by giving you direct access to the candidates in a setting that encourages real conversation.

No speeches. No panels. Just the opportunity to connect.

You’ll be able to walk the room, meet candidates running for state, county, and local offices, ask questions, and have the kind of conversations that don’t always happen in more formal settings. It’s a chance to better understand who is asking for your vote and how their priorities align with the future of our community.

This is what engagement looks like. And it matters.


I also want to extend a direct invitation to those who are running for office. This is an opportunity to step into the community, share your perspective, and connect with citizens, the business, and civic leaders you’re asking to support you.

If you’re a candidate, we encourage you to register below and reserve a table. This event was built to give you space to have meaningful conversations and to help our community get to know you beyond a name on a ballot.

At the end of the day, strong communities are built on connection, understanding, and participation. This is one more way we can bring all three together.

We hope to see you there.


-Daniel

UPCOMING SHAWNEE FORWARD EVENTS

 

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.

Free for Members!

Next Before Hours | April 2nd 8-9:30 AM

Join us on April 2nd for our next before-hours Social Exchange from 8:00–9:30 AM at Youth and Family Resource Center.

Next After Hours | April 16th 5-6:30 PM

Join us on March 19th for our next after-hours Social Exchange from 5:00–6:30 PM at BancFirst Insurance Services.

Legislative Luncheon | April 10th 11:30-1:00 PM

Join us for the next Legislative Luncheon as we continue our in-session updates from our local legislators. This series gives our business community the opportunity to hear directly from those serving at the Capitol and stay informed on legislation that could impact businesses and communities across our region.

Our legislators will share updates on the current legislative session, discuss key issues being debated, and take questions from attendees.

This is a great opportunity to stay connected, informed, and engaged while networking with fellow business and community leaders.


We will share our community's legislative priorities based on the survey results at this event.


Chamber Members: Free

Non-Members: $25

Lunch Provided

Registration Required

Pottawatomie County Young Professionals



Join us on Tuesday, April 7th, from 12-1:00 PM at Santa Fe Restaurant located at 4901 N. Kickapoo, 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.


Join us for our next SF101 session this Thursday, April 16th .


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.

NEW MEMBERS

Please join us in welcoming our newest Shawnee Forward Chamber of Commerce 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.

 

BUSINESS RESOURCES

 

7 Surprising Shopper Psychology Trends to Help Grow Your Small Business


Customer decisions are driven by emotion first, then logic, making shopper psychology a powerful growth lever for small businesses that understand it. These seven trends break down what motivates buyers today so you can discover how to attract customers and influence purchases more effectively.

MEMBER EVENTS

Click on each image to learn more.

The Oklahoma Baptist University Theatre program presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare. Performances will take place in the Sarkeys Black Box Theatre April 16-18, 23-25 at 7:30 p.m., with matinee performances April 19 and 26 at 2 p.m.

General admission is $10 and student admission is $5 with a valid student ID. Tickets may be purchased online at okbu.edu/theatre.

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.

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.

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