Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Perry Chamber highlights strategic planning, expanded events and new board members
Summary
Katie Garris, president and CEO of the Perry Chamber of Commerce, presented the chamber's first-quarter 2025 report to the Perry City Council, outlining a new strategic focus, board appointments and plans to merge Springfest with a car event and strengthen partnerships for the Cherokee Strip celebration.
Katie Garris, president and CEO of the Perry Chamber of Commerce, presented the chamber’s first-quarter 2025 report to the Perry City Council, describing strategic planning work, new board appointments and a slate of events aimed at increasing downtown activity.
The report matters because the chamber’s events and partnerships affect downtown business traffic and volunteer and city coordination for community celebrations.
Garris told the council the chamber held a facilitator-led visioning and strategic-planning session and updated its bylaws. She said the board elected three new members to three-year terms, including Derek Coldier (listed as an ex officio member with the city), Hunter Bridal and Shannon Henderson. Garris said the chamber completed a leadership transition in February and she was selected from five applicants to be CEO.
The chamber reviewed recent events and awards. Garris said the annual banquet — moved to March 4 after weather forced a date change — honored Reverend Dr. Joshua Bell as citizen of the year; Sprinkles and Cream (Jason and Chastity Veil) as small business of the year; Exchange Bank (the Hall family) as large business of the year; and Phil and Gayla Salvati for the hall of fame award. Garris said the chamber created a “Mister Perry” award and selected Al Wise as this year’s honoree and parade marshal for the Cherokee Strip celebration.
Garris described planned events and partnerships: Springfest on April 26 will be merged with Cruise in Oklahoma and will include YMCA activities tied to Healthy Kids Day; the plan is to start registration at 10 a.m., run a car-show portion through midafternoon and bring Cruise in Oklahoma into the evening. For the Cherokee Strip celebration in September, the chamber is coordinating with the Cherokee Strip Museum (director Maddie Flores), Noble County Fairgrounds (Joe Williams), the YMCA (Jennifer Kine) and Main Street Perry (Laura Vollmer) to centralize advertising and programming.
Council members thanked Garris for the report and for the chamber’s partnerships. City Manager Nate and other council members spoke in support of increased collaboration between the chamber, Main Street and the YMCA.
Looking ahead, the chamber is continuing planning for Springfest and the Cherokee Strip celebration and will pursue partnerships and sponsorships to support expanded programming.
