Chamber Chimes

February 25, 2009

At the time that this paper was being printed, I hope that some of you were having a wonderful meal and enjoying light entertainment at the 84th Annual Watonga Chamber of Commerce Banquet.  Unfortunately, since time travel is not yet an option, submission deadlines were prior to the banquet, so I will have to fill you all in on it next time.

Next up will be the Trout Derby March 6-8 at Roman Nose State Park.  You can still come by the office or contact a Board member to pre-register for this event.  Also, don't forget to get your fishing license and trout stamp.  You can get them locally either at Alco or at The Bait Shop.  I haven't fished in many years, but I am really looking forward to the Derby, as it will be my first time at this event.  I hope to see some of you other "first timers" out there as well as all the "long timers".  I have been very pleased by the number of calls I have received from all over Oklahoma and even into Texas about the Trout Derby.  It has a very far reaching draw and brings people to our community that may not otherwise have reason to come.  Of course, once they do experience Watonga and all the friendly and helpful people we have, I am sure they will want to return.
I had several nice visitors in the office last week.  Mary Dean from the Ferguson Home Museum stopped in to pick up some visitors brochures and as always was a joy to talk with.  She always does such a good job of making people feel welcome in Watonga, whether they are locals or tourists.  I also had a local business owner stop in to introduce herself and we had a wonderful chat about how much more we can all do together than on our own.  She shared her ideas with me about supporting our community and our local businesses.  She told me how she likes to refer people to all of the businesses that provide the service being sought, not just one.  Who knows, that person might want to visit them both!  We also talked about the difference between rambling complaints and taking action.  We all see areas where we think change needs to be made, so take action!  Get involved!  Share your ideas with someone and see where it leads.  You may not see immediate results, but if you work with others, you can make the difference.
Speaking of making the difference, the OBI blood drive will be held March 3rd at the Foley Building.  If you are able to give blood, come on out.  It isn't everyday that you get the chance to save a life!  Plus, the Hospital Auxiliary ladies and HCE ladies will even feed you sandwiches and cookies.  Now isn't that a win-win situation?
I hope to see many of you at all these great events around our town and, as always, feel free to stop in the Chamber office.
Remember:

February 11, 2009

Who are the Watonga Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors?

            In compliance with the Chamber of Commerce by-laws, the Board is made up of 14 elected members, each serving a two year term.  In order to create continuity, the two year terms overlap by only one year.  That is to say that 7 members will serve, for example, 2008 and 2009, while the other 7 members serve 2009 and 2010.  Also serving on the board for one additional year (total of 3 years) is the past president.  Board members serving the last of their 2 year term this year are Travis Bradt, Cora Howard, Neara Johnson, Don Justice, Rhonda Olsen, Tim Predieri and Anita Woodruff.  Serving 2009 and 2010 are Denise Adkisson, Prissy Ice, Todd Lafferty, Tim Nelson, Norb Rother, Jerry Sinclair and Brenda Wigington.  Elected officers this year are Travis Bradt, President, Todd Lafferty, Vice-president, and Rhonda Olsen, Treasurer.  Any and all of these people are your contact to the Chamber, as well as calling me directly at 623-5452.

            In my last Chamber Chimes I promised you an update on the Annual Watonga Trout Derby.  Everything that you know and love about our past Trout Derbys will return this year (gifts, cash and the chance at the new truck from Dobrinski & Irwin Auto) but an exciting addition this year is the guaranteed giveaway of a boat.  A drawing will be made from every adult entry (sorry kids, you must be 18 or over to win the boat or truck) and that entry WILL win a Bass Brat boat from Buster Boats of Stillwater.  Contact any of the Chamber Board Members to purchase an entry for this drawing anytime between now and the end of the derby.  We are really looking forward to this being an exciting and fun event and winning a boat only makes it better!

            As always, if you have any questions or comments, please give me a call or stop in the office.  You can also email me at cwatonga@pldi.net or visit the website www.watongachamber.com.