In the KNOW!

 

March 16, 2026

 

Leading with Value


In the chamber world, it’s easy to measure success by numbers. Membership totals, event attendance, or the number of programs on the calendar. Those things matter, but they don’t tell the full story. What really matters is the value behind it all.

When someone joins the chamber, they’re not just signing up for events or adding their logo to a directory. They’re investing in relationships, a stronger business climate, and a community that works together to move forward.

That’s where the role of the Shawnee Forward Chamber comes in.

Part of that value is connection. A conversation at a networking event that turns into a new client. An introduction that leads to a partnership. A relationship built over time that opens doors you didn’t expect.

Another important piece is advocacy. The Shawnee Forward Chamber works to ensure the voice of our business community is heard at the local, state, and federal levels. Through legislative updates, conversations with elected officials, and events like our Legislative Luncheons, members have the opportunity to stay informed, ask questions, and engage in the issues that impact their businesses and our local economy.

Value also comes through growth. Strong communities are built by strong leaders, and the chamber provides opportunities throughout the year to sharpen your skills, expand your perspective, and learn alongside other professionals. Whether it’s leadership programs, workshops, panel discussions, or conversations with experts and community leaders, these experiences help members level up both personally and professionally.

When you bring those things together, connection, advocacy, and professional growth, you begin to see the real impact of a chamber.

At Shawnee Forward, we are proud to be your local chamber. The strength of this organization has always come from the people who choose to show up, engage, and invest in each other’s success. Thank you for being part of it and for continuing to lead with value.

-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.

Next After Hours | March 19th 5-6:30 PM

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

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.

 
 

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.


Chamber Members: Free

Non-Members: $25

Lunch Provided

Registration Required

 

Explore Our 2026 Legislative Results & Priorities

 

Pottawatomie County Young Professionals



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


 

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Celebrate Our Growing Business Community!

Join us as we welcome new businesses and celebrate local growth at our upcoming ribbon cuttings. These events are a great way to connect, show support, and help new members feel the strength of the Chamber community.

Bring a coworker, meet fellow members, and be part of the excitement as we cut the ribbon on new investments and opportunities in Shawnee. We’d love to see you there!


 

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

 

A Guide to Understanding Credit Card Processing: How It Works and What SMBs Need to Know


Before choosing a merchant services provider, learn how the credit card payment process works, who participates, and when you get paid. Explore processing stages, pricing models, and more in this guide.

MEMBER EVENTS

Click on each image to learn more.

The OBU AI Summit is a full day experience that will introduce you to the exciting potential for this technology. The event will take place on March 28, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the third floor of Shawnee Hall. The AI Summit brings together AI experts with experience in Higher Education and workplace settings who will share their experiences and practical applications of artificial intelligence. Additionally, professionals from Oklahoma industries will contribute their expertise through interactive Table Talks and panel discussions, providing diverse perspectives on AI implementation across educational and business contexts.

Registration for attendees is $25, and includes: lunch, a microcredential commemorating your attendance, and eligibility for giveaways and drawings.


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.

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