Serving on a Committee or Council is an excellent way to learn from and build relationships with your professional peers. Our Committees and Councils effect change in the Chamber, in the city government and state legislature and in our local community. All members are encouraged to maximize their membership opportunities and serve the greater needs of the Chamber by becoming involved in at least one Committee or Council.
Ambassadors Council
Chair: Richard Hunt, Farmers Insurance
The Ambassadors Council serves as the goodwill arm of the Chamber by welcoming new members to the Chamber, greeting guests at events, representing the Chamber at ribbon cuttings and grand openings, making calls on new and existing members, and encouraging and educating all members on how to get involved. Ambassadors are instrumental in the membership renewal process and help generate ideas for Chamber programming and events. They meet for lunch on the 2nd Tuesday of each Month.
This council is a sub-committee of the Membership Council.
Community Service and Education Council
Chair: John Martin, The Butterfield Foundation
Organizes two Community Service projects each year which involve chamber members, area businesses and civic organizations in working together toward a common goal. The Education Council oversees the Chamber’s Community Scholarship Program and supports the efforts of area schools to provide a quality education for the benefit of the community and workforce development. They also organize programs that support local schools and teachers, such as back to school bags for teachers and involving chamber members as mentors in local schools. Meets as needed or every other month.
Economic and Community Development Council
Chair: Jane Haskin, First Bethany Bank & Trust
This Economic and Community Development Council will work to build relationships and support community driven initiatives that promote and protect the business environment and quality of life in our Northwest area. This could include support for TIF districts or BIDs; business recruitment initiatives; neighborhood based networking promotions; and industry specific chamber programs. Meets as needed or every other month.
Finance Committee
Members: Executive Board Officers and others
The Finance Committee is responsible for assessing prior year financial activities of the Chamber and for creating and presenting the annual budget to the Chamber’s Board of Directors. They also preview major expenditures, dues rates, and other programs which will have a major impact on the Chamber’s financial situation. All members of this committee are Board members. This Committee meets on a limited basis as needed.
Government Affairs Committee
Co-Chairs: Mark Williams, AT&T and Jim Benson, The Great Frame Up
The Government Affairs Committee works closely with elected officials and seeks to assure that a vibrant and stable economic climate prevails in the Northwest Metro by closely monitoring legislation on the local and state levels to assure that the interests of businesses are protected and that public policy initiatives are business friendly. The Committee also hosts the annual ‘State of the State’ Luncheon with State Legislators, a Day at the State Capitol, as well as public forums and debates throughout the year. This committee should also be involved with the Central Oklahoma Regional Advocacy Alliance. Meets as needed or every other month.
Membership Council
Chair: Davis Merrey, Team Logic IT
The Membership Council seeks to grow chamber membership by promoting recruitment of new members and retention of existing members. Identifying prospective members and involving current members more actively in chamber programs is the mission of the membership council. Meets as needed or every other month.
Special Events Council
Chair: Caroline Gist, PC Schools Foundation, Co-Chair: Gary Mercer, Mercer-Adams
The Special Events Council develops, organizes and promotes each of the Chamber’s large events to ensure their success. The Council is responsible for many of the special Chamber events throughout the year, including the Taste of Northwest Auction and Food Fest, the Annual Chamber Banquet “An Evening of Accolades”, the Annual Golf Classic and special Luncheons. Meets as needed, in conjunction with events. Members may volunteer to serve on a committee working on an individual event.
Leadership Council
Co-Chairs: John Martin, SNU & John Lunn, Lake Park Elementary
The Leadership Council consists of Leadership Northwest graduates. The alumni are responsible for overseeing the Chamber’s nine-month Leadership Northwest program designed to develop leadership skills and to further the understanding of community dynamics and operations. Members of this council should be graduates of the Leadership program. Meets as needed. This council is a subcommittee of the Community Service and Education Council.
