State Chamber Holds Annual Meeting, Inaugurates New Board Chairman
Event includes Champion of Free Enterprise Awards and best-selling author Kelly McDonald
Oklahoma City (June 15, 2016) – Today, more than 500 people attended the State Chamber of Oklahoma’s Annual Meeting at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. The meeting featured the installment of a new Chairman of the State Chamber Board of Directors, presentation of Champion of Free Enterprise Awards and a keynote address from best-selling author Kelly McDonald.
McDonald, author of How to Market to People Not Like You, told attendees about the importance of following trends rather than fads. “Fads are temporary while trends are shifts,” McDonald said. “A selfie stick is a fad that may not be around long, but sharing pictures of what you’re doing is a trend.” McDonald also pointed out that younger generations are more diverse and understanding their perspectives is key to marketing to them.
The new Chairman of the State Chamber Board is Ted Haynes, President of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma. Haynes takes over from Bradley W. Krieger, Executive Vice President and Regional Manager for Oklahoma and Kansas at Arvest Bank. In his first address to members as Chairman, Haynes talked about continuing the push for more diversity in the State Chamber Board started by Krieger as well as increasing advocacy by members. “I am proud of the work the State Chamber does to produce results and positive outcomes for our business community,” Haynes said. “But it does not happen without the support and dedication from all of you. I urge you to get involved this year.”
The Annual Meeting also included the presentation of the Second Annual Champion of Free Enterprise Awards to State Chamber members who went above and beyond to fight for policies that improve Oklahoma’s business climate. The awards given were:
- Chamber of the Year Award – Ardmore Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority, for actively participating in the Chamber Action Network (CAN) and engaging its members in important business issues at the state Capitol.
- Ambassador of the Year Award – Brent Copeland, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., for promoting the State Chamber’s message to area and industry peers while assisting in recruitment of new members to strengthen our voice.
- Chairman’s Award – Aaron Fulkerson, Schnake Turnbo Frank, for his efforts as a State Chamber Board member in supporting our mission and vision of making Oklahoma the first choice for business.
- Outstanding Individual Award – Brent Kisling, Enid Regional Development Alliance, for working to keep Oklahoma competitive by supporting and advancing State Chamber priorities at the Capitol.
- Outstanding Company Award – Chickasaw Nation, for supporting the State Chamber’s legislative agenda in areas that affect its industry and the state’s business climate in general.