January 27, 2021 Issue, Page 13 of 18

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January 27, 2021 Former two-time Chamber of Commerce President believes the groups show benefit By Shonda Little executive board of American had to write my first farm own- Farmers Union Insurance. er policy, which is much more ‘The Elk City Chamber of Com- “[ was just 19-years-old when complex. I was a young mother merce is a storied organization I went to Hamburger Universi- and really overwhelmed with dating back to 1903. Unfortu- she laughed. “I didn’t know his death and raising my kids. I nately, little is known of the it was a big deal then because needed advise on how to move original president, O.H. Young, 1 was just doing my job, even forward and I found it within or what type of business he though I was the only woman the Chamber of Commerce. I owned, and much younger than every- like to think I would be here Scrolling through the names, one else. I had watched my dad without that, but I am not cer- some jump out — either be- and learned about business tain. They all certainly helped cause they served more than and learned even more there. me a lot. Today, I know that I ‘once or their names now grace know my own business inside roads or parks. I brought what I learned about leadership and management and out, but I also have to think / In 1948, the Elk City News there to my business and then of the community that is rais- was first represented by Paul P ing my grandkids. I have put in ‘took what I could to Elk City.” Melody and Charles Cummings. Courtesy photo Wade. The year before famed lo- Cummings is a proponent my time, so being a part of the cal dairy man Huff Kelly steered of the three year commitment Chamber, I can lend that to the the ship. in being the Chamber of Com- younger business owners who als rooting for you. We make GREAT PLAINS Wade's son Larry, also a merce president. want to know how we made it time for each other because we longtime publisher of the ECN, “We do that so there is conti- through the good times and the are all in it together,” Cummings served in 1974. explained, But, among the list, onlya few nuity and of course we want for- bad times.” REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER Cummings acknowledges that Cummings has a simple pitch have served as Elk City Chamber mer presidents to stay involved even after that commitment her business is not traditional in for those business owners not CALL (580) 225-2511 of Commerce president twice. Melody Cummings of Crow is completed. For as long as I commerce organizations typi- to find the provider that’s right for you! yet involved in the Elk City Chamber of Commerce. Insurance, a champion of the have been involved, those three cally centered around retail and cause, is among them. people take to heart what is put restaurants. That is all the more “For what you get withit, even THE CARE You TRUST, She served her first tenure in upon them. We know how im- reason to join, she says. if you don’t invest any time, the 2010 and her second in 2016. In portant it is for those who pay “Through the years, I have benefit is huge,” she stated. “Ev- RIGHT HERE. dues or even shop in our stores. had other members tell me ery other member will immedi- her last stint, she was preceded ‘Asan insurance agent, of course ately be drawn to your business. THANK YOU, Ele City Chamber! by Elk City’s current city man- about their insurance issues and I want to have every customer I could figure out ways to help ‘The Chamber advertises for you. ager, Tom Ivester. Her nephew Cody Crow also followed her in I can get. But, as a Chamber them. If I hadn’t been there, I If someone calls the Chamber, member, I want to see my com- your business is recommended. wouldn't have earned that busi- 2018. “T was excited to see Tom be- petitors succeed because they ness and they wouldn't have It pays for itself many times come the city manager,” Crow ultimately put back into our been able to save that money. over with that.” gushed. “Anytime that someone town and that creates custom- ‘Then I would spend whatever has been actively involved in ers for all of us. That is the func- money they spent with me in their businesses. A good cham- the Chamber of Commerce tells me that they have some under- tion of the Chamber,” she said. While Cummings says that ber shows you how to recycle Thank You Elk City Chamber standing of how important the membership to the Elk City that money so it stays in your chamber is and what we do.” Chamber of Commerce helps city and we create and fund jobs for all your dedication to Elk City! Although Cummings has been generate profits for local busi- for each other,” she said. active in the Chamber of Com- nesses, she also adds that it Although friendship is not merce for decades, she empha- lends invaluable guidance from the primary goal of the Cham- 8 InterBank sized that serving as the presi- more experienced _ business. ber, Cummings also says that is dent is not a simple one year owners. an added benefit. commitment. “My dad had only taught me “Some of my best friends have “Being president is basically how to write auto insurance been made within the Chamber. Member a three-year commitment be- policies,” she recounted. “Then ‘There is something really special (580) 225-5580* 1620 W. 3rd St. Elk City, OK 73644 FDIC cause we want continuity of he died and three days later I about knowing these individu- leadership. So, you spend the year before you become presi- dent working and learning from the current president. Then you spend that year in the middle serving. Afterward, you stay on to assist the president that fol- lows you. We do this to make Goodbye 2020, sure that the Chamber is always operating at its best potential and to make sure that the in- coming president has all the support that they need.” The president is selected Hello 2021! through a nominating commit- tee, which consists of past presi- dents, the current board and past board members. Cummings has long been ac- quainted with businesses within Elk City, as well as the Cham- ber of Commerce. She grew up watching her father’s involve- ment and joined in herself when she made her career within the @ 25% OF family business. Mattresses and Cummings has been at the forefront of women in business Mattress Accessories @ 20% OFF for her entire adult life. She was among the first female students All Reclining at McDonald's iconic Hamburg- Furniture er University. She was the first woman in leadership with the @ 15% OFF Bedroom and Dining Room Furniture Financing available for everyone! 2021 Chamber of Commerce presidency. Elk Cityis blessed to have you! We look to 2021 with confidence in a better year for our community and FURNITURE look forward to what you have planned! MATTRESS 121 S Main St, 3105 W. 3rd, Elk City Elk City, OK 73644 Next to Tractor Supply (580) 243-0466 OILFIELD SERVICES HINTON,OK. ELK CITY,OK. wwwaanadarkodozer.com