2020 shaping up to be busy year for Chamber – Published in the February 20-26 edition of the Johnston County Sentinel

Can you believe that February is almost over already? 2020 is sure flying by so I thought I would provide some information about what we have going on so far this year.

We have been working very hard over the last few months to get ready for the first Johnston County-wide Career Expo & Reality Fair for our high school juniors and seniors. We have several great, local businesses that will be setting up to talk to our young people about the careers and training available right here at home. We have to be very intentional about growing our own workforce so that our rural community continues to grow and prosper. This event will be held at Murray State on March 12th and we’re looking forward to an incredibly productive day!

We have a Legislative Update with our district legislators scheduled for Friday, March 13th from 12-1 p.m. in the Murray State College Aggie Dining Room. The public is invited to attend.

The Johnston County Annual Chamber Banquet will be held on Saturday, March 28th at MSC and tickets are going fast! If you haven’t reserved yours yet please do so, as there will be none available at the door. You can sponsor the event with a cash or auction donation and receive promotion for your business so please give me a call if interested. We are looking forward to a fabulous night of networking, food, and fun!

We have many partners in the community and lend a hand with other events and movements that positively impact Johnston County. The Johnston County Health & Wellness Committee currently has a Families Around the Table photo challenge and campaign that is happening on ‘The Best You in Johnston County’ Facebook page. They are giving away weekly prizes to those that submit photos of their family sharing mealtime, of recipes, mealtime conversation starters, etc. There are so many benefits to having the family together, focused on each other, at the table.

The Tishomingo Parks & Recreation Committee is hosting a Dodgeball Tournament on Saturday, March 7th at the Tishomingo Middle School Gymnasium. There are varying categories for teams based on age and all receive great prizes for 1st and 2nd place. Contact Laura Wood at 580-775-5881 to register and learn more. All proceeds go to the construction of a park on 6th Street in Tishomingo! The group is also very excited that Charity Baggers will be hosting a Cornhole Tournament at Ole Red, this Sunday, February 23rd that will benefit the park. Please contact Chris Allen to register at 308-760-7120.

The Southern Oklahoma Diabetes Coalition will hold its annual Diabetic Conference on Saturday, April 18th. Registration is free and includes breakfast and lunch for attendees. Family support and friends are encouraged to attend. There will be several great informational sessions, vendor booths and some fantastic door prices! Contact Sharyne Pitmon at 580-371-9533 to RSVP.

We want to acknowledge our new members of the Chamber so far for 2020: Michael Bracken RV, Beratto Dozer, Wichita Mountains Prevention Network, Southeast Oklahoma Title, and Erik Johnson Law. I’d also like to thank Old Silo Winery and Mannsville Ag Center for their upgrade in membership from basic business to Bronze corporate. They receive additional benefits and exposure over the year and are making a great investment in themselves! Thank you to all our renewing members for your continued support! We’re looking forward to a great year!

-Jordyn Frazier, Executive Director