ALTUS – New chamber president and chief executive officer Jenny Graves is working to make the pro-business organization the “window” to Altus for existing companies and tourists.
Graves took over as chamber president about two months ago when the chamber and the Altus Economic Development Corporation split into separate groups.
Now, Graves and membership director Laura Oldfather are working to “add value and promote” existing businesses while AEDC director and former chamber president Rodger Kerr is focusing on attracting new industry to the city and southwest Oklahoma.
“We (chamber) want to be the front door to Altus and nurture existing membership,” Graves said, while adding that tourism is on the chamber’s list of priorities.
At the same time, Oldfather is working with Altus businesses on expanding their social media presence in an effort to attract new customers. Meanwhile, Graves has assisted some local companies by writing new marketing plans for them.
“This is a big added value that can take their business to a whole new level,” she said. “We’re super excited about coming on here. This is a great time for being here. We also want to educate our members about taking advantage of the chamber’s benefits which go to promote our local businesses. We want to help the mom and pop shops keep the doors open.”
Graves and Oldfather make a dynamic duo that should benefit Altus businesses, the new chamber president said.
“Laura and I make a good team. Laura is great with social media, and she has a military background, and she knows what they (Altus Air Force Base officials) want. At the same time, I have a marketing background and have lived here all my life and I know what people here want.”
Graves and her husband, Shad, own NAPA Auto Parts in Altus. She’s also part of a family trucking business and a farm and cattle operation. Graves also worked as the marketing director for Stockman’s Bank from 2003 to 2016. Oldfather grew up in Los Angeles and later joined the Air Force.
Part of the chamber’s plan is to connect business owners with a “full circle” program that educates junior high and high school age students about business concepts that eventually provide a stronger workforce in Altus.
“We don’t want to overlook kids who are not college bound,” Graves said.
The chamber is also partnering with other local groups including Main Street Altus which is hosting an Oct. 28 Chili Cookoff, and the city which is sponsoring the annual balloon festival Nov. 10-11.
“These events bring a lot of tourism to town,” Graves said.
The chamber’s annual membership drive begins in January.
“This is a time when we ask them (member businesses) what we can do for them,” Graves said.
For more details about the chamber and its membership plans, visit www.altuschamber.com or call (580) 482-0210.