Well Here is August…

What can we all say about 2020? We have made it to August and we are more than halfway through the year. It has been challenging to say the least. The challenges we have all faced as small business owners have been monumental but has also has forced us to take new directions in our businesses that we may have not taken before. Many of us have made websites or are looking into making websites which helps bring in more sales. All of us have used social media in a new way and it has become a daily habit to bring attention to your business. It has also been an easy way to keep your customers and potential customers updated to our ever changing world. Our businesses have never been cleaner or germ free. And our masks have now become fashion statements. It has also brought our Downtown even closer than it was before. Friends helping friends, customers supporting Downtown Edmond like never before, strengthening our bond to watch out for one another, I have never been more proud of DEBA in my life and the way each one of you have contributed to keep Downtown Edmond the best it can be. Way to go!!!

Survey Results

Thank you to all of the members who took our recent survey. We had a huge response and I even reached out non-DEBA members in Downtown Edmond so we could get a more accurate feel for what everyone was thinking. The comments sections were shared with our city council and we really appreciate all of the kind words that you sent regarding DEBA.

No matter which opinion you have regarding the issues that we face today. No answer is a wrong answer and we truly appreciate your honesty and feedback.

What would you like to see the City of Edmond do pertaining to the mask or no mask policy some cities are doing currently?
77% YES Masks
23% NO Masks

We know some of you have gotten some unkind feedback regarding your store policy, would it help you, as a business owner, if all places were required to follow the same guidelines?
78% YES
22% NO

Member Spotlight- Angie Clemens Byers

I have been with Back40 Design / Edmond Outlook Magazine since 2019 and the Account Executive for Edmond Outlook, which means I get the privilege of connecting businesses with the local community through advertising and…most importantly…telling their stories!

Dave Miller started Edmond Outlook 15 years ago and his heart and the “why” behind this publication are what make it so successful! When you’re heart is in the right place, you can’t help but GROW!

I love the way downtown Edmond embraces history and encourages modernization simultaneously. Enjoying downtown brings a connection with the past, a present worth savoring and the invigorating feeling that you’re part of a very special future.

Connecting with people and building relationships is what I am meant to do. My job isn’t necessarily about “sales”…it’s about seeing into the hearts of people and finding ways to build up, encourage and support them in their endeavors. Having a career that allows me to do this is a dream come true!

I grew up in Terlton, OK way out in the country. I moved to Edmond in the 90’s…just one month after I graduated high school…to go to UCO where I had received a minority achievement scholarship. I had so much clarity and conviction that this was where I was supposed to be. I knew absolutely no one here, but this was my path and I’ve always known that Edmond is “home”. I now get to raise my two boys here who are 12 and 9. As a family of three, we love all things outdoorsy and actively enjoy the Scouting community along with pretty much every sport imaginable. Our sweet little dog Cookie keeps us all in line.

Giving back to the community and contributing to the world around you is so important! I enjoy being an Ambassador for the Edmond Chamber and am looking forward to taking part of Leadership Edmond Class XXXVI. I’ve also been a member of Edmond Women’s Club for a few years and serve on the Membership committee. Being in leadership with Crossings Women’s Ministry has also brought joy over the past 12 years.

Your Business is on Route 66

With road trips on the rise, Visit Edmond has seen increased traffic along Route 66. Downtown Edmond is one of our main attractions along this popular and historic Mother Road. Let’s work together to encourage visitors to cruise through Edmond on a Route 66 road trip. Here are some sites and attractions on and just off our stretch of Route 66:

Edmond Historical Society & Museum
Arcadia Lake
“Touch The Clouds” art
“Statue of Liberty” art
Rodkey House
1889 Territorial Schoolhouse
Pops
Festival Market Place
Downtown Edmond
“Blue Hippo” art

See more in Visit Edmond’s online guide: https://issuu.com/cityofedmond/docs/edmond_visitors_guide_20191216_web_mid/50.

Use these tags when you promote Edmond on social media: #visitedmond #edmondok #oklahoma #route66 #travelok #okherewego

Inaugural Cycle 66 Ride is rolling through Edmond

What – A combination rural/urban bicycling tour beginning and ending in Edmond and leading riders SAFELY through 66 miles of beautiful roads including Route 66.

Who – A partnership between Oklahoma Route 66 Association, Visit Edmond, the State of Oklahoma and OU Medical Center

Where – Inaugural Cycle 66 Tour will begin and end at 8 a.m. on Sunday, November 8 at Festival Marketplace in Edmond

Why – Nov. 11, 1926 is the day Route 66 was established – this bike ride will celebrate the anniversary every year. Capitalizing on the renewed focus on Route 66 tourism brought about by Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, Cycle 66 will highlight Central Oklahoma communities and businesses along the Mother Road while promoting adventure, exercise and a healthy lifestyle.

Jennifer Seaton Director, Visit Edmond

EEDA Loan Program

The Edmond Economic Development Authority is offering E-Commerce Loans for businesses.

This 0% interest loan will help businesses build a website or improve on an existing one with the help of professionals.

If you are interested or would like more information, feel free to contact them.

Four Ways to Connect

It can take awhile to find your place in your community and often it takes trying different things to figure out where your passion lies. Below are four foolproof ways to get connected in Edmond.

Leadership Edmond: You’ve likely heard us talk about Leadership Edmond (LE) before. We love talking about this program because we feel that it is the #1 way to get plugged into Edmond. The nine-month program takes those who are already interested in being involved in the community and equips them with the knowledge, connections and resources to be the ultimate civil servant. We’re currently taking applications for LE Class XXXVI (36), contact the chamber to learn more.
Join a City Committee: Did you know the City of Edmond has more than two dozen committees for citizens to join? From the Visual Arts Commission to the Bicycle Committee, there are many ways to be a part of the betterment of our community. Visit the city website to apply!
Diversity and Inclusion Series: New in 2020, the Edmond Chamber originally had the series scheduled to kick off in March, but COVID-19 had other plans for us. The series will now kick off virtually on June 30th and will continue monthly after that. We’ve partnered with the city to make sure this event remains free and accessible for all community members. Learn more and register on the Edmond Chamber website.
Edmond Young Professionals: Chances are you or someone you know is a young professional living and/or working in Edmond. We can’t recommend our Edmond Young Professionals (EYP) program enough. The group meets several times a month (currently virtual) and provides opportunities to network, volunteer and learn something new. This fun, casual group is always finding ways to support the community. Check it out at edmondchamber.com/EYP.

As your local chamber, our passion is to help you connect. We’re here to be a resource to you and we’re eager to get you plugged in. If you have questions, give us a call!

Sherry Jordan, President and CEO

Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce

(405) 341-2808

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