The President of United States has been proclaiming National Small Business Week every year since 1963, recognizing the critical contributions of America’s small business owners and professionals. The impact of small businesses is not to be understated. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.

The event will be divided into three days. Each day will offer those within Edmond’s small business industry an opportunity to make new connections, celebrate the success of local small businesses, continue their education and gain inspiration to better themselves.

• May 21, 2013 – Plug Into Edmond: The Edmond Chamber will host a reception where  Lt. Governor Todd Lamb, advocate for Oklahoma’s small businesses, will be declaring this as “Small Business Week” in Edmond and expressing the importance of small business in Oklahoma.
• May 22, 2013 – Signal Your Community: A cash mob is planned for Kickingbird Square. A cash mob is a grassroots, community-led movement to support local businesses. The Chamber is asking members of the community to come together and shop in Kickingbird Square from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. to support the local economy.
• May 23, 2013 – Charge Up Your Knowledge: Participants will have the opportunity to network with other small business professionals, attend beneficial workshops and seminars, discover Edmond’s best resources, and hear keynote speaker Renzi Stone, Saxum Chairman & CEO.

“The Edmond Chamber takes great pride in the fact that 95% of our members are small businesses. We are excited to host this week-long event and provide Edmond small businesses with resources and encourage their growth.” stated Ken Moore, President and CEO of the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce.

All Edmond area residents are encouraged to join in supporting Edmond’s first Small Business Week. For more information, visit www.edmondsbw.com.

The Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce is the voice for business. We enhance economic opportunity and quality of life in Edmond. The Edmond Chamber is a hundred year-old, 1100 member organization working together to promote economic vitality and quality of life in the community. For more information on the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce, please visit our website at www.edmondchamber.com, or contact Rachel Martin, Coordinator – Communications, at 405-341-2808 or email at rmartin@edmondchamber.com.

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Local legislators will have the opportunity to give updates on issues being discussed in the 2013 session of the Oklahoma Legislature at the breakfast. The Chamber’s 2013 Legislative Agenda will be handed out at the breakfast and can be found on the Chamber’s website at www.edmondchamber.com.

Reservations are required and can be made online at www.edmondchamber.com, by calling 405-341-2808 or email at info@edmondchamber.com. Cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members.

The Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce is the voice for business. We are a hundred year-old, 1100 member organization working together to create a strong local economy and to promote the community. The Edmond Chamber provides networking opportunities and business contacts for our members and represents business interests to government. For information about the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce, please visit our website at www.edmondchamber.com or call 405-341-2808. Media inquiries should contact Rachel Martin, Coordinator – Communications, at 405-341-2808 or email at rmartin@edmondchamber.com.

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Due to little or no Parent-Teacher Association support, these schools are not able to put on a field day for their students like many other schools in the area. Leadership Edmond Alumni saw the need to provide this gift to deserving 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th grade students. Stations will be set up for jump rope, long jump, sack races, Zumba and much more.

If anyone is interested in volunteering, please contact Rachel Martin at rmartin@edmonddchamber.com.

The Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce is the voice for business. We are a hundred year-old, 1100 member organization working together to create a strong local economy and to promote the community. The Edmond Chamber provides networking opportunities and business contacts for our members and represents business interests to government.  For information about the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce, please visit our website at www.edmondchamber.com or call 405-341-2808.  Media inquiries should contact Rachel Martin, Coordinator – Communications, at 405-341-2808 or email at rmartin@edmondchamber.com.

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Lankford was elected to the United States Congress on November 2, 2010. Lankford serves on the House Committees on Budget and Oversight & Government Reform, where he is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Health Care, and Entitlements and was elected Chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee for the 113th Congress.

“We are excited to have Congressman James Lankford speak at the February Membership Luncheon. We are eager to hear an update from Congress on issues impacting both Edmond and Oklahoma as a whole.” said Ken Moore, President and CEO of the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce.

AT&T is the Presenting Sponsor of this luncheon, while First Med Urgent Care is the Gold Sponsor. The cost is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Please make your reservation online at www.edmondchamber.com or by calling 405.216.2040. The Chamber’s Membership Luncheons are open to all Chamber members and their guests.

The Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce is the voice for business. We are a hundred year-old, 1100 member organization working together to create a strong local economy and to promote the community. The Edmond Chamber provides networking opportunities and business contacts for our members and represents business interests to government.  For information about the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce, please visit our website at www.edmondchamber.com or call 405-341-2808.  Media inquiries should contact Rachel Martin Coordinator – Communications, at 405-341-2808 or email at rmartin@edmondchamber.com.

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Mercy Health Ambassador of the Year

Edmond Chamber Ambassadors are a group of dedicated volunteers who mentor Chamber members, attend ribbon-cuttings, events and special meetings. The honor of Ambassador of the Year is awarded to the Chamber Ambassador who is able to make the highest number of goodwill calls, ribbon-cuttings and groundbreaking events throughout the year. The award is decided on a point based system with participants earning points by their involvement. Charles Oliver with Wells Fargo Advisors was named 2012 Ambassador of the year.

Integris Health Edmond Volunteer of the Year

The Edmond Chamber has many volunteers that are a part of many councils, task forces, programs and events. Sarah Maulsby, Coppermark Bank, was named 2012 Volunteer of the Year for her leadership and dedication to the Edmond Chamber as well as the community. Maulsby served on the Edmond Young Professionals steering committee, the Banquet committee, and several other committees at the Edmond Chamber. This year, she worked tirelessly on the 2012 Rio Carnival Auction. She is also a regular attendee of most networking events.

Tayo Fichtl Young Professional Award presented by OU Medical Center Edmond

Angie Johnson, Coppermark Bank, was the winner of the 2012 Tayo Fichtl Young Professional Award. This award is given to a young professional who demonstrates leadership, provides valuable service to their business or profession, gives back to their community, exhibits initiative and creativity and serves as a role model for young people, both personally and professionally.

Johnson has been very active in the community while also excelling at her profession. Johnson’s involvement includes Board Member for Suited for Success, past chair for Edmond Young Professionals, Board of Directors and Executive Committee for the Edmond Chamber, and most recently panning a statewide Young Professionals Conference and starting up a statewide Young Professionals Organization.

Chairman’s Award

The Chairman’s Award was a special honor given by the 2012 Edmond Chamber Chairman of the Board, Carl Tipton, Midcon Data Services. This award was given to the person who contributed the most to the Chairman’s term. Ron Decker, Innovative Health Systems, Inc. was the recipient of the award for his support, knowledge and encouragement throughout the year.

Bank of Oklahoma Small Business of the Year

The Small Business of the Year Award, now in its 11^th year, honors small businesses that have made outstanding contributions to the economy and community. Nominees must be an owner/partner/major shareholder of the business and must be active in the day-to-day management and operation of the business. The business should also display leadership in business and community affairs, be actively involved in professional and/or trade associations and maintain equal opportunity employment.

The Bank of Oklahoma Small Business of the Year finalists were recognized by a video presentation of the three finalists: Optique Vision Center, Framin’ Gallery and Parkway Cleaners.

The 2012 Small Business of the Year Award goes to Parkway Cleaners. Parkway Cleaners began as a fledgling two man operation in 1959 and has been a member of the Chamber since 1972. Over the past 53 years it has grown to become one of the largest single site cleaners in the world while remaining under the same family name. Beyond dry cleaning and laundry, Parkway now offers leather and suede cleaning, wedding gown preservation, household items cleaning, and free pickup and delivery. They have dominated the Edmond market with constant growth acquiring an estimated 65 percent of the dry cleaning business.

Coppermark Bank Woman of the Year

The Coppermark Bank Woman of the Year award had four finalists. Finalists included: Victoria Caldwell, ReMAX Associates; Pam Kanaly, Arise Ministries; Shelley Pulliam, Arise Ministries; and Deb Stanaland, YWCA.  Victoria Caldwell was the 2012 recipient and was selected because of her outstanding contribution to the Edmond community. Caldwell has served in many leadership roles, such as the Edmond Board of Realtors, the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Association of Realtors and served as President of the Oklahoma Association of Realtors. Caldwell was awarded the 2010 Journal Record Woman of the Year”50 Making a Difference.”

Bronze sponsors for the evening were: Adfitech, Lester, Loving, and Davies, PC, RCB Bank, Edmond Sun, BancFirst, Oklahoma Christian University, Spirit Bank, Francis Tuttle Technology Center, MidCon Data Services, Framin’ Gallery, Allegiance Credit Union, Oklahoma Fidelity Bank, Prime Bank Group, Arvest Bank, University of Central Oklahoma, Optique Vision Center, Parkway Cleaners, Petra Industries, Inc., Jetta Corporation, Rubenstein & Pitts, PLLC, Dippin Dots, LLC, Graco Roofing and Construction and MLC Mortgage Corporation. Fastsigns provided the signage for the evening and Designs by Tammy provided the flower centerpieces.

The Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce is the voice for business. We are a hundred year-old, 1100 member organization working together to create a strong local economy and to promote the community. The Edmond Chamber provides networking opportunities and business contacts for our members and represents business interests to government.  For information about the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce, please visit our web site at www.edmondchamber.com or call 405-341-2808.  Media inquiries should contact Rachel Martin, Coordinator – Communications, at 405-341-2808 or email at rmartin@edmondchamber.com.

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Dr. Jones travels on medical mission trips through the OU Health Science Center Christian Medical-Dental Society and Volunteers in Mission of the United Methodist Church and has served in Peru, Bolivia, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Mexico, Israel and Kenya. She was selected to be in the Edmond Hall of Fame and was the George Mikesell Award winner as Rotarian of the Year of the Edmond Rotary Club. For fun, she and her husband Craig Stinson chase total solar eclipse of the sun in such places as Turkey, Zimbabwe, Libya, Peru, Mexico, Southern Caribbean, Tahiti, and Easter Island.  Dr. Jones was named Citizen of the Year for her service and contribution to the state and community.

The Citizen of the Year must demonstrate one or more of the following: excellence in their business or profession, brought state or national acclaim to the City of Edmond, been involved in activities for the betterment of Edmond or served through involvement with civic and service organizations. Nominations are sent to a panel of judges who decide the winner.

The Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce is the voice for business. We are a hundred year-old, 1100 member organization working together to create a strong local economy and to promote the community. The Edmond Chamber provides networking opportunities and business contacts for our members and represents business interests to government.  For information about the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce, please visit our web site at www.edmondchamber.com or call 405-341-2808.  Media inquiries should contact Rachel Martin, Coordinator- Communications, at 405-341-2808 or email at rmartin@edmondchamber.com.

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Several awards will be given out including: Bank of Oklahoma’s Small Business of the Year, Integris Health Edmond’s Volunteer of the Year, Mercy Health’s Ambassador of the Year, Coppermark Bank’s Woman of the Year, OU Medical Center Edmond’s Tayo Fichtl Young Professional of the Year, Citizen of the Year and the Chairman’s Award.

The Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce is the voice for business. We are a hundred year-old, 1100 member organization working together to create a strong local economy and to promote the community. The Edmond Chamber provides networking opportunities and business contacts for our members and represents business interests to government.  For information about the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce, please visit our website at www.edmondchamber.com or call 405-341-2808.  Media inquiries should contact Rachel Martin, Coordinator – Communications, at 405-341-2808 or email at rmartin@edmondchamber.com.

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The three finalists will go through an interview process to decide the winner. The winner will be announced at the Annual Awards Banquet on January 25, 2013 at UCO.

The Small Business of the Year Award honors businesses that have made significant growth and outstanding contributions to the economy and the overall progress of the Edmond community. Applicants were judged on business growth and performance, business strategies and innovation, business challenges and competitiveness and community involvement and contribution.

Optique Vision Center

The Optique Vision Center opened in 2009 and has been a member of the Chamber ever since. Their office is located in the Spring Creek Plaza shopping center. This business values patient relationships and strives to improve quality of life and vision wellness through uncompromised service and state-of-the-art technology. Dr. Mike Grindstaff and his staff are a close-working team dedicated to serving the area. They pride themselves on being different by taking the usual and making it exceptional. Their expert optometrist and experienced staff will take the time to answer all of your questions, explain treatment options, and provide the highest quality eye care treatments available.

Framin’ Gallery

Framin’ Gallery joined the Chamber and began as a do-it-yourself custom picture framing business in 1983 and slowly grew into much more. Winner of numerous awards for excellence in framing, the Framin’ Gallery has helped set the standard in custom picture framing, shadow boxes, conservation framing, and more, in the Oklahoma City area. Located in Edmond, this family owned and operated business boasts over 80 years combined experience. Their philosophy has been displayed on a sign since the day they opened, reading: “The inconvenience of poor quality lingers long after the thrill of a bargain is forgotten.” They have always been proud to provide that “WOW” factor to their framing, which they often hear from customers.

Parkway Cleaners

Parkway Cleaners began as a fledgling two man operation in 1959 and has been a member of the Chamber since 1972. Over the past 53 years it has grown to become one of the largest single site cleaners in the world while remaining under the same family name. Beyond dry cleaning and laundry, Parkway now offers leather and suede cleaning, wedding gown preservation, household items cleaning, and free pickup and delivery. They have dominated the Edmond market with constant growth acquiring an estimated 65 percent of the dry cleaning business. One of their favorite business mantras is, “If you’re not growing, you’re dying.”

There were a record number of over 70 nominees for Bank of Oklahoma Small Business of the Year for 2011.

The Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce is the voice for business. Established in 1907, we are an 1100 member organization working together to create a strong local economy and to promote the community. The Edmond Chamber provides networking opportunities and business contacts for our members and represents business interests to government.  For information about the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce, please visit our website at www.edmondchamber.com or call 405-341-2808.  Media inquiries should contact Rachel Martin, Coordinator – Communications, at 405-341-2808 or email at rmartin@edmondchamber.com.

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An opportunity for Edmond citizens to speak with local legislators

EDMOND, OK – The Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce will host a Pre-Session Legislative Breakfast on Friday, January 18, 2011 from 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. at Oak Tree Country Club. The breakfast is presented by Edmond Life & Leisure with Gold Sponsor, Blue Cross Blue Shield. Members of the Oklahoma Legislature attending are Senator Clark Jolley, Senator Rob Johnson, Representative Marian Cooksey, Representative Lewis H. Moore, Representative Randy McDaniel, Representative Randy Grau, Representative Mike Turner and Representative Jason W. Murphey.

The Oklahoma Legislature convened for the First Regular Session of the 54^th Oklahoma Legislature on January 8, 2013. The breakfast will provide local legislators the opportunity to give their personal perspectives on issues to be discussed during the upcoming Oklahoma Legislature session.

Reservations are required and can be made online at www.edmondchamber.com, by calling 405-341-2808 or email at info@edmondchamber.com. Cost is $20 for members with a reservation and $25 for non-members.

The Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce is the voice for business. We are a hundred year-old, 1100 member organization working together to create a strong local economy and to promote the community. The Edmond Chamber provides networking opportunities and business contacts for our members and represents business interests to government.  For information about the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce, please visit our website at www.edmondchamber.com or call 405-341-2808.  Media inquiries should contact Rachel Martin, Coordinator – Communications, at 405-341-2808 or email at rmartin@edmondchamber.com.

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“The annual Edmond Chamber Sporting Clays tournament provides a fun afternoon of shooting and good food.  Shooting sports have become extremely popular lately and this event is fun for all participants regardless of skill or experience.  We look forward to a great turnout again this year with lots of great prizes and drawings.  We hope to see you there” said Kenny Leonard, Director of Customer Service at MIDCON and Edmond Chamber’s Sporting Clays Tournament Chairman.

A bronze team of four is $400 which includes shooting fee, ammo, safety glasses, earplugs, lunch and goodie bag. PLUS: station sponsor sign, raffle tickets and featured in event promotion.  Other pricing is Edmond Chamber Member player per person – $75, Edmond Chamber Member team of four – $275, non-member player per person – $85, non- member team of four – $325.  All entries include: shooting fee, ammo, safety glasses, earplugs, lunch & goodie bag.

The Edmond Chamber is also seeking donations for the goody bags. You can feature your company to the business community by donating items to put in these bags. We need 100 like items. If you prefer to donate a larger item, we will use those items as a door prize.

            If you are interested in having a team, sponsoring the Sporting Clays Tournament or would like to showcase your business, please contact Sarah Landrum at (405) 341-2808 or slandrum@edmondchamber.com.