Oklahoma City (June 20, 2018) – The State Chamber of Oklahoma held its Annual Meeting Wednesday at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. The program featured a keynote speech by Eric Maddox, who was instrumental in the takedown of Saddam Hussein. The meeting also included the installment of a new State Chamber Chairman and the election of the board of directors.

Sean Trauschke, outgoing Chairman of the board, presented incoming Chairman Mark W. Funke, of Bank SNB, with the 2018-2019 chairman gavel.

“Mark is a dynamic leader, and we are honored to have him as our 2018-2019 Chairman,” said State Chamber President and CEO, Fred Morgan. In his first address to members as Chairman, Funke talked about making Oklahoma a national hub for entrepreneurship, investment and innovation.

In addition, Maddox, a former military interrogator, presented his keynote speech to a record-breaking 620 attendees. From his time in the military, Maddox said he learned “the importance of really listening and empathizing with people.” He spoke to the group of business leaders about gaining trust, eliminating distractions and connecting with employees and customers in dynamic ways.

Each year, the Chamber gives Champion of Free Enterprise awards to members who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to advancing Oklahoma’s business climate and competitiveness. The Chairman’s award recipient was Paul Campbell, President and CEO of Enviro Systems, Inc. The Outstanding Company Award was given to Phillips 66, and the Greater Muskogee Chamber of Commerce was honored as local chamber of the year.

In addition, new OK2030 visionary leadership awards were given to Ted Haynes of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma and Larry Nichols of Devon Energy, Co-Chairs of the OK2030 Steering Committee.