The formal awards were presented at the banquet on Thursday, February 5 at the Edmond Conference Center
REBATE PROGRAM REVIEW
Discover how the Edmond Chamber’s rebate programs have driven local growth, supported small businesses, and delivered lasting economic impact since their launch in 2020.
The Chamber is proud to highlight two outstanding individuals for their contributions to our programs and community
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
A glance at the mission and direction of our local government
Directory of members added since the last issue of The Voice
FROM THE CEO
Spring in Edmond always brings a renewed sense of energy, and this year is no exception As I reflect on the momentum we’ve built together, I am reminded that the strength of our Chamber is not found in any single program or event, but in the collective commitment of our members to show up, engage, and invest in one another
Because of you, 2026 is off to a remarkable start
We began the year by celebrating excellence at our Annual Awards & Hall of Fame Banquet an event that continues to remind me just how special this community is We’ve already hosted dozens of events and ribbon cuttings, welcomed new members into the Chamber family, and continued to see strong engagement across our programs. From Leadership Edmond to our Women in Business initiatives, we are proud to be developing the next generation of leaders while creating meaningful connections for today’s professionals.
One of our most significant accomplishments this past year was the overwhelming passage of the Edmond sales tax renewal. With 84% voter approval, our community made a clear statement about investing in infrastructure, public safety, and long-term growth. The Chamber was proud to play a role in educating and engaging the business community throughout that process, and we are grateful for the support many of you provided.
At the same time, we remain focused on what matters most, delivering value to you, our members Whether it’s through advocacy, networking, workforce development, or programs that drive customers to your doors, our goal is simple: to help your business succeed
We also recognize that the business environment continues to evolve Across the country, chambers are navigating changes in membership trends and expectations, and we are no exception That’s why we are doubling down on strengthening our outreach, refining our value proposition, and ensuring that every member understands and experiences the benefits of being part of this organization
Thank you for your investment in the Edmond Chamber and in this community Your support makes all of this possible
I am honored to serve you
With gratitude,
DAVID & ELIZABETH WOOD
2025 CHAIRMAN’S AWARD
Elizabeth and David Wood began their journey with Dance Makers in 2005 as beginning instructors, then stepped into studio management and proudly assumed co-ownership in 2023 Dance Makers has partnered with the Edmond Chamber for the past eight years in producing the Chamber’s Dancing with the Stars event, which would not happen as seamless as it does without the work of David and Elizabeth
“David and Elizabeth Wood truly represent the spirit of the Chairman’s Award through their passion and commitment to community. Their partnership with the Edmond Chamber, especially through Dancing with the Stars, has been invaluable, and the event simply would not be the same without them Having had the opportunity to dance with Liz in 2021, I have seen firsthand their professionalism, generosity, and heart for Edmond.”
-Kenneth Wohl, Edmond Chamber Chairman
JENNIFER THORNTON
Jennifer Thornton, a longtime Edmond resident, has served as Tourism Director of Visit Edmond since 2019, bringing 30 years of marketing experience and extensive leadership across local, state, and national organizations to promote and elevate Edmond as a premier travel destination.
“When we talk about what makes the Edmond Chamber strong, it always comes back to people, and no one embodies that more than Jennifer Thornton Whether it’s collaborating on events, supporting Chamber initiatives, or helping elevate our community’s story, Jennifer is always willing to say yes and always willing to help What makes her especially impactful is that she understands the bigger picture and that tourism, business, and quality of life are all connected ”
-Sherry Jordan, President & CEO of the Edmond Chamber
ALBERT SAWYER
MERCY AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR
Albert is a dedicated community leader, U.S. Navy service member, and experienced sales professional who combines service, leadership, and relationship-building As an Ambassador for the Edmond Chamber since 2024, he is known for fostering genuine connections and meaningful community partnerships.
“The Ambassador Council is a cornerstone program of the Edmond Chamber, serving as a welcoming and supportive presence for our members while strengthening connections throughout the business community. Albert Sawyer exemplifies the very best of this program through his consistent involvement, positive attitude, and willingness to step up wherever needed He is often the first to volunteer to reach out to members and makes members feel genuinely valued ” -Aubrey Moore, Membership Specialist at the Edmond Chamber
DONATOS PIZZA
RCB BANK PHILANTHROPIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Since opening in 2023, Donatos Pizza has partnered with numerous nonprofits, schools, and churches, participating in “dough-nation” days, catering local events, sponsoring programs across Edmond, and supporting students of all ages. They’re proud partners of UCO Athletics and have been grateful to serve their community in times of both celebration and hardship
“Donatos Pizza of Edmond consistently goes above and beyond to support our community
From donating meals to schools, first responders, and local nonprofits, to sponsoring community events and stepping up whenever there’s a need, their generosity is both intentional and impactful They understand that being a successful business in Edmond also means giving back to the people who make this community special. We are proud to recognize Donatos Pizza of Edmond as our Philanthropic Business of the Year ” -Sherry Jordan, President & CEO
BEST OF BOOKS
The Hights have striven for Best of Books to be a community gathering place, whether it's for storytime, book clubs, summer activities, author events, a safe place for children or other activities. Best of Books uses donations and grants to give books to Edmond public schools and other schools and nonprofit groups statewide to foster the love of reading Since its inception, Best of Books has prided itself on community, customer service and collaboration
“Best of Books is a shining example of the heart and spirit of Edmond’s small business community For 40 years, they have not only provided a beloved place to discover books, but have also enriched our city through connection, creativity, and service We’re proud to honor them as our 2025 Small Business of the Year and celebrate the remarkable legacy they continue to build in Edmond ”
-Sherry Jordan, President & CEO
BRITLEY LITTLE
OU HEALTH YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Britley is the Director of Community Engagement at The Anna’s House Foundation (AHF), a foster care agency in Edmond. Since joining AHF in 2018, she has held diverse roles, gaining expertise in donor relations, digital content creation, and orchestrating large-scale events to drive fundraising initiatives Most recently, she launched AHF’s first Young Professionals Board, bringing together dynamic young leaders committed to making a lasting impact in Oklahoma’s foster care system.
“Britley embodies the spirit of Edmond Young Professionals, driven, communityminded, and committed to making a difference Through her leadership with EYP and The Anna’s House Foundation, she inspires her peers to lead with purpose, serve with heart, and create a meaningful impact right here in Edmond We are grateful for her involvement ” -Kristen King, Vice President of Operations
DEANNA BOSTON
PROSPERITY BANK WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Deanna believes that strong communities are built through intention, leadership, and collaboration As the Founder and CEO of Strategic Community Consulting, she brings 30 years of community leadership experience to help companies and nonprofit organizations identify mutual benefits and strategically align their purposes for lasting community impact
J.D. YOUNGER
OKLAHOMA ER & HOSPITAL LEADERSHIP EDMOND ALUMNI OF THE YEAR
J.D. began his tenure as the Chief of the Edmond Police Department in 2017. He currently serves as the Past President of the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police, Vice Chair of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IAC P) Midsize Agency Division, a board member for the Oklahoma Victim’s Impact Panel (VIP), and a board member of Cycle 66.
“J D Younger truly represents what Leadership Edmond is all about As a graduate of Class 33, he has remained deeply committed to the program by consistently encouraging and sending members of the Edmond Police Department through Leadership Edmond, helping develop strong, community-minded leaders J D is an outstanding community volunteer whose dedication and service continue to make a meaningful impact on Edmond We are proud to recognize him as our Leadership Edmond Alumni of the Year.” -Amanda Bowen, Director of Leadership Programs
Deanna shares her experience through university-level courses, local and national trainings, and consulting engagements She holds a Master’s in Nonprofit Management, the Certified Fundraising Executive credential, and is a Certified Education Foundation Leader
A defining element of Deanna’s work is her dedication to mentoring women and elevating emerging leaders. Whether guiding young professionals, supporting women stepping into leadership roles, or creating pathways for meaningful community engagement, she invests in helping others grow their confidence, voice, and impact
EDMOND MOBILE MEALS
GARY & MARY ELLEN
BRIDWELL
CITIZENS BANK OF EDMOND CITIZENS OF THE YEAR
In 2026, Gary and Mary Ellen Bridwell celebrate 30 years in Edmond after moving from Tulsa in 1996. That same year, Gary expanded his leadership of Ditch Witch of Oklahoma, growing it into Orange Power Group, which now operates eight locations across five states while staying firmly rooted in Edmond
Gary has served 11 years on the Edmond Economic Development Authority Board and remains active in the Chamber and other community initiatives Mary Ellen, a retired public relations professional and brain tumor survivor, now volunteers as a medical systems navigator and serves on the Duke University Brain Tumor Center Board of Advisors.
Together, the Bridwells are dedicated to Edmond’s quality of life through ongoing civic and philanthropic involvement With two sons and five grandchildren, their family’s deep roots continue to shape their lasting impact on the community.
Edmond Mobile Meals is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to providing nutritious meals, friendly visits, and well-being checks to homebound elderly and disabled individuals in Edmond Since its founding in 1974, over 1 3 million meals have been delivered
With the help of over 400 dedicated volunteers, Edmond Mobile Meals currently serves an average of 300 home delivered meals and 65 senior center meals each weekday, plus an additional 165 weekend meals Edmond Mobile Meals is committed to supporting individuals in our community whose diminished mobility and resources prevent them from preparing at least one daily meal
By delivering meals, offering friendly visits, and conducting safety checks irrespective of income the program addresses three critical challenges faced by aging individuals: ng
Investing in Local: How the Edmond Chamber’s Rebate Programs Turned Community Support into Economic Impact
In the spring of 2020, as uncertainty swept across the country and local businesses faced unprecedented challenges, the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce and Edmond Economic Development Authority took swift, strategic action. What began as a short-term initiative to encourage residents to safely support local businesses has since evolved into one of the Chamber’s most impactful economic development tools Now, six years later, the results tell a powerful story of resilience, community engagement, and measurable economic impact.
A Simple Idea with Immediate Impact
The concept was straightforward: incentivize local spending by giving it right back to the consumer In March 2020, the Chamber launched its first rebate program, offering a $10 gift card for every $100 spent at participating Edmond restaurants and retailers. In just two weeks, that first round generated more than $36,000 in local spending, proving that even modest incentives could mobilize the community in a meaningful way Additional rounds followed quickly that year, including a Small Business Saturday push in November, reinforcing the importance of shopping local during critical retail seasons.
Evolving to Meet Community Needs
As the program continued, it adapted to align with both consumer behavior and business needs. By 2021, the Chamber introduced the March Madness Restaurant Rebate Program, shifting focus specifically to supporting Edmond’s dining establishments, many of which had been hit hardest during the pandemic.
The updated model offered a $10 gift card for every $50 spent, encouraging repeat visits and sustained engagement throughout the month. This structure became a staple, returning each March and steadily growing in participation and impact Holiday rebate programs were also introduced, strategically timed between Black Friday and early December to capture peak shopping momentum while keeping dollars circulating within the local economy.
Growth Year Over Year
What started as a reactive initiative quickly became a proactive strategy, and the numbers reflect that growth.
By 2023, the holiday rebate program alone generated over $27,000 in spending
In 2024, that number surged to more than $76,000, with the program ending early due to overwhelming participation.
Even in shorter campaign windows, like March 2025’s two-week program, the initiative continued to drive strong engagement across dozens of local restaurants
These programs didn’t just maintain momentum, they accelerated it.
The Bigger Picture: Nearly $400,000 in Economic Impact
Since its inception in 2020, the Edmond Chamber Rebate Programs have generated:
$350,963.17 in direct local spending
$45,700 in rebates returned to consumers
$396,663.17 in total economic impact
These figures represent more than just dollars, they reflect hundreds of businesses supported, thousands of transactions completed, and a community that consistently chooses to invest in itself
Strengthening the Local Business Ecosystem
Beyond the financial impact, the rebate programs have played a critical role in strengthening relationships between consumers and local businesses By requiring participants to submit receipts and return to the same businesses for their gift cards, the program encourages repeat visits, brand loyalty, and long-term customer retention. For small businesses, especially Chamber members, this translates into increased visibility, new customer acquisition, and a stronger foothold in a competitive marketplace.
Looking Ahead
A key part of this continued success is strong partnership. The Chamber extends its sincere appreciation to the Edmond Economic Development Authority for their ongoing support and collaboration Their investment in these efforts has helped amplify the program’s reach and ensure that meaningful dollars continue to flow directly into Edmond’s local economy. The Chamber is also grateful to its members who actively promote the program and continue to invest in its success. Their enthusiasm and commitment play a vital role in driving participation and strengthening the connection between local businesses and the community. Together, these efforts are more than a short-term boost they represent a long-term commitment to building a thriving, resilient business community where local support drives lasting success
E D M O N D Y O U N G P R O F E S S I O N A L H I G H L I G H T
TANNER BONHAM
Tanner Bonham is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones where he is passionate about helping individuals and families build strong financial futures through personalized guidance and long-term planning. With a focus on relationships and trust, Tanner takes pride in simplifying complex financial decisions and serving as a dependable resource for his clients
A dedicated member of the Edmond Chamber of Commerce and Edmond Young Professionals, Tanner has been actively involved in the Edmond community since moving to the area in 2017. He has been a member of Edmond Young Professionals for the past five years, currently serves on the board, and will step into the role of president next year. Tanner has spent the last two years on the Ambassador Team and currently serves as Co-Chair, helping welcome and connect local businesses He is also a member of Leadership Edmond Class 40 and previously served on the Edmond Vibes Committee, demonstrating his commitment to community engagement and growth
Drawn to Edmond’s unique blend of small-town feel and big-city amenities, he’s made it his mission to turn a large community into a close-knit one by fostering relationships and staying actively involved. Outside of work and community leadership, Tanner enjoys spending time on the golf course and continues to invest in the people and relationships that make Edmond feel like home.
EDWARD JONES
SANDY RASMUSSEN
BANCFIRST
C H A M B E R A M B A S S A D O R H I G H L I G H T
Sandy is currently located at the main location for BancFirst Edmond on 12th & Bryant She has worked in the banking industry for over 35 years in both the retail/consumer and the commercial/business areas of the bank. Her primary responsibilities include working with business clients to maximize earnings potential, optimize their cash flow, reduce operational costs, mitigate risk, and enhance their customer experience. She is responsible for helping to grow the Edmond market and does so by bringing in new clients and expanding current relationships. She earned her CTP (Certified Treasury Professional) designation in 2004 from The Association of Financial Professionals
She loves meeting new people and does this by getting involved in the community through Leadership Edmond, the Edmond Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Council, and the Mitch Park YMCA Council. Being on the Ambassador Council allows her to do everything she enjoys by working with business clients, helping to promote local businesses, and building relationships.
Outside of the Bank she enjoys spending time with her six granddaughters, three miniature Australian Shepherds, Border Collie, and two kittens. She loves to travel, listen to music, read, and drink good wine
2026 GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
The Edmond Chamber of Commerce’s Government Relations Committee enables the Chamber to foster and maintain important relationships with elected officials. The committee works to represent the legislative interests of business on local, state and national levels through a variety of efforts including candidate forums, legislative breakfasts and government relations council meetings with various topics and speakers. Key focuses include:
FEDERAL ISSUES
Secure additional federal funding for infrastructure improvements within the Edmond Area.
TRANSPORTATION
Continue to support expedited funding in Eight-Year plan for Interstate 35 corridor improvements to ease congestion and improve safety
ECONOMIC GROWTH
Support innovative workforce and economic development policy to keep Edmond and Oklahoma competitive.
EDUCATION
Advance legislation for funding and compensation for the hiring and retention of a qualified workforce, including PK-16 teachers, faculty, and staff.
Advocacy in Action: Connecting Edmond to the Capitol
At the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce, one of our most important roles is serving as a strong, consistent voice for the business community at every level of government. Our Government Affairs Division exists to ensure that the priorities of Edmond’s employers are heard, understood, and represented locally, at the State Capitol, and in Washington, D C
At the heart of this effort is our commitment to connection.
Each year, the Chamber develops a comprehensive Legislative Agenda shaped by input from our members and guided by our Government Relations Council. This agenda focuses on key priorities such as economic growth, workforce and education, infrastructure, and business-friendly policies It serves as our roadmap for advocacy and ensures we are aligned when engaging with elected officials
One of the most impactful ways we bring this work to life is through our Legislative Breakfasts and monthly Government Relations Council series These events provide a unique and valuable opportunity for our members to hear directly from the policymakers who represent Edmond. Throughout the legislative session, we host our state delegation senators and representatives who share updates on current legislation, discuss emerging issues, and most importantly, answer questions from the business community
In addition, the Chamber’s Government Affairs work includes hosting legislative receptions, coordinating Edmond Day at the Capitol, facilitating meetings with our federal delegation, and monitoring key issues that affect our members. We take seriously our role as a trusted convener and advocate, ensuring that Edmond remains competitive, connected, and positioned for continued growth
That same spirit of engagement was on full display during the Chamber’s recent sales tax renewal campaign The Chamber took an active role in educating the business community on the importance of the renewal not as a tax increase, but as a continuation of an existing funding mechanism that supports essential city services, infrastructure, and quality of life investments.
As we look ahead, our focus remains clear: to strengthen relationships, elevate the voice of our business community, and champion policies that support a thriving Edmond.
Because when business succeeds, our entire community benefits
