"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

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Marion McMillan, Chairman
BancFirst

Brian McDougal, City Manager
City of Shawnee

David Harmon
Oklahoma Natural Gas

David Whitlock, President
Oklahoma Baptist University

Gordona Rowell, Executive Director
Convention and Visitor Bureau

Greg Main, President
St. Gregory's University

Jerry Bayliss, ATT

Joe Ford, Vice President
Shawnee Milling

Larry Briggs, President
Frist National Bank

Marc Moore, Superintendent
Shawnee Public Schools 

Marty Lewis, Superintendent
Gordon Cooper Technology Center 

Melissa Dennis, County Commissioner
Pottawatomie County

Mike Miller, Citizen Potawatomi Nation

Mitch Hale, OGE

Nancy Keith, President & CEO
Greater Shawnee Chamber of Commerce

Richard Finley, Partner
Finley & Cook

Tim Burg, Executive Director
Shawnee Economic Development Foundation

Will Rosebure, RBC Agency