This annual training is for Executive Directors and staff. If you are new to working in the Chamber profession, you’ll want to take advantage of valuable Chamber training offered by the OCCE. Developed by top executives in our state, Chamber Management Institute (CMI) is a credited training program geared toward the basics of running a non-profit organization.
This year, the program will be held one day per month for three consecutive months with emphasis on giving insight into the roles and responsibilities of being a part of a successful Chamber of Commerce. The attendee will receive all of the presentations and information electronically. Lunch will be provided for each session.
After completing all three CMI sessions (see dates below) participants will receive a certificate of completion. Graduates will be recognized during the OCCE Annual Awards Celebration, which will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Ardmore Convention Center in Ardmore, OK.
PLEASE NOTE: THE SESSIONS WILL NOT BE RECORDED. THERE WILL BE NO MAKEUP SESSIONS.
2025 CMI Session Dates:
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Bixby Public Schools Administration Building | 23 S. Riverview Dr., Bixby, OK 74008
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Tuesday, September 23, 2025 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Norman Chamber of Commerce | 424 W. Main Street, Norman, OK 73069
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Monday, October 20, 2025 | 11:30am – 4:00pm
Ardmore Convention Center | 2401 N. Rockford Rd., Ardmore, OK 73401
REGISTRATION DEADLINE FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2025
REGISTRATION
$175 per person for OCCE members / $275 for non-members
3 sessions, lunch (in-person only) and certificate of completion at graduation
Registration Deadline – Friday, August 8, 2025
SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships are available that will cover the cost the registration.
Deadline Friday, July 11, 2025 @ 5:00pm
- Session 1 | TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2025
- Session 2 | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
- Session 3 | MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2025
Session will be held at Bixby Public Schools Administration Building | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Board of Directors Development
Developing a board that is engaged is key to building the chamber’s roadmap for success. This session cover what should be included in a board orientation, using an outside influencer, creating a leadership manual, board/staff roles, etc. Presented by Krystal Crockett IOM, President & CEO, Bixby Metro Chamber of Commerce
Building Your Program of Work/Business Plan
This session will teach you how to get started on developing a road map for your chamber, holding a planning retreat, leading your board to the development of the plan, and measuring its success. Presented by Angela Wilson IOM, President & CEO, Greater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce
Telling Your Story and Building Your Brand
Discover ways your chamber can better tell the story of how it is the driving force behind your community’s successes, working with media, promoting your members, digital and social media, what should be included on your website, newsletters, software, and technology and staying on top of communications trends and best practices. Presented by Josh Driskell, IOM, Vice President of Government Affairs, Tulsa Regional Chamber
Using Technology in Your Chamber: Boosting Efficiency and Engagement
Learn how to leverage technology to enhance proficiency and time management within your chamber. This includes utilizing AI for communication, newsletters, website management, and event planning, along with tools like Canva to streamline design and branding efforts. Presented by Lindsay Cunningham, Marketing & Communications Director, Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce
Everything Thing You Wanted to Know About Your Chamber but Were Afraid to Ask
An overview of the chamber of tomorrow and the role a chamber of commerce has in a community. This panel discussion will outline your professional development opportunities, community partners, resources, and creating a network of peers.
Session will be held at the Norman Chamber of Commerce | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Managing the Finances of the Organization
This session will give an overview to understanding the finances of the organization. You will learn accounting procedures, how to read a Statement of Financial Position, the budget process, internal controls and financial policies, reserve policy, using a CPA and should you do an audit, accounting software, etc. Presented by Mita Bates IOM, CCE, MAB Advisory, LLC
Membership: Using Data to Measure Success
This session will relate to your inner geek! This session will teach you to how to track and measure performance with data from understanding your annual retention rate, cost per member, to reporting the findings to your board. Presented by Ruth Littlefield IOM, CCE, Chief Results Officer, Littlefield Management Solutions, LLC
You Are Doing Community & Economic Development
Gain a better understanding of the role that Chambers have in economic development. Learn the value and relevance to your members and community with or without public or private funding. Presented by Sara Herrin, President & CEO, Skiatook Chamber of Commerce and Chelsea Levo Feary, IOM, CEcD, President & CEO, Owasso Chamber of Commerce
Representing Business Interests with Local Government
Understanding and developing an effective program to represent your businesses at the local and county levels. This session will cover why chambers should be involved in city, state, county and school board elections, bond issues, endorsements, and other politics that influence the business community. Presented by Scott Martin IOM, President & CEO, Norman Chamber of Commerce
Creating Non-Dues Revenue through Events and Sponsorship
Membership accounts for less and less of the overall budget, so chambers are having to develop other sources of revenue. Learn different ways of creating revenue sources including showing appreciation to your sponsors and utilizing volunteers. The session will also explore how to evaluate your events and programs, event management and creating innovative program ideas and when to “kill the sacred cow”. Presented by Kristen King, Vice President of Operations, Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce and Brittany Timmons, President & CEO, Guthrie Chamber of Commerce
Session will be held at the Ardmore Convention Center, Ardmore, OK | 11:30pm – 3:30pm
Membership Recruitment & Retention
Having a plan of action for membership recruitment and retention is one of the key components of an effective chamber. Learn how to build comprehensive membership recruitment and retention plans that include what happens when a member joins your chamber, touch points, emails, billing, etc. Presented by Jamie Crowe, Membership Director, South Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce
Leadership Programs that Rock
One of the most important roles a chamber can play in your community is developing future leaders. In this interactive panel discussion, ideas will be shared on leadership formats, cost, marketing, utilizing alumni and creating leadership programs for youth and adults. Presented by Shania Bennett, President & CEO, Midwest City Chamber of Commerce; Tracy Caulfield IOM, President & CEO, Cushing Chamber of Commerce; and Angela Wilson IOM, President & CEO, Greater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce
Staying Mission Focused
Mission creep refers to the gradual expansion of a project or mission beyond its original goals and objectives, often leading to unplanned and unintended consequences. This open dialogue will help re-evaluate what is relevant.
Ardmore Economic Development Tour
Join the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce to learn about downtown revitalization and creating new jobs keeps the economic vitality of the community growing and staying strong. (This session is still being planned – details to follow)
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