CHICKASHA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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CHICKASHA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Chickasha Chamber is recognized as the front door of Chickasha and an advocate for the Chickasha business community. The Chickasha Chamber was started in the early 1900s by Chickasha businessmen who formed an organization to work together in the interest of Chickasha. Called the “Chickasha Commercial Club,” it later evolved into the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce which has been an important instrument in Chickasha’s stability since 1923.
The Chickasha Chamber houses a Board of Directors made up of member representatives from diverse areas of the business community.
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One of the most exciting parts of my job is seeing the momentum that Chickasha continues to build. Over the past year, our Community has been putting itself on the map in ways that are catching attention far beyond Oklahoma’s borders. Most recently, the Chickasha Economic Development Council (EDC), along with Chet Hitt, owner of the Chickasha Airport Industrial Park, has been working hard to recruit manufacturers straight out of California. But before we could head to California, Chet got confirmation that KnightTek signed a contract to be the first in the park and they are expecting to employ around 50 people. This week a group of Chickasha businesses will join the EDC and Chet Hitt in downtown LA for a recruiting event. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce and Governor Stitt will join us as we anwer the question: Why Chickasha? So why are we recruiting California? Simply put—manufacturers are looking for a better way forward. The Golden State has long been a hub for industry, but rising costs, burdensome regulations, and a sky-high cost of living are making it harder for businesses to thrive there. Oklahoma offers something different. Here in Chickasha, we can confidently say we’re a more affordable, business-friendly alternative. Consider just a few economic factors: Lower cost of living: Oklahoma consistently ranks among the most affordable states in the country. From groceries to healthcare, dollars stretch further here. Lower home prices: While California’s median home price is well over $700,000, families in Chickasha can still find quality homes for a fraction of that cost. That means employees relocating here have the chance at home ownership—a dream that feels out of reach for many on the West Coast. Lower energy prices: Businesses that rely heavily on energy consumption see immediate savings in Oklahoma, where utility costs are far below California’s. A business-friendly environment: With fewer regulations and a pro-growth mindset, Oklahoma leaders at every level are committed to supporting job creators. Chickasha is well-positioned to welcome these manufacturers. The Airport Industrial Park, with Chet Hitt’s vision and investment, offers a ready home for companies that want to expand, relocate, and succeed. It’s not just about moving factories—it’s about creating good-paying jobs, strengthening our tax base, and building a brighter future for our community. So when we say, California, here we come!—we mean it. We’re ready to show manufacturers that in Chickasha, opportunity isn’t just a slogan. It’s real, it’s here, and it’s growing every day and that’s #TheGoodStuff!
One of the best things about living in Chickasha is the pride we take in our Community. Over the last year, we’ve seen tremendous growth—new businesses opening, new opportunities created, and more people discovering what makes our town so special. But here’s the truth: for our local businesses to thrive, they need us. That’s why “Love Where You Live” is more than just a slogan. I love that Rick Johnston’s marquee at 4 th and Minnesota avenue still displays this message. I’m pretty sure it the same logo we created back in 2020 during Covid. It’s a reminder that every time we choose to shop, dine, or do business locally, we’re investing in Chickasha’s future. We’re keeping dollars in our community, creating jobs for our neighbors, and supporting the very people who cheer beside us at Friday night football games or sit next to us at Church. This weekend is a perfect chance to put that spirit into action. As the Oklahoma Food Truck Championship rolls into downtown on Saturday, thousands of people from all across the state will be here to sample incredible food and experience Chickasha hospitality. For those of us who already call Chickasha home, let’s show them how we “love where we live.” When you come downtown for the Food Truck Championship and the Rock Island Arts Festival, don’t just stop at your favorite food truck—take a stroll down Chickasha Avenue. Pop into our boutique shops, say hello to the store owners, and pick up something special. Whether it’s a gift, a piece of art, or a new outfit, you’ll not only find something unique, you’ll be making a difference for a local business owner who’s invested in our community. Chickasha’s growth is exciting, but sustaining that growth takes all of us. So, let’s support the businesses that are here now, welcome the new ones that are arriving, and continue building a Community where people truly love where they live. That’s #TheGoodStuff.
One of the most important ways a rural community can grow is by landing national retail. When you think about it, retail is more than just shopping—it’s about confidence, convenience, and community identity. For towns like Chickasha and communities across Oklahoma, having national retailers locate here tells the world something important: this is a place worth investing in. National brands don’t just show up anywhere. They do research, crunch the numbers, and study the trends. When a chain store puts down roots in a rural town, it’s a stamp of approval that the community is on the move. But it’s not just about bragging rights. National retail helps keep dollars local. If families have to drive 30 or 40 miles to shop, they don’t just spend money there—they eat there, they buy gas there, and they spend their Saturday dollars elsewhere. Landing a national store means capturing more of that spending power at home, which strengthens our tax base, supports our schools, and helps our city services grow. The Placer data we have indicates that when people in our Trade Area come to shop, they go to multiple stores, not just one. There’s also a “halo effect.” Once one retailer comes, others start to notice. Development attracts development. It’s a snowball that can turn into a real win for rural Oklahoma. And let’s not forget the jobs—retail might not solve every workforce challenge, but it creates opportunities for young people, part-timers, and families looking for supplemental income. Most importantly, national retail adds to quality of life. People want choices. They want the convenience of shopping local with the same opportunities they’d find in bigger cities. It makes our community more attractive not only to residents but also to future businesses who are scouting where to expand. That’s why local leaders work hard to recruit and land these retailers. It’s not just about a store—it’s about building momentum for the entire community. And momentum, friends, is what keeps our Community strong. That’s #TheGoodStuff!
Check Out The Chickasha Chatter Podcast
Discover the heartwarming essence of Chickasha in the latest episode of the Chickasha Chamber Chatter Podcast.
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