The 6 Questions Employers Should Answer to Plan Immediate Next Steps

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Any registered voter in Payne County can stop by for Early Voting before the Main election day.

The Payne County Election Board is thrilled to announce that Cushing, OK will have an Early Voting Site at the Cushing Chamber of Commerce office...(READ MORE)

And No, Selling more and making less is not the way to go.

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Bea Boalt, CPA PLLC, tells us about the importance of International Fraud Awareness week

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If you have a small business, you should look at gift cards as a strategic tool—not just for boosting holiday revenue.

Gift cards are the ideal gift during the holiday season. They’re a convenient go-to for customers. They always fit, are always in the right color, and they are an ideal gift for people you know well and people you’re just getting to know. Gift cards also make terrific employee gifts, thank yous and bonuses. (READ MORE...)

Here’s a comprehensive list of holiday offers to inspire local businesses and attract more customers.

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Love INC of Greater Cushing is excited to announce the selection of Kay Mills as Executive Director.

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Investing Big in Small Towns

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Cimarron Link will improve grid reliability and affordability in Oklahoma while driving economic development and community benefits across the state

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Unpack $500 Off Closing Costs

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Apply Today for a $500 Grant!

VMI Dredges Showcases Cutting-Edge Dredging Solutions at the Western Dredging Association Summit & Expo 2024

Collaboration can help you reach new audiences, enhance your offerings, and drive sales.

Here are 15 innovative partnership ideas that can benefit small businesses across various industries. (READ MORE...)

Surviving a Difficult Economy (even if you don’t want to use the “I” word)

To address inflation, which is the top concern for small businesses today, here are some strategies you can implement: (READ MORE)

Why Do I Need an Ideal Client?

If you’re just starting off, or you’ve fallen on hard times, it’s tempting to work with anyone and everyone. But you’ll end up sabotaging yourself in the long run when you choose to work with the “wrong” clients. (READ MORE)

WOMENS BOOT CAMP

Ready for the best hour of your day? Feel healthy, get strong, and change your body and life at Cushing’s best (READ MORE...)

If Summer slows your business, here are some great tips & tricks to grab some seasonal growth AND opportunity...

Whew! Can you feel it? The unofficial start of summer is here. Summer is a season of change for many small businesses. School's out, vacations are in, and customer behavior shifts as people embrace the warmer weather and longer days. For some businesses, it’s a time of enormous revenue; for others, it can herald a long dry spell. But with a bit of planning and creativity, summer can also be a season of growth and opportunity no matter what type of business you are in (except maybe snow plowing).(READ MORE)

Don't fight a marketing battle just because you aren't listening to the language of your audience.

This is not a comment on the actual item or service you sell but in how you present it. (READ MORE)

There are two things that motivate people to open your emails—the sender and the subject line.

You want your emails to drive purchases. Even if you don’t sell online, emails are an excellent motivator and nurturer for in-person purchases—if you can get recipients to open them. (READ MORE)

Now is the ideal time to embrace going green for more green.

While environmental responsibility is a noble goal (after all, who wants to destroy the planet?), there are strong business benefits to embracing sustainability. (READ MORE)

And it’s not about replacing your employees with robots.

As a small business owner, you can leverage AI to make your customers feel valued and keep them coming back for more. (READ MORE)

EVERY eligible child (birth through their 5th birthday) in Payne County with free monthly books mailed right to their homes!

United Way of Payne County has just been awarded a grant to support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Payne County! (READ MORE)

If you want to stay top-of-mind with your customers, you need to be able to stay in touch with them.

While social media may seem like a good first step, you’re limited in how often your audience sees your posts. And you’re not in control of the algorithms that impact that so…(READ MORE)

What the Remote Work Trend Means for Your Small Business

Do you work from home, or do you have a brick-and-mortar business? While COVID taught us about the convenience of working from home (who can give up a one-minute commute?), it’s been the inflated economy and increase in costs that have driven many small businesses to embrace a location-independent business. That could mean.....(READ MORE)

A report from Ascend2 and the Arbinger Institute recommends investments in staff culture to increase their sense of belonging.

By Mark Athitakis (READ MORE)

Flag Day June 14th

Flag Day falls within National Flag Week, a time when Americans reflect on the foundations of the nation’s freedom. The flag of the United States represents freedom and has been an enduring symbol of the country’s ideals since its early days. During both events, Americans also remember their loyalty to the nation, reaffirm their belief in liberty and justice, and observe the nation’s unity.

Walk of Honor

The Honor Walk This simple, yet powerful, gesture shows the family of served men and women that they are not alone. It shows that the world around them is grateful for the gifts they are.

If you’re a gig worker, or you use them in your business, it’s important that you are aware of recent legislation that went into effect this month.

A gig worker (independent contractor, freelancer, or contingent worker) is someone who works on a temporary, flexible basis, often for multiple clients or companies. They perform...(READ MORE)

Here are 12 tax deductions you may be able to claim on your business’s tax returns.

Courtesy of CO - Midnight Oil Newsletter - U.S. Chamber of Commerce - By: Rachel Barton , Contributor (READ MORE)

The FedEX Small Business Grant Program is OPEN to applications until April 1!

Main requirement to be able to apply is you/your small business needs to have a FedEX business account since September 1, 2023. Need Help? Your Cushing Chamber is here! (READ MORE)

Quarterly Grant Program!

Over 225 children in Cushing received books from this program last year; let's double that this year!

United Way of Payne County is asking for donations to help support the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Program in Payne County. Click to read more on how to donate!

No matter the size of your business, if you are bringing someone new on, you must consider the onboarding process.

Hiring is one of the costliest things you do as a business as it can leave you exposed and vulnerable. While a good hire can.... (READ MORE)

No, Seriously.

It’s probably been a while since you looked at your business’ website content. If your content is stale and doesn’t resonate with your target audience, you need to fix that stuff now—even if you think no one reads anymore. (READ MORE)

Whether you are a company of one or 100, there are ways to help customers feel a “need” for you.

Does your morning begin post coffee? If so, then you know the importance of that routine (and caffeine addiction). Your morning just isn’t the same without it. You can create the same addiction to your business. (READ MORE)

When people join in on a decision, they become invested in its success.

When customers have a good (or even great) experience, they are less likely to review a product or service than when they are disgruntled. What can we say? People enjoy mudslinging. To build greater customer loyalty, marketing gurus have suggested allowing customers/followers to crowdsource decisions for...(CLICK TO READ MORE)

Investing time in establishing the right work space can improve your productivity, creativity, and organization, as well as make you more successful.

Whether you believe in Feng Shui or not, you can transform your workspace into a harmonious and productive haven that will help you achieve more in the time it takes to watch your favorite TV show. (CLICK TO READ MORE)

Outstanding Community Leader Award

(Stillwater, OK – Jan. 24, 2024) – United Way of Payne County (UWPC) recognized Geoff Beasley, Cushing business owner, as an Outstanding Community Leader at its Annual Meeting at Meridian Technology Center on Tuesday. (READ MORE)

There’s an untapped goldmine out there for your business—YouTube.

Beyond the fact that it is the second-largest search engine globally (behind its parent Google), YouTube offers a unique space for businesses to connect with their audience, showcase expertise, and build lasting relationships. It’s time to get over your fear...(READ MORE)

No matter what industry you're in, you can always learn from techniques used in other businesses.

Particularly if those techniques lead you to ideas that help you connect with your audience. In this article, we're going to discuss an easy change that will transform...(READ MORE)

Donate to help local Cushing, OK!

Beginning January 1, 2024, Our Blood Institute has become the exclusive blood supplier for the Hillcrest HealthCare System, a 6,500 employee health system that serves the communities of northeastern Oklahoma. (READ MORE)

No, this isn’t a question meant to see if you’re still cognizant after the holidays

It’s a valid one derived from all the talk percolating about New Year’s resolutions. Resolutions are often these giant pie-in-the-sky ideas that are ways to massively overcorrect bad behavior. The kind of bad behavior most of us enjoy…until we don’t. If you’re setting goals for your business....(READ MORE)

How are we doing? Please let us know!

This short survey helps our team identify and find solutions to current community problems in our business districts. (CLICK TO READ MORE AND LINK TO TAKE THE SURVEY)

Returns are great opportunities!

You hate to see it coming—a customer with your bag in hand. You know where that’s headed. No matter how helpful you were or how great your products are, the holiday season isn’t a holiday without a wave of gift returns and exchanges. While it's easy to view these transactions as inconveniences, savvy businesses....(READ MORE)

So, you want to grow your business? But you have limited budget, time, and resources, right? That means you’ll have to make choices about what to work on to maximize growth.

Here are the things you should concentrate on first: (READ MORE)

The word resolution is used more often for personal growth than professional.

That's why so many people have adopted a word of the year instead. Still, the beginning of a new year is ripe with potential, and it seems irresponsible not to harness that and apply it to your business. (READ MORE)

How to build an army of loyal fans!

Loyal customers spend more, tell others about their experience, refer people to your business, post to social media about you, and return over and over. They may even write a review or two. Building a loyal customer base is better for your business in the long run than simply getting more customers. Building an army of loyal fans is no different than finding someone you care about the perfect gift. If you’ve ever done that, you can increase...(READ MORE)

If you’re an entrepreneur who’s thinking about launching a second business, a spin-off can be wildly popular.

Before you decide to go after a brand-new market, consider the opportunities you might have with your existing audience. There’s no better time to do this than during Small Business Season. Keep reading to understand how you can use your current business as a springboard to launch a new....(READ MORE)

it's a golden opportunity to expand reach and build a loyal customer base that you can interact with all year long.

The holidays are the perfect time to build an email list because everyone is looking for value and savings. Building a list now can significantly benefit your business in the long run. (READ MORE)

Just as Santa is making his list and checking it twice, you should do the same if you want to be on the “Nice List.”

When we talk about things you need to make sure you do in your business, it really isn’t about naughty or nice in a moral sense. But some things just make it easier to buy from or work with you. Ensuring you meet...(READ MORE)

When Shakespeare wrote, “And though she be but little, she is fierce,” he could’ve been referring to small business.

When it’s time to grow, and take your business to the next level, you want to make sure that the very thing about you that is so appealing isn’t lost. You want to maintain your distinct local essence, and strike that delicate balance between growth and preserving your identity in the hearts and minds of your audience. (READ MORE)

FOMO is a powerful sales motivator, and the holiday season is one of the best times to leverage that tactic for extraordinary revenue.

Here are some tips on how you can do just that. (READ MORE)

For small businesses, this time offers a tremendous opportunity

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and increased consumer spending. For small businesses, this time offers a tremendous opportunity to maximize sales and connect with customers on a deeper level. But if you think of the holiday season as just Thanksgiving and Christmas, you could be missing out. (READ MORE)

Is your business Inclusive or overwhelming? It can make a huge difference in many lives if your business is inclusive.

The holiday season can be overwhelming with the twinkling lights, music, and crowds under the best of circumstances. For about 16.5% of the US population, overstimulation can be torturous. Over the last decade, sensory-sensitivity condition diagnoses, such as autism, have increased. Inclusion is now a mainstream topic that is generationally important to all. National chains are taking note of this....(READ MORE)

What you can do to ensure customer spending is directed your way.

Creating a compelling holiday offer can set your business apart and drive more sales, even in these times where people are watching what they spend. (READ MORE)

Before becoming a sponsor partner, it's important for businesses to align their sponsor partnerships with their overall marketing strategy and goals.

Being a sponsor partner of Cushing Chamber in way of Investor opportunities, programming, and events offer several advantages and benefits for businesses. (READ MORE)

Partner with us in 2024!

Why is it important to engage your Young Professionals Staff? We have the reasons why!

Involvement in the Cushing Chamber Young Professionals program can offer a range of advantages, that you may have not thought of, that will benefit your business in different ways. (READ MORE)

Unless you are off the grid, you’re likely already using AI for your business and didn't even know it.

Whether you should use AI depends on various factors, including the nature of your business, your specific goals, budget, and the resources you have available. Here are some considerations to help you decide: (READ MORE)

Self-Reflection Questions for Small Business Owners (That’s you!)

We’re here to equip you with a set of insightful questions to ask yourself, your employees, and your customers for big returns this holiday. (READ MORE)

December is a critical time for nonprofits, as it marks the final stretch of the year to achieve fundraising and community impact goals.

But what you might not realize is how a chamber of commerce can help your holiday giving campaigns. The chamber can be a valuable resource to support your mission going into December and beyond. (READ MORE)

The holiday season (and Small Business Season!) is upon us! It's the perfect time to capitalize on the festive spirit to attract customers and boost sales.

As a small business you also want to invite people to linger, especially if you’re in retail. According to the Wall Street Journal, sales could increase as much as 40% for stores that are welcoming and encourage relaxation and invitations to “stay a while.” Holiday decorations and photo ops are great ways to do this. (READ MORE)

Everything you need to know about the merriest time of year

It hasn’t been an easy year for any of us. With rising costs, fears of inflation, hiring challenges, and so much more, our local businesses need assistance and what better time to support their dreams than at the holidays? As part of Small Business Season, we’re encouraging shoppers to support small businesses including retail, dining, entertainment, as well as other goods and services including artisans, authors, makers, service providers, and more! (READ MORE)

10 Ways to Reduce Your Business’ Carbon Footprint

Sustainability doesn't have to break the bank. In fact, there are numerous creative ways in which you can make eco-friendly choices without draining your resources. And since part of sustainability is reducing waste, let’s not waste any time and get right to ways you can start making a change today. (READ MORE)

Overcome and defeat those small business fears!

Starting and managing a business is no small feat. While you may feel empowered to start a business or work for yourself, it can be daunting. You may be facing a myriad of fears and uncertainties. Unfortunately, there’s no magical time that they go away. It’s not like once you pass the five-year mark, you become fearless. No, you must work at that and leverage your resources. (READ MORE)

Halloween offers businesses a bewitching opportunity to embrace the spirit of the season and boost customer engagement.

One note of caution: as in all marketing activities, it’s important to know your audience. A scary phantasma, for instance, would likely not appeal to small children just as talk of witches and devils may upset some adults. It’s important to understand your customers and celebrate accordingly. Now, let’s get on with a ghostly good time. (READ MORE)

$500 Lender Credit on a RCB Bank Mortgage Loan

As the year 2023 winds down, RCB Bank Mortgage brings exciting news for prospective homebuyers and homeowners looking to refinance. With a generous limited time offer of a $500 lender credit, this promotion is designed to ease the financial burden of closing costs. (READ MORE)

Do you have a limited marketing budget? Then this Article is for YOU.

Sure, there are many ways to get “free” marketing through social media and growing your referral network but using funds in a targeted way can have a huge impact on obtaining more customers and showing the community who you are. (READ MORE)

In Spanish or English

Many businesses that are battling rising costs and trying to make every dollar count.

The report read, “Small businesses also feel better about their own business health and cash flow: Two in three (66%) report that their business is in good health and roughly seven in ten (72%) say they are comfortable with their cash flow.” But “comfortable with cash flow” doesn’t mean you can’t use some business savings tips. (READ MORE)

Donate today to help Payne County Nonprofits continue to help Cushing and Payne County Residents

Are you wondering if you have the right kind of content for your business?

Content marketing has been around for a while now. It began when search engines like Google started ranking sites by—among other things—the quality of the content as perceived by the audience. This caused many marketers to increase the quality of their content. But if you’re still wondering if you have the right kind of content for your business, you should check out this idea from... (READ MORE)

The City of Cushing is extending a warm invitation to all residents, urging them to take an active and influential role in developing the City's new Comprehensive Plan, “Cushing Forward.”

This initiative plays a pivotal role in shaping Cushing's future by providing an updated vision on our community's growth and direction. To share your insights, residents simply need to use a computer or handheld device and go to..(READ MORE)

Make your offers irresistible!

Ever notice how some offers are irresistible? You didn’t even know you needed the product or service. Then you saw the offer, and BANG!, you’re whipping out your credit card. This isn’t by accident. Someone down the line carefully created the offer that caused you to act with wild abandon. And you can do it too for your business. It just takes a little forethought. (READ MORE)

Our Members Cushing Lions Club; Our Daily Bread - Stillwater; and Love INC. receive Payne County ARPA Grant Funds

CONGRATULATIONS to our Chamber Member NonProfit Organizations: Cushing Lions Club Love INC. Our Daily Bread - Stillwater

There are a lot of misconceptions about chambers but we’re here to set the record straight and help you understand exactly what they can do for your business’ and your professional growth.

If you walked into a crowded room and asked the question in the title of this article, what would you expect to hear? The chamber of commerce is like the government, right? No, it keeps track of business complaints. No, they’re like greeters for the community. Like the Welcome Wagon. They’re a country club for businesspeople. They’re the people with the big scissors. Right? While we can see why people would say all these things about the chamber, none of those comments are exactly right.(READ MORE)

Chamber membership is one of the best business investments you can make for the money and return.

Have you ever attended a Cushing Chamber event? If you’re not a member, you’re missing out. Before you think you don’t have the time to attend events, it’s important you know chamber life is not just mixers and ribbon cuttings. Chamber membership is one of the best-kept secrets for free or nearly free business resources like webinars, lunch & learns, and written collateral. Plus, a whole lot more. Chamber membership is one of the best business investments you can make for the money and return. (READ MORE)

OSU Dept. of Agricultural Education, Communications and Leadership

This is through the Rural Renewal Initiative at OSU. The initiative works on research relevant in rural Oklahoma communities. This rural communications survey is exploring the communication habits of rural populations. (READ MORE)

Are you "stuck" in an emotional and physical routine, that doesn't serve your growth?

In the pursuit of success, we accumulate emotional baggage, physical clutter, mental burdens, and antiquated processes that hinder us from experiencing the success we truly desire. These things are familiar, and thus, safe. They seem harmless enough. But when you look more closely, you’ll see they are holding you back. Perhaps it’s time to make room for things that will serve you—and your company—better. (READ MORE)

You could be Using It in Your Business for Amazing Results....

Have you ever heard the phrase, “You are the company you keep?” It has good and bad ramifications, doesn’t it? It’s often applied to young people and their friends. But did you know this “Halo Effect” influences customers as well? And you could be using it in your business for amazing results. (READ MORE)

You could be Using It in Your Business for Amazing Results....

Have you ever heard the phrase, “You are the company you keep?” It has good and bad ramifications, doesn’t it? It’s often applied to young people and their friends. But did you know this “Halo Effect” influences customers as well? And you could be using it in your business for amazing results. (READ MORE)

Reasons & Ways You Should Use Social Methods to Sell

Perhaps you were trying to win an argument by telling them how you’re the only person not allowed to do something, to which they replied, “If everyone jumped off of a bridge, would you do it too?” But as much as your parents were trying to raise you to be a person who thinks on their own, we are social creatures. We long for acceptance. We have a fear of missing out. And it’s those very social drives you can leverage to get more customers. (READ MORE)

PRESS RELEASE • FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE • July 26, 2023 CUSHING, OK

Las Vegas, the city known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment, played host to a different kind of spectacle between July 17th and July 20th, 2023. The Western Dredging Association's (WEDA) annual conference was held here, attracting key players from across the dredging industry. Among the many distinguished attendees, VMI Dredges stood out with their innovative solutions and industry insights. (READ MORE)

Do you think of LinkedIn as something to be used solely by job seekers? It's Not!

While the world's largest professional network is widely recognized as a platform for job seekers and recruiters to connect, that’s not all it can do. Its potential goes far beyond job hunting. For savvy business owners and professionals, LinkedIn offers a treasure trove of opportunities to find customers, strengthen their brand, and expand their network. (READ MORE)

do YOU have "Shiny Object Syndrome"?

It's becoming a big problem for businesses and entrepreneurs. Our attention spans are diminishing and there are a greater number of things distracting us as business owners and entrepreneurs. (READ MORE)

Great Southern Flameless will design and supply furnaces and process heating units

July 6, 2023, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma ‐‐ Great Southern Flameless (GSF) announced today it has been awarded a commercial agreement with Southern Rock Energy Partners to design and supply furnaces and process heating units for a first‐of‐its‐kind crude refinery in Cushing, Oklahoma. (READ MORE)

Are you asking your customers to design their own ideal product or service within the parameters of your business sets?

If this article had been written in the 1990s, it would have meant something very different. Back then, personalization meant mail merges. The fact we could personalize communication to include the recipient’s first name (and later other fields), was the coolest thing ever. It showed someone who really knew how to use Word. These days when we talk about the power of personalization, we’re not referring to using someone's name in an e-mail or letter. You should be doing that anyway. What your...(READ MORE)

Let’s talk about how you can begin to standout and make worthwhile connections, even if you hate networking.

Let’s explore the best ways for you to be memorable at the next chamber networking event, so you can meet potential clients, collaborators, and industry influencers. (READ MORE)

(Hint: over 50% of business professionals across all industries are succumbing to it)

Before you read this article, open the internet, and ask “How many business professionals are busy?” For a little extra fun, substitute business professionals with your specific industry. You’ll see pages and pages of results and studies all saying the same thing—more than half of people are busy (some studies report well over 75%) and stressed because of it. (READ MORE)

What can we expect in the next year with AI searches increasing?

Search is evolving and if your business targets Gen Z, paying to rank for certain keywords is about to lose some forward momentum. We’ll see this impact first among changing search patterns with early adopters, but AI is so easy to use, it will quickly catch up to the rest of the generations. (READ MORE)

The Cushing Economic Development Foundation, Inc. and the City of Cushing, Okla., are excited to announce that Southern Rock Energy Partners, LLC (SREP) has selected Cushing as the site for the United States’ next-generation, full conversion crude refinery.

The project is expected to have $5.56 billion in capital investment and supply 423+ full-time employees for operations. Total economic impact for the first decade of operations of the facility to the Cushing area and the state of Oklahoma is estimated to be more than $18 billion. (READ MORE)

Many small and medium-sized business owners think that workforce development isn’t in their “lane.”... But, it really is.

Many small and medium-sized business owners think that workforce development isn’t in their “lane.” They leave it to the big guys to work with the chamber and community leaders to ensure the large businesses have the skilled employees they need for the future. But unless you are a business of one and plan on remaining that way, workforce development should be a concern of all sizes of businesses. Here’s why you should want to get involved: (READ MORE)

How Thinking Bigger Can Help You Grow.

As a small business owner, it's easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day operations of your business. You're constantly juggling tasks like managing inventory or staff, paying bills, and dealing with customer service issues. It can be challenging to find time to think about the big picture, let alone act on it. However, it's essential to think bigger if you want your business to grow and thrive. Now’s as good a time as any. (READ MORE)

Influencer marketing is a powerful strategy for businesses looking to reach a wider audience and build brand awareness. But it’s not just for the big guys!

You can leverage the power of the influencer even as a small business. You may not have the pockets to bring in Michael Jordan, but you can build an audience by working with (smaller) influencers. Before we get into how you can use influencers, let’s address the influencer in the room. Where are these minor celebrities and how do you work with one? (READ MORE)

How can you do it? Click to find out!

Building a following on your desired platform on social media requires a bit of luck but there are some things you can do to help that luck (and other users) find your profile. But sadly, those things probably don’t have a lot to do with your business. (READ MORE)

This article is going to tell you that artificial intelligence (AI) will forever change SEO. Like, FOR REAL.

We know. You’ve heard claims like this before but this time it’s true. Because for once we’re leveraging machine learning against the machine. It’s a war of the alphabet AI versus SEO and here’s why it’s changing the search landscape forever:(READ MORE)

Matthew McConaughey, Jessica Alba, and Robert De Niro really do give some great business advice!

If you’re like me, you may be wrinkling your nose at the thought of people making millions of dollars on one movie giving you business advice. But there’s a new generation of Hollywood stars that aren’t content with just time on screen. They’re building empires, too...(READ MORE)

VOTE our Member Spoken Creation Retail Store today!

Green Oklahoma has opened their annual Eco-Friendly Contest "2023 Best Eco-Friendly Businesses In Oklahoma" to voting; Cushing, Oklahoma's only Eco-Friendly-Zero-Waste Retail Store is Spoken Creation, located at 221 N. Cleveland Ave. Place your vote today for Spoken Creation, Read more for the nomination link and for more information!

Many small businesses overlook the importance of team culture...Is your business overlooking this important step to a successful business?

Many small businesses overlook the importance of team culture. They might do so because they feel they have a transient workforce and people won’t stick around. It’s possible they believe they’re simply too small and team culture is for larger companies like Nike. But that’s not the case. A team or company culture is as important as your brand. You’re not too small for one of those, are you? (READ MORE)

If you’re wondering what this advice has to do with your “top employee,” you need this article more than you realized.

Teddy Roosevelt is credited for having said, “If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn't sit for a month." And so it is that we are often our biggest impediment to success, especially as business owners. We spend hours helping customers and often don’t show ourselves the same assistance (Oh, doctor, heal thyself.). (READ MORE)

Whether you've been in business for less than a year or for many years, these 3 things can help!

Starting a new business is difficult under the best circumstances. But in today's economic climate, it's difficult to make a name for yourself when most people are trying desperately to cut back on expenses. Yet, you shouldn’t get discouraged. There are easy (and free) ideas...(READ MORE)

But How do you do that?!? It's time to find the peanut butter to your chocolate or the peas to your carrots!

Partnering with another business can help you both offer something to your markets that neither has seen. Here are three ways to find your perfect complementary business so you both can profit. (READ MORE)

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE, CITY OF CUSHING MOVES FORWARD WITH COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING

March 3, 2023 (Cushing, OK) - The City of Cushing has embarked on a process to enhance planning for the future of the community. At the February 21st Commissioners Meeting, the City voted to approve a...(READ MORE)

Congratulations to our February Business After School Honorees!

The Cushing Chamber partners with Cushing Public Schools every month that CPS is in session to honor a Teacher of the Month; Support Staff of the Month; and two CHS Seniors of the Month (boy & girl). We host a BAS Reception at the Cushing Chamber Office on the last Monday of every month at 4 pm. (READ MORE)

Host a Blood Drive at your business, encourage your employees to donate blood, receive a $20 Tax Credit per verified employee that donates!

Check this out! Amazing way to benefit your business, your community, and your employees in one Blood Drive! (READ MORE)

155th Anniversay of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks

The Elks Organization was founded on February 16, 1868. Local Elks Lodges throughout the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and the Panama Canal will be celebrating 154 years of community service on February 16, 2023. (READ MORE)

3 Reasons to Join the Chamber in a Time of Economic Uncertainty

If you need reasons as to why your business should join the Cushing Chamber, then check out our "Why Join The Cushing Chamber? Series Blog Posts" every week through the month of January 2023! Questions or want to set-up a meeting with the Cushing Chamber to discuss Membership? Call us at 918-225-2400!

Whether you sell food, things, or services, we’ve brought together a round-up of trends that you can incorporate into your business in 2023 for increased revenue and better market traction.

CLICK TO READ MORE - 1 MINUTE BUSINESS EDUCATION ARTICLE

It’s the last week of Small Business Season but you can still make a big impression.

Email blasts/campaigns, texts, and newsletters (in addition to your social media posts) can help you get in front of your ideal customer and stay top of mind. (READ MORE)

If becoming more productive is one of your New Year's resolutions, we have a suggestion for you that could be a game changer.

One of the biggest productivity challenges is interruptions. But as a small business owner they’re practically in your job description! You never know when someone.....(READ MORE)

With only Two Weeks left until Christmas!

That means businesses with e-commerce options are quickly counting down deadlines for Christmas deliveries. This is the perfect time for local small business to shine because you can promise customers holiday smiles quicker than they can be delivered in online....(READ MORE)

if you sell gift cards or are a participating business in a gift card program, there's one thing you want to make sure you don't miss.

So how do you get loyal customers in the last few weeks of the holiday season?

You give them what they need in a way that is accessible to them and easy to understand. Now let's unpack that.(READ MORE)

If you want to stand out, you must provide excellent value and persuasive copy.

Creating copy that drives your audience to action is very easy during the holiday season. While many people have a strict budget this year, they want to provide a nice holiday for their friends and family. That means they are looking to buy. Here's how you can help them decide to buy from you. (READ MORE)

There are a few things you want to do to capture those December holiday dollars....

It’s time to strip it down and focus on last-minute shoppers. (READ MORE)

It's never too late to offer bonus deals!

Check out these last-minute deals your business could be offering this December to bring in more revenue! (READ MORE)

10 Things You Should Do Right Now for a Better Business Website

If your website isn’t easy to navigate, with important information front and center, you may be missing out on a host of customers. Here’s how you can ensure it’s in good shape. (READ MORE)

Make the MOST of Q4 during Small Business Season!

Small businesses often operate on smaller reserves and slashing prices to the point of taking a loss decreases the revenue you're bringing in. You need something that builds on connections. That’s the small business superpower....(READ MORE)

Don't get pulled in several different directions; do these ideas instead!

Coming up with engaging content can be taxing at a time where you already feel pulled in 100 different directions. That's why we came up with some simple ideas for your holiday posting needs. (READ MORE)

There are a lot of benefits to not clicking!

Online shopping is so convenient. Just open a browser and click a couple of times and your holiday gifts could be on their way. But this holiday season we’re asking you to rethink the click and support local small business. It’s good for you and good for them. Here’s why:(READ MORE)

How to Save Small Business Without a Lot of Money

It’s officially Small Business Season and that means it’s time to give a little love to small business. With rising interest rates, soaring costs, and online competition, small businesses are feeling the crunch. This season, do a little extra for your neighbors and make a concerted effort...(READ MORE)

Why is this important & what does it mean to you and your family?

There are direct and INDIRECT impacts that a dollar spent in a community has and how much of that dollar stays local. (READ MORE)

7 Top Reasons to Support Small Business This Holiday Season

Shopping small this holiday season is a big deal. These past few years have been hard on local businesses. With smaller operating reserves, rising costs and lower sales, they need you this year...(READ MORE)

Support Small Business Season is here!

From October 31 – December 31st, we’re celebrating Small Business Season™. The chamber is encouraging every person of our community to support friends and neighbors by shopping, dining, and exploring our small businesses.(READ MORE)

Strong Social Media Guidelines Go a Long Way to protecting your Business or Organization.

When the public radio network NPR first began experimenting with social media guidelines back in 2009, it was early to the concept. But in the years since, many other organizations—news outlets, companies, and associations alike—would follow in its wake in their efforts to build a policy that balanced the freedom to speak up with the potential legal and ethical concerns that might come with that. But what should those guidelines include? Here...(READ MORE)

The holidays are right around the corner; time to get your business READY for Holiday Shoppers!

The holidays are right around the corner and that can be a big spend time whether you’re in retail, hospitality, or services. It can also be a lucrative time for your employees as many people generously tip at the end of the year. But good tippers want a great experience and if your business isn’t ready for the holidays, it won’t just hurt your revenue. It could affect your employees’ earning potential as well. Here are a few suggestions to help your business get ready and have the best holiday season yet. (READ MORE)

VANCO is Cushing's Authorized Philidelphia Mixer & Plenty Mixer Partner

Let us help you plan for your next API 653 Shutdown - National Strength - 24/7 Field Service - Employee Owned (READ MORE)

Rural access to Broadband Internet will soon be a reality

The state legislature passed a major bill that will inject hundreds of millions of federal pandemic relief dollars into broadband development across Oklahoma, including in rural areas where a big broadband boost is much needed. (Read more)

Are you ready for the Holiday Shoppers? Well, it's time to start planning...

This week MasterCard announced its prediction that holiday spending by customers would increase by 7.1% over last year. This is good news for businesses that were thinking inflation may quell holiday spending. But how did they decide.. (READ MORE)

Get your audience more invested in you and help build that know, like, and trust bridge

Your business story is a lasso that draws people in and holds them there. But it can also be a feel-good moment in a sea of dread. With the pending recession and economic struggles most are enduring, now is the perfect time to cultivate and share your business story. (READ MORE)

What previously was an “either or” situation of working for someone or working on your own, has become yet another “hybrid model.”

Many employees are now working for someone and on their own to make ends meet. It’s possible a good portion of your employees have a side hustle. Here’s why you should be happy about that: (READ MORE)

Facebook groups are an excellent way to grow your business.

Here are a few ways to do this in an existing group.(READ MORE)

Procrastination can be severely impacting your business....

It can affect sales, revenue, and employee happiness. But when work is tough and no news sounds good, it’s easy to tell yourself that you’ll handle the hard stuff on a better day. The problem is there will never be a perfect day to do the hard things. So, here’s how you can tackle today, what you could put off for tomorrow.

Thinking of stepping up your Business Marketing? Then this article is for YOU.

When a business operator finally decides they need someone focused on their marketing, and they resolve to hire for the position, it usually goes something like this: “This position will be in charge of posting to our social media channels.” But if that’s all you’re doing, you can put that in the hands of the nearest thirteen-year-old. If you’re contemplating stepping up your business marketing, you need more than a scheduler. You need someone who understands the different kinds of marke...(READ MORE)

Oklahoma Dept. of Commerce visits our Member VMI, Inc.

VMI, Inc. is one of two local Cushing businesses that have been awarded into the Innovation Expansion Program through ODOC. Ahrberg Milling is the other business. The Cushing Chamber is very proud and excited for both of our Member businesses for making it into this program, and we can't wait to see their business expansions over the years. For more information, please click to read.

Labor Day Social Media Content Ideas; Labor Day Activities with staff & customers; Labor Day Quotes

Labor Day is fast approaching. This unofficial end of summer is largely ignored by businesses partly because a holiday surrounding working doesn’t seem like much fun. However, you can use this day for more than planning a backyard BBQ or trip to the beach. Here are some engaging social media and activity ideas that you can work on over the next month to drive interaction and get employees and customers excited about this much overlooked holiday.

Workplace trends come and go like snack carts, but these trends may very well revolutionize the way we work because they are just so darn appealing to most employees

But before we go into these workplace trends, know that they are not for everyone. Your business may not be able to function if you put them into operation. There are some businesses that simply require employees in seats, seats that are customer-facing in a central location. But if you do have the flexibility to adopt some of these, you may see very big changes in productivity and morale. These things may be what the employee of tomorrow is looking for.

While many businesses are launching diversity initiatives, there’s one area of diversity you may not have considered—neurodiversity.

There are several ways to be designated a neurodiverse-friendly business, whether that’s creating a more inviting atmosphere for neurodiverse customers or creating a workplace where all employees are comfortable and valued. Over the past two decades, identification as a neurodiverse individual has increased 600% so ensuring your business embraces this aspect of diversity is growing in importance. (READ MORE)

Help for low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet. - Tribal Benefits Too!

If eligible: Up to a $30/month discount on your internet service Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50) A low cost service plan that may be fully covered through the ACP* OKlahoma Companies participating in the ACP Program: Suddenlink; AT & T; Provalue.Net; & Atlink, and many, many more! Read More....

No matter how you do it or where they are, your business needs reviews everywhere

The more reviews, the better the customer flow through your business. Your credibility is higher. So getting those reviews are crucial. This article gives you the top 10 ways to get those business reviews. (READ MORE)

How to get the most value out of a chamber of commerce membership

A small business shouldn't ask about what the benefits are, but rather ask themselves "how can I help the Chamber help me"? (READ MORE)

If you're looking to Grant Writing on your own, you need to know the basics.

Hiring a grant writer isn’t cheap. Some charge a flat fee, while others base their fee as a percentage of the grant amount. If you’re a small business or nonprofit, you may not be able to afford to hire someone. But it is worth it. To take on grant writing yourself, you’ll miss out on the years of experience you’ll get with a professional and it will likely take more time. But if you’re looking for a DIY solution, you need to know the basics of grant writing. (READ MORE)

(and yes, it’s time)

If you’re interested in ways to reach more people, and you’re ready to start maximizing technology, it’s time to look at these business solutions:(READ MORE)

The State of Small Business in Mid-2022 and how you can help

Inflation is being felt everywhere, from Fortune 500 companies to solopreneurs just starting out. However, the difference between large-scale companies and smaller ones are their reserves. In this challenging time, while you are dealing with your own concerns over stretching your paycheck, we want to share some things you might not realize. (READ MORE)

Step-By-Step how to get certified as a Woman-owned Business

If you’re a woman who owns a business and you’d like to apply for federal contracts, getting officially certified as a woman-owned business is essential. The federal government’s goal is to award at least 5% of its contracts to women-owned small businesses each year. While the certification process may seem daunting, it’s not that difficult if you know the basic application rules and materials needed.

Are you ready for summer tourists?

It’s that time of year again and many of us are preparing for a return to normal when it comes to the seasonal onslaught of tourism. Even with high transportation costs people are traveling and still—hopefully—buying. If you’d like to attract more tourists to your place of business, here’s how...(READ MORE)

Did you know you need other outside Professionals on your Small Biz Team?

If you’re a small business owner without the resources to hire a large full-time team, you can still meet your business needs through freelancing or turning to independent business professionals. This can be an economical way to...(READ MORE)

Do you get a lot of "looky Loos" and "tire kickers", but not really any sales during local events?

Does your town host a Wine Walk, Holiday Stroll, First Friday, or other downtown event where they close off streets and encourage people to get out and support business? If so, you may know that those events often bring the crowds but also bring “tire kickers,” people who are just out for a stroll, not really interested in what you sell. But, there are ways to turn those "looky loo's" and "tire kickers" into sales. (READ MORE)

Have you been a victim of email phishing scams?

Recently, there has been a rise in email fraud where a scammer poses as a major retailer, luring unsuspecting people with claims that an expensive purchase was made by them. The email will give a...(READ MORE)

If you’re doing the following things in business, you may be missing sales because you are making it too hard.

But the one thing that is true is that people will not do business with you if you make it hard to do business. There’s just too much competition and not enough interest. To attract sales and become interested in your business, you want people to know, like, and trust you. Once they are interested, your work isn’t complete. You want to make it easy on them to do business.(READ MORE)

Great ideas to help your customers celebrate the women in their lives!

Mother’s Day can now be transformed into a time to honor those women who have nurtured us and helped us grow, whether they gave birth to us or not. Keep that in mind in your marketing. (READ MORE)

But do you ever wonder if you have the type of content that will transform the casual web visitor into someone who buys?

If you’re a small business, you probably bootstrapped your website content, picking it up here and there, copying what you like from other sites (hopefully not word for word), and adding as you go. That’s the way most small businesspeople do it unless you’re lucky enough...(READ MORE)

CCoC Leadership Cushing 2022 Session: Local Industries

There is a National Day for EVERYTHING! Have some fun with them!

As I write this article, it’s not only National Empanada Day, it’s also National Zoo Lovers Day. And I plan to go to bed early to rest up for tomorrow’s big double celebration of National Winston Churchill Day and National Unicorn Day. All in, there are 257 national holidays in April alone. If you’re like me, you may find them hard to keep up with, but they can be a great source of engagement for your business. You just have to know how to use them for maximum return and get a little....(READ MORE)

Use your Time Wisely; Productivity is the Key...

We all have the same 24 hours in a day. While we may have different responsibilities, the most productive people learn to use their time in valuable ways no matter how little of it there is. They quickly grasp the best way to use “stolen minutes” in between projects or appointments. Some even keep a non-critical to-do list of all...(READ MORE)

Making sure you create an atmosphere where wellness is stressed and made a priority is critical to successful performance. Stressed out employees make more mistakes and have difficulty making good decisions.

Check out these 5 Wellness Ideas for your Business! (READ MORE)

It's not just about digital "viruses" anymore; the focus is more on Cyber Attacks Now

The current global “go-ings on” are the closest we’ll ever get to advanced warning that cybersecurity is something every business needs to worry about. Big or small, selling globally or just in your tiny town, if you do anything online, your data is in (potential) jeopardy. Here are the things you need to do now. Seriously. (READ MORE)

They have also MOVED!

Graves Counseling and Wellbeing Group moved their location; rebranded; and is HIRING! (READ MORE)

March 8, 2022 is International Women's Day! Celebrate with the WORLD!

March 8, 2022, is International Women’s Day when the world celebrates the many contributions of women everywhere. If you’re not sure how to celebrate, we have some ideas for you and your business.(READ MORE)

Your audience wants to get to know you better..What does that look like and how does that benefit you?

Whether you are a business or a nonprofit, operating in the public sector or the private one, serving businesses and organizations or serving individuals, established in your sector or just starting out, running an empire or “lone wolfing” it, your audience wants to get to know you better. In fact, they expect it. (READ MORE)

What "EXTRAS" are you including to inspire people to apply?

The past two years have brought about a lot of change in business. But many companies haven’t reevaluated their job descriptions. Every time they have a position to fill, they search....(READ MORE)

2021 "Of The Year" Winners and Photo Gallery

Oh, what a night!! 🎉🎉 We held our 95th Annual Awards Banquet on Jan. 20, with over 200...(READ MORE)

You're the person deciding on the direction of your business....but are you doing too much at once and losing sight of the goals?

When you run your own business, you’re the person deciding on the direction. You’re in control of start dates and marketing promos. You’re the one who must hold yourself back from the shiny object syndrome. And yet, so many of us fail on that last one and it’s easy to understand why. Open your social media feeds or search on the internet for business advice and you’ll find dozens of articles that tell you what you need to be doing for your business this year—things....(READ MORE)

Did you do business with our Member Strike LLC? Did you receive information in the Mail recently about them filing Chapter 11?

If you do business with our Member Strike LLC and received a letter in the mail about Strike LLC filing for Chapter 11, then you need to read this information. All information has been pulled from their website & they are building their....(READ MORE)

How do you like to work? Are you a speed or precision person? Do you like many small projects or one big, long one that you can dig into?

No, you’re not in the middle of a recruitment fair. These are simply questions that most self-aware professionals should know about themselves and about their teams. My go-to answer used to be, “I can do either.” But that’s...(READ MORE)

Helpful tips and tricks to making those Biz resolutions HAPPEN.

If you’re like me—and almost everyone else in this country—the end of the year is a time to look back and assess. I enjoy the nostalgia and reminiscing that occurs at this time of year, but it can also be a time of dread. It’s a time to realize you either hit...READ MORE

Knock your sales out of the park with these last minute Money-Making Subject lines for your Email Marketing

here's one more week left before Christmas, and it’s one of the busiest shopping weeks all year. Sure Black Friday and the Saturday before Christmas are the busiest days (spots 1 and 2 according to Sensormatic) but many of the other top 10 busiest shopping days in the U.S., are still on the horizon such as...READ MORE

Things you need to do this Small Business Season

We’re down to the last two weeks before Christmas with some of the biggest shopping days of the season still ahead of us. Since every sale...Click to READ MORE

EMAIL.... WHAT?!? Really?!?

Okay, so this might not be a “secret” weapon, but email marketing can help extend the push to shop small that began on Small Business Saturday. These types of gentle reminders can keep customers.....READ MORE

Coupons and Specials just aren't enough this year!

One way to bring shoppers into your business over the holiday season is by offering deals. That’s how the big box stores work. They bring in customers through loss leaders. While you might not be in a situation to offer products at cost, you can offer deals to bring th...READ MORE

...Or in ADDITION TO LOCAL Online businesses...There's a DIFFERENCE with online & LOCAL online shopping!

Yes, online shopping is convenient. You don’t have to change out of your PJs and it’s always open. But in the t-chart of holiday shopping options, there are a lot of reasons to shop local....

7 helpful tips to make it the best for your customers this Holiday Season

What is one benefit your brick-and-mortar business has over online sellers? This is an important question to ask to get more people to shop small or shop local this holiday season. When someone can grab their phone and purchase a gift quicker...(READ MORE)

Congratulations to the 2021 BAS Honorees!

Is your Google My Business up-to-date with ALL your business information?

Most people will agree Google is a large part (dare we say owner?) of the internet, at least from a marketing perspective. That means...READ MORE

Main Streets in small towns are the greatest for shopping and dining; they make you feel welcome and the employees are amazing. But...local businesses sometimes have their hang ups.

10 Ideas To Reengage Past Customers For More Sales

It happens. People buy from you and they love you. Then life gets in the way, and they don’t return. Sometimes it’s because they....Read More

The Top 3 Reasons You Should Place Your Holiday Promo Orders NOW!

You've heard the news, you've read the stories – supply chain issues are crippling....

Where Cushing Says HELLO To FALL! 🍂🍁

We had such a great time Saturday, Sept. 25 welcoming the Fall Season to Cushing, with the whole community and visito...

What will you continue when COVID is but a memory?

At some point COVID will be relegated to the same level of concern the flu gets every year. It won’t shutter businesses, alter family celebrations, and be the fuel behind contentious court cases. Someday. Let’s pretend we’re there now...... 4 Things Your Business Should Continue Post-COVID

Time to start thinking about your 2022 Marketing Plan....These 25 Marketing Questions will help get you started.

Pumpkin Spice and everything nice!

These Fun Tips will help get your mind thinking about New and Exciting Fall Marketing Ideas for Your Business. What are you thinking about doing for Fall to Drive More Traffic to Your Business?

How are you looking for new employees?

We had an amazing time! It's gonna be AMAZING when they open to the Public!

Do you want to appeal to a younger demographic? Want to get people talking about you? Maybe you want to attract an ultra-cool influencer or celebrity customer? If you do, rebranding and becoming a “fun” company may be just the way to get more attention.

There’s nothing more awkward than dialing in to a conference call only to find out it’s a video conference call and you haven’t showered since the weekend.