McAlester Area Chamber of Commerce
2025 ANNUAL BANQUET

the future is bright!

McAlester Area Chamber of Commerce
2025 ANNUAL BANQUET

WELCOME

TO THE BANQUET

Dear Chamber Members, Partners, and Friends,

As we gather tonight to celebrate another year of growth and connection, I am reminded of the incredible strength of our business community. Together, we are laying the foundation for a vibrant, thriving tomorrow. The future is bright.

This past year, your Chamber has worked hard to create opportunities, foster relationships, and champion the businesses that make our community strong. We’ve welcomed new members, hosted impactful programs like our “State of” series, Informative Luncheons, brought The National Civic Bee to McAlester, and continued to monitor and advocate for policies that support growth and innovation.

Through networking events, leadership development, and community partnerships, we’ve built platforms where businesses of all sizes can succeed. From celebrating our educators and supporting workforce initiatives to highlighting local businesses and creating spaces for meaningful connections, the Chamber is proud to serve as a catalyst for progress.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our board, ambassadors, sponsors, and — most importantly — our members. Your investment in the Chamber is an investment in the future of our community, and together, we are proving that the future is indeed bright.

Thank you for believing in the Chamber’s mission and for standing with us as we continue to serve, advocate, and grow. I am honored to walk alongside you in this journey, and I cannot wait to see what we accomplish together in the year ahead.

Caroline Russell

President/CEO

EVENING

AGENDA

COCKTAIL HOUR

Please join us for a cocktail hour brought to you by Angel’s Mobile Bar. During this time, we encourage you to place your bids at the Silent Auction, and network with other Chamber Members.

5:30PM

WELCOME TOAST

Welcome from the Board Chair, Cameron Green

6:15PM

DINNER

Enjoy a delicious dinner provided by Angel’s Diner!

6:20PM

PRESIDENT’S REMARKS

Stats and insights of the Chamber with President & CEO, Caroline Russell.

6:50PM

AWARDS CEREMONY

Charlie Rogers Award
Presented by Kristi Thompson and Cameron Green

New Business of the Year
Presented by Raymond Wilson

Small Business of the Year
Presented by Robin Woodley

Large Business of the Year Presented by Josh Hass

Volunteer of the Year
Presented by Janet Wansick

Young Professional of the Year
Presented by Caroline Russell

Ambassador of the Year Presented by Jessica Knoerdel

Community Leader of the Year Presented by Blake Lynch

7:00PM

CLOSING REMARKS

7:45PM

SILENT AUCTION ENDS

Get your final bids in by 7:40pm!

8:00PM

TONIGHT IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Thank you for being our Presenting Sponsor!

ANNUAL

REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

94.6

%

Member Retention Rate

22.1

%

Increase in Membership

23

Events Hosted

8

Ribbon Cuttings

THANKS

TO OUR STAFF & BOARD

OUR

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

When you become a part of the Chamber, you join a network of local small businesses, gain valuable marketing opportunities, and get access resources and people that support your growth and success.

01. Leadership

Build skills, connections, and community impact through Leadership McAlester and various volunteer committees.

02. NETWORKING

Grow your relationships at Women’s Connect, Chamber on Tap, and other dynamic mixers.

03. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT, & ADVOCACY

Empowering businesses with training, resources, and a strong voice at every level.

04. National Civics Bee

We are proud to be 1 of 5 Oklahoma chambers participating in the National Civics Bee.

THANKS TO OUR TITLE SPONSOR

THANKS

TO OUR VOLUNTEERS

The success of our Chamber is built on the generosity of those who give their time to serve on committees and volunteer, even amidst the demands of their businesses. It is through your dedication that we can provide so many meaningful networking opportunities for our members.

Jessica Knoerdel
Nicole Stanfield
Kyleigh Tollman
Bethany Welch
Lauren Denny
Jessica Knoerdel
Renae Shields
Lori Wampler
Bethany Welch
Anne Brooks
Jayme Clifton
Lucy Muller
Jeannie Weeks
Marissa Bevelquia
Anne Brooks
Renae Shields
Nicole Stanfield
Bethany Welch

SILVER

SPONSORS

McAlester Public Schools
McAlester Regional Health Center
FloodServ
HP Mechanical
Bravado Wireless
Josh Hass Insurance
Caring Hands Healthcare Centers
Kennedy Eyecare
Gotcher & Beaver
First National Bank
Klever Kids Academy
Little Caesars Pizza
Public Service Company of OK
First Family Credit Union
The Bank NA
Eastern Oklahoma State College
ABC Supply
BancFirst
Wagner & Lynch
Wiley’s Jewelry
Bemac Supply & A-1 Mini Storage
Edward Jones
McAlester Direct Primary Care
City of McAlester
McAlester Defense Support Association

OUR

CHAMBER AMBASSADORS

Lauren Ragan (Co-Chair)
Renae Shields (Co-Chair)
Tina Adams
Josh Amos
Rachel Amos
Jessica Banks
Mikayla Barnes
Anne Brooks
Melissa Cook
McKenzie Goldsby
Cameron Green
Brett Haney
Michelle Harris
Gunner Hass
Tammy Heims
Andrew McBride
Trish Miller
Nich Parker
Jessie Phillips
Jennifer Taylor
Gabby Teal
Jana Weddle
Jake Wood
Jonathan Wynn
Haley Yeley

LEADERSHIP MCALESTER

2026

Brittnie Weeks
Jake Wood
Nicholas Parker
Whitney Hackler
Tracey Sontag
Allison Musgrove
Kelley Wilkett
Abigail Weeks
Adeline Whisenhunt
Jerret Sanders
Catherine Shields
Alexis Shannon
Tanya Turner
Terri Estrada
Lacey Pitman
Maison Rosales
Morgan Carr
Kristie Oquin

UPCOMING

OPPORTUNITIES

WANT TO HOST ONE OF OUR MONTHLY NETWORKING EVENTS?

GET

INVOLVED

The Chamber offers many ways to deepen your involvement and make a lasting impact, whether it’s serving on a committee, becoming a sponsor, or joining our Ambassador Program.

If you’d like to get involved in these opportunities or any of the programs you heard about today, we encourage you to contact us and discover how you can play a bigger role in shaping our business community.

IN MEMORIAM

CHARLIE ROGERS

Charlie Rogers (1976–2025) was a devoted public servant, business leader, and philanthropist whose life centered on faith, family, and community. After 21 years of service in law enforcement with the McAlester Police Department, he carried on his family’s legacy as CEO of Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of McAlester, where he led the business to national recognition. A past Chamber Board member and active supporter of local schools, beautification projects, and nonprofits like Hudson Strong, Charlie gave generously of his time and resources to strengthen McAlester. His leadership, integrity, and compassion leave a lasting mark on our city.

KEVIN PRIDDLE

Kevin Priddle (1954–2025) was a longtime banker and civic leader who served as McAlester’s mayor from 2008 to 2012 and remained deeply engaged in community life for nearly two decades. Known for his belief in McAlester as “the jewel of southeast Oklahoma,” he championed infrastructure improvements, economic development, and the growth of local institutions such as McAlester Regional Health Center. Beyond city hall, Kevin’s dedication to public service, his love of music, and his warm, approachable spirit made him a friend and advocate for many. His vision and service continue to shape McAlester’s future.