Small Business Blog

By Lakresha Ferguson, LibertyFest Board Member LibertyFest 2026 is bringing Edmond together for a star-spangled lineup of patriotic fun and family-friendly excitement. Our friends and family of Edmond, surrounding communities, and out of state visitors can experience our hometown spirit and biggest celebration vibes with the theme “From 1776 to Route 66: the Freedom of […]

By Lissa Qualls I believe most Chamber members are high-capacity individuals. You build businesses, lead teams, solve problems, and make decisions that affect employees, families, and entire communities. Even with all the skills and talents that you bring to the table, many leaders find themselves stuck in a familiar place: they know what needs to […]

By: Britley Little There’s just something about summer in Edmond! Longer days, golden hour that lasts forever, and perfect patio weather that practically begs you to grab a drink with friends! Whether you’re looking for a full-on patio vibe or a breezy indoor-outdoor hang, these four spots should be at the top of your list […]

By Beth DeGraffenreid For years, the ideal office worker was the one who could put their head down, close their door, and work in near silence. That era is over. Open space workspaces, hybrid schedules, and rising return-to-office (RTO) mandates have created a new reality – sharing open space means staying quiet. But who can […]

Blog written by Daniela Ortiz In August 2025, I received the surprise of my life when Isaac asked me to marry him. I was completely overwhelmed in the very best way. I was over the moon, full of joy, and for once, almost at a loss for words. If you know me personally, you know […]

By Lissa Qualls Communication is the foundation of every relationship—personal and professional. Without it, trust erodes, assumptions grow, and eventually connection breaks down. In business, poor communication costs money. It costs staff. It costs clients. And it often costs opportunities that never come back. But communication isn’t just about talking. Real communication is a two-way […]

By David Woods If you own or lead a small business in Edmond, there’s a good chance people know you—not just your company. They see you at the grocery store. at school events. at church. at a Chamber event. Your reputation isn’t just tied to your logo; it’s tied to your name. That’s one of […]

By Amy Stephens From Dirt Roads to Destination A century ago, Edmond was ringing in the New Year of 1926. According to the front-page editorial by A.D. Dailey of The Edmond Sun, Edmond’s previous year had been a prosperous one. The town was expanding, with 50 new houses, another cotton gin, the expansion of Eagle Milling […]

By Tim Priebe Something I often find myself telling people is, “I’ve been in business for over two decades, and yours is far from the worst website I’ve ever seen.” That usually gets a laugh. But it also opens the door to a more important conversation. Most websites aren’t broken. They load. They look fine. […]

By Alisha Allen Gardner Leadership. Immediately, when I think of or hear this word, my body tenses up. I feel heat rise up my throat, which starts to restrict, and a slight ping in my head. My shoulders feel heavy. A younger version of me would believe I was beginning to have a panic attack. […]

The Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors recognizes the importance of public education to the Edmond community and has endorsed the passage of both the Edmond Public Schools and Deer Creek Public Schools bond issues, which will appear on the ballot on February 10, 2026. The 2026 bond election for Edmond Public Schools […]

By: Gunnar Hood, WSI-Summit If you’ve read the headlines lately, you probably saw this one: “MIT Finds 95% of AI Projects Fail.” That’s a jaw-dropper. Makes it sound like AI is all smoke and mirrors, right? But if you dig into the report, the story is more useful than scary—especially for small and mid-sized businesses […]

By Josh Pape, Citizens Bank of Edmond Small business owners often ask, “Where are interest rates headed?” It’s a fair question, especially when borrowing costs can significantly affect everything from cash flow to expansion. While no one has a crystal ball or can make guarantees, understanding how the Federal Reserve (“the Fed”) influences interest rates, […]

Blog Written by Devyn Dlugokinski Edmond is the place to be this summer with many new and recurring events filling the calendar. From family-friendly to nightlife activities Edmond offers great options to experience new things, relax or enjoy the great outdoors! To celebrate the season, the free Concerts in the Park at Stephenson Park are […]

Blog written by Cathy O’Connor, Coalign Group Most communities across the U.S. are facing a housing shortage and Edmond is no exception. Getting ahead of a significant housing shortage, before it becomes a crisis, can make a difference over the next decade in supporting workforce and economic development. My advice to Edmond developers and policymakers? […]

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce with 5-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures and positive impact on the community. This prestigious honor puts the organization among the top 1% of chambers nationwide. Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective organizational […]

Blog Written by Diana Giles, Skyline IT Management Cybersecurity can be extremely complicated, but most security incidents could have been prevented by very simple actions. The problem is that most of them aren’t done for a variety of reasons. The most common reason, however, is that no one thinks their business will become a victim. […]

If you’re looking for new business opportunities, you may have considered joining the Edmond Chamber of Commerce. Let’s explore five reasons why joining can benefit your business and how to maximize your membership. Benefits of Joining the Edmond Chamber It helps you make business contactsWhen you join the Edmond Chamber, you open your business to […]

Edmond on the GO bond program is on the ballot Nov. 5, 2024 Voters to consider a 10-year, 15 mill levy that would generate a projected $231 million to fund streets, parks and fire safety improvements Edmond on the GO is a historic General Obligation (GO) Bond program that will fund the highest priority improvements […]

When visitors choose to spend the night within Edmond city limits, they contribute to a vital aspect of our community’s growth and prosperity: the lodging tax. This revenue isn’t just a mere levy; it’s a catalyst for a flourishing local economy. By enticing visitors to stay, we’re not only welcoming them to our city but […]

The mental health crisis and access to behavioral health resources are very hot topics in Oklahoma and across the United States, and Edmond is no exception. The City, as well as many other community partners, have made it clear that our resident’s mental health and well-being should be made a priority. In 2021, the City […]

Ever wondered what a day in the life of an Edmond police officer looks like? Curious about how your local police department handles mental health training and resources for their officers and the people they serve? Do crimes really get solved as quickly as the C.S.I. shows on TV? Who are the local officers and […]

You are invited to join a new event called “100 Miles of Christmas on Route 66 through Oklahoma’s Midpoint Corridor. Eleven cities along Route 66 are lighting up their community from mid-Nov through Dec 29 with different themes to encourage visitors to pack up their holiday spirit and travel Route 66. Edmond’s theme is “Miracle […]

Cycle 66: The Ultimate Biking Extravaganza in Edmond, Oklahoma! By: Ryan Chapman, Capstone Companies Cycle 66, the much-anticipated biking event, is set for Sunday, November 5, 2023. Whether you’re a rider, a supporter, or someone looking for a fantastic way to spend a Sunday, this event has got something for everyone. Quick Points: Mark your […]