Don Elwick, the executive vice president of the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce for 18 years, resigned from that post Monday.

Elwick said in an interview Tuesday that he plans on helping with his parents' business, The Indian Store, at 2323 E. Cherokee in Sallisaw. Elwick's father, Don G. Elwick, also served as the chamber's executive vice president from 1971 to 1980, and encouraged his son to get a degree in chamber of commerce management from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.

The younger Elwick also served chambers in Van Buren, Ark., in Ponca City and in Beloit, Kan., before setting again in Sallisaw.

Elwick's last day with the Sallisaw chamber will be May 31.

Elwick said he has seen phenomenal growth in Sallisaw and the surrounding area during his tenure with the chamber.

"I came in with pari-mutuel racing in 1986," Elwick said, with his usual since of humor. After Oklahomans voted to approve pari-mutuel racing, Blue Ribbon Downs in Sallisaw held the state's first modern-day pari-mutuel race meet in 1986.

Elwick said he is proud of the city's and chamber's support of the racetrack since then. "The chamber has worked diligently in support of horse racing in Sequoyah County and the state," Elwick said.

The retail businesses - restaurants, motels and convenience stores - which followed horse racing to Sallisaw are another indication of chamber members' dedication to improving the city's economic base, Elwick said.

Other milestones supported by the chamber during Elwick's career, he said, include the support of already established industries and businesses, and the attraction of new industry such as the Aviagen Hatchery.

"It's really been interesting with all the growth," Elwick said of his chamber post.

"Just watching the community grow has been wonderful. Sometimes it's just the small things, like the lighting along Interstate 40. That was a major boost for the economy because the lighting allowed travelers to see where to get off I 40. That meant a lot to retail businesses."

The Grapes of Wrath Festival was another chamber event which Elwick enjoyed and which he hopes will resume. The festival was cancelled last year, but Elwick said the festival still has potential.

One of the best developments over the years, Elwick said, is the construction of the Carl Albert State College Sequoyah County Campus in Sallisaw. "The college's extension just sat around for years, and then it took off. Now we're looking at being able to get a four-year degree here. Wow!" Elwick said.

The future of Sallisaw citizens and their children's' futures are important to the chamber, Elwick said.

"Nearly everything done by both the city and the chamber of commerce is done for the residents," Elwick said. "Sallisaw is a wonderful community. We've looked at other communities of the same size. They don't compare."

Elwick concluded, "We've probably missed a couple of opportunities along the way, but we were in the final group for some businesses. And you never know why they (industries and businesses) decided to locate somewhere else. But the fact you made it to the final cut is good."

Elwick said he will miss being so involved in the city's future, but he will continue as a chamber member to assist.

"Probably my only sad thought is that things are really going to start popping in Sallisaw, and I regret I won't be the executive vice president," Elwick said. "But I will be a chamber member.

"I live here, and I love it," he concluded.

Elwick and his wife of 35 years, Mary Kay, have a son, Don, of Weatherford, and a daughter, Stephanie Mollet of Dallas.

Elwick said he and his wife also plan more time with their grandchildren, Kara and Avery Elwick.

The chamber plans a meeting this week to begin the search for a new chamber executive vice president.