Over the past few years, the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce and the Chickasha Economic Development Council have teamed up to promote Tourism in our community. We have had the Festival of Light drawing people to Chickasha for the holidays for over 30 years, but now things like the Oklahoma Food Truck Championship, the City’s Air Show and of course the Leg Lamp are helping bring people to town all year long. The Sports Complex and the Grady County Fairgrounds also have a huge impact on our hotels and restaurants, the difference that has happened the past few years is that we are telling our story more now. As Oklahoma’s third largest industry, tourism is vital to the state’s economy. The Oklahoma Tourism Department, along with the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association, Chickasaw Country and now our Visit Chickasha brand all work together to answer the question: “Why Chickasha?” Besides attracting visitors to town, Tourism also positively impacts economic development. Many of our new businesses that have opened or are scheduled to open, will benefit significantly from travelers stopping off here in Chickasha. California developer Chet Hitt has said many times publicly that seeing the Leg Lamp being constructed helped him decide to invest millions in our community. Promoting Chickasha as a tourism destination is still a somewhat new idea, but I believe that it’s just the beginning for us. More businesses are coming that will shape our City’s future. As a town that originated because of being a stop on the railroad, it should not be a surprise that visitors not only got us started, but will play a major role in the success of our future!

Equilibrium, the premier event dedicated to fostering balance and empowerment in the workplace, is set to debut in Chickasha, Oklahoma on June 6, 2024. Presented by the USAO Foundation, City of Chickasha, Liberty National Bank, and Standley Systems, Equilibrium aims to uplift women professionals and promote gender equality in the workplace. Equilibrium marks the progression of the Professional Women's Series, initiated in 2019 by the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce. Since its launch, the series has experienced notable expansion, such as the implementation of Women’s Wednesday networking events in 2022 to foster connections and cooperation. Equilibrium is the latest addition to this series, poised to introduce a heightened educational dimension. The highlight of Equilibrium is the keynote presentation by the legendary Sherri Coale, renowned for her illustrious career in women's basketball and her expertise as an author, speaker, and motivator. Coale’s keynote promises to inspire and empower attendees, drawing from her journey from humble beginnings in rural Oklahoma to becoming the winningest women's basketball coach in the University of Oklahoma's history. Scheduled for June 6, 2024 in the USAO Ballroom, Equilibrium will offer a dynamic agenda designed to foster personal and professional growth. Attendees can also expect a True Colors keynote session with Liz Taylor, County Extension Director and 4-H Educatore, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and special activities aimed at celebrating and empowering women professionals. Breakout sessions will cover diverse interests, including a session with Sally's List, empowering women in politics since 2010, and a mentoring session led by Dr. Kayla Hale, President of the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma. "We are thrilled to host Equilibrium, the first event of its kind in Chickasha, dedicated to promoting balance in the workplace and celebrating the achievements of women professionals," said Whitney Palesano, Membership Director of the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce. "Equilibrium represents a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable professional environment." Registration for Equilibrium is open, with tickets priced at $60. Interested individuals can register on the Chickasha Chamber website at www.chickashachamber.com/pwnetwork or by emailing whitney@chickashachamber.com.