This has been a busy week at the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce. On Tuesday, August 31, the continuation of our Historical Presentation, 1990-2010, was given by Tommy Kramer, Executive Director of the Durant Industrial Authority. Mr. Kramer presented an informative background of the importance of TEAM Durant. In addition, many meetings took place to finalize plans for upcoming events. We appreciate all that everyone has done, and continues to do to help make our Centennial Celebration a success.

Mark your calendar for Draggin’ Main, on Thursday, September 16 at 7:00 p.m. This will be the last chance to participate in our nostalgic cruise up and down town, and see the classic cars on display while enjoying music on Market Square. Don’t miss this “once in a life time” opportunity to be part of our Centennial Celebration. 

Join us on Friday, September 17 for a Poker Run; we will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Roadhouse Bar and Grill. Poker stops include Roadhouse, All Star Beverages, Choctaw Casino Resort, Pushem’ Station, Sonic on West Main, Sherrer’s, Wright’s Drive In, and Salita’s. The last card will be drawn at the Roadhouse at 9 p.m. followed by live 50’s music by the Electric Gypsies on Market Square. Saturday, September 18 check out the Classic Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show on Market Square beginning at 8:00 a.m. These events are sponsored by REI, Choctaw Casino Resort, and the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the March of Dimes.

You won’t want to miss Dancing with the Stars of Durant, hosted by Durant Main Street, the evening of Saturday, September 18 at the Choctaw Casino Resort’s Center Stage. Your Chamber of Commerce will be represented by the Executive Director, Janet Reed and board member Joe Hill. Joe and I have been taking dance lessons and can’t wait to compete. We may not have the most talent, but we promise to entertain you! I probably shouldn’t use my column to promote, but we would really appreciate your vote! For more information, tickets, or online voting visit www.durantmainstreet.org.

As I mentioned earlier, this has been a busy week, and as our Centennial Celebration winds down we will have more events. The 1^st Annual Wild Hog Cook-Off & Outdoor Show featuring Colton’s Durant Main Street Run will be held on Saturday, October 23 at the Choctaw Event Center with vendors exhibiting outdoor vehicles and goods, family entertainment, Wild Hog Cook- Off and much more. The official website is www.wildhogdays.com. If you are interested in becoming a vendor or participating in the Wild Hog Cook-Off please call the chamber office at 580-924-0848 for additional information.  The 1^st Annual Wild Hog Cook-Off & Outdoor Show is an official 2010 Durant Area Chamber of Commerce Centennial Event, but will become an annual event.

Leadership Durant 2010 -2011 began its official year on Thursday, September 2. Elaine Dodd, of the Oklahoma Bankers Association, was the presenter for the day’s class. During lunch, presentations were made by former class graduate Joe Hill and Chamber President, Curtis Armor.  We expect to see great things from this year’s class as they make their mark on the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce. You will be hearing from this distinguished group of future community leaders in my weekly column. Our featured Centennial Leadership class member for this week is Candice Dunn. Candice is a senior attending SOSU and is employed with the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce. She and her husband, Brandon, reside in Calera with their daughter Morgan.

“I am thrilled to be part of the 2010-2011 Leadership Durant class. I believe this class will serve me well as I prepare to take a greater leadership role in my community. I look forward to learning more about how Durant operates and what it has to offer. Leadership Durant is a great opportunity to get an inside look at our great city, meet new and interesting people, and further develop leadership skills. I can’t wait to see what the year has in store for this class!”  

As we prepare to bring summer to an end the staff of the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce wishes you a safe and relaxing Labor Day.

For additional information or upcoming events you can find us online at www.durantchamber.org, Facebook, or visit our office located at 215 N. Fourth Avenue, business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday.