Chamber Chat  
January 29, 2012
Leadership Durant experienced a brief glimpse into the City of Durant operations on Government Day Thursday, January 26, 2012. The morning was led by Jim Dunegan, Durant City Manager. Mr. Dunegan had a full morning scheduled. Mayor Tomlinson joined Mr. Dunegan in welcoming the class. Speakers for the morning represented each individual department within our city government. Those making presentations included Compliance Administrator – Sarah Sherrer, City Clerk – Leta McNatt, City Attorney- Pat Phelps, Technical Projects Director – Jerry Yandell, Grants – Becca Parr, Community Development – Joseph Marquardt, Library Director – Dr. Dottie Davis, Parks & Recreation – Keach Ballard, Sanitation – Larry Mitchell, Water Treatment – Steve Gray, Don Darnell & Terry Condor, Police Department – Chief Durward Cook, Fire Department- Lisa Jackson, and Emergency Management – James Dalton. The class was informed about the operation of our city government on a day-to-day bases while department director explained their areas of responsibility. As always, Mr. Dunegan’s leadership and professionalism were evident through the representation of city staff. The class then left to join the E3 Summit: Engage, Envision, Empower on the campus of Southeastern Oklahoma State University hosted by SE Center for Regional Economic Development. Topics for the afternoon included State of the Region, Collaborative Governance, Just the Facts and Livable Community. Leadership Durant would like to thank City Manager Jim Dunegan, the Durant City Staff, SOSU President Dr. Larry Minks, and Center for Regional Economic Development Director Kathy Hendrick for an exciting and progressive day.
On Tuesday, January 31, 2012, 1: 30 p.m. the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee, Matt Mickle Chairman, will host a Legislative Forum featuring Department of Labor Commissioner Mark Costello. Commissioner Costello took office on January 10, 2011. He is a 4th generation Oklahoman born in Bartlesville. He and his wife Cathy live with their five children in Edmond, Ok. Commissioner Costello believes that his private sector business experience gives him valuable insight necessary to administer the Labor Department’s $7.5 million annual budget in the best interests of the great state of Oklahoma and its people. The Legislative Forum will be held in the Paulette Reed Conference Center at the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce, 215 N Fourth Avenue.
Ribbon Cuttings will be held on February 1, 2:00 p.m. for Dr. Jeffery Neilson, Orthopedic Surgeon, 1400 Bryan Drive, Suite 304 and 2:30 p.m. for Dr. Daniel Keech, Ear, Nose & Throat, located at 1727 Chuckwa Suite 80. Please join us as we cut the official ribbon and welcome them to our community.
Leadership Durant 2012 has a great evening planned for our community. On Saturday, February 18th the door will open at the Visual and Performing Arts Center on the Campus of Southeastern Oklahoma State University for the Annual Taste of Durant. This event will showcase some of Durant finest restaurants and specialty businesses. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $12 or at the door for $15 from any member of Leadership Durant 2012 or the chamber. The event will be open from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Come and indulge yourself in the different cuisines our community has to offer.
Your Durant Area Chamber of Commerce has many exciting events and activities scheduled for future dates. Please visit our website www.durantchamber.org, Facebook or come by our office located at 215 N. Fourth Avenue, Durant, OK for upcoming events.
Janet Reed
Executive Director
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