South Oklahoma
Chamber of Commerce
Letter from the Chairman | Letter from the President | Staff
Executive Board | Board of Directors | Advisory Board
Lifetime Board of Directors | Chamber History
Greetings South OKC Chamber Members
I am honored to be 2009 Chairman of the Board as this year provides a multitude of changes and challenges for our country and our city. America has a new president. Oklahoma City is a shining light to other American cities on how a city can transform itself if the people are committed to a vision of change. We need to keep that positive mindset and work for a better future. We can continue to improve our community and make it the best place to live and work, find fellowship with our friends, and to raise our families.
Our world is going through a time of change and those times of change present opportunities for those willing to take risks. It was risky for us to invest in an old warehouse district that has now become a thriving area known as Bricktown. It took real vision to dam up the Canadian River. Who could foresee world class rowing events on the Canadian River or a canal running through Bricktown? It required faith to build an arena in downtown Oklahoma City hoping that a professional sports team might relocate here, but it has paid tremendous dividends. Our city is one of only 30 cities in the world with an NBA franchise. It has required a step of faith for us to invest in upgrading our public school infrastructure and a strong commitment from our community will make that investment pay off as well.
Chamber membership is so vital in times like these, because your network – your friends – are an important part of your daily life, encouraging you, sharing ideas, and helping you grow your business. It is in these times that we need to stick together, work together, and encourage one another.
Where else could you go to better understand what is going on in our community and to influence our future? The South OKC Chamber unites positive business, educational, political and community leaders whose hearts lie in creation of a climate of success for all of us.
One challenge we do not have is people. Oklahoma City is jam-packed with fantastic people – look around you! Our Chamber is made up of many of these fine Oklahomans. I’ve lived in the south portion of the metro area for 30 years and this is my home. People make all the difference in south Oklahoma City, hardworking community of family-centered, good neighbors. My wife, Connie, and I raised and educated sons, Andrew and Addison, in this community. Last year, our first grandson, Simon, was born at INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center!
I am eager to start 2009 as Chairman of the South Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. South Oklahoma City has great opportunities for the future and I am privileged to take part in the process. Thank you for this chance to serve our community. I invite you to join us, get involved, and do your part to make south Oklahoma City even better in 2009 and beyond.
Sincerely,
Randy Chandler
Chairman of the Board
Letter from the President
Dear Chamber Member:
Since 1905, it has been the privilege of the South Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce to serve as the primary catalyst of economic and community development in south Oklahoma City. Comprised of businesses and community leaders seeking a higher quality of life for our citizens, the South Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce promotes growth for the entire city through its programs and activities.
A major goal of the Chamber is to foster and promote economic growth that will attract new residents and new businesses to south Oklahoma City and the greater metro area. Partnering with other organizations in the surrounding communities, the Chamber regularly responds to regional challenges, including issues under consideration by our city, county, state and national officials. The South Oklahoma City Chamber works closely with these entities to help ensure a climate of regulatory fairness and entrepreneurial opportunity, as well as representing the interests of south Oklahoma City.
With more than 100 years of positive leadership, the future of the South Oklahoma City Chamber is one of increasing promise and possibility. For instance, four decades ago the Chamber recognized the need for expanded educational and health care facilities. Oklahoma City Community College and INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center are shining examples of how the Chamber and its membership anticipated and met the needs and desires of our citizens.
With our Strategic Plan, we have developed a road map to guide us along our future course as we continuously attempt to anticipate and research the needs of our members and community, and establish ongoing projects that make south Oklahoma City a better place to live and do business.
Thanks to you, our members, the South Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce will continue to be the driving force of another successful century in south Oklahoma City.
Sincerely,
Elaine Lyons
President
Staff
Elaine Lyons
President / CEO
elainelyons@southokc.com
Tammy Collins
Membership Directorta
mmycollins@southokc.com
Norma Creech
Receptionistinfo@southokc.com
Rhonda Corley
Events Director
rhondacorley@southokc.com
Sheri Guyse
Public Relations Director
sheriguyse@southokc.com
Ana Monjes
Business Development Director
anamonjes@southokc.com
Patricia Paes
Program Development Director
patriciapaes@southokc.com
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