During a recent city council meeting, the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce provided an update on its economic development initiatives and tourism strategies. Ann Smith Tate, the Chamber's president and CEO, highlighted the organization's commitment to supporting over 1,400 businesses in Shawnee, emphasizing a recent rebranding effort that aligns with the city's \"hometown with heart\" theme. The Chamber has simplified its strategic pillars to focus on attracting, developing, impacting, and connecting within the community.

Beth Ansell, executive director of Visit Shawnee, outlined key objectives for promoting tourism, including enhancing sports tourism through partnerships with local organizations and improving marketing efforts to elevate Shawnee's profile. She reported an 18% increase in hotel occupancy for 2023, attributing this growth to successful events and collaborations that draw visitors to the area.

The Shawnee Economic Development Council (SEDC) also presented its strategic objectives, focusing on attracting new businesses while supporting existing ones. The council reported managing 74 projects related to business attraction and retention, with 640 new jobs tracked in the past year. Additionally, 27 new businesses have opened in Shawnee over the last 18 months, contributing to the local economy.

Both the Chamber and SEDC emphasized the importance of workforce development, with initiatives like the SEDC Work Ready Scholarship aimed at high school students pursuing careers in construction and manufacturing. The meeting underscored a collaborative approach to fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life in Shawnee, with ongoing efforts to attract new businesses and support local enterprises.