By JOSH NEWTON
TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS
May 16, 2008 11:27 am
—
Oklahoma’s favorite son, Will Rogers, wrote in a final newspaper column: “Kinder [sic] like it is now, we never know when we are doing well until after later.”
Keynote speaker Jay Hannah’s charge to the community Thursday night was to take pride now.
“I say, don’t wait to be proud of the Chamber of Commerce,” Hannah said.
Hannah lauded the work of local officials during Thursday night’s Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet and Recognition Ceremony, the biggest fundraiser of the year for the organization.
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Hannah, a former Tahlequah bank president and Chamber official, told the audience a community’s future is only as good as its actions of today. He said the industrial growth has been good for the community.
“There is a reason they [companies] chose Tahlequah,” said Hannah. “I would boldly say it was by design, not happenstance.”
Tahlequah, as part of the overall rural Oklahoma picture, continues to thrive, he said, and look forward to an even better tomorrow.
“What makes Oklahoma strong does not necessarily emanate from Oklahoma City or Tulsa,” he said. “It’s the spirit of community found in cities just like Tahlequah.”
The Chamber’s voice, he said, “is one of inclusion.”
“Working together is like sweeping a dirt floor,” said Hannah. “It must be done every day.”
Chamber Executive Director David Moore said the Chamber has had an “amazing” year.
“The city was named one of the top 10 fastest-growing communities in the state,” said Moore. “The word is out, and our growth continues.”
He said estimates indicate Tahlequah’s growth is up 12 percent from the last census. The Chamber now has approximately 520 members, making it one of the largest in the state, said Moore. As a result, the budget has increased over $60,000 in the past two years.
During a recent membership survey, with 150 responses, Moore said 100 percent of those who replied “would recommend Chamber membership to a friend or colleague.”
Moore said the support of volunteers, educators, business owners, leaders and others is “making Tahlequah a good place to raise your family.”
“Your presence here tonight is just another example of your support,” he said. “... The Chamber is only as successful as the businesses that make up the Chamber... .”
The Chamber honored four board members who are leaving their positions: Mark Giese, Beth Herrington, Linda Spyres and Paul Hurst. The four have a combined 27 years on the board, said Moore.
“[We will] miss their experience and wisdom,” said Moore.
NeoHealth was recognized as the Cherokee County Healthy Work Site of the Year by Cherokee County Health Department Administrator Linda Axley and Tahlequah Mayor Ken Purdy. A number of local businesses participate in the program to encourage health and wellness among employees.
Ann Wilkins, past Chamber president, was awarded a cruise for two as the winner of the recent Chamber membership drive. Joan Hatfield was recognized as the Outstanding Board Member of the Year for “giving selflessly” of her time and efforts to the Chamber; and Herrington was recognized as Outstanding Board Member of the Year.
“Aside from my 48 years in the public school system,” said Herrington, “my biggest pleasure has been to serve the Chamber board.”
She may be stepping aside, but she offered Chamber members one final, humorous promise.
“I’m still going to be a burr working under the saddle of whoever dares to stand in the way of the progress of Tahlequah, Okla.!”
Master of Ceremonies Sen. Jim Wilson said the town has progressed because of community spirit.
“It’s these people – the Beth Herringtons, the Sally Rosses [who make it successful],” he said. “I’m proud to be part of the community; proud to be part of the Chamber; and proud of all of you.”
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Photos
Jay Hannah acts as keynote speaker at the Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet and Recognition Ceremony.
Honorees from the Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet and Recognition Ceremony included, from left, front row: Bill John Baker, Cherokee Nation tribal councilman, Heritage Award; Carey Tilley, Cherokee Nation Heritage Center, Martin Hagerstrand Tourism Development Award; Joan Hatfield, Chamber ambassador, Ambassador of the Year; Beth Herrington, Chamber board member, Board Member of the Year; S. Diane Kelley, Cherokee Nation, Kruger Corn Economic Development Award; and Michelle Naylor, business owner, Heritage Award. Back row: Todd Carnes, Tahlequah Police Department, Officer of the Year; Brad Hale, Tahlequah Fire Department, Firefighter of the Year; Matt Young, Tahlequah City Hospital EMS, Medic of the Year; and Mike Brown, state representative, Heritage Award.