The chamber's annual banquet at Choctaw Blue Ribbon Downs had Oklahoma Secretary of State Susan Savage as the keynote speaker. State Rep. Glen "Bud" Smithson (D-Sallisaw) introduced Savage, who spoke to the audience about how activity on a local level affects the entire state.
"We're part of a larger family," Savage said.
Savage boasted the strengths of the state, including that Oklahoma means "Red people," and that there are more languages spoken in Oklahoma than all of Europe.
Savage said all the attributes of the state contribute to the economic portfolio of Oklahoma. She said the contributions made to the chamber builds on the contributions the state makes to the union.
She said that each person wants the same things, including a safe place to live, good schools, and affordable health care. She said people must build their communities and contribute to those desires.
Savage shared legislation initiatives on Gov. Brad Henry's agenda this year. Those initiatives include a package of benefits called Operation Home Front for Army National Guard and Air National Guard troops, and a prescription savings plan that allows senior citizens to buy prescription drugs at a lower cost as well as buying prescription drugs from Canada.
Savage said other initiatives include an Achieving Classroom Excellence plan to prepare students for life after school, a Taxpayer Fairness Act, and legislation for worker's compensation, tort reform, and an anti-methamphetamine law. She also said a higher education bond issue is also on Henry's agenda.
"I know Carl Albert State College is an important piece of economic development to Sallisaw," Savage said.
Savage stressed that creating partnerships at every level is the key.
"You bring to state government good ideas, intelligent discussion, commitment to make your community and state of Oklahoma the best they can be," Savage said.
Others attending in addition to Smithson and Savage were State Sen. Kenneth Corn (D-Poteau), Blu Hulsey, northeast Oklahoma field representative for U.S. Sen. James Inhofe (R-Oklahoma), State Sen. Jim Wilson (D-Tahlequah), Ward Curtain, representative for U.S. Rep. Dan Boren (D-Paden), as well as various other city, county, and state officials.
During a before-dinner social time, guests were entertained by the Sallisaw High School jazz band.
During the banquet, which began at 7 p.m., Rhoda Wilson, pianist at First Baptist Church in Sallisaw, provided dinner music.
Dwight Spencer, 2004 chamber president; Jeff Mayo, current chamber president; and Judy Martens, chamber executive vice president; also spoke to the group during the banquet. Spencer and Martens recognized and thanked various people and chamber members as well as talked about the benefits of the chamber. Mayo spoke to the group about future chamber plans, including a bass tournament slated for June 11. (See bass tournament story on page 1) Mayo also presented Spencer with a commemorative clock for his service to the chamber.
Special presentations of appreciation were also presented by Spencer and Martens. Those receiving special plaques for their work included Mayo, Marley Abell, Shannon Vann, Gary Schaefer, Clifford Meece, Larry Randolph, David Lessley, Cheryl Mills, and Terri Daniels.
