Over 80 young professionals, elected officials and inspired community members attended Claremore Collective’s Launch Party Thursday night at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum. Leaders of the young professionals group celebrated the successes found within their first twenty-four months as an organization, as well as introduced their new leadership team, and outlined its focus for continued progress in 2018.
Matthew Ballard, District Attorney for Oklahoma District 12, will lead the group as chair in 2018, in addition to Danialle Munroe, Director of Marketing for Pelco Structural, serving as chair-elect. Both shared their appreciation for the many individuals within the community leading by example to elevate the priorities of young professionals.
The group announced its recent establishment as an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, operating its second year solely from private donations.
Going into year three, Ballard expressed an intentional priority on focus and follow through, as these elements are essential for an early stage organization. “We are better together,” Ballard said. “Together, we are in this for the long haul.”
Claremore Collective is made up of five crews: Arts & Entertainment, Attraction, Development, Government Relations, and NextGen Leadership. Those interested can participate in as few or as many of the crews they desire.
During its first 24 months, the organization celebrated success within their key interest areas including the Mountain Bike Trails, Downtown Development, and West Bend Green development. The trails have expanded from 4.25 miles to over 11 miles from organic volunteer efforts. Collective also celebrated the elevation of its Make Your Mark campaign areas, Downtown and West Bend Green District development, announced in January 2018 as a part of the city’s strategic visioning plan, Claremore Dreams 2025.
The first Thursday of each month will feature Think Tank and Monthly Mixer events hosted downtown at North Block Common. These will kick off on Thursday, February 1. As described by Jerrad Coots, ESO producer for The Burrows Agency and development crew leader, “Think Tanks are a 10 to 15 minute pitch, followed by an open forum so that today’s ideas might become tomorrow’s reality.”
“While programming is targeted to those ages 21 – 45, those young at heart are also welcome to join. Monthly Mixer happy hours are a great way to get a foot in the door, and meet others from the area,” said Meggie Froman-Knight, executive director of Claremore Collective.
For more information about the organization, or how to get involved, visit www.claremorecollective.com or its Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.
