This is my final month before transitioning to our next Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mark Scott. It has been an honor to serve as your Board Chair. As the third woman to serve in this capacity, it is important for me to highlight a few successes this past year. With introduction of the healthy business initiative to our business plan, we successfully launched the 100 Mile Chairs challenge and empowered residents to get active. Additionally, through the States Healthy Business community encouraged businesses to commit to building healthy workplaces. I am proud of our accomplishments and look forward to continuing in the future.

BUSINESS BULLETIN A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FROM THELAWTON FORT SILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

VOL. 11 JUNE 2020

CHAIR REMARKS

WHAT'S INSIDE?

Chair Remarks 01

Index 02

Chamber Happenings 03

Membership Happenings 04

June Economic Indicators 05

From The City Manager Desk 06

Get Connected 07

Healthy Bites 08

June Member Spotlight 09

Convention & Visitors Bureau Highlights

10

Education 11-12

Marketing Mix 14Lawton Proud Column 13

BUSINESS BULLETIN A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FROM THE LAWTON FORT SILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

VOL. 11 JUNE 2020

Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce302 W. Gore Blvd. 580.355.3541

www.lawtonfortsillchamber.com

Dr. Sylvia Burgess Interim President & CEO

Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER BOARD

Jennifer Ellis Cosmetic Specialty Labs Chairman of the Board Mark Scott Arvest Bank Incoming Chair. Albert Johnson Jr. Cameron University Immediate Past Chair. Jason Hensley City National Bank Secretary/Treasurer. Barry Ezerski Re/Max Vice Chair Industrial Development. Jacob Brox Brox Roofing Vice Chair Chamber Affairs. Mark Brace BancFirst Vice Chair Government & Military Affairs. Michael Cleghorn City of Lawton Representative. Candy Hanza Comfort Suites Hotel-Motel Representative

Officers

Board MembersYvonne Landmark The UPS Store Class of 2020. MG(R)Lee Baxter Signal Mountain Associates Class of 2020. Nathan Harbert First National Bank & Trust Class of 2022. Patty Neuwirth Lawton Philharmonic Society Class of 2020. Bridget Randle Classic Lawton Chevrolet, LLC Class of 2020. James Taylor Great Plains Technology Center Class of 2020. Daniel El Kouri 4-D Landscape & Irrigation Class of 2021. Tiffain Easton Easton’s Marine Class of 2021. Ray Howard Republic Paper board Company Class of 2021. Tony Puckett AM General Class of 2021. Christy Clark Southwestern Medical Center Class of 2021. Shawn Anderson Anderson Pharmacy & Accents Class of 2021. Jesse Cross Red River Science & Technology LLC Class of 2021. Keaton Francis Comanche County Memorial Hospital Class of 2022. Fred Fitch Retired Class of 2022. Dustin Hilliary Hilliary Communications Class of 2022. Lauren Ellis United Way Class of 2022.

Mayor Stan Booker City of Lawton John Cunningham Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

Standing Positions

Ex Officio DirectorsJoe Gallagher Fort Sill Representative - Deputy to the Commanding General. Kevin Offel Civilian Aid to the Secretary of the Army (CASA). Dr. John McArthur Cameron University. Brad Cooksey President Lawton Economic Development Corporation. Clarence Fortney Great PlainsTechnology Center. Scott Chance Congressman Tom Cole’s Office. Gail Turner Representing Comanche County Commissioners. Steve Carson Senator James Lankford’s Office. Bryson Panas Senator James Inhofe’s Office. Brent Smith Comanche County Memorial Hospital. Elisabeth Jones Southwestern Medical Center

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KEEP CALM SHOP LOCAL

The Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce launched a new media campaign: Keep Calm, Shop Local. The campaign was designed to highlight the specific needs of local small businesses that have been impacted due to the COVID19 pandemic. The Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce has created a webpage, and Facebook page, Keep Calm and Shop Small— Support Southwest Oklahoma Business, to enable any business or resident to share updates on products and services that will be available for purchase while maintaining social distancing. Additionally, through the new Chamber App, residents can sign up to receive free alerts on the latest updates in the community.

To support or learn more about the campaign, please visit lawtonfortsillchamber.com

Discount Tire 1909 NW 82nd St.

(580)-713-7689 www.discounttire.com

Sitel Group600 Brickell AveMiami, FL 33131(580) 647-0582

Allure Bridal Boutique1823 W. Gore Blvd.

(580)-353-1830w�ww.allurebridalonline.com

Individual MemberMG (R) Lee Baxter

1905 NW Sheridan Rd.(580)-248-4567

www.redpepperlawton.com

Red Pepper Seafood & Asian Cuisine 608 SW D. Ave #2

(580)-357-2345www.aaa-bail-bonds

AAA Bail Bond

CHAMBER HAPPENINGS

WELCOME NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

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Our Lawton Fort Sill Tourism Brochure has a new look! To highlight the unique gems that are available in our community, we’ve completely redesigned our tourism brochure to incorporate new atrtactions, restaurants, shopping opportunites and more for visitors. Stay tuned for the digital release date coming soon!

SNEAK PEEK: OUR NEW TOURISM BROCHURE

Since April 15th, Chamber members have been featured as guests on the station to discuss their businesses and ways they have adjusted during the COVID19 pandemic. From learning about financial assistance programs to helpful tips in promoting business, there is something for everyone. Tune in on Wednesday-Friday at 8am 99.5 FM to hear our the latest guests.

KEEP CALM SHOP LOCAL ON KBZQ

The Lawton-Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce today announced Brandi Sims has joined its executive team, as Vice President, Communications & Membership, effective immediately. As the VP of Communications & Membership, Sims will oversee marketing communications, membership recruitment, and retention.

SIMS PROMOTED TO VP OF COMMUNICATIONS& MEMBERBERSHIP

MEMBERSHIP HAPPENINGS

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ECONOMIC INDICATORS JUNE 2020

Referrals from website hits on the business directory – 5,000

CHAMBER BY THE NUMBERS COUNTY SALES TAX

May 2020: $390,879.94

May 2019: $411,221.93

May 2020: $3,663,440.94

May 2019: $4,024,503.32

CITY SALES TAX

No new report updates

HOTEL MOTEL TAX

WELCOME NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

Lawton Improv Theatre11101 SE Lee Blvd.www.lawtonimprov.com

LBV Insurance1008 SW C Ave STE 102 A(580)-647-1445

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Remax of Lawton Oklahoma-Heesun Stanfield1701 NW Cache Rd.580-353-7496heesunstanfield1@remax.net

CAMERON UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR EMERGING TECHNOLOGY AND ENTREPRENEURIAL STUDIES(CETES) AND OKLAHOMA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (OKSBDC)

DR. SAMANTHA LANKFORD

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One of the Chamber’s key partnership is with Cameron University and their Center for Emerging

Technology and Entrepreneurial Studies (CETES). Director, Dr. Lankford also acts as the

Regional Director for the Southwest Center of the Oklahoma Small Business Development

Center (OKSBDC). Dr. Lankford o�ers small business consulting for all stages of growth, from

start to exit. She hosts weekly virtual trainings including on SBA Disaster Loan paperwork prep,

as well as GrowthWheel(tm) Startup and Pandemic Business Reboot webinars. Furthermore,

Dr. Lankford facilitates Public-Private partnerships, faculty expertise, and student internship

opportunities to meet your individual business development needs. All services are free and

paid for through your taxpayer dollars. To sign up for her services, please sign up at

www.oksbdc.org/. To register for her free webinars and trainings, go to:

https://business.oksbdc.org/Events.aspx/. If you’d like to contact Dr. Lankford directly, please

email her at slankford@cameron.edu.

GET CONNECTED WITH US

LAWTON FORT SILL CHAMBERFREE TEXT ALERTS

Get on The LIST! Sign up for the latest events and things to do in Lawton-Fort Sill using our text alerts! Text keyword LFSCC to 8553256566 to get on our list!

WEEKLY MONDAY MINUTE AND WEDNESDAYWRAP UP E-NEWSLETTER

Stay connected with our weekly e-newsletter, The Monday Minute and the Wednesday Wrap up. Each week, the Chamber offers a quick highlight for the upcoming week on events, resources, new Chamber benefits and more. The Wednesday Wrap Up is focused on new Member events. To sign up, visit our website.

LAWTON FORT SILL CHAMBER NEW APP

It's Here! Connecting with us is easier than you think! Download our new Chamber app today for the latest news and updates for the Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce and the community.

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HEALTHY BITES BUILDING A HEALTHY WORKFORCE

BURRITO ZUCCHINI BOWL

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 4)

3 zucchini, halved lengthwise2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, dividedKosher saltFreshly ground black pepper1/2 onion, chopped2 cloves garlic, minced1 lb. ground beef1/2 tsp. chili powder1/2 tsp. ground cumin

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Score zucchini (like you’re dicing an avocado) and scoop out insides,

reserving them for later. Place zucchini halves cut side-up into bottom of 9”-x-13” baking dish and

drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil; season with salt and pepper. Bake until zucchini turns bright green

and is just beginning to soften, 10 minutes.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and reserved zucchini and cook until

soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Add ground beef,

breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook until beef is no longer pink, about 6 minutes.

Drain fat.

3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and paprika, then season with salt and pepper. Stir in black beans,

cherry tomatoes, and corn.

4. Spoon beef mixture into zucchini then top with cheeses. Bake until zucchini is just tender and

cheeses are melted, about 15 minutes. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

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Billingsley Family of Dealerships is a family-owned, high-volume dealership serving Lawton, OK and the surrounding cities. We do business with a team approach that values honesty and customer satisfaction. We provide the new and used inventory, financing, and servicing options you need with over 100 years of combined automobile experience.

BILLINGSLEY FAMILY OF DEALERSHIPS

Interested in being the Featured Member Spotlight?

Call 580-355-3541.

Page-09

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU DASHBOARD

Freedom Fest Southwest OK Corvette Club Chautauqua Pershing Black Jack Fliptastic Star Spangled ClassicWestern Swing Music Society USACI Lions Club Mayor's Summit

2020 CVB SPONSORED EVENTS

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EDUCATION MAKING THE IMPACTLAWTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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EDUCATION MAKING THE IMPACT

CAMERON UNIVERSITYFROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK

Supporting economic development in Southwest Oklahoma is a significant part of Cameron University’s mission. Of course, our greatest contribution will always be our graduates … but we also provide support in other ways. This month I’d like to share some of the work by our team at the Center for Emerging Technology and Entrepreneurial Studies as it assists local businesses during the COVID pandemic. Samantha Lankford, director of CETES, recently began hosting online training sessions to help small businesses and start-ups apply for disaster loans and to find ways to reboot from the pan-demic’s effects. She is also the southwest regional director for the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center, where she has helped more than 100 clients file for economic disaster loans through the Small Business Administration and the Paycheck Protection Program. Dr. Lankford gives Lawton and southwest Oklahoma a voice in higher education’s response to the pandemic by serving on the executive committee of the State Regents’ Economic Development Council. If you have a question or an idea to help your business recover, please contact her office at (580) 581-5446 or by email at slankford@cameron.edu.

John McArthur, President, Cameron University

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on Friday, April 24th we hosted our first virtual panel discussion featuring business owners, educators, community leaders a special visit from our MCity of Lawton Mayor Booker. Guests were encouraged to prepare a reopening business strategy and plan from industry leaders eager to assist with advice.

SET TO START: CHAMBER BUSINESS BLUEPRINT

Since April 15th, Chamber members have been featured as guests on the station to discuss their businesses and ways they have adjusted during the COVID19 pandemic. From learning about financial assistance programs to helpful tips in promoting business, there is something for everyone. Tune in on Wednesday-Friday at 8am 99.5 FM to hear our the latest guests.

KEEP CALM SHOP LOCAL ON KBZQ

March's Business After Hours was hosted by Legend Driven Auto Group on Thursday, March 12th. The monthly evening networking event highlighted the latest members of the Chamber as well as new faces to the local business community. Don't miss the next Business after Hours!

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS LEGEND DRIVEN AUTO GROUP

LAWTON PROUD COLUMN

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LAWTON PROUD COLUMNDEBRA JOHNSON, MS | DISTRICT HEALTH PLANNER COMANCHE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT | OKLAHOMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Page-13

Ten years as a stay-at-home mom and Army wife ended abruptly when my spouse was medically discharged only halfway to his planned military retirement. The realization that I would now be the primary provider for our family signaled for me two transformative realizations. First, obtaining a college degree was critical and subsequently obtainable since our final duty station offered a four-year university, Cameron University. Second, if I was to no longer be in the home providing for those I love most, how I spent my days would decidedly go beyond myself and contribute to the greater good of society.Like many others, it took a few years to find my niche. Continuing to seek out opportunities and partnerships to make a positive difference, I discovered public health. It was refreshing to know my passions could fit into a singular career field. It’s hard to narrow down what makes me most proud to work at the Comanche County Health Department (CCHD). Being a state employee is a great privilege. The staff at CCHD are truly dedicated to working together in order to deliver the essential services of public health to our community. I am so thankful to work alongside each of them.The Ten Essential Public Health Services (Centers for Disease Control and Preven-tion, 1994) include monitoring health, diagnosing & investigating health problems and hazards, informing, educating, and empowering on issues of health, mobiliz-ing community partnerships to identify and address health problems, developing policies, enforcing laws that protect health and ensure safety, linkage to care, assuring a competent workforce, the evaluation of programs and systems through quality improvement and performance management, and research for insight and innovation to address health problems. Combining epidemiological science with evidence-based programs to improve the overall health and well-being of our citizens is an honorable and exciting opportunity.

However, I would have to say the public health partnerships over the past year are what have provided a true sense of community when looking to improve population health and safety.

Read more onLawtonProud.com!

BUSINESS BULLETIN A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FROM THE LAWTON FORT SILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

VOL. 11 JUNE 2020

MARKETING MIXTIPS FOR MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS

FOR MORE TIPS ON MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS FROM VP OF COMMUNICATIONS & MEMBERSHIP BRANDI SIMS, PLEASE VISIT WWW.LAWTONFORTSILLCHAMBER.COM

The social media algorithms are constantly evolving and changing so it is very important t remain active and consider utilizing social media advertisement. By simply boosting your posts, your business reach is expanded to a broader audience. This can be very helpful in getting the word out about your products and services.

1. Enhance Your Social Media Content

2. Create A Contest Finding unique ways to engage customers can seem daunting, but the best ideas come from the most unusual sources. Consider hosting an online phone contest with consum-ers posting their best images using your products.

3. Push Your Social Media Handles

Need a boost to your social media engagement and followers? Add your handles to your marketing collateral! By adding your social media handles to materials such as business cards, flyers, even presentations, you raise awareness of your social media presence. Small tweaks to how you showcase your social media can create major reward,