POPULATION 2,300
Located in Pushmataha County in Southeastern Oklahoma, Antlers exemplifies the economic development challenges facing rural America. With a population under 2,500, the business community is small, tight knit, and skeptical of efforts to formalize activities and operations. Before beginning to plan how to deliver additional economic development to the community, it was necessary to revive the Chamber of Commerce and bring a new level of credibility to its efforts. In a community this small, Chamber membership is not a business decision, it’s personal based on relationships and demonstrated value within a community where everyone knows everyone.
To begin to forge a new approach, every business received a personal visit. Conversations with each business owner enabled an understanding of each owner’s specific concerns. It was also an opportunity to explain how participating collectively in the Chamber to focus on economic development would serve many needs. The visits were followed by development of a communications plan that worked to keep all businesses informed of opportunities, activities, and how the offerings of each could be of benefit to other community businesses. A regular newsletter was complemented with social media channels that provided free visibility for members.
Within three months, the relationship building produced measurable results. Membership expanded, conversations happened and attitudes changed. Listening and following through mattered more than any sophisticated programming. Local businesses wanted to be respected and responded in kind, putting in more energy, making more progress and working to the benefit of all.