About Us:

The Ardmore Chamber of Commerce has long recognized that a good business climate is paramount for community growth. For more than 90 years the Chamber has been an advocate for community improvement and has worked tirelessly on needed reform. That trend will continue throughout 2006.

As well as working on many local issues, the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce consistently works to effect legislative changes that will benefit the entire state and community. In 2006, the Chamber will be concentrating on activities in several areas. Workers' Compensation Reform is a key issue of concern. This issue affects businesses, workers and citizens alike. The Ardmore Chamber will continue to be a leader in the fight to make significant changes in job growth and increased wages.

Education, as in previous years, will also receive significant attention from the Chamber. The scope of education involvement goes beyond K-12 systems. It also includes Southern Oklahoma Technology Center, Ardmore Higher Education Center, special programs and workforce skills development. The Ardmore Chamber of Commerce is the organization that spearheaded and funded, entirely from the private sector, an extensive program of raising the standards in our schools. In 2005 the next step in that process was the Cornerstone Project, a five year, $2.5 million initiative. To date, over $3.3 million has been raised and the program enters its operational phase in 2006. The Chamber started Communities in Schools, the Oklahoma Scholars Program (in Ardmore), coordinates teacher support programs, and provides numerous other activities to improve education.

In communities such as Ardmore, community involvement is key to success. The Chamber Board has indicated strong support for our city through the GAPS (Giving Ardmore a Plan for Success) program. GAPS is a continuation of the program formed to identify needs, determine solutions and implement strategies to address problematic situations.

The Ardmore Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Ardmore Development Authority, is addressing the issue of affordable housing through the development of the Hickory Ridge Addition.

As always, Ardmore's citizens and businesses can count on the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce to promote positive change and improvements in services and programs that will benefit all.