GREATER ENID CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Jason Turnbow , 2021-2022 Chamber Chairman
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For me , growing up in Enid was tagging along with my dad and our English Setters at the Grand National Quail Hunt , baseball at Crosslin Park , church on Sundays , birthday parties at Electric Eagle Arcade , cruising Van Buren and getting to lend a hand and help build Leonardo ’ s Adventure Quest .
After meeting my wife , Torry , in college , we began our careers , married and landed in Oklahoma City . We loved the opportunities a big city provided and we were thriving , raising a young family , and navigating the adventures of early adulthood . But something was missing . COMMUNITY .
It turns out all those childhood things I loved about my hometown didn ’ t have so much to do with the facilities they took place in . There ’ s always some place else doing it bigger or flashier . The memories and experiences that were nostalgic to me had everything to do with the relationships , the values and the pace of life Enid offered .
Torry and I and our daughters moved back here to my hometown about 12 years ago to chase opportunity . When evaluating our opportunity , we checked the boxes to see if Enid was indeed the right place for us to call home . Number one on our list was an education mindset . We saw Enid was investing in our schools and that remains true today as student pride continues to soar with monumental improvements to Enid and area schools . Enid has multiple higher education opportunities with a wonderful , growing career tech system and multiple opportunities at Northern and Northwestern . In addition to that , the top talent in our U . S . Military come thru Enid ’ s own Vance Air Force Base . That mission is currently graduating more pilots than ever .
A vibrant culture was something else we desired . Our coffee shops , breweries and restaurants are more than eateries . They create environments for connecting . Environments for art , live music and social relationships .
What I ’ ve learned in my 12 years back in Enid , success thrives in environments that enable it to flourish . Environments are created , cultivated and sustained by its people . Environments aren ’ t just physical locations . They ’ re established by the culture of its people , and in Enid , many leaders in the generations before us established our culture and gave this town an entrepreneurial spirit we maintain today .
In my career as a banker , I know money is basically the same anywhere you go , but great customer service , quality advice and treating people exceptionally is what creates a culture that gives me success .
I think the Chamber does a fantastic job of supporting development initiatives that create a winning environment for our city and northwest Oklahoma . We ’ re advocating and looking out for your interests in education and workforce development , quality of life issues that attract business and families , and making your voice heard in OKC and Washington when it comes to key topics like healthcare - as we navigate Medicaid expansion , and educational opportunities such as Oklahoma Promise and enhancing the state budget for regional colleges and universities . We advocate for Northwest Oklahoma not just when our contingent goes down to OKC for Enid Day at the Capitol , or to Washington D . C ., but also through our established relationships with our representatives , and I have seen , firsthand where we ’ ve made a difference and caused action to make Enid better .
I want to thank all of the volunteers out there for leading the way and showing young people how we do things in Enid . Enid thrives because of your efforts .
I am honored to be following many great community leaders as the next Chairman of the Board for the Greater Enid Chamber of commerce in 2021-22 . I am fortunate to work every day with 4 past chairmen from Security National Bank who support me and our chamber . They continue to have an impact on the quality of life in Enid through their service .
I look forward to serving alongside many friends and leaders this year as we continue to invest in Enid , the community we call home .
Jason Turnbow Chairman of the Board