www . visitmuskogee . com - Muskogee Chamber of Commerce

2014 Board of Directors
Tom Turner
GMACC Chairman
Tedford Insurance
Daniel Miller
GMACC Vice Chair
Edward Jones
Ann Ong
Treasurer
CCOM Medical Group
David Jones
Past Chair
American Bank of Oklahoma
Frank Cooper
Arrowhead Mall
Nita McClellan
VA Medical Center
Dr. Tim McElroy
NSU Muskogee
Mike Miller
Bacone College
Mike Morse
Five Star Office Supply
David White
Citizens Security Bank
Farrell Kaaihue
Creek Nation Casino
Earnie Gilder
Interstate Properties, Inc.
Marlon Coleman
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church
Mike Gilpin
Eastar Health System
Ryan Blanton
Connors State College
310 W. Broadway • P.O. Box 797
Muskogee, OK 74402
Phone: 918-682-2401 • FAX: 918-682-2403
www.visitmuskogee.com
EX-OFFICIO
NON-VOTING
MEMBERS:
Rodney Bond
Georgia Pacific
Howard Brown
City Manager
City of Muskogee
Joel Cousins
Stifel
Mike Leonard
Firstar Bank
Treasure McKenzie
President/CEO
GMACC
Mike Ebert
Walmart
Bob Coburn
Mayor
City of Muskogee
Leigh Ann Mathews
McDonald’s of Muskogee
Nick Thompson
Scott Robinson
Director
Muskogee Port Authority
ASSOCIATE
DIRECTORS:
Marie Synar (Acting)
Muskogee Business Development
Daniel Miller
Armstrong Bank
Chamber Staff
Treasure McKenzie
President & CEO
treasure@muskogeechamber.org
Alisha Tanksley
Vice President, Chamber & Marketing
alisha@muskogeechamber.org
Anita Bucciarelli
Tourism Director
anita@muskogeechamber.org
Meaghan McCawley
Director of Communication & Membership
meaghan@muskogeechamber.org
Sherry Pilant
Events Coordinator
sherry@muskogeechamber.org
Angela Wilson
Program & Sales Director
angela@muskogeechamber.org
Sharon Sharp
Administrative Assistant
sharon@muskogeechamber.org
Amy Garner
Office Manager
amy@muskogeechamber.org
Program
2014
of
Work
w w w . v i s i t m u s k o g e e . c o m
THE ORIGINAL OKIE NATION.
Muskogee is a burly, bootstrapping town that believes living right and being
free is worth fighting for. A crossroads of everything, Muskogee brought
together cowboys and Indians, outlaws and lawmen, slaves and freedmen, oil
tycoons and roughnecks, even hippies and manly men. Okie Nation is a place
where it’s hip to be real, whoever you are.
The Greater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce is the unified voice of business
dedicated to building and promoting a better business and community environment.
Business Development
To provide educational support, recognition, and networking opportunities that will retain and
grow established industries and businesses.
AGRI-BUSINESS COMMITTEE
Chair: Cheryl Leatherman, Staff Liaison: Angela Wilson
Dedicated to promoting and supporting local businesses associated with this industry, including the Farmer’s Market. They also support the annual
Muskogee Regional Junior Livestock Show, which gives 4-H and FFA students the opportunity to exhibit their livestock animals.
MAGIC PROMOTIONS COMMITTEE
Chair: Darrell Hamby, Staff Liaison: Angela Wilson
Sponsor community-wide annual retail promotions including Muskogee’s Magic Holiday Giveaway, a back to school event, an Azalea Festival Promotion, and
the Fall Festival of Fabulous Shopping.
RETAIL DEVELOPMENT ALLOCATION COMMITTEE
Chair: Tom Turner, Staff Liaison: Alisha Tanksley
Through a contract with the City of Muskogee, promote economic retail development of the Muskogee area by promoting and funding various actions
encompassing all aspects of commercial retail, office and professional service business development, promotions and attending the International
Convention of Shopping Centers Events.
SUCCESS EXPO
Chair: Michael Torkelson, Staff Liaison: Angela Wilson
Plan and implement a business-to-business marketing event designed to showcase member businesses and organizations, and provide an educational
opportunity for employers & employees.
“GOOD HEALTH IS GOOD BUSINESS” LUNCHEON
Staff Liaison: Angela Wilson
Provide a networking and educational opportunity for business owners, managers, and executives through a business-sponsored luncheon. Teaches healthy
business practices to increase productivity and improve overall company health. Also teaches businesses how to become a “Certified Healthy Business”.
LOCAL BUSINESS & INDUSTRY APPRECIATION
Staff: Angela Wilson
Co-Sponsor with The Port of Muskogee and Indian Capital Technology Center an annual awards banquet to recognize local industry accomplishments.
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Staff
Provide small business and start up information. Coordinate seminars on topics of interest, some in partnership with the Muskogee Area Human Resource
Association, the Muskogee Education Consortium, and the Eastern Workforce Investment Board.
SHOP MUSKOGEE
Staff: Alisha Tanksley
Enhance the promotional campaign to market Muskogee
shopping opportunities to outlying areas, focusing on
keeping shopping dollars local.
RETAIL RECRUITMENT
Staff: Alisha Tanksley
To increase investment in the City of Muskogee by
commercial business entities. The Chamber and the City
of Muskogee hired a consulting company to fulfill the city’s
need for a retail economic development professional. The
city reaps the benefit of utilizing experienced, successful
economic development professionals.
CHAMBER UNIVERSITY
Staff: Meaghan McCawley
Quarterly workshops designed to help members provide
affordable education to their employees on topics that are
important in business today. Subjects range from how
to build business relationships and customer service to
keeping up with today’s technology.
Membership Services/Organizational Management
WELCOME PACKETS
Staff: Amy Garner
Provide a comprehensive information packet about Muskogee which targets and reaches the most lucrative demographic of all time – the new resident,
both new homeowners as well as renters. Perfect timing to establish a customer for life!
PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES PROGAM
Staff: Treasure McKenzie; Alisha Tanksley
Provide a complete list of all sponsorship and partnership opportunities to the membership annually offering previous sponsors first right of refusal. This
allows a business to select the best combination of events and activities to get maximum exposure to the membership.
CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN
The Greater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism is the issuing body of Certificates of Origin for our area. We certify that goods in a
particular export shipment are wholly obtained, produced, manufactured, or processed in the United States of America. A Certificate of Origin (CO) is a
document which states the origin of goods being exported. Virtually every country in the world considers the origin of imported goods when determining
what duty will be assessed on the goods or, in some cases, whether the goods may be legally imported at all.
Professional Development
To continue to improve the quality of service and knowledge of Chamber
programs to our members through training and continuing education.
CHAMBER MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
CMI is a class of four days over a four month period at the State Chamber. In addition to the formal classroom instruction, attendees are able to network
with each other which increases their learning potential. Graduates of the program are able to implement new ideas, programs and strategies to improve
their own programs and events.
OU’s CENTER FOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXCELLENCE
To succeed in today’s increasingly competitive marketplace, chamber officials must keep up-to-date on management issues and chamber practices. At
the University of Oklahoma, through a unique partnership, state and local chambers are provided with the training and resources needed to continue
to develop a chamber. OU’s Center for Chamber of Commerce Excellence has been established to provide the skills needed to enhance the value of a
Chamber to the business community.
EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS FOR TOURISM ORGANIZATIONS (ESTO)
National forum where tourism destination professionals at the state, regional and local level get critical tools, tips and information to help them better
market and grow their destinations. ESTO presents cutting-edge, progressive insights from industry and nationally-recognized thought-leaders and
speakers on marketing, technology, trends, leadership and more.
OKLAHOMA GOVERNOR’S CONFERENCE ON TOURISM
Presented by the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association. Attendees of the Oklahoma Governor’s Conference on Tourism are kept abreast of the latest
trends, tactics and tools needed to maximize opportunity, energize marketing efforts and set the path to sustained growth.
OKLAHOMA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXECUTIVES (OCCE)
OCCE is organized to encourage the highest professional standards for the men and women in Chamber of Commerce Management and to advance close
unity among its members.
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXECUTIVES (ACCE)
ACCE has dedicated its resources and energies to enhancing professional growth, career development and management effectiveness of chamber
executives and professionals alike. Chamber executives and their staffs can capitalize on a wealth of information, leadership skills development,
management techniques and innovative program offerings. ACCE also works diligently to upgrade the economic status and professional standing of those
active in the chamber field.
MISSOURI, ARKANSAS, KANSAS, AND OKLAHOMA CHAMBER CONFERENCE (MAKO)
Four states, one vision. A conference for professionals from all areas of Chamber of Commerce service including tourism, economic development,
membership development and policy.
TRAVEL AND TOURISM COLLEGE
One week on the campus of a Texas university for an intensive curriculum of tourism marketing and management courses. This is designed as a 3-year
program, resulting in graduates earning the Certified Tourism Professiolan Title.
Membership Services/Organizational Management
Community Development
To achieve positive growth of membership through retention, recruitment and communication.
To cultivate the individual member’s commitment by developing the capacity of our leaders
to work more comprehensively within the needs of the community.
AMBASSADORS
Chair: ShIron Ray, Staff Liaison: Meaghan McCawley
Promote new and expanding businesses through special events including ribbon cuttings, open houses, and ground breaking ceremonies. Greet the
membership at Chamber events. Contact the membership to improve retention. Assist in acquiring new members.
ANNUAL BANQUET & AUCTION
Chair: Al Stevens, Staff Liaison: Angela Wilson
Coordinate plans for the annual meeting of the Chamber membership including securing donated items for a live and silent auction.
CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC
Chair: David Jones, Staff Liason: Angela Wilson
Coordinate a golf outing for the Muskogee business community to further encourage networking and the development of long lasting positive
relationships.
NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION
Staff: Meaghan McCawley
Provide orientations for new members featuring an afternoon reception program with discussion of the Chamber mission, goals, objectives, and
participation opportunities.
ANNUAL PLANNING RETREAT
Staff
Conduct an annual planning retreat to determine priorities for the Program of Work.
Business After Hours
Staff: Meaghan McCawley
Co-host business networking opportunities at member locations through Business After Hours events.
MEMBER-2-MEMBER PROMOTIONS
Staff: Meaghan McCawley
Encourage Chamber members to do business with other members through a member-to-member discount program and other member based programs
and opportunities.
NEWSLETTER
Staff: Alisha Tanksley
Design and write the monthly newsletter, “Muskogee Chamber Connection” for distribution within the Muskogee Daily Phoenix.
CHAMBER RHYTHMS
Staff: Treasure McKenzie
Write a regular column to be published in the Muskogee Phoenix to inform the public and the
membership of vital information.
WEBSITE
Staff: Meaghan McCawley
Daily monitor content and provide updates when necessary of the Chamber
Website and continue to update online Community Calendar. Also continually
improve the site as new marketing and user tools become available.
LEADERSHIP MUSKOGEE
Chair:Staff Liaison: Meaghan McCawley
Leadership Muskogee is a program designed to develop participant awareness of the Muskogee community with the purpose of broadening the volunteer
base. The Leadership Muskogee Class offers eight monthly sessions focusing on topics like education, healthcare and local & state government.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP
Chair: Ron Morton, Staff Liaison: Alisha Tanksley, Meaghan McCawley
Coordinate Youth Leadership by fostering development of the leadership skills necessary for success in the workplace and by introducing area students to
the world of business. The Youth Leadership Class offers four monthly sessions for sophomores and juniors from Muskogee Public Schools, Fort Gibson,
Hilldale, and Oklahoma School for the Blind.
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Chair: Sue Godwin, Staff Liaison: Angela Wilson
Plan and implement a marketing event and conference program designed to further
develop women’s business skills and assist women business owners with improving their
bottom line.
MUSKOGEE VISION COMMITTEE
Chair: Jim Eaton, Staff Liaison: Anita Bucciarelli
The mission of this think tank is to dream, visualize and discuss a vision for Muskogee.
This high energy committee is an incubator for ideas to improve and foster a positive
image of Muskogee to residents as well as visitors and prospective businesses.
SUPPORT EDUCATION CONSORTIUM
Staff: Treasure McKenzie
Maintain dialogue with the Muskogee Education Consortium through continued
membership. Continue to address issues of concern to the business and education
community.
CITY OF MUSKOGEE FOUNDATION
Staff: Treasure McKenzie
Maintain dialogue with the City of Muskogee Foundation through participation on
committees and the Board of Directors.
REAL OKIE MERCHANDISE STORE
Staff
Provide and maintain REAL OKIE merchandise for sale to visitors and local citizens
to increase community pride and brand awareness.
Governmental Relations
To provide opportunities for members to become informed on legislative issues and proactively support
Muskogee and the business community with the appropriate governmental entities.
Tourism
To promote, foster and otherwise advertise the City of Muskogee as a tourist and convention destination.
Chair: Daniel Miller, Staff Liaison: Anita Bucciarelli
PAUL REVERE LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
Chair: Mike Ebert, Staff Liaison: Alisha Tanksley
Host local public forums and town hall meetings and serve as the catalyst for proactive community partnerships on matters affecting public policy.
Monitor state and federal legislative activities on behalf of business, and provide an opportunity for members to meet with area legislators. Communicate
with City officials to provide a more business-friendly community.
BRANDING
The Tourism Department partnered with Cubic Creative, Inc. to update and redefine the “Proud to be an Okie From Muskogee” campaign. After months
of research, Cubic found that Okie’s from Muskogee have a genuine strength of character that often goes unrecognized. REAL. OKIE. is the true definition
of someone who lives in Muskogee and has a deep understanding and appreciation of living right and being free. This campaign is designed to bring
awareness of Muskogee and increase community pride.
STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
Staff
Coordinate the annual luncheon featuring the “State of the City Address” presented by a representative from the City of Muskogee leadership.
PROMOTIONS
Develop Muskogee Tourism Marketing Plan and advertising strategy that enhances tourism opportunity awareness both internally and externally. Including
purchasing and designing ads and distributing promotional items such as lapel pins and guitar picks. Building community pride through the Real Okie
Identity to foster local involvement in community and tourism activities.
MILITARY AFFAIRS TASK FORCE
Mike Ebert
The purpose of this committee of the State Chamber is to build relationships between the community and Camp Gruber. Camp Gruber has millions of
dollars in construction underway and more planned. The task force realizes that communication is the key to continued growth and support for Camp
Gruber and that Gruber has a large economic impact on the surrounding communities, especially Muskogee and Davis Field.
STATE CHAMBER MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Mike Ebert
The purpose of this State Chamber committee is to maintain a multi-billion dollar industry to the State of Oklahoma from the US Department of
Defense. The committee will maintain direct communication with local chambers’ military affairs efforts and the Oklahoma Strategic Military Planning
Commission, and will not duplicate but will, in fact, support their efforts.
POLITICAL FORUMS
Mike Ebert; Alisha Tanksley
Provide opportunites for candidates for federal, state or local office to speak with the chamber members regarding their ideas and plans if elected.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Providing hospitality and financial support for events, attractions and activities that meet the criteria for expenditure of hotel/motel tax revenue, including
funding for organizations that hold successful tourism events.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Identify, develop and implement tangible products that enhance the visitor’s experience while in Muskogee.
NETWORKING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Networking with Tourism professionals in the tourism industry by attending Oklahoma Tourism Industry Association board meetings and Travel Industry
Association’s ESTO (Educational Seminars for Tourism Organizations), and the Oklahoma Governor’s Conference on Tourism. Networking with local hotel and
motel owners and attractions to foster mutually beneficial relationships.
EDUCATION
Educate the local public on the importance of tourism and becoming a visitor friendly community by speaking to local civic organizations.
TRADESHOWS
Promote Muskogee as a destination, to heighten public awareness of our local attractions and events by exhibiting at local and regional trade shows, and
partnering with the Oklahoma Travel and Recreation Department to promote Muskogee at national and international tradeshows.
PROSPERITY PROJECT
Alisha Tanksley
The Oklahoma Prosperity Project is a partnership between The State Chamber, more than 1,300 leading Oklahoma companies, and nearly 100 local
chambers of commerce and trade associations. The project is dedicated to helping our workforce “vote smart” on Election Day on issues that will keep our
economy strong.
VISITOR CENTER
To maintain and improve the Muskogee Tourist Information Center by staffing with
knowledgeable and friendly volunteers to greet every visitor and promote Muskogee.
OKLAHOMA MID-SIZE CITY COALITION
Treasure McKenzie
An effort to bring deserved funding for viable and important projects to their member cities through legislative action.
CONVENTION/EVENT RECRUITMENT
Support the Muskogee Civic Center Director with marketing efforts to recruit events and
conventions to Muskogee.
WASHINGTON DC FLY-IN
Treasure McKenzie; Alisha Tanksley
Meetings with officials in Washington DC about local, state and federal economic issues, organized by the State Chamber or Tulsa Regional Chamber.
INFORMATION
Serve as a One-Stop-Shop for the collection of event information and a photo library of
Muskogee attractions and events. Information is distributed via the Muskogee Activities
Guide, the Online Community Calendar, the Tourism Website and Tourist Information Center.
TRACK VISITORS
Create and maintain a tracking system for the attractions, hotels and restaurants to have
an accurate estimate of visitors to the Muskogee area.
REAL OKIE PRIDE TRAINING PROGRAM
Provide a customer service and community pride training program offered free to all
Muskogee businesses. Partnering with the AIM Great Community committee, the OSU
Extension Office and Okie Heritage this program’s goals are to train all employees in quality
customer service and teach them about the activities, attractions, events, and available
resources in Muskogee. This ensures every citizen’s can help give all visitors a positive
“Muskogee experience”.