Choctaw County Partnership Executive Director Amanda McBride told those in attendance the progress of this year. McBride said they're in the process of renovating the Chamber office. On top of her recently new certification in Community Economic Development.
McBride said since taking over from Donna McKay, her goal is to not only promote the new, incoming businesses but to promote chamber members and work to keep residents shopping local.
The Choctaw County Partnership puts on several events throughout the year: Kids Fishing Rodeo, Jack Lantern Jam, and the Choctaw County Christmas Parade.
She said this year, there were 340 kids at Kids Fishing Rodeo. The rodeo was the first since coming off of a five-year hiatus because of work being done at the Choctaw Lake.
“Jack O’Lantern Jam is one of my favorites, it’s one of my babies,” McBride said. She said each year it gets bigger and bigger and this year, there were over 600 kids, 22 trunks and eight games.
“Our next big event is the Christmas Parade. I’ve had people ask me when registration forms were coming out. Everyone’s so excited. Last year, there were 50 entries and 60-70 vehicles,” she said.
McBride said entry into the parade is free and this year’s theme is Christmas Around the World and her hope is that there are more floats in the parade to see everyone’s rendition of how Christmas is celebrated around the world.
McBride told those in attendance she recently earned certification and she’s now a certified economic developer. She said that she had big visions after taking over from McKay, but right now, it’s just her and she’s working to update a calendar of events.
“In 2024, I want to hold Chamber Member only events, like Business After Hours to promote them,” she said. McBride said that she wants to bring in new members, but she also wants to promote the current Chamber members.
The Chamber also holds ribbon cuttings are recently held one at the French Camp Trading Post. “I hope we can have another one before the year’s out,” she said.
She said the Community Center, also owned by the Chamber is rented out every weekend and there are updates to the center.
“We have a new AC unit, so more than one side works now,” she said.
She said next year, she wants more on small business and home-based businesses and how to more them.
“If anyone has any ideas, I’m always open to chat. You can stop by, we can have lunch. Our door is always open,” she said.
