DUNCAN – A sold-out formal attire chamber of commerce banquet was highlighted by several high-profile awards earlier this month.
Kelly Arnold, who began her new job as chamber president three weeks ago, said the annual event attracted close to 400 people.
“It was a great event and very well attended,” she said. “I want to get our brand out there and be recognized for all our businesses. I want to use my marketing experience to strengthen the chamber and what we do.”
Arnold credited Sandy Stewart, director of the chamber’s investor services, for the banquet’s success.
“I had only been here a few weeks so all the credit goes to Sandy and her team,” she said.
Arnold previously served as the marketing director of the Moore Chamber of Commerce. Several annual awards were presented, including Man of theYear and Woman of theYear.
Man of theYear Marcus McEntire, a fourth-generation Stephens County resident, has represented House District 50 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives since 2016. He attended Comanche and Duncan public schools before earning a degree in communication from the University of Oklahoma.
McEntire went on to obtain a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Master of Arts in Sociology from the University of Virginia, focusing on law, religion and family. This diverse educational background has equipped McEntire with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Oklahomans today.
Alongside his wife, Leigh, McEntire owns two businesses. Their ventures, Whitten Insurance Agency and Distinctive Decor, stand as pillars of the Main Street Duncan business community, reflecting not just entrepreneurial spirit but also a commitment to the city’s economic vitality. Their dedication has garnered state and national recognition, including being named among Oklahoma's top entrepreneurs. The couple have two children, Ian and Ainsley.
Committed to serving the Duncan community, McEntire has contributed in various roles, including past president of the Duncan Rotary Club, Boy Scout leader, Duncan Regional Hospital Foundation board, Duncan Community Fund, the Advisory Committee for the Business Development Services Program at Red River Technology Center as well as the Duncan Public Schools Gifted and Talented and STEM advisory boards.
Throughout his tenure as a representative for District 50, McEntire has been motivated by the belief that effective governance and less political rhetoric can improve lives. McEntire quickly rose to a House leadership role by being appointed as the Appropriations and Budget Chairman for Health where he oversaw the state's health budget in his third year. Through the lens of compassion and pragmatic problem-solving, McEntire has championed significant improvements including authoring legislation revolutionizing healthcare in the state, passing comprehensive regulations to protect consumers and independent pharmacies, protecting the elderly against abuse, and supporting the state's nursing home industry. McEntire’s legislative accomplishments, while recognized statewide, are rooted in his dedication to District 50 and its residents. He has received more than 30 awards from state associations for his contributions to policies advancing Oklahoma from his work in the Oklahoma Legislature. These awards include recognition as the Legislator of theYear from the Pharmacist Association, Oklahoma District Attorneys Council Liberty Bell Award, Oklahoma Troopers Association Award and the Oklahoma Hospital Association Outstanding Achievement Award, among others. McEntire’s tenure in the state Legislature will end this year after making the decision not to seek reelection in 2024.
Woman of theYear Stephanie Morcom was born inWichita Falls, Texas, and moved to Duncan with her family in 1998. She graduated Duncan High School and attended The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma finishing with her degree in Behavioral Sciences. After overcoming her own addiction, she entered the substance abuse field, intent to help as many people as she could.
Understanding that substance abuse disorder and behavioral health challenges not only the affect the addict, but the entire family system led Morcom to create Hope-First, a support group for those who love someone struggling with substance abuse. Countless families turn to Morcom for help with addiction. Her mission takes her throughout Oklahoma connecting clients and their families with all types of resources regardless of need.
Morcom is a Certified ARISE interventionist and currently works as an outreach coordinator for Ambrosia Behavioral Health. In 2023, she and fiancé Steven Dixon founded The Second Chance Ranch Inc. to provide coaching and interim support for at-risk youth.
Morcom is a member of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Planning & Advisory Council and serves on theTexoma Node of the National Institute of Drug Abuse ClinicalTrials Network Advisory Board. She also serves onThe Safe Center, Solid Rock Recovery and The Beacon Foundation Board of Directors and is a mentor with One True Light.
A graduate of Leadership Duncan Class XXV, Morcom lives in Duncan, with her fiancé and two dogs, Chief and Bandit.