The Walters Chamber of Commerce board met on December 8th, at 5:15 p.m., at THE URBAN BAKERY at WILD URBAN FARMS, Walters, Oklahoma. The meeting was officiated by Matt LaFee.
Item # 1— Board Members present were: Joi Bellamy, Shirley Cooper, Matt LaFee, Myiul Morris, Donna Ouellette, Daci Padgett, & Wendy Zimmerman. Board Member Carrie Belcher was unable to attend.
Item # 2—Additional Chamber Members and/or Visitors present: Elisabeth & Bob Kirchner (owners/operators of THE URBAN BAKERY at WILD URBAN FARMS)
Item # 3—Daci Padgett made a motion to approve the Financial Reports presented for Nov. & Dec. Shirley Cooper seconded that motion. The vote was: Ayes: All. Nays: None.
Item # 4—The Board discussed the upcoming Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet, scheduled for January 29th @ 5:30 p.m., at the Cotton Electric Community Room. Daci Padgett will be the Lead Chairperson, Matt LaFee will chair Catering, Speakers, & Entertainment, Carrie Belcher will chair Flyers & Programs, and ticket prices are to be determined. Plaques for Citizen of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Business of the Year, & Volunteer of the Year will be purchased locally from DARLYN’ CREATIONS. Wendy Zimmerman motioned to set a budget of $2,500.00 for the Banquet. Shirley Cooper seconded that motion. The vote was: Ayes: All. Nays: None.
Item # 5—The Board discussed any updates regarding the upcoming PANCAKE SUPPER. Wendy Zimmerman will be the Lead Chairperson, and Carrie Belcher will chair Flyers and Tickets. Ticket prices will remain $7.00 in advance, $8.00 at the door. Kids 5 & under will be $4.00 in advance, $5.00 at the door. Kids 2 & under are free. Dahlia Garden Club will decorate.
The Board discussed how the Christmas Parade went. After some last-minute worries, Daci Padgett and Donna Ouellette handled everything with great flair!! ROGER BATES, MASON BATES, WESLEY GRESHAM, DAMIAN GRESHAM, & ELLE BENNETT was chosen to have the BEST NON-FLOAT, and WALTERS RIDING CLUB was voted to have the BEST FLOAT!! There were many gorgeous entries! Thank you to everyone that made this wonderful event happen!!
Item # 7–Advertising/Economic Development:
Item # 8–New Business: (a) The Board discussed moving their monthly meetings back to Noon, to greater accommodate more of our businesses. (b) There will be a Ribbon Cutting at Noon on Dec. 19th at the new TRAIN DEPOT PARK PLAYGROIUND & DOG PARK. (c) It was discussed that the Chamber decorate the new park & the Caboose for Christmas 2026.
Item # 8—Daci Padgett made a motion to adjourn. Wendy Zimmerman seconded the motion. The vote was: Ayes: All. Nays: None.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Walters Chamber of Commerce will be Monday, January 12th, at 5:15 p.m.
