Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Todd Earl , 2022-2023 Chamber Chairman
I am honored to serve as Chairman of the Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce again . It ’ s been 20 years since the last time I accepted this role and , while much has changed in those years , what makes Enid a great place to work , raise a family and grow a business is the same . It ’ s the people . People who care about Enid and its citizens and manifest that care by investing their time , their talents and resources in our community and in each other .
The Chamber is a leader in its efforts to strengthen and support the relationship between Vance Air Force Base and the City of Enid . Among our community and economic development opportunities , supporting Vance is easily first on the list not only because of the economic impact but because of the way that the Base ’ s presence and the personnel who serve here enhance our community . Many of these people are with us for a short time but each leave something that helps to make Enid a better place . We have the great good fortune of hosting America ’ s finest joint training base .
Since its inception , Enid has relied upon the agricultural and energy sectors for employment and economic development . These sectors will remain foundational to our success as a community , but they are now joined by alternative energy such as wind and solar sources as we diversify not only our energy mix but also our economy . America has an insatiable need for energy and Enid ’ s recognition that an “ all of the above ” approach makes us a leader in energy production . Our farmers and ranchers combine hard work , newly deployed technology and good old-fashioned know how to feed the world .
Enid remains the medical hub for Northwest Oklahoma with two outstanding hospital systems , clinics and , of course , the medical professionals that work to keep us healthy . The community continues to make progress toward returning a primary care residency in partnership with The Great Salt Plains Health Center and Oklahoma State University . Oklahoma does not typically rate highly in wellness categories and a key to changing that ranking is physician access . This residency program is vitally important in re-establishing a pipeline of physicians to care for our citizens and neighbors .
Despite these advances , much remains to be done . We continue to work to further diversify our economy through supporting existing business and attracting new ventures . We must continue to support efforts from our educational partners to create a strong , ready workforce capable of providing solutions to employers . Oklahomans are known for their work ethic – it ’ s in our state motto - but hard work alone won ’ t meet today ’ s workforce needs .
The City of Enid is in process of building the Kaw Lake water line that will ensure access to water for our community for the foreseeable future . Funded by a 1 % sales tax that expires in 2052 , it is the largest capital expenditure in the history of our city . Voters were wise to support this measure as access to clean water will pay dividends for generations . We must continue to make smart choices about how we tax our citizens both in the city and around the County to remain competitive in the retail and economic development arenas . This will require cooperation and coordination between all taxing jurisdictions , so we remain poised to capitalize on opportunity .
When I moved to Enid in 1966 , we were known as the Wheat Capital of America in the heart of Red Carpet Country and the tags on our car tags said Oklahoma is OK . Well . A lot of great businesses and a lot of great leaders here in Enid worked hard to ensure that Oklahoma and , indeed , Enid is a lot more than OK . Today , we have a thriving community with leaders of all ages whose entrepreneurial spirit has built upon the rich legacy of Enid . I believe the best remains before us and I am excited to chase those horizons and meet the challenges to come with each of you .
Todd Earl Chairman of the Board
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