history of the Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce
Our History
Founded in 1894, Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce has been serving the local community for over 130 years. We have grown and evolved over the years, but our commitment to supporting local businesses has never wavered.
Our History
Founded in 1894, Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce has been serving the local community for over 130 years. We have grown and evolved over the years, but our commitment to supporting local businesses has never wavered.
timeline
16 October 1894
Commercial Club established in Purcell in October of 1894.
The first meeting was held at the Chickasaw National Bank. The purpose of the club was to look after all matters pertaining to Purcell both home and abroad.. see article.
7 December 1894
Elected John S. Snead as President and W.H. Walker as Secretary
August 1895
Commercial Club was given jurisdiction over all the needs of Purcell. The main effort was to raise money to build a bridge over Walnut Creek.
8 August 1895
Commercial Club then decided that Purcell needed a Provisional Government with four wards and two alderman per ward. Also to have a Mayor and City Altg. Election to be held on August 13, 1895 with the results of J. Taylor Bradley being the first mayor of Purcell.
January 1896
Commercial Club by consent of the people of Purcell was the municipal government of the city.
30 August 1898
A picnic was held to celebrate the opening of "Dewey Bridge" across the Washita River. The bridge was completed with the efforts of the Commercial Club and business people of Purcell. Colonel Charlie McClain gave the opening speech.
October 1898
J. F. Sharp and the Commercial Club wrote resolution for Purcell to become incorporated. Chickasaw Nation was opposed. Judge Townsend of Chickasha accepted the decree of incorporation to the City of Purcell on Monday, October 3, 1898.
Boundaries of 2280 acres cover and the election of city officers would be held on November 15, 1898.
July 1920
Commercial Club across the United States changed their name to Chamber of Commerce.
20 May 1966
THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE OF THE PURCELL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND AGRICULTURE: Shall be in effective as of the 20th day of May, 1966.
ARTICLE 1
NAME, LOCATION AND PURPOSES
Section 1. The name of the organization shall be the Purcell Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture.
Section 2. The executive offices shall be located in Purcell, Oklahoma.
Section 3. The object of and purpose of the Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture of Purcell shall be: To furnish a central business organization for Purcell in order to coordinate and promote all civic, professional, commercial, industrial and agricultural resources so far as practical and to advance the general prosperity of McClain County.
2007
Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce
Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Past Executive Directors
1991 - 2001 | Carroll Milner
2001 - 2004 | Linda Clark
2004 - 2010 | Mark Alfonso
2011 - 2014 | Char Page
2014 - 2016 | Justina Reaves
2016 - 2018 | Mandy Davis
2018 - 2019 | Kesha Montgomery
2019 - Present | Elisabeth Baker