Committees

HOW CAN YOU GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR INVESTMENT?

Participate as a Chamber Leader -- Serve on a Committee or Task Force

Chamber members are able to help in a variety of ways from volunteering time, resources or financial support. The Chamber is only as good as its members make it…so we encourage you, our member, to get involved by choosing a committee that suits your interest and then work with others to enhance the local economy and quality of life.

Below is a list of committees and task forces that need good thinkers, workers and doers to achieve the goals set forth for the Miami Area Chamber. Join us this year and be a part of the development of an even better place to live, work and play!

COMMITTEES/TASK FORCES

CHAIR/VICE CHAIR

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (Elected position)

Alex Acupan, President (Edward Jones)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS (Elected position)

Alex Acupan, President (Edward Jones)

Ambassadors

Debbie Pollard (Arvest Bank)

The Ambassadors will serve as the public relations arm of the chamber by hosting ribbon cuttings/grand openings and servings as greeters at various chamber events and programs. The Ambassadors will ensure our members' needs are being met through various degrees of contact and will coordinate the Chamber's Annual Banquet.

Area Legislative Partnership

Steve Bashore (Buffalo Run Casino) and Rich Lillard (Richard S. Lillard Company)

A legislative partnership program is under development. This partnership will be established between communities located in the 4-county region (Ottawa, Delaware, Mayes and Craig). The legislative effort is being established to strengthen partnerships between communities and government officials, to create a legislative voice of Northeast Oklahoma and to provide support and lobbying efforts on issues determined through consensus.

Business Resource Committee

Greg Smith (Sonic Larco)

This committee will be responsible for developing and providing tools and services to help members build their businesses through promotion, networking and education. This committee shall oversee educational aspects for business through First Friday Coffee educational programs, coordinate the programming for the Chamber Business Connection Luncheon, gather business information and produce materials to assist business owners in "how to" concepts. The committee will also focus on ensuring the needs of the business community are being met through the Chamber's programs and activities.

Chamber Banquet Task Force

To Be Appointed

This task force will coordinate the Chamber's Annual Banquet event to celebrate the successes of the year, induct new board members and provide a vision for the future to the audience. The committee will be responsible for securing sponsorships, promoting the event, producing a video of accomplishments, and develop program for the evening event.

Christmas Parade Task Force

Juli Matthews (City of Miami)

The task force is responsible for planning the annual Christmas parade. The task force members will be responsible for planning the event, securing sponsorship dollars and appropriate volunteers to assist with event and assisting the night of the parade.

Communications & Promotions Committee

Matt Spillman (First National Bank of Miami)

This committee will be responsible for improving and expanding the use of technology to effectively communicate with members and the public. This committee will be responsible for: coordinating the publishing of the Chamber newsletter, Monday Morning Memo, and the annual Community Profile/Member Directory; evaluate and improve the chamber website; evaluate current technology and incorporate a plan to obtain new technology for the chamber's communication effort.

Employee Extravaganza Task Force

Hannah Frazier (Heaven & Earth Hospice)

This task force shall be responsible for planning and coordinating the annual Employee Extravaganza Banquet. The duties include: planning, securing sponsorships and volunteers, and coordinating all activities involved with this event.

Finance & Administrative Committee

Jessica Boles, Treasurer (NEO A&M College)

This committee will oversee member investment and non-dues revenue programs to ensure increased revenue goals are met by year-end. The committee will also be responsible in overseeing the preparation of the annual budget, ensure the annual audit is completed in timely manner, and review annually the policies and bylaws of the Chamber. Also the committee will oversee expenditures for capital improvements such as technology, equipment, building and maintenance issues.

Government Relations Council

Judee Snodderly (MAEDS)

This committee will be responsible coordinating legislative events, such as Eggs ‘N Issues, Candidate/Issue Forums, and the Annual Goodwill Trip to the State Capitol. The committee will also promote business advocacy at local, state and federal levels and will strengthen communication and relationships with government officials and Native American Tribes.

Leadership Miami

Hannah Frazier (Heaven & Earth Hospice)

This committee is made up of recent graduates of the Leadership Miami program. Leadership Miami is a program sponsored by the Miami Area Chamber of Commerce and is designed to stimulate and develop community leaders through a 10-month (once a month) educational program. LM graduates coordinate the program for the incoming year and stay involved through Leadership Miami alumni activities.

Membership Development Committee

Dennis Thomas, President-Elect (Umicore)

Committee will be responsible for creating a plan of action for attraction & retention of Chamber member investors. They will coordinate an annual membership/sponsorship campaign and review and improve benefits and services to chamber investors. This committee will also be responsible for coordinating membership program and events, such as Business After Hours and New Member Orientations.

Nominating Committee

Dennis Thomas, President-Elect (Umicore)

This committee will be responsible for the nominations and election process of the Board of Directors/Officer. The President-Elect will govern the accountability of the committee leadership throughout the year.

Retail Council

Tara Oelke (Regency Home Health Care & Hospice)

The Retail Committee will be responsible for creating and coordinating programs that promote the local retail community. The committee will continue to host the Spend to Win program and increase the visibility of the retail community and City of Miami.

Signature Event Committee

Pat Sill (Westco)/Lezlea Crow (Advanced Business Communications)

The Signature Event Committee be coordinate the planning of the annual signature event ensuring that the event is financially stable and attracts visitors to the Miami area. The committee will be responsible for planning the event, securing sponsorships and volunteers and coordinating all activities involved with the event.

If you are interested in serving your community and striving to build a stronger future, contact the Chamber office at 542-4481 or email your interest to cindy@miamiokchamber.com.