The Piedmont Chamber of Commerce
“Supporting Business - Promoting Piedmont”
*****Golf Tournament Rain Date is June 22*********
“Getting the Right Game Plan” with Coaches Craig Church and Rick Scott
Guest speakers at the May 3 Chamber Luncheon were Coaches Church and Scott. They reported on the status of the athletic programs at Piedmont Public Schools and explained how they motivate students into “Getting the Right Game Plan” in sports, academics, and life. A delicious luncheon of pulled pork was provided by Catering by Regina. Business of the Month for May was recognized: Rhonda’s Specialty Foods, represented by owner Mike Jindra. The next luncheon will be June 7 at noon. Guest speaker will be Bill Alexander, Assistant Facility Director of Children’s Justice Center.
“State Income Tax Reduction” topic at Legislative Breakfast
Sen. Tom Adelson and Rep. Tom Newell were guest speakers at the Quarterly Legislative Breakfast on Thursday, April 12, 7:00 a.m. in Piedmont. They presented the pros and cons of the proposed state income tax reduction currently under debate in the Oklahoma legislature. Other legislation under consideration in this legislative session was discussed by Sen. Ron Justice, Rep. John Enns, and Rep. Mike Sanders. Federal issues being addressed by US Sen. Tom Coburn were explained by his field representative Craig Smith, and David Herber did the same for US Rep. Frank Lucas. A large crowd also enjoyed the free hot breakfast courtesy of our corporate sponsor OGE Energy Corp.
Piedmont City Manager Jim Crosby Guest Speaker at April Chamber Luncheon
The “2013 Piedmont City Budget” was the topic of Jim Crosby’s address to the Piedmont Chamber of Commerce audience at the April 5 luncheon meeting. Also recognized at the luncheon were the Business of the Month for February – Randy Anderson of the Piedmont-Surrey Gazette for his work with the Holiday Open House and Business of the Month for April – John Malone of Malone Handyman Service for his work with the AmeriCorps group when they volunteered in Piedmont.
Candidate Forum
All seven candidates for three City Council seats attended the Chamber’s Candidate Forum on March 29.
Moderator was Craig Smith, field representative for Senator Tom Coburn. The candidates answered questions developed by a Chamber committee, as well as questions submitted by the audience. The candidates also provided written answers to three questions.
KOCO Channel 5 Meteorologist Guest Speaker at March Luncheon 
Rusty McCranie, meteorologist at KOCO Channel 5, was guest speaker at the Piedmont Chamber of Commerce March luncheon. His topic was “Preparing for Severe Weather.” He gave tips on how to understand weather watches and warnings, what to have on hand during the storm season, and why it is important to have a NOAA weather radio. Also at the meeting, an election was held to fill an open position on the Chamber Board of Directors. Josh Atkinson of F&M Bank was elected to the seat. The door prize was donated by Darren Owens Roofing.
Darnell Zook Guest Speaker at February Luncheon
Darnell Zook, Director of Bands at Piedmont Public Schools, was guest speaker at the February Chamber Luncheon and Meeting. His topic was “Creating a Culture of Excellence.” In his 14 years at Piedmont, Zook has taken a struggling program and turned it into a state-championship winning band. He shared his philosophy for dealing with people of all ages, sharing what has worked for him and applying it to a business environment. At the luncheon, the Chamber also recognized the December Business of the Month – Tanner Cline of Edward Jones, and the January Business of the Month – John Smith of Piedmont Pharmacy & Gifts. The door prizes were donated by Mike Jindra of Rhonda’s Specialty Foods.
2012 Business of the Month
Our January Business of the Month was Piedmont Pharmacy & Gifts. John Smith was recognized by 1st Vice President Marian LeCrone.
2011 Business of the Month
From July – December 2011, the Chamber recognized the following businesses as “Business of the Month” - Piedmont Public Schools, OGE Energy Corp, Williams Foods, Subway, Piedmont Cleaners & Florist, Edward Jones – Tanner Cline. Thanks to these businesses for their service to the Chamber and to the community.
2012 Chamber Banquet
Tom Hill, Chairman of Kimray Inc. and Founder and Chairman of Character First was the guest speaker at the Annual Chamber Awards Banquet. Catering was provided by Catering by Regina. The Piedmont Public Schools District Teacher of the Year, Joy Ruiz, was recognized by Superintendent James White.
Awards were presented to the Volunteer of the Year – Amber Hite, Most Dedicated Member – Jerry Dickerson, and Business of the Year – Williams Foods. The President’s Award was presented to Eric Anderson, and a special Community Service Award was presented to Rev. Darrik Acre, Rev. Gary Caldwell, Rev. Craig Eidson, Rev. Sam Powers, and Rev. Ken Richter. The Hall of Fame inducted a new member – Buel Hoar. Miss Piedmont, Christine Williams, and Miss Piedmont’s Outstanding Teen, Molly Patterson, assisted in the presentation of the awards.
Miss Oklahoma 2010
Emoly West shared her reflections on the Character First program. Entertainment was provided by the Piedmont Percussion Project.
Lt. Governor Todd Lamb Speaker at Legislative Breakfast
On Thursday, January 12, 2012, Lieutenant Governor Todd Lamb was guest speaker at the Legislative Breakfast, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and the Piedmont Public School Board of Education. He spoke on the topic of “Promoting Growth in Oklahoma.” Presenting legislative updates were representatives for US Senator Tom Coburn and US Representative Frank Lucas. Oklahoma Senators Rob Johnson and Ron Justice gave us a preview of the upcoming legislative session, and Oklahoma Representatives John Enns and Mike Sanders discussed legislation they will be sponsoring. A free hot breakfast was provided compliments of our corporate sponsor, OGE Energy Corp. by Catering by Regina. The next Legislative Breakfast will be held April 12.
Business Holiday Lighting Contest
Congratulations to the winners of the Business Lighting Contest: 1st place – Piedmont Tag Agency, 2nd place – Piedmont First Baptist Church, 3rd place – City Stop. Each business received a plaque donated by F & M Bank. Shown in the photo are Shelby Egender and Richard McDonald of the Tag Agency. Presenting the plaque is Eric Anderson of F&M Bank. Thanks to all the businesses who participated and helped spread the holiday cheer in Piedmont!
Residential Holiday Lighting Contest
Congratulations to the winners of the Residential Lighting Contest: 1st place – 2774 Amanda Court, 2nd place – 247 Eastwind Lane, 3rd place – 2251 N. County Line Road. Each home is marked with a sign donated by Owens Roofing. Thanks for helping to beautify our community this holiday season!
Holiday Open House
Current and prospective members of the Piedmont Chamber enjoyed a Holiday Open House, co-
sponsored by the Piedmont Chamber of Commerce and the Piedmont-Surrey Gazette, on December 12 at the Timber Lodge Family Steakhouse. Guitarist Edgar Cruz provided the entertainment, attendees enjoyed complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks, and thousands of dollars worth of door prizes were given away. We appreciate your support of the Chamber in 2011 and look forward to “Supporting Business – Promoting Piedmont” in 2012.
Member-to-Member Discount
Rhonda’s Specialty Foods, owned and operated by Mike and Rhonda Jindra of Piedmont, is offering a $40 credit for all Garden Club memberships purchased by Piedmont Chamber members. This credit can be applied toward an extra week on their Garden Club cycle, or toward any of their MIO (made in Oklahoma) specialty items. Additionally, they are offering a straight 15% discount for all members who visit them at Penn Square Mall. They are located on the lower level near JC Penney. For more information, contact them at 405-315-7917 or 471-7133 or view their products on their website: www.rhondasfoods.com. Great products and a great discount for Chamber members!
New Chamber Map Has Arrived!
The new map features metro OKC on one side and a detailed map of Piedmont on the other. Boundaries are Council Road and Banner Road on the east and west; Waterloo Road and Britton Road on the north and south. It is a beautiful and comprehensive update of the map last produced by the Chamber in 2004. Many thanks to the businesses purchasing advertising on the map – you all made production of it possible. Free maps will be available from area merchants and from the Chamber office – call 405-373-2234 for more information.
“Service to the Community” was topic for December Luncheon
The December Chamber Luncheon guest speakers were Dee Blose, Youth and Family Services of
Canadian County and Regina Mayabb, Piedmont Service Center. They spoke on the topic of “Service to the Community” and described the services their organizations provide. Attendees brought items which were donated to the two organizations.
Dr. Jeff Mills, Executive Director of the Oklahoma State School Board Association Guest Speaker at Chamber Luncheon
The Piedmont Chamber held its monthly Luncheon on Thursday, November 3. Guest speaker was the Executive Director of the Oklahoma State School Board Association, Dr. Jeff Mills. His topic was “Preparing for Elected Office.” The Chamber also held its annual election to the Board of Directors. Newly elected Board members are Lyn Land, Bobby Williamson, Amber Hite, and Steve Bridewell. Re-elected to the Board was Tanner Cline. Congratulations!
Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening for BancFirst
Thursday, October 27, marked the Grand Opening for the newest bank in
Piedmont. BancFirst opened a branch in the Williams Grocery Store. BancFirst officials joined Piedmont Chamber of Commerce members and community members in the celebration.
Attorney General at Legislative Breakfast
On Thursday, October 13, Attorney General Scott Pruitt was the guest speaker at the Quarterly Legislative Breakfast. He spoke on the topic: ”Federalism in Action and the EPA.” The Breakfast is jointly sponsored by the Piedmont Chamber of Commerce and the Piedmont Public School Board of Education. Refreshments are sponsored by Express Employment Professionals.
October Chamber Luncheon features Fire Chief Andy Logan
Thursday, October 6, 2011, the Piedmont Chamber welcomed Chief Logan as guest speaker. He discussed “Fire Safety” and programs currently underway at the schools during Fire Safety Month. He also discussed the various burn bans in the area as well as rescue work done after the May 24 tornado. The City of Piedmont now has four salaried fire fighters, with at least one person on staff 24 hours a day.
Culpepper & Merriweather Circus In Piedmont!
Circus tent and horses
Skeeter the Clown visited all the Piedmont Elementary Schools on Friday, September 16, to tell the children about the circus coming to town.
September Luncheon
- Steve Lackmeyer
Steve Lackmeyer, business writer for The Oklahoman newspaper was the guest speaker at our September luncheon meeting. He discussed “City Dynamics” and the many changes currently underway in downtown OKC.
Monthly Chamber Luncheon
James White, Superintendent of Piedmont Public Schools was the guest speaker at the August 4 luncheon. He updated the crowd on the largest business in town, Piedmont Public Schools, as the new academic year begins later in the month. He highlighted construction of the new Intermediate School, which is under construction on 164th Street west of Piedmont Road. Student enrollment will exceed 2700 this year.
Community Appreciation Picnic
On Friday, July 29, the Piedmont Chamber hosted a “tour” of Piedmont and luncheon for the KOCO Channel 5 news team and corporate sponsors. From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the KOCO folks participated with the following groups: Piedmont Percussion Project, Odyssey of the Mind, Piedmont Service Center, Piedmont Public Library, and Piedmont Historical Society. Lunch was donated by Chicken and Chops, with luncheon speakers Darren Owens, Rev. Sam Powers, Lisa Campbell, Karl Francel, and KOCO’s Brent Hensley. What a great opportunity to showcase so many of the wonderful people in our community. Thanks to all who participated!
Quarterly Legislative Breakfast
Thursday, July 14th, the Chamber and Board of Education jointly sponsored the Quarterly Legislative
Breakfast, and welcomed as our guest speaker State Insurance Commissioner John Doak. He discussed “Disaster Preparedness and Next Steps.” He also presented citations to three young men from Piedmont who helped their community in the aftermath of the May 24 tornado: Jacob and Caleb Maloney, and Jake Kisling. Craig Smith from U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn’s office and Shawn McDavid from U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas’s office gave an update on their activities in Washington, DC. Newly re-districted legislators Sen. Ron Justice and Rep. Mike Sanders introduced themselves to their new constituents and discussed their legislative activities and philisophies. County and local elected officials were recognized. Refreshments were sponsored by Express Employment Professionals. The next Legislative Breakfast will be held October 13, 2011 in the Piedmont George Fina Municipal Building, 314 Edmond Road. For more information call 405-373-2234.
July Luncheon
A good crowd was on hand for the July Chamber Luncheon held on Thursday, July 7, 2011. Our guest speakers were Charmagne Husmann, Public Information Officer for the US Small Business Administration and Losco Hunter, District Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency. They spoke on the topic of “Disaster Assistance.” From the office of US Representative Frank Lucas, Shawn McDavid and Garrett King were also present. A delicious lunch of chicken salad croissants, ham subs, salads, and desserts was served by Catering by Regina. If you couldn’t make this month’s luncheon, mark your calendar now for the August meeting, which will be held Thursday, August 4 at noon. Our guest speaker will be Piedmont Public School Superintendent James White.
Annual Golf Tournament
June 24 was a great day for golfing at the Chamber Tournament! Congratulations to the following teams: A Flight 1st place – F & M Bank Team #1, 2nd place – Surrey Hills Golf Club, 3rd place – Avant Plumbing. B Flight 1st place – All Around Plumbing, 2nd place – Oden Homes, 3rd place – Ron Cardwell team. Thanks to all for participating, donating, and working. You are helping us in Supporting Business – Promoting Piedmont.
CHAMBER LUNCHEON MEETINGS
All are welcome to the monthly Chamber luncheon meetings. Guest speakers present on a variety of topics. Mark this unusual date for December – the 8th, not the 1st. Usually we meet the first Thursday of the month, but for this month it will be the second Thursday, following our Board meeting the preceding day. Come join us!
- Piedmont Chamber of Commerce is a leader, advocate and voice for business and for the betterment of the community of Piedmont. The Chamber works with and to unite our many businesses and also to exist as our front door to the community and serve our residents.
The Chamber works in many ways with our businesses and our community to accomplish our mission —
Supporting Business – Promoting Piedmont
• Board of Directors
• Staff Directory
• Contact Us
Serving Piedmont
The Chamber provides services to our guests who are just visiting Piedmont or making a home as a permanent resident. In person, by phone or email, the Chamber staff directs, suggests and helps people who need a variety of assistance from living, working and playing in Piedmont.
Progressive Piedmont
The Chamber sponsors many activities designed to build community spirit and promote our local business community. The Chamber takes pride in Piedmont’s roots and traditions but appreciates and embraces the evolving and growing community called “Piedmont.” The Chamber seeks to grow within Piedmont and with the surrounding communities.
Chamber Membership Benefits
The benefits and rewards of being a Piedmont Chamber of Commerce member are many.
Business Tools
Members save time and money with exposure with an online business directory database; promotional opportunities in the new resident welcome packets, website and emails; event sponsorship; educational speakers and networking through monthly luncheons along with ribbon cuttings and grand openings.
Civic Relevancy
The Chamber works to have a strong relationship with the City of Piedmont and our elected officials, local and statewide. The Chamber helps to amplify the voice of Piedmont’s business community and provides opportunities such as our Legislative Breakfasts to become more involved with our elected officials.
Local Promotion
Includes programs and events which promote both business and community such as the Meet the Candidates event for Mayor and City Council, Founders Day, Piedmont July 4th Celebration, Piedmont Cup Golf Tournament and promotions and public relations for the community and other non-profit organizations for their events.
Economic Vitality
Economic vitality is an important aspect of our life in Piedmont. The Chamber assists with needs from small business advice, available commercial property, and demographic information. The Chamber works to concentrate on business retention and support of existing businesses and attracting new businesses to Piedmont as well!
In addition to getting to know your shared business community leaders, another benefit to being a Piedmont Chamber of Commerce member…IT’S FUN and REWARDING!