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What better way to celebrate 2024 than by honoring 130 years of progress and promise with the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce? Our Annual Chamber Celebration sparkled with glamour and excitement, capturing the elegance of the Sapphires and Champagne theme as we embraced the future and reflected on our remarkable journey. From our beginnings in 1894 as the Commercial Club to the completion of the 2024 year at the Chamber, this milestone represents our enduring commitment to championing local businesses and strengthening our community. Here’s to a bright year ahead!
The Celebration was an unforgettable evening that brought together community leaders, business professionals, and local supporters to honor a year of achievements and look ahead to the future. Here’s a closer look at the evening’s most memorable highlights.
Outgoing Chamber Chair Kelsey Wagner celebrated the success of the 2024 Investment Year in which we exceeded our goal of 80 new investors by welcoming 81—a testament to the growing trust in the Chamber’s mission! Kelsey’s leadership was instrumental in shaping a year of progress and establishing a strong foundation for the future.
History was in the making as Ashley Miller took the reins as the 2025 Chair, following in the footsteps of her brother, Erik Peitz, who led the Chamber as Chair in 2019. Erik, who also served as the evening’s Emcee, beautifully connected the Chamber’s past leadership to its future. The Peitz family’s legacy of service reflects their deep commitment to Ponca City’s growth and success.
With the baton passed to Ashley Miller, she shared her inspiring vision for 2025 to “Unlock Our Potential”. Ashley has both business acumen and a passion for community engagement, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation as key drivers of the Chamber’s continued growth. With enthusiasm for the year ahead, she expressed her commitment to leading the Chamber into 2025 by creating new opportunities and fostering continued business growth.
The Chamber’s State of the Chamber address highlighted several key initiatives from 2024: the remodel of the Visitor Center, the revitalization of the Leadership Alumni Program, the launch of ChamberCare Healthcare coverage for investors, and an updated format for the Santa Buck Giveaway Drawing Night—all contributing to the Chamber’s ongoing growth and relevance.
In addition to the annual awards, a touching moment of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to long-time Mayor Homer Nicholson, who is retiring this year after decades of dedicated service to Ponca City. City Manager Craig Stephenson presented the award, honoring Homer’s legacy of visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to making Ponca City a better place for all.
The anticipation of the annual award winners was a cherished highlight of the event, celebrating individuals and organizations who go above and beyond to help our community thrive. In 2024, the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce Community Development Committee introduced the “Nonprofit of the Quarter” recognition to honor the incredible nonprofits and their volunteers who tirelessly work to make a meaningful difference in our community. This recognition qualifies nonprofits to be recognized as the Nonprofit of the Year each year.
• Robyn Ryan was named the 2024 Outstanding Citizen for her lifelong dedication to Ponca City and its residents. Robyn’s work has touched many lives, and her passion for giving back is an inspiration to all who know her. Her unwavering commitment to serving the community with generosity lives through her father, Fred Boettcher. This continued family legacy of giving back leaves a transformative impact on our community! Both Robyn’s parents, Fred and Sue Boettcher received the Outstanding Citizen Award in 2004 and 2009 respectively.
• Marsha Sanders was recognized as the 2024 Volunteer of the Year for her selfless contributions to numerous causes. She leads from behind the scenes, ensuring tasks are completed and goals are achieved without seeking recognition. Her tireless efforts touch nearly every corner of Ponca City, leaving a lasting legacy of community enrichment.
• Nicholson Auction & Real Estate was honored as the 2024 Business Partner of the Year. Established in 1993, Nicholson Auction & Real Estate has built a reputation for professionalism and expertise, successfully conducting numerous auctions and real estate transactions in Ponca City and the surrounding areas. Homer Nicholson, owner and operator is known for his steadfast support of the Chamber and dedication to community service.
• Century Products LLC was awarded Industry of the Year for its innovative advancements in manufacturing agriculture equipment. Under the leadership of owner and manager Jay Paul Fagan, Century Products emphasizes quality and craftsmanship and manufactures the toughest poly hay feeders, water tanks, and other equipment aligning with the hardworking values of American agriculture. Upon relocating from Shidler to Ponca City in 2019, the company’s amazing strides have led to vast expansion and production serving clients worldwide.
• New Emergency Resource Agency, named Nonprofit of the Year for its vital work in providing emergency food resources to those in need. The New Emergency Resource Agency (NERA) is a Food and Resource Center affiliated with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and a United Way Partner Agency that assists with groceries. This affiliation enables NERA to purchase food at significantly reduced costs, allowing every $1 donation to provide five meals to those in need. Its enduring presence and continued efforts make it a pivotal resource for those facing hunger in North Central Oklahoma.
These remarkable recipients exemplify the spirit of service and excellence that make Ponca City extraordinary! Congratulations to all!
The Sapphires and Champagne theme set the tone for an elegant evening, with a stunning pre-reception hosted by RCB Bank at the Marland Mansion. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by Pioneer Technology Center’s Culinary Team, and throughout the evening, PTC Student Ambassadors and staff members provided exceptional service.
To correlate with our theme, the night also featured a drawing for a beautiful sapphire and diamond ring, generously donated by McGee’s Jewelers. While the drawing for the stunning ring was a crowd favorite, the true highlight of the evening was the overwhelming sense of community and shared commitment to building a stronger future for Ponca City.
As the Chamber celebrates its 130-year history, the focus is squarely on the future. With Ashley Miller’s leadership and the continued dedication of local businesses and residents, Ponca City’s potential is limitless. The 130th Annual Chamber Celebration was a night to remember, filled with elegance, inspiration, and an unwavering commitment to building a prosperous future for Ponca City.t www.poncacitychamber.com.
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