Weekly Update 

For the week of Juy 14, 2008

 
In This Issue
Save the Date
Leadership Weatherford
Digital TV
Wellness Expo
Stuff Happens
Are You Listed
School Time!
Chambers Count
Design Alliance Grant
Voter's Guide
Over and Above
Subscribe to Our Email!
Greetings!

Thanks to everyone who are responding to the mailings for the Holiday Promotion and the Wellness Expo!  Be sure and check to see if your business is listed. 
 
Also check out the information about candidates and voting.  Be sure to talk with everyone you know about the importance of being registered to vote and then VOTING!
Contact Us
P O Box 857
Weatherford, Oklahoma 73096
580-772-7744
What's Happening!
All events are subject to change! For complete details go to www.weatherfordchamber.com
 
 

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

ˇ         Kiwanis Club - 12:00 PM - The Mark Restaurant

 

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

ˇ         Weatherford Design Alliance Committee - 9:00 AM - The Cup

ˇ         Weatherford Rotary Club Meeting - 12:00 PM - Mark Restaurant

 

Thursday, July 17, 2008

ˇ         Tourism Committee - 2:30 PM - Stafford Museum


**Membership Investment
Chamber members have received their 2008 membership investment invoices.  Thank you to all those who supported the Chamber in 2007 and we ask for your support again in 2008.  Your statement offered you the opportunity to increase your investment in the Chamber.  Please take the opportunity to review your invoice and consider increasing your investment. 
 
 
If you have a question concerning your membership investment, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Save the Date
and make plans to participate and/or attend
  • SWOSU's 48th Annual Picnic - August 18 - Memorial Circle, south lawn
  • Welcome Reception for SWOSU, Western Technology Center, and Weatherford Public Schools - August 19 - First National Bank
  • Chamber of Commerce Wellness Expo - September 20 - SWOSU Wellness Center
  • Chamber Banquet - January 22, 2009

Additional information will be provided about these events.

Leadership Weatherford

Leadership Weatherford is a nine month, one day a month program designed to energize our community and cultivate the next generation leadership by: 

 

  • Educating class members about our community
  • Developing and improving leadership skills
  • Building relationships; and focusing on our future.

The cost for the program is $300.  This includes meals, out of town travel & lodging, professional class picture, class shirt and graduation dinner for you and a guest.  Scholarships are available.  Click here to download an application.  Applications are being accepted until September 1.

 

Session Dates for 2008-09 are Sept. 26 & 27-Retreat; October 7-Leadership Skills; Low Ropes Course; November 18-Education System; December 9-Legal System; January 13-Economic Development; February 10-Health & Wellness; March 10-Entrepreneurship; April 16-State Capital Trip; and May 19-Community Service & Graduation.

 

Over 146 people in the past 10 years have graduated from this current program.  A volunteer committee of past graduates and citizens organize, plan and implement the program.  Currently serving on the committee are Linda Hays, chair, Cindy Dougherty, Tom Fagan, Dr. Marvin Hankins, Dr. John Hays, Joe Johns, Bob Moses, and Marquieta Page.

 

Leadership Weatherford is sponsored by the Weatherford Area Chamber of Commerce and Southwestern Oklahoma State University.  Funding has also been received from a grant though the Midwestern Oklahoma Development Authority (MODA).

Digital Television Transitioning Early Next Year
TVOn February 17, 2009 all full-power broadcast television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting only in digital. Digital broadcasting will allow stations to offer improved picture and sound quality and additional channels. To find out more about whether or not you will be impacted by the digital TV (DTV) transition, click here.  Contact Mike Seney at The State Chamber.
Wellness Expo
Health Expo LogoResponse is great for the Wellness Expo set fof September 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the SWOSU Wellness Center.  Listed are the Chamber members who have signed on as of Friday afternoon.  If you do not see your business listed, please let us know. 
 
The event is open to any Chamber member.  Corporate Sponsorship is $100.  A sponsor at this level receives an 8' x 10' booth, their logo in print and electronic media advertising, and a sign to display in their business.  Booth Fee Participants is $40.  As a participant the business receives an 8' x 10' booth and a sign to display in their business.   

 Contact the Chamber at 772-7744 with any questions.  Click here to download information and an application.

Corporate Sponsors
  • Advanced Home Care Services, Inc.
  • SWOSU - School of Nursing
  • SWOSU - Biology Department
  • Trinity Hospice
  • Weatherford Living Center

Booth Sponsrs

  • The Medicene Shoppe 
Stuff Happens!  Encourage Absentee Voting!
Primary Button 
Work schedules, vacations and family commitments could keep you and your workforce from getting to the polls on Election Day. Voting from home just saves time.  But hurry! The deadline for absentee ballot requests is Wednesday, July 23rd. 

Your vote in Oklahoma's 2008 elections really matters. Yet, many of us find that after-work commitments and last-minute emergencies interfere with getting to the polls.  Please don't let that happen to you! If you can't vote on Election Day -- or prefer to vote from the comfort of your home -- now is the time to request an absentee ballot application.   You may apply for absentee ballots for one election, for several elections, or for all elections in which you are eligible to vote this year.
Businesses are on Board! Are You?
Thanks to everyone who has responded to the 2008 Holiday Promotion letters.  Response has been great.  Listed below are the businesses who have signed on as of Friday afternoon.  If you do not see your business listed, please give us a call.  To download information and a sign up form, click here.
 Family and Friends
The promotion is open to any chamber member.  If you were unable to participate last year and would like to receive information, just call the Chamber and we'll get you the information.
 
The goal, to get Weatherford area residents to shop Weatherford this holiday season and to share the experience with friends and family.  Each week a winner will be drawn to receive that week's $1,000 Chamber Buck giveaway.  When contacted, the winner will then be asked to name two people, either a family member or a friend, to receive $500 each in Chamber Bucks! 
 
In addition to being listed as a sponsor on the Chamber's Web site, sponsors receive: 
Santa (Corporate) - $750 - Logo in print and electronic media advertising. Banner and sign to display in business; an entry box at your location.
Reindeer (Participating) - $250 - Name in print and electronic media advertising. Sign to display in business; an entry box at your location.
Elf (General) - $200 - Name in print and electronic media. Sponsor identification at kickoff & scheduled events.
 
Santa Sponsors

BancFirst

Kelley Jewelery

More Than Medicine

Wal-Mart 
 
Reindeer Sponsors
All Star Video
Caulkins Conoco
Floor Trader
Midwest Music
Myers Laundry & Cleaners
Nabors Shoe Center
Wright Wradio
 
 
Elf Sponsors 
Western Equipment, LLC
School Personnel Welcome
 School HouseCircle the date now and make plans to attend the Welcome Reception for education personnel new the Weatherford education community.  The reception gives the Weatherford Business Community a chance to welcome the new education personnel.
 
The Welcome Reception is presented by First National Bank on August 19, at 12:30 p.m.
 
The Education Committee is looking for drawing sponsors.  Sponsors are being asked to provide $100 to be drawn for during the reception. This is a great way to promote your business to more than 100 education personnel.  If you have any questions, please contact the Chamber at 772-7744.
Chambers Count 
With the nation in its current economic recession, the Schapiro Study underscores how it is now more important than ever for small businesses to invest in chamber of commerce memberships. "The chamber is the one organization promoting the collective well being of the business community and the community as a whole. It's like a hub," states Marie Hanza, Executive Director. "The chamber is a resource and education tool for promoting growth."   Hanza comments were made following the release of a the American Chamber of Commerce (ACCE) recent survey "The Real Value of Joining a Local Chamber of Commerce." 

"The intent of the survey was to determine what the impact of chamber memberships are for small businesses," said Cathy Lada, vice president of community advancement for the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). "With the economy the way it is right now, it's important to have (a) resource for small businesses."

ACCE hired the Atlanta-based firm The Schapiro Group to conduct the national survey, which included about 2,000 adults nationwide.

The study found 59 percent of consumers think being active in a local chamber is an effective business strategy overall, and it is 29 percent more effective for communicating to consumers that a company uses good business practices.

The survey also shows consumers think a company's products hold up better against competition because the company is highly involved in its local chamber and is involved in the community as an industry leader.  When consumers know a small business is a member of the chamber, they are 44 percent more likely to think favorably of it and 63 percent more likely to patronize it, according to the survey.

Design Alliance Grant Awarded
Congratulations to Russell-Murray Hospice, the first Weatherford business to receive a "Design Alliance Grant."  Russell-Murray will use the funds for a new sign at their new location. Click here to download and application.
 
Program Overview

The facade improvement program is designed to assist owners or responsible tenants with improvements to their commercial properties and businesses in the City of Weatherford.  Across the city, improvements to storefronts are making businesses and districts more attractive and inviting and, in turn, attracting new customers and businesses.  Business owners often see an increase in sales.  Storefront improvements also help landlords rent their vacant or difficult-to-rent properties.

Eligible improvements for the Facade Improvement Program may include, but are not necessarily limited to: 

  • Restoration of exterior finishes/material
  • Repair or replacement of storefront windows and/or doors
  • New/Repair Signage
  • Building and Sign Lighting
  • Installation/Removal/Replacement/Repair of Awnings
  • Landscaping
  • Painting

Most capital improvements such as side walks, curbs, and parking lot resurfacing are ineligible. All improvements must conform to the City's building codes.

 

Following your project's approval, the Weatherford Area Chamber of Commerce-Weatherford Design Alliance and the City of Weatherford will prepare documents for the Applicant's signature, including a Grant Agreement and a Facade Program Agreement.

 

In consideration of the above agreements, the City will contribute funds to the applicant of half the costs for improvements as approved by the Weatherford Area Chamber of Commerce-Weatherford Area Chamber of Commerce-Weatherford Design Alliance up to a maximum of $1000.00 per property or actual amount of grant, whichever is less.  The applicant is responsible for providing to the Weatherford Area Chamber of Commerce-Weatherford Design Alliance adequate documentation of the project's expenses prior to reimbursement.

 

The Applicant needs to provide the Weatherford Area Chamber of Commerce-Weatherford Design Alliance the following in order to begin the application process, prior to the approval of the project and the Applicant commencing improvement work:

  • Copy of Facade  Improvement Program Application
  • Check payable to the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce for $250
  • Contractor's estimate of project
  • Drawing or rendering of project.

Upon receipt of the above, the Weatherford Area Chamber of Commerce-Weatherford Design Alliance will then submit application to the City of Weatherford, if applicable for review.  A copy of schedule of meeting dates will be given upon request and unless specifically asked to do so, your attendance at the meetings is voluntary.  Once the final reward determinations have been made and approved by the Weatherford Area Chamber of Commerce-Weatherford Design Alliance /City of Weatherford, you will be notified in writing and be given further instructions.

 
Voter's Guide
Prosperity ProjectHelp your employees be informed before July 29th!  The State Chamber's Voter's Guides let every candidate for Congress and State Legislature tell you where they stand on issues that can strengthen our business climate, keep Oklahoma competitive, and grow good jobs. 
 
Click on www.okprosperity.com/weatherford, to find out who is running in their district, view their candidates' Voter's Guides - and then go to the polls informed.
Over and Above
The Chamber wishes to  recognize  the businesses and individuals listed in the areas below.  These members have agreed to increase their financial support to their Chamber this year.  Take a few minutes now to review the list and make it a point to say "thanks" the next time you see one of these members.  Every effort is being made to make sure this list is complete.  If you have increased your membership to a level to be included in one of the areas listed and do not see your name, please contact the office.  We'll make the change and get your recognized in the next "Weekly Agenda."  
 
Minimum investments for each are
Platinum - $1,000
Gold - $750
Silver - $500
Bronze $350
Thanks and appreciation goes out to all members who have renewed their membership for the 2008 year!     
Platinum Investors

Advanced Home Care Services, Inc. 

AEP/Public Service Company of Oklahoma 

BancFirst 

Bank of Western Oklahoma 

City of Weatherford 

Economy Storage 

Ed Berrong Real Estate & Insurance Agency

First National Bank & Trust Company of Weatherford 

FPL Energy Cowboy Wind, LLC

John M. Huser, Jr, MD 

MidFirst Bank 

More Than Medicine
Rick Koch Oil Company 

Southwest National Bank 

Southwestern Oklahoma State University 

Southwestern Oklahoma State University Foundation

Stafford Air & Space Museum 

Tautfest, Inc. 

United Supermarkets 

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. #392 

Weatherford Daily News 

Wright Wradio 

Gold Investors

American Insurance Group - Brown, Mike 

Cummins, Pontiac- GMC, Inc

Edward Jones, Jim Horsburgh 

Hart & Merchant, CPA's

IBC Bank

Nita's Ice House 

York Ford, Lincoln-Mercury, Inc.

Silver Investors

AT& T 

Britton, Kuykendall, & Miller, CPA's

Caulkin Conoco
CellularOne
Chesapeake Energy
Diesel Works Plus Inc.
Doc's Longhorn Trading Post 
 Joe E. & Glenna Johns

Imation Enterprises 

Kelley Jewelers 

Lockstone Funeral Home, Inc.

Mario's Grill

Magill Insurance & Real Estate Agency 
Oklahoma West Physicians Group 

Ratcliffe's, Inc. 

State Farm Insurance - Debbie Shepherd 

Weatherford Press

Weatherford Regional Hospital

Bronze Investors
Albert's Truck Service 

Alfredo's Mexican Café 

C.J.'s Southwest Tire & Accessory, Inc. 

Cells U More 

CenterPoint Energy 

Dr Pepper Bottling Company 

Eagle Supply & Rental, Inc 

Eastman Kodak Company 

Farmers Cooperative Exchange 

Hankins,  Dr. Marvin & Connie

Hart Sell Real Estate 
The Kloset

Legacy Bank 

Midwest Music 

Nabors Shoe Center 

PDC (Phone Directories Company) 

Premier Chevrolet-Cadillac, Inc. 

Sides Screen Printing 

Sudden Link Communications 

Weatherwood Assisted Living 

Western Equipment, LLC 

Share this email with your co-workers! 
 
Sincerely,
 
Marie Hanza
Weatherford Area Chamber of Commerce