Events
Annual Events
Banquet
Held in February, the annual awards banquet celebrates the previous year’s activities and accomplishments and provides a glimpse into next year’s priorities, while allowing Chamber members a chance to enjoy a delicious dinner, dessert and entertainment. A highlight of the evening is the presentation of awards with the Small Business Award, Bob & Molly Ann Cypert Leadership Award, and the AYP Rising Star Award.
Ardmore Day at the Capitol
Because it is important for our elected representatives to understand our positions on a variety of issues that impact our daily lives, the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce takes its role of representing business at our state capitol very seriously. In that spirit, the Chamber invites its members every spring to Oklahoma City for the Ardmore Day at the Capitol. The group receives a tour of the Capitol and hears from a variety of guest speakers. This annual event is a great chance to meet with legislators, discuss important issues and keep informed of legislative priorities.
Golf Tournament
The Ardmore Chamber Golf Classic is held at Dornick Hills Golf & Country club on the Friday before Memorial Day in May. This fun and competitive event features a challenging course, lunch, great prizes and opportunities to build professional relationships. It is the perfect event for networking with other local business leaders, strengthen relationships with your employees, or building rapport with current and prospective business clients.
Community Forum
This annual luncheon provides a status report to the citizens of Ardmore from the Mayor, city commissioners, city management and executive leadership. They provide information and answer your questions one-on-one. This luncheon offers a unique chance for the public to have personal contact with Ardmore City leadership.
Festival of Lights Auction
Held in November, the annual Festival of Lights auction ushers in the holiday season at the Chamber. The evening includes both a live and silent auction, featuring items and services donated by local businesses. This annual fundraiser is the primary source of funding that ensures the Festival of Lights Christmas lights drive through grows and improves every year. The funds are reinvested directly into the expansion and maintenance of the drive thru display at Regional Park.
Manufacturer’s Dinner
Manufacturing and distribution are primary drivers in the economic success of Ardmore. The Manufacturer’s Dinner is a night for networking and socializing and allows us to show our appreciation to local manufacturers and celebrate the continued relationship between them, the Chamber and the Ardmore Development Authority.
Small Business Saturday
Small business is the heart of the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce. With over 66% of our members having 10 or fewer employees, it constitutes an overwhelming majority of our organization. Small Business Saturday was created by American Express in 2010 and is held annually on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.
Dash for Santa’s Cash
Shopping local is very important to the Chamber. When local businesses thrive, the community thrives. Therefore, every December the Chamber holds the Dash for Santa’s Cash promotion. Participating merchants provide tickets to their customers based on the dollars spent in the store. Each ticket provides the shopper a chance to win “Santa Cash” to be spent at any of the participating merchants. It’s a fun way to inspire people to shop local for the holiday season.
Recurring Events
Business Showcase
Take some time after a productive day at work to connect with your fellow Chamber members and gain potential business referrals! Hosted by Chamber members and held every other month, Business Showcase is a networking event designed for members to meet and build relationships with other Chamber members. The event takes place between 5 pm and 6:30 pm and features door prizes, hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and an excellent opportunity to learn more about the products and services that are offered by the host member.
Legislative Luncheon
The Ardmore Chamber is the voice for your business at the Capitol. A fundamental component of the Chamber’s mission is to advocate the views of the business community to our elected officials. Our Legislative Luncheons bring these discussions to Ardmore. Held during the legislative session and attended by the local area state senator and representatives, they provide insight and updates on what’s happening at the Capitol. This forum provides members the opportunity to hear from state lawmakers and advocate issues of importance to them.
Southern Oklahoma Leader’s Lunch
This quarterly luncheon is geared towards those in leadership positions at our member businesses and organizations. Attendees receive valuable information on current topics from expert representatives, as well as a complimentary luncheon. Sample topics include discussions such as medical marijuana legislation laws, increasing employee engagement, and preventing sexual harassment in the workplace.
Chamber 101
Are you using your Chamber membership to its best advantages? Whether you’re a new member or an existing member who just wants to learn how to better utilize all the Chamber offers, these quarterly morning meetings are a great way to make sure your business maximizes your Chamber investment.
