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For the week of September 29, 2008 |
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Greetings!
This weekend's Leadership Weatherford class got off to a great start! Attendees received a behind the scenes look at the Tommy Franks Museum, learned their "true colors" and took the important first steps into leadership roles. Next "day" up for the class is October 8 when they tackle the ropes course and learn additional leadership skills.
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| Contact Us |
P O Box 857
Weatherford, Oklahoma 73096
580-772-7744
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| What's Happening! |
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Tuesday, September 30
ˇ Kiwanis Club - 12:00 PM - The Mark Restaurant
ˇ City Employee Appreciation Dinner - 6:00 PM - Pioneer Center
Wednesday, October 01
ˇ Weatherford Rotary Club Meeting - 12:00 PM - Mark Restaurant
Thursday, October 02
ˇ Noon Lions Club - 12:00 PM - University Grill and Cafeteria
ˇ Friends For Life Animal Sanctuary - 6:00 PM - Cherokee Restaurant
Friday, October 03
ˇ Breakfast in the Country - 7:30 AM - Wright Radio **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.
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| 2 Cents Worth |
 Thank you to everyone who has completed the Chamber's membership survey. Out of 316 invitations sent, 20% and climbing, have take the survey. To those who have not had the opportunity, click here, we really do want to know what you think! Deadline to respond is Friday, October 3.
Results of the survey will be used to help shape the Chamber's plan for 2009 and beyond. The results will also be shared with other entities in Weatherford at the Chamber's Planning Conference set for October 9. |
| Businesses are on Board! Are You? |
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Time is running out to become a part of one of Weatherford's best retail promotions "Home for the Holiday with Friends and Family." Set to begin in mid November and sponsored by the Chamber's Retail Trades Committee, the promotion is designed to create and enjoyable shopping experience in Weatherford during the holiday season.
Each week throughout the promotion - one lucky winner will be drawn to receive $1,000 in Chamber Bucks. When the winner is called, the individual will be asked to name two friends or family members, each will receive $500 in Chamber Bucks.
Santa Sponsors
Santa Sponsors receive logo in print and electronic media. |
| Register to Vote |
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Workplace Voter Registration Drives Are Easy
Here's Everything You Need for Success!
The Legislators we elect in 2008 will make critical decisions on bottom-line issues impacting Oklahoma's economy, your organization's ability to succeed and grow - AND your employees' pocketbooks. That's why hundreds of employers are participating in -Oklahoma's Workplace Voter Registration Drive October 6th - 10th. Please help your employees register before October 10th so they can vote smart on Election Day, November 4th. Follow this link to start your own voter registration effort! |
| City Employee Appreciation |
 Weatherford City employees and their families will be treated to an "Appreciation Cookout" on Tuesday, September 30. The event will be held at the Pioneer Center starting at 6:00 p.m.
Sponsored by the Chamber's Public Affairs Committee, the event is a way for the Chamber to say thank you to city employees for the work they do! On the menu will be hamburger, with all the fixin's, hot dogs, sides and more. The event is open to all city employees and their families. A great time for food, fellowship and fun! |
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Name in Front of Visitors |
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Visitors, tourists,travellers, etc, no matter how you identify them, people are are asking about and coming to Weatherford! They're visiting our tourism attractions, shopping, dining, or spending the night in our lodging. Daily the Chamber provides the Weatherford tourism brochure in response to request for tourism information. Weatherford's tourism brochure is also distributed nationwide through the Oklahoma Department of Travel and Recreation fulfillment program.
Here's your opportunity to market your business to these individuals! In response to the number requests for information, your Chamber provides the "Weatherford Rack Card" a tourism brochure listing Weatherford's attractions, lodging, dining, and shopping opportunities. It's now time for the second printing of this popular and successful brochure.
To list your business, please print out this email, complete the appropriate information and return it and your check for $50 to the Chamber of Commerce office by October 3. In addition to the information noted below, the brochure will also have a listing of annual events. If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the Chamber office.
____, Yes - I want my business to be included in the Weatherford tourism brochure. Please list my business under the following header (select one)
_____ Lodging _____ Dining _____ Shopping
_____ Unfortunately I am unable to participate at this time but thanks for asking.
________________________________________________________________________________________ Business Name ________________________________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address ________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone Number e-mail ________________________________________________________________________________________ Name of Person Completing this form (Please print.) ________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature
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| Nominations for Awards |
| Nominations are now being accepted for the "Roots and Wings", "Weatherford Hall of Fame" and "Outstanding Service" awards to be presented at the Chamber of Commerce Banquet January 22, 2009. Below is information about each of the awards. Nominations for the awards must be submitted by November 5 on the required form. To receive a nomination form or learn more about the award, click on the title of the award or pick up a form at the Chamber of Commerce.
The "Roots and Wings" award is presented to a Weatherford citizen who has exhibited exceptional support for the youth of Weatherford through his or her volunteer efforts. The name of the award comes from a quote from H. Carter "There are only two lasting gifts we can give to our children. One is Roots, the other is Wings." This award is made annually. The nominating committee will consist of the five (5) most recent award winners chaired by the most recent winner.
The "Outstanding Service Award" is presented annually to an individual who has provided outstanding volunteer service to aid the Chamber during the year of the award. The award is presented to a person who is a member of the Chamber, represents a business member of the Chamber, or is a member of the board of directors of the Chamber. Nominees will be selected by the current board president and Executive Director.
The "Weatherford Hall of Fame" award is made to a present or former resident of Weatherford (may be awarded posthumously) who has made a significant and positive impact to the Weatherford community, the state of Oklahoma, or the nation. Nominees for the award are open to all members of the community at large. This award is to be made as deemed appropriate by the Chamber board, but not more often than annually. The nominating committee will consist of the current mayor of Weatherford, current president of the C of C board, the Executive Director of the Chamber, the local presidents of the Kiwanis, Rotary, and Lions Clubs, and any prior winners who wish to serve. The committee will be chaired by the current president of the Chamber of Commerce. |
| Mayor's Walking Challenge |
 There's still time to become involved with the Mayor's Walking Challenge. Deadline to sign up is Monday, September 29 at noon.
To Get Involved, Download the Forms Here!
Challenge Guidelines
Personal Walking Record
Enrollment Forms
What is Involved
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| Community Coffee |
 Community Coffee @ Bank of Western Oklahoma
Reservations are not necessary!
October 9, 2008
 115 North Custer Weatherford, OK 73096  Phone: (580) 774-2265 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Our host this month are represented by their logos.
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| 6th Annual Red Dirt Dutch Oven Cook-Off |
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Anyone interested in responding to this request should contact Ms. Morris or Ms. Tomlinson directly.
Dear Sir or Maʼam,
I am writing on behalf of the 6th Annual Red Dirt Dutch Oven Cook-off. The cook-off is a regional event and we are requesting donations of merchandise to award as prizes. The cook-off will be held on October 4, 2008, at the Red Rock Canyon State Park. More information about our event is available at the following web site: http://www.wimgo.com/events/54784/red-dirt-dutch-oven-cook-off .
Dutch oven cooking is performed in a cast iron pot over charcoal or placed over hot wood embers in the same manner as early settlers and pioneers. This is a celebration of our heritage and culture as well as a competition for culinary artisans. Many of the early homesteaders, cowboys, and the chuck wagon cooks from the days of the cattle drives used this method of cooking.
Donations of event tickets, gift cards, gift baskets, food products, cookware, cookbooks or anything that is related to cast iron Dutch oven cooking, good food, the outdoors, the old west and our Oklahoma pioneer heritage would be sincerely appreciated. Can you help us out with a donation? We would be proud to acknowledge any contributions to our contestants. Please let me know if you can contribute to our event. Contact information is as follows:
Deborah Tomlinson
(405) 243-6835
E-mail: last2know1957@yahoo.com
Event Organizer:
Julie Morris
405-872-0854
E-mail: codyjulie04@yahoo.com
Thank you for your consideration. |
| Web Advertising |
 Chamber members are now able to purchase advertising on the Chamber's web site. Ad price is $50 per month. Contact the Chamber for complete details.
A click on this link takes you to the membership directory where you can type in your business' name to check your listing. Then search the categorical listings to see the other business categories where your business can be classified. Don't see your business category, just email us director@weatherfordchamber.com with the business category you would like to have included in your membership record.
Listed below are the website statistics since July 23, the date the membership directory went live on the website.
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Members' Online Referrals |
853 |
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Members' Online Hits Summary |
3624 |
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Main Search Page |
1201 |
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Alphabetical Listing |
542 |
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Categorical Listing |
742 |
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Search for Listing |
76 |
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New Member Listing |
210 |
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Referred Members Website Visits |
599 |
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Map Views |
254 |
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| Bits 'n Pieces |
Mother Road 100 - Weatherford has been asked to assist with the "Mother Road 100" a 100 mile footrace from Elk City to El Reno along historic Route 66. The date is Saturday, November 8, starting at 8:00 a.m. in Elk City. Upon to 250 athletes will participate. The first of the runners are expected in Weatherford between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. with the last of the runners coming through as late as 10:00 p.m. the type of assistance they are looking for, is a group to be in charge of the Weatherford aid station. They'll provide some sports drink, but the Weatherford group provides race type food like bananas, oranges, cookies, pretzels, salty chips, PB&J sandwiches, etc. The biggest item needed is encouragement. If you or your group would like to help. Contact Bert Sholar at brsholar@cox.net. Additional information about the race can be found at www.motherroad100.com
Meet and Greet Planned for New Athletic Director - The Southwestern Oklahoma State University Athletic Department, in conjunction with SWOSU Athletic Association, is proud to sponsor a meet and greet with new athletic director Todd Thurman. The one-of-a-kind event will take place Thursday, Oct. 2 at the Student Union Ballroom beginning at 5:30 p.m. The event is open to the public. The Meet-and-Greet is open to the public and free of charge. Light refreshments and hors devours will be served. Minimum Wage Poster - Need a copy of the new minimum wage poster? Follow this link. Need Health Insurance? - The State Chamber's endorsed health insurance program, Oklahoma Chamber Blue, continues to grow beyond expectations. This health insurance plan features no medical underwriting; PPO and HMO options; prescription drug coverage; and qualifies for the state's InsureOklahoma! premium reimbursement program. To qualify for Oklahoma Chamber Blue, a company must have fewer than 100 employees; be a member of either The State Chamber OR their local chamber of commerce; and be headquartered in one of Oklahoma's 62 rural counties. As of June 30th, more than 1200 companies and 8,000 lives are covered! Ask your insurance agent about this fabulous program! For more information, click here. Contact Matt Robison. Design Alliance Facade Grant - Looking to do some improvement to your building. Don't forget to apply for a "Design Alliance Grant." Click here to download and application.
Prosperity Project - Help your employees be informed. 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.
In the News - The Chamber's Weatherford TV commercial is already paying dividends even before it has aired! The "Oklahoma Gazette," readership approximately 10,000, recently carried an article highlighting the Stafford Air & Space Museum and the Heartland Museum. The article was written by Melana Lott, owner of Inflamed Brain Creative, the company hired to produce the TV commercials and economic development video. Click here to read the article.
TV Commercial - Weatherford's tourism community will soon be featured in 30 second television commercial. The television commercial is a project of the Chamber's tourism committee and is funded by the Weatherford hotel/motel tax. A second commercial will soon be produced which will highlight specific events, activities or tourism opportunities in Weatherford. Click here to view the commercial. |
| Calling All Artists! |
The Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation is putting together a data base of Oklahoma artists. We would appreciate any and all artists, including performing, visual, writers, and traditional (such as quilters, basketmakers, spur makers, leather workers, etc). We would like professional, amateur, and hobbyists to all be listed. to complete the survey and be included in the data base, click here.
This will help festival and event (including workshops) planners find more vendors, demonstration artists, and participants. It will also help organizers to find performers; libraries and schools to find speakers. The list is also available to any shops that want to carry Oklahoma made articles and galleries to find more artists to show. Also, any studios that may fit the Agritourism venue may be contacted by the Department of Agriculture Agritourism team on being a part of that project.
Please send the survey on to anyone who might be interested. You can mail them or e-mail them back. This information was provided by Melyn Johnson, Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation. |
| 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 |
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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 |
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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
Laundry boutique
Lockstone Funeral Home, Inc.
Magill Insurance & Real Estate Agency
Oklahoma West Physicians Group
Ratcliffe's, Inc.
State Farm Insurance - Debbie Shepherd
Weatherford Press
Weatherford Regional Hospital |
| Bronze Investors |
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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 | |
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Share this email with your co-workers!
Sincerely,
Marie Hanza
Weatherford Area Chamber of Commerce |
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