2014 Annual Report

The Stillwater Chamber is the leader in representing business and the driving force behind the economic development of Stillwater. The Chamber builds business through educational programs and establishes connections while representing business at the local, state and federal level.

In 2014, the Chamber worked along with the City of Stillwater, Oklahoma State University and major community entities to envision the future of Stillwater. A branding campaign was launched by the City in support of working to develop an identity for Stillwater. More than a slogan or a logo, this branding effort will focus on the development of a cohesive message and a consistent feel that expresses the unique identity of Stillwater.

For the greater part of 2015 and onward, the Chamber will utilize branding efforts to market, package and promote our community for economic development purposes.

The wheels of major restructuring efforts have taken place. With an increased budget through partnerships, the Chamber’s Economic Development Organization will change from a reactionary organization to a visionary and proactive one.

Efforts to enhance the quality of life for all segments of our community have transpired from the addition of the Chamber’s Certified Retirement Committee to assisting in organizing the creation of a health and wellness coalition.

The Chamber is always working to ensure our young executives remain in Stillwater. Our Young Professionals of Stillwater group acts as a catalyst to link talent with employers.

The Entrepreneur Alliance, a local partnership between the Riata Center and the Stillwater Chamber, was also created in 2014. This collaborative effort is designed to encourage entrepreneurial growth in our community by connecting students with local business owners. Knowledge exchange fosters a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem.

In 2014, educational programs were developed to equip partners with the technical skills they need for their business growth. From sessions focused on customer service to security measures to avoid theft, educational programs were provided at no cost to encourage equal access to resources. Programs were also designed to fit employees from entry level positions to higher level executives.

The Chamber has a wide variety of programs and events to cover nearly every business interest. We vary locations and times of day to accommodate busy schedules. The most important thing to keep in mind is every employee of a partner business can attend Chamber events and participate in our programs. Partnership is not limited to one individual.

One America PrinciplesI welcome you and want to do business with you.

I will base my decision and opinions of you on who you are, not on any preconceived stereotypes or ingrained value judgments.

I subscribe to the federal Fair Housing Act and its principles.I believe in the National Association of REALTORS Code of Ethics.

I embrace and celebrate the strength that diversity brings to our communities and our nation.

I will help you find opportunities to buy the home you choose. I will market home ownership to the public and reach out to people

who may not know that home ownership is a realistic option. I will make sure you know there is a full range of housing choices available to you,

and encourage you to consider all communities and neighborhoods. I will make every effort so that we can communicate with each other. If we do not share

a common language, I will work with you to find someone who can interpret. I have incorporated these principles into my daily operations and my overall business plan.

I would be proud to share the plan with you.I am here to help you meet your real estate needs

because you are the reason I am in business. Please let me know about any cultural or special needs that you have so that our business relationship will be comfortable and successful.

Sharyl Pickens, Broker, CMRSwww.PickensRealEstateGroup.com

Rachel Pickens, Oklahoma Land Ladywww.oklalandlady.com

Kasey Longan, Real Estate Sales Specialist

405-314-5437

405-612-5550

405-880-5569

KENNY JOSEY2014 ChairmanExecutive Vice PresidentBancFirst

Chamber members to leverage these recourses to make sure we build on our past successes to ensure that your businesses and the Stillwater community continues to grow and prosper.

As we prepare for the future, we have almost completed a new strategic plan. A major part of its focus will be on Membership Growth and Retention, Economic Development, Enhancing our Community Partnerships, and Identifying Continuing Funding Sources.

I have complete confidence that under Larry Green’s guidance as our 2015 Chairman we will adopt a plan of action that will help successfully guide us over the next three years and beyond.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many volunteers that served on committees and gave of your valuable time to make sure our programs and events were successful.

It has been my honor and privilege to serve as your chairman of the board of directors, and I’m looking forward to another year of great things to happen for our Chamber and our community.

“It’s up to each and every one of us as Chamber partners to leverage the recourses of the Chamber to ensure we build on our past successes so that your business and the Stillwater community continues to grow and prosper with much success for 2015.”

Dear Partners,

Your Stillwater Chamber of Commerce has just wrapped up another successful year. We’ve experienced successes on several fronts. Being named a Top 10 Chamber in Membership nationally by the American Chamber of Commerce is just one example of that success.

You as members also invested a record $316,000 in the Chamber this year through the Total Resource Campaign. It’s up to each and every one of us as

2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive Directors

Kenny JoseyChairmanBancFirst

Larry GreenVice-ChairmanRCB Bank

Gary ClarkTreasurerOklahoma State University

Denise WebberImmediate Past ChairpersonStillwater Medical Center

Gregg BradshawLambert Construction

Rebecca EasthamMeridian Technology Center

Kelly HarrisKeystone Engineering & Surveying

Lisa NavrkalPresident/CEOStillwater Chamber of Commerce

2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2014 Board of Directors

Chad Effinger, National Standard CompanyDon Gable, Arvest Bank Robbie Lee Graff, JW Lee’sJoe Hladik, Waddell & Reed, Inc.Gary Johnson, Stillwater Regional AirportScott Jones, Bank SNBJohn Koemel, Koemel LawGary McCune, Central Rural Electric CooperativeSteve Ray, Suddenlink MediaDavid Scott, Kwik Kar Service CenterConnie Stokes, Team Stillwater, RealtorsDavid Thomas, Thomas FordRepresentative Cory Williams, Core Development

Ex-officio Directors

Jim Aulgur, Oklahoma Career & Technology EducationMayor John Bartley, City of StillwaterDr. Ann Caine, Stillwater Public SchoolsRepresentative Dennis CaseyRepresentative Lee DenneyDan Galloway, Stillwater City ManagerSenator Jim HalliganPresident Burns Hargis, Oklahoma State UniversityDr. Doug Major, Meridian Technology CenterCounty Commissioner Chris RedingJim Ryan, Stillwater Industrial Foundation

2014 ELITE ANNUAL SPONSORS

Special thanks and recognition to our leading investment partners. Your organization is a key component to the success of the Chamber’s mission of business growth in our region.

The Stillwater Chamber Economic Development Organization is tasked with the creation of new jobs through business retention and expansion as well as new business attraction. The Chamber also develops and promotes Stillwater’s assets, resources and key economic sectors to enhance community development, with a focus on producing jobs with average to above average wages.

6.8%

3.3%

8.3%

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-8%

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2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

S llwaterPayne Co.

Summary of 2015 Economic OutlookThe Stillwater area economy remains strong and is closely tracking the state economic expansion.

• Private job growth in the City reaches 6.8%

• City population growth remains above State and County

• Retail activity surges in the City and County

• Most new job creation for Stillwater is in the services sector

City Job Growth is Rapid

Both the City and Payne County are adding private sector jobs at a rapid pace. The latest data suggests a strong surge in hiring in late 2013 early 2014.

New Business Recruitment• Announced 177 jobs connected to 19 new businesses with average payroll of $6.5M and capital investment of $10.4M• 24 comprehensive relocation proposals submitted in response to prospect inquiries • 6 prospect site visits hosted

Existing Business Development• Through its Business Retention and Expansion program, the Chamber assisted 7 existing companies to expand, creating 42 new jobs and a capital investment of $7.5M in our community• Launched a Business Retention Program and visited with 75 existing businesses to assist with growth opportunities and challenges

Entrepreneurial Assistance• Providing resources and direction, 14 start-ups were assisted this year by the Chamber’s efforts• Founded Entrepreneur Alliance, in partnership with the Riata Center, a program for aspiring entrepreneurs

Unmanned Aerial ConferenceTo bring together experts and innovators from across the country to explore the emerging sector of UAS, the Chamber assisted in the development of this Open Innovation Forum. The event focused on showcasing UAS resources in our area and promoting Oklahoma State’s UAS degree and the Multispectral Lab, marketing Stillwater as a vibrant UAS place to do business.

Business Retention & Expansion ProgramThis year a Business Retention and Expansion Plan was established with specific metrics and criteria assigned. The ED team was able to visit with 75 existing businesses in our community. These visits included members and non-member businesses with the goal of assisting with any issues a business may be experiencing.

Small Business TrainingTwo important economic development training courses were offered to assist small business in learning how to export their product and how to access federal contracting through the SBA’s 8A program.

Showcased StillwaterBesides hosting six site visits with company executives and site selection consultants, the Chamber also highlighted the benefits of doing business in Stillwater through several publications.

Economic Development Strategic PlanAfter recent restructuring efforts within the Chamber and ED under the CEO’s direction, a plan to determine a new course for ED is being enacted. Focus will include job creation, funding, selecting industry sectors to recruit and establishing a unified economic vision.

Certified Retirement CommitteeAfter being certified as the State of Oklahoma’s first Certified Retirement Community, the Chamber welcomed this committee to assist with the promotion and attraction of our community to retirees. The senior market is the fastest growing and the wealthiest sector, generating more than $50 billion in sales annually.

Collective ImpactThe first economic development newsletter was established and distributed to a database of more than 2,000 individuals, including local ED information and site selectors. This collaborative newsletter was a joint effort of all ED entities including the City of Stillwater, CVB, Downtown Stillwater and the Stillwater Industrial Foundation.

Workforce Development InitiativesTo proactively tackle workforce challenges, the Chamber joined Meridian Technology Center, higher education entities, and local companies throughout the region to form a Workforce Taskforce.

2014 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

State of Manufacturing

The State of Oklahoma has an employment multiplier of 2.7for every 10 jobs created in manufacturing an additional 17 jobs will be created in indirect jobs. Stillwater currently has morethan 1,500 employees in the manufacturing sector, creatinga total number of 25,500 jobs.

Every 10 Direct Jobs Supports an Additional 17 Indirect Jobs

ENGAGED IN YOUR FUTURE

Membership with the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce is a solid partnership. We work with you and your team of employees to give you the voice and resources necessary to operate a successful business in our area. Our team works to increase membership to ensure a strong Chamber network and a fair representation of your business interests.

Building the Future of Business

The Stillwater Chamber of Commerce has been dedicated to building business connections that enhance the economic performance of member companies in and around our community.

We assist a membership of more than 840 companies in growing their professional networks by fostering mutually beneficial connections and relationships. By meeting and working with like-minded individuals, our partners continually expand their reach, business opportunities and revenue.

A QUALITY INVESTMENT

A national study showed that consumers are 80% more likelyto buy from Chamber partners

• Favorability increases by 49%

• Awareness increases by 73%

• Reputation increases by 68%

Total Resource Campaign

In 2014, we administered the second annual Total Resource Campaign. Through this campaign, more than 193 businesses were assisted in the development of a marketing plan for 2015. This accounts to a 35 percent increase than the initial year’s campaign.

Partner to Partner Support

The Stillwater Chamber of Commerce believes in the power of buying local. Over the course of this past year, the Chamber sought business services from more than 100 partners. These services included supplies, products, catering and services for our organization.

Health & Wellness Coalition

In 2014, a group of strong advocates for healthy lifestyles and communities sought assistance on a new initiative to make Stillwater more healthy in all areas. The Stillwater Chamber of Commerce has offered assistance by collaborating with these citizens and encouraging a robust dialogue on an important element in our community’s quality of life.

WELCOME 2014 NEW PARTNERSCommunity Investor - LankfordCommunity Investor - SchroederCowboy CoutureCox Financial GroupCrepe Myrtle MarketCricket CellkonCundiff Custom Fabrication, LLCCurrentland-Red Dirt NationCVS PharmacyDays InnDepp Bros Nutrition & ApparelDerek's Lawn & TreeDowning's CarpetsPlus Color TileFarm Credit of East Central OklahomaFarmers Insurance - AllenFarmers Insurance & Financial Services - MurrayFastenalFormal FantasyGatsby: A Modern Day SpeakeasyGolden Dragon CafeGood Little EaterGood Shepherd HospiceGoodwill IndustriesGrace Living CenterGranny Had OneH&R BlockHairstasisImage Net ConsultingIntelligent CareJackson AcademyJohnny RocketsKeys Construction LLC

MEMBERSHIP BY THE NUMBERS

Since 2010, the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce’s membership has grown by 441, bringing our total number of partners to more than 840. Our partners represent more than 22,500 employees.

WELCOME 2014 NEW PARTNERS405 Machine Works4T Site ServicesABC Supply Company, Inc.Ace Electric, LLCAce/SABA - CalveryAdvance America - Cash AdvanceAdvoCare Independent Consultant - ThomasAlan's PharmacyAlphageek DesignsAmerican Energy PartnersAmerican Express OPEN Small Business Credit CardsBackstage/Teubner PropertiesBad Brad's Bar-B-QBadger DaylightingBankers Life & Casualty CompanyBayou GirlsBedlam Concrete Lifting LLCBilly Goat Ice Cream Co.Body Sculpting by BruceBradley Construction & DevelopmentBrown's Shoe FitButter BeanCAbi Independent Consultant - FranklinCaptain's Pools & Spas LLCCelebrations CateringChad's Professional Lawn ServicesChurch of the HarvestCindy Cooper CateringCoasterworksCobalt15 Graphic & Web DesignCommunications Connection - Lakeview PointeCommunity Investor - Buchanan

Retail & HospitalityGovernment, Educucation & AssociationsBusiness ServicesFinancial Services & InsuranceHealth CareProperty & DevelopersTechnology, Media & MarketingTransportation & UtilitiesManufacutring & Distributors

30%18%14%9%9%7%7%3%3%

Membership Sectors

WELCOME 2014 NEW PARTNERSKim's Vietnamese CuisineKneaded Compassion Inc.Kneaded PeaceKneading Palms MassageLake McMurtry FriendsLiberty Federal Savings BankLiberty Media VisionLincoln GreenLittle Shop of FlowersLS Construction Services, LLCMAc Exteriors LLCMary Kay Cosmetics - BurdenMurray Law FirmMurray Pest ControlNilima's Snack Meal ServiceNook & Cranny MercantileNorthwestern Mutual - RaneyOD's Custom ConstructionOklahoma State University - Alumni CenterOlive Tree Landscape CompanyOzarkaPainter InsurancePaparazzi Independent Consultant - SplattstoesserPearl Junkie, LLCPrecision Hardwood FlooringPremier Consulting PartnersPrime Time Management, Inc.RE/MAX Signature - GrunewaldRed River CreditReproduction Enterprises Inc.Roll-2-Roll Technologies LLCRoto Rooter Plumping & Drain Service

WELCOME 2014 NEW PARTNERSSalon LakotaSandpiper Accounting, LLCSERVPROShell and Crossbones LLCSitex Environmental, Inc.Sleep Inn & SuitesSmallcakes: A CupcakerySolitaire Homes of StillwaterSpace Walk of StillwaterState Farm Insurance - GosneyStillwafflesStillwater Dermatology ClinicStillwater FlatsStillwater HypnosisStillwater ScreenprintingStraight Upp Creative StudioSuddenlink Communications - Tyler, TXSummit PropertyTacos Los CuatesTarget Marketing, Inc.The Sign GardenTrinity Veterinary HospitalTupperware - PittserU.S. Army Recruiting StationUnited RentalsUPS StoreValhalla Gaming & EntertainmentWarren Alexander GroupWhisper Intimate ApparelWhite BarnWillis Granite ProductsWindsor Manor

AWARD WINNING GROWTH

In 2014, the Chamber received the ACCE Member Achievement Awardand ranked in the top 10 in the nation for membership recruitment and engagement.

Membership by Year Membership by Size

ADVOCATING FOR BUSINESS

Sustainable economic growth requires a robust business climate. The Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee develops our annual Legislative Agenda on behalf of the Stillwater business community. The Chamber provides leadership and takes action on top priorities and issues important to businesses at the local, state and federal levels.

Economic Development

We support policies that promote transparent and responsible economic development incentives. The legislature took note of our position by passing three economic development bills.

HB2956 allows for the elimination of a population qualifier for the Quality Job Act incentive. This program attracts companies as they create jobs in targeted manufacturing and certain services.

HB2509 allows for recruitment and retention of engineers through tuition reimbursement for courses in the field of aerospace. The aerospace industry creates high paying, highly skilled jobs.

Our efforts to monitor the workers compensation transitional oversight system aligned with the passage of SB1062, enabling the phase out of the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Court.

Transportation

Sound infrastructure is important to residents and businesses that reside in or are looking to relocate to our community. Our defense of all existing road funding and opposition of fund diversion at all levels of government paid off when SB2127 passed. The senate budget appropriation bill allows for the protection and commitment to the 8-year ODOT transportation funding.

Community

Policies were monitored to preserve, expand and diversify sources of revenue available to municipalities, without the need for tax increases. Passage of HB1875 mirrored our position by reducing the collection rate of the Oklahoma Tax Commission to actual costs for municipalities, saving our community unnecessary costs.

Energy

The large boom in the oil and gas industry affecting our community led to our support of infrastructure to accommodate oil and gas exploration and field service companies. This encourages the expansion of operations and payrolls to service growth in our region. Successful passage of HB2562 allows for incremental tax changes on new oil wells. Horizontal and vertical wells now face a 2 percent tax in the initial 36 months and 7 percent thereafter, offsetting huge spikes that would have discouraged these companies from doing business in our state.

Workers compensation legislation saved Oklahoma businesses an estimated $216 million per year.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

The small business pulse is strong within our Chamber. Our current partnership consists of more than 93 percent small businesses, with 50 employees or fewer. The uniqueness of our Chamber supports small businesses and encourages the growth and success of new and existing ones.

Educational training and resource opportunities are paramount to helping our small business partners. In 2014, the Chamber developed more than 20 programs to provide technical assistance to our small business partners. All of these programs were offered at nominal or no cost to partners to give fair access to resources.

EDUCATIONAL TRAINING

Mentor4Success

To capitalize on the knowledge of our own successful Chamber businesses, we introduced the Mentor4Success program. Three topics were presented in 2014, with a focus on financial readiness, identity theft prevention and credit ratings. The Mentor4Success program is held during the lunch hour at the Chamber office, with lunch provided to attendees. Speakers are expert Chamber partners who work in and are knowledgeable of the topic they present on.

Small Business Training Series

In 2014, the Small Business Training Series bought together entrepreneurs, business leaders and their employees together to learn the best practices for their businesses. The Chamber’s six interactive sessions focused on the keys to business development for every business, such as customer service, business etiquette, access to federal contracts, importing and exporting procedures, social media platforms and website development. Whether attendees were starting a new business or were in need of strategies to sustain their growth, this series provided practical, timely and relevant information. These sessions were provided at no cost to partners and were offered during a variety of dates and times to accommodate busy schedules.

SUSTAINED SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS

the Connection

Monthly events like the Connection breakfast continued for internal referral and relationship building among small business owners and consultants. Coupled with educational activities, this event focuses on the technical marketing, communication and networking skills vital for small businesses.

HR Matters

The Chamber continues to co-sponsor, with Meridian Technology Center, the HR Matters series to assist businesses with their workforce needs. Heavy emphasis is placed on human resource issues, such as employee engagement, employee evaluations and workplace efficiencies.

Several programs were introduced to the Chamber’s repertoire in 2014. On top of the long list of services offered, the Chamber designed and implemented new programs to better serve businesses in our community. We continue to promote relationship building and education, translating into business for our partners.

Mayoral State of the City

The State of the City address brings Chamber Partners and community leaders together to hear from the City of Stillwater’s mayor, other City officials and community experts. The topics covered included plans for Stillwater for the future year, improvement updates, projects that are underway, and the current status of the community. The Chamber works very closely with elected city officials and personnel to make sure that Chamber Partners are well informed on the status of Stillwater. The State of the City address provided, and will provide, well-rounded information for citizens of Stillwater and businesses within the community.

Hidden Cash

During the summer, local restaurants and retailers were the destination for consumers who were searching for hidden cash. Our hidden cash program was created to increase foot traffic to our local businesses. The Chamber informed local residents using our Economic Development Twitter account, @StwEconomicDev, posting hints and clues as to where the cash could be. Residents who solved the clues visited local businesses to try to find the hidden cash.

Shop Small Initiatives

Small Business Saturday is a day that is dedicated to simply bringing more customers to local businesses. During Small Business Saturday, on November 29, Stillwater residents could shop at local participating retailers and restaurants to have their Shop Small Passports stamped for a chance to win $500. Although Small Business Saturday is a national initiative, the Chamber adopted the program and added prize incentives to help Stillwater businesses attract more customers.

SHOP LOCAL

The Chamber implements Shop Local programs to inform community about area businesses so that residents can do most of their shopping in Stillwater. These new campaigns brought awareness and encouraged consumers to invest locally.

NEW PROGRAMS LAUNCHED IN 2014

Business Training Seminar

First Things First was a business training seminar that focused on the goals and keys to personal business success. Instructed by business and performance coach Kelly Riggs, this one-day training was designed to enable leaders to embrace their skills. The objective was to provide the latest business practices, allow for leaders to improve their operations and simplify the way they approach projects and tasks.

YPS Emerging Leaders Program

Young Professionals of Stillwater is a network that seeks to connect, educate, grow and attract young talent in the Stillwater Area. In 2014, YPS hosted its first Emerging Leaders Under 40 program. The concept is to recognize young leaders between the ages of 21 to 40 who made a difference in the Stillwater community. These leaders exhibited work and service that contributed to the betterment of Stillwater. Leaders were recognized for professional and personal commitments to the growth of Stillwater. Community leaders, including Mayor John Bartley, gathered to call attention to the outstanding work these emerging leaders have done.

DEVELOPING LEADERS

The Chamber creates ideal programs for engaging, developing and inspiring community leaders. Evident in our sustained Leadership Stillwater annual program, allowing participants to gain an in-depth view of community issues, develop leadership skills necessary to fill or assume leadership roles and identify their key strengths. Leadercast is another program that continues to create a meaningful impact and stimulate a diverse group of attendees. This annual program offers the largest convergence of leaders in the world by creating a live broadcast nationwide, simultaneously.

NATIONAL RANKINGS

In 2014, Stillwater received a variety of press coverage touting its attractiveness as a business and residential destination and its overall economic strength. Here are some of our favorites.

Executive Directors

Larry GreenChairmanRCB Bank

Gary ClarkVice-ChairmanOklahoma State University

Rebecca EasthamTreasurerMeridian Technology Center

Kenny JoseyImmediate Past ChairmanBancFirst

Gregg BradshawLambert Construction

Kelly HarrisKeystone Engineering & Surveying

Denise WebberStillwater Medical Center

Lisa NavrkalPresident/CEOStillwater Chamber of Commerce

2015 Board of Directors

C.C. Crane, Golden Oaks VillageCade Crawford, Bank SNBDon Gable, Arvest BankJean-Pierre Gielen, ASCO Aerospace USAJoe Hladik, Waddell & Reed, Inc.Gary Johnson, Stillwater Regional AirportJohn Koemel, Koemel LawGary McCune, Central Rural Electric CooperativeJamie Payne, Oklahoma State UniversityDavid Scott, Kwik Kar Service CenterTed Smith, H.E. Ted Smith & Co., LLCConnie Stokes, Team Stillwater, RealtorsDavid Thomas, Thomas Ford

Ex-officio Directors

Jim Aulgur, Oklahoma Career & Technology EducationMayor John Bartley, City of StillwaterDr. Ann Caine, Stillwater Public SchoolsRepresentative Dennis CaseyRepresentative Lee DenneyDan Galloway, Stillwater City ManagerSenator Jim HalliganPresident Burns Hargis, Oklahoma State UniversityDr. Doug Major, Meridian Technology CenterCounty Commissioner Chris RedingKenneth Skillman, Stillwater Industrial FoundationRepresentative Cory Williams

The Stillwater Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors governs and is the policy making body of the Chamber. This diverse group represents the business and professional leadership of the community. Welcome our incoming 2015 Board.