Olney Chamber of Commerce
The Olney Chamber of Commerce strives to promote and meet the needs of business and industry and to create the best community in which to live, work, and do business. The organization serves its members and the larger community by cultivating an environment that promotes economic growth. In 2022, the Chamber saw an increase in memberships and very positive feedback from the community. The organization, comprised of one staff member, Executive Director Deidre Brown, and nine board members met together monthly to plan, discuss and take action when necessary to accomplish their goals. The board of directors voted in the December meeting to bring Sonja Grey on to serve for the next year in place of board President Anna Rogers. Rogers will be missed and played a crucial role in re-structuring the Chamber membership opportunities, as well as helping in the transition of directors of the organization.
There were many successful events to speak of throughout 2022 which brought the community together while recognizing the businesses/individuals who sponsored those events and made them possible. Kicking off 2022, we celebrated the successes of businesses and individuals in the community with the annual awards banquet held at the Olney Civic Center. The building was transformed with beautiful lighting and elegant table decorations. The Chamber was very pleased with the outcome of the silent auction and raffle that took place that evening. Everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner, catered by The Orchard Catering out of Wichita Falls. Entertainment by Dr. Greg Buenger, “The Piano Man,” is always a treat, and he did not disappoint!
Following the banquet, the Chamber held a Networking Night at the Olney Heritage Museum. Members from Air Tractor, CEMCO, and Tower Extrusions were asked to come forward and speak on current events, projects, and accomplishments they had experienced in the past year. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and wine, compliments of the Heritage Museum.
Chances to come together and see people from different businesses or organizations is a major draw to our members. The Chamber quarterly luncheon subcommittee coordinates and plans quarterly luncheons to do just that. Over the past year, these lunches were held at Hometown Coffee and Tea, the First Baptist Church of Olney, the Olney Senior Cub’s Center, and the First United Methodist Church of Olney. Each luncheon had an educational topic for attendees and gave those guests a chance to meet other members. These lunches are only $5 per person, and the networking potential is invaluable.
Community events throughout the year included Easter photos, the Old-Fashioned 4th of July Parade, Olney in America, the Olney in America Car Show, the Halloween Spooktacular Parade and Trunk or Treat, and finally, the Tree Lighting event. The two-member DJs, Chris Garcia (aka DJ Rad Dad) and Chris Widner took turns setting up to play at these events and were always willing to help. The second year of Olney in America was fantastic - there were more food choices and a fireworks show worthy of an amusement park - provided by Tower Extrusions. This event will get bigger and better every year and will hopefully be a main attraction among Fourth of July festivities for a while to come! Go Olney in America!
The Olney Chamber staff and board of directors would like to extend their most sincere thanks to all of the businesses and individuals that sponsored events, attended events, or contributed merely by becoming a member and supporting the cause. We have a great year planned out for 2023 and will be sending out renewals to existing members, as well as holding a membership drive to recruit more members. Here is the Calendar of Events for 2023 -2023 Calendar of Events Annual Awards Banquet - January 19, 2023 Networking Night - February 2023 Quarterly Luncheon - March/June/ September/November Chamber Golf Tournament - Spring 2023 Olney in America - June 29, 2023 Old-Fashioned 4th of July Parade July 4, 2023 OHS Football Season Kickoff Meal September 1, 2023 Olney in America Car Show - September
9, 2023 Halloween Spooktacular - Parade and Trunk or Treat - October 31, 2023 Tree Lighting Event - November 2023 Other Notable Events: Crawfish and Cannons: April 8 (Drink Sales), Easter Bunny Photos, Chamber Bucks (Teacher Appreciation), and the Fall/Spring City-Wide Yard Sales Ticket sales for the Chamber banquet will start next week and will extend through January 17, 2023. Tickets will be $35 per person or $280 per table. If you would like to donate to the silent auction, please call 940-564-5445 or email olneytxchamber@gmail.com for details! Memberships start at $50 for individuals and $100 for members. Many sponsorship opportunities are available - an excellent way for new and existing businesses to gain recognition and enhance community events!
We hope you will join us in 2023. Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!