Annual State Chamber Meeting

On June 19, 2024, our very own Jenny Graves, President of the Altus Chamber of Commerce, attended the Annual State Chamber meeting at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in OKC. With over 500 attendees, the event was a bustling hub of advocacy, networking, and insightful updates on legislation impacting our businesses and community.

Jenny had the opportunity to advocate for local businesses, network with peers, and listen to an inspiring guest speaker. She reconnected with old friends, made new ones, and was profoundly moved by some of the speaker's words. Here are a few quotes that resonated deeply with her:

• “An ethic without sacrifice is not an ethic.”
• “We need to learn how to disagree better.”
• “Remember, at the end of the day we should all be on the same page…TEAM OKLAHOMA.”

While Jenny avoids political debates on social media, she can't help but express her gratitude for living in the heart of the Bible Belt, in what many call "God’s Country." Some may use that term disparagingly, but to her, it's one of the highest compliments. Social media has both bridged and widened gaps between us and the wider world, yet it’s essential to appreciate our unique corner where caring for each other is a way of life.

Jenny emphasizes that life is better HERE IN ALTUS! 😃 If we truly want our community to thrive, we must focus on our shared values and common goals. We all strive for the best for our families. Unlike large cities with endless activities and dining options, Altus offers an unparalleled quality of life rooted in genuine care and community spirit.

In southwest Oklahoma, we embody selflessness, often sacrificing for the greater good. Our close-knit environment teaches us that progress doesn’t just happen; it’s the result of collective effort. Over the past few months at the Chamber, Jenny has learned from dedicated volunteers, gained a deeper appreciation for our military and service members, and realized the importance of prioritizing the majority's best interests.

For those with different views on our community, Jenny encourages you to engage positively. Instead of focusing on what we lack, let’s celebrate what we have. Volunteer, show your children the value of community involvement, and step up to make a difference. In a town our size, every effort counts, and no job is beneath us if it benefits our citizens.

The future holds many exciting projects for Altus, and your involvement can make a significant impact. Our Chamber works tirelessly for our members and the community despite our limited resources. We are powered by exceptional volunteers, a dedicated board, and strong partnerships with local schools, the city, and other organizations.

Special thanks go to Michael Shive from the City of Altus Parks and Rec, whose relentless efforts bring quality-of-life projects and tourism events to our town. His dedication is truly inspiring. And to Gary Jones, whose transformative work is making our community better every day. We are grateful to have such dedicated individuals on our side.

To all our members who invest in and support us, thank you. Your support makes the Chamber's work possible. While there will always be naysayers, we choose to focus on progress. It's time to revive our workforce, volunteerism, customer service, and civic duty. If you want to help Altus thrive, reach out to us anytime. Anyone can be a Chamber member or volunteer. Together, we can make a difference.

Our Chamber is proud of the village we call "Altus."