LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
What a year ! It started out celebrating 2019 with 350 of our closest friends
at the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Gala . In February , we created a new position on the Economic Development team focusing on retaining and expanding businesses in Stillwater .
It was a great thing we did because Joshua Hawkins , the business retention and expansion coordinator , spent a large part of the pandemic helping companies understand and complete applications for the Paycheck Protection Program and the Oklahoma Business Relief Grant .
Later , we would use the knowledge gained during that time to facilitate Stillwater ’ s
9
Business Relief Grant Program . We distributed $ 500,000 to more than 100 businesses within 30 days of announcing the program .
On March 13 , I remember getting a phone call from Mayor Joyce as I was 15 miles into The Mid South 50k race saying the city council was going to implement restrictions the following week .
A few days later at a Chamber Monday morning meeting we decided to work remote and close the Chamber office to outside visitors . This was the first time many of us worked remote and was the first time for me to lead a remote team . We had some growing pains , and I am thankful for the grace our team and community showed during this time .
Although we could not meet in person , we know our members still needed us , so we quickly pivoted to virtual events . Many of you tuned in because the engagement numbers of our streamed events on Facebook were high .
We appreciate all who participated and to our sponsors who worked with us as we delivered our programs . We also ran several shop local campaigns . We raffled off gift cards which resulted in $ 4,000 in immediate cash flow for local retailers . We also distributed 100 curbside ordering signs .
As we reflect on 2020 and think about our plans for 2021 , I ask each of you to remember we all experienced 2020 a little differently , yet we all experienced something . Some of us lost jobs , loved ones , or worried about basic needs . Others like our medical professionals and educators worked longer and harder than ever before .
I am grateful for those of you who spent 2020 taking care of our neighbors and kiddos
. I hope someday to return the favor . My hope is everyone can continue to show each other compassion as we work together to move our community forward .
COMMERCE | 2021 Profile Magazine of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce