"Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people. Those who have known freedom and then lost it, have never known it again."  . . .  Ronald Reagan

The Legislative Action Committee helps the Chamber Board of Directors and Chamber membership identify and evaluate issues that affect the Chamber, its members and the business community. Historically, the Chamber has been on the frontlines as an advocate for responsible growth speaking out for regional business interests.

The Committee works to influence the political process in a manner that promotes policies and programs that stimulate economic growth with particular emphasis on local issues through the following strategies:

• Educate members on issues and candidates
• Act as a liaison between Chamber members and Congressional, state and local officials
• Develop close working relationships to proactively influence policy and programs
• Develop positions for review and consideration by Board of Directors

In determining the legislative agenda, the Chamber reflects these core values:

• Responsible planned growth, development and commerce
• Continuous improvement in the education system to provide well-trained employees
• Well-planned infrastructure that facilitates orderly growth and commerce
• Government policy making and administration based on sound business principles and regional cooperation, collaboration and partnership
• Respect for the natural beauty and environment of our region with a desire to ensure its quality for all generations of citizens and visitors
• A recognition that citizens of our community must be willing to make a commitment to leadership and public service in order to provide for current and future generations

Tom Keller, Chairman
Unity Health Center

Mary Atwood
Propane Services

Paul Bass
First United Bank

Jerry Bayliss
AT&T

Brian Blansett
Shawnee News-Star

Marilyn Bradford
Shawnee Public School

Larry Briggs
First National Bank

James Chappel
OG+E

Chris Clark
Arvest Bank Shawnee

Buck Day
Pottawatomi County Commissioner

Marty Lewis
Gordon Cooper Technology Center

Ann Maloy
Oklahoma Natural Gas

Marion McMillan
BancFirst

Susan Morris
Youth and Family Center

Will Rosebure
RBC Agency

Chuck Skillings
Unity Health Center

Gloria Trotter, Publisher
Countywide and Shawnee Sun

Bob Weaver
Canadian Valley Electric Coop

Dr. David Whitlock
Oklahoma Baptist University