Chamber Chimes

I, like many of you, took the opportunity this last Sunday to tour the newly completed Roman Nose Lodge and I am so pleased with the result of this 2 year project.  The calming, nature inspired color palette does a fine job of showcasing the wonderful collection of photos that decorate the walls and rooms of the facility.  Scenes from the past include the Civilian Conservation Corp that did so much to build the park, photos of Chief Roman Nose and other prominent  figures of local Indian history, the park pool in its heyday and early stocking of Lake Watonga, among others.

Also seen throughout the Lodge are beautiful nature photos taken around the park.  With lots of natural light and open areas, it has a nice, relaxing feel that I would encourage you all to make time to take in.  Contrary to local rumor, the lodge is not booked solid for the next year, but I expect it won't take long to start filling rooms once word gets around of how nice it is.   Reservations are being taken now so you whether you are considering  giving a "getaway" as a gift this holiday season or booking one for yourself, you might want to call soon to claim your spot.  Dining, too is now available, beginning today at noon.

Watonga Gift Certificates are now available for purchase at the Chamber office and at the local banks.  Certificates are available in the denomination of your choice and can be used at numerous locations around town.  This is a great way to streamline your holiday gift giving, make sure your loved ones receive a gift they can truly use and keep that holiday money in our community.  Every dollar spent in Watonga benefits our city's hospital, parks, roads, schools and infrastructure through taxes, not to mention our own local business owners and employees.  Studies show that every $100 spent  at locally owned businesses stimulates $45 in economic benefit, whereas every $100 spent at chain stores only generates $13 in economic activity.  And, every  dollar spent out of town, whether at independent businesses or chain stores generates those numbers for other communities and $0 for ours.  Please consider this option for your holiday gift giving this year.  Give me a call at 623-5452 if you have any questions about how the program works.

Watonga Chamber of Commerce has begun our Membership Investment drive for 2011.  Letters have gone out to existing members for renewal and we encourage any non-members to contact us as well.  Your Chamber of Commerce is the number one source of contact for people out of the area looking for information on Watonga.  Be it for individuals looking relocation information, prospective businesses researching possible locations, tourists or any other need, the Chamber is usually the place people call.  Your Membership Investment allows our office to be there to answer those questions and encourage people to come to Watonga.  It also enables us to work with the State Chamber of Commerce to ensure legislation supportive of the Oklahoma business community is passed at the state level, and to network with the Department of Commerce, Central Oklahoma Regional Development, OSU School of Business, and others to explore ways to enhance commerce in our area.  We vow to continue working hard to improve and promote Watonga and we appreciate your support!

November 3, 2010

Happy fall, ya'll!  It is finally feeling like it and with these cooler days upon us, has it started to make you think about your fall recreation options?  Well it has in this office as we start to think about trout season, which kicked off this Monday.  Last Wednesday (the 28th) was the first stocking of Lake Watonga for this season and another is planned for the 11th.  With that and the cooler weather, it's a great time to stop by and see Gayla at The Bait Shop, get some supplies and head on up to Roman Nose State Park for a day enjoying our local beauty.

 Keep in mind that you will need a Trout Stamp if you plan to fish in November or December.  While the Wildlife Department has decided to stop requiring these stamps, it does not take effect until January, so the remainder of this year it will be required.  So break out all your gear and spend the next couple months practicing for this spring's Watonga Trout Derby, March 4-6, 2011.  Go ahead and put it on your calendar, too because it will be here before you know it.

Speaking of Roman Nose, I am so excited that the Lodge will be opening very soon.  It seems like such a long time that it has been closed, but all good things do take time, and every indication is that the result should be worth the wait.  I've seen pictures of many completed areas of the Lodge and it is looking quite nice. An open house is being planned and will be announced any time, so be keeping a watchful eye out.  I understand that reservations are already being taken so give them a call if you want to plan a little get-away.  Also, now through February 28th all lodge rooms and cabins at Oklahoma's 40+ state parks are offering a 25% discount to all active and retired military personnel and veterans.  Ask them about it when you call to book your stay.

Have you been into SweetieWray's Yarn Shop lately?  Proprietor Donna Smith has expanded into the building next door, moving her wares over and creating a much larger classroom area.   She has also extended her hours, adding a "Sit-n-Stitch" time on Monday's from 7pm to 9pm.  If you have ever wanted to pick up or advance a fiber craft, this is a great place to stop in and ask for help.

Due to requests for more Watonga Cheese Festival shirts, we have had a few more printed.  These great looking, black background shirts are available from small youth to 4X at the Chamber of Commerce office and at Country Home Antiques at a cost of $10 for youth sizes, $12 for adult sizes and $14 for extended sizes.  Also available are the cookbooks (now $8 for the 2008 printing and $10 for the 2010 printing), aprons, bags, Watonga cups, Festival and Trout Derby hats and Watonga postcards.  These would be a nice gift to someone visiting or a great reminder of home for someone who has moved away.

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