This week, the Claremore Chamber Board of Directors welcomed Barby Myers as the new President/CEO of the Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce. Myers has more than 30 years of experience in government relations, communications, public relations, media relations and crisis management.
“The business environment of the Community of Claremore and Rogers County will greatly benefit from the experience and expertise Barby Myers brings to the Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce,” said John Feary, executive director for the Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority and Claremore Area Chamber treasurer. “The future economic vitality of our region is fortunate to have Barby as the executive of our Chamber.” Jeff Howell, the 2018 Chamber Chair, stated, “I am excited to work with Barby in addressing the needs and expectations of our membership. With her leadership and the board of directors united, the Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce will put membership first and seek new partnerships that ensure prosperity for the Claremore area business community.”
Last year, Myers returned to her home state of Oklahoma and opened KBJ Consulting, Inc., providing strategic consulting to not-for-profit organizations. Prior to moving back to Oklahoma, Myers served as vice president of the government relations division of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce in Wichita and was with the chamber from 2008 – 2017.
“Claremore is a strong community and is blessed with community leaders who care,” Myers said. “I am excited to have the opportunity to work with them and help create an awesome business environment for our members.”
Before working at the Wichita Chamber, Myers worked as vice president at Schnake Turnbo Frank Public Relations in Tulsa and was director of public relations and strategic planning at Armstrong|Chamberlin Marketing Advertising and Public Relations in Wichita. She also served as Chief of Staff to Oklahoma First Lady Cathy Keating for eight years and worked as the executive director of Red Earth Inc., a non-profit, Native American arts and cultural organization in Oklahoma City, OK.
In addition to her corporate experience, Myers is also familiar with the realm of politics, having held positions in the White House during the George H.W. Bush Administration, the U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Department of Energy. Community members are impressed by Myers’ experience and express optimism about the changes for the Claremore Area Chamber.
“On behalf of the university community, I’m pleased to welcome Barby Myers as Chamber president. She brings a wealth of experience in government relations and Chamber organization that are sure to benefit Chamber member businesses and the greater community,” said President of Rogers State University Dr. Larry Rice.
Similar sentiments were echoed by BancFirst President Jeff Jensen.
“Barby comes to us with a wealth of experience and knowledge,” said Jensen. “I’m excited about our Chamber’s future and welcome Barby into our community.”
Now officially on board, Myers will work with Chamber members and the Board of Directors to define a strategic plan moving forward, and she is greatly encouraged by the energy and vision of the community.
“The Claremore Chamber should be a strong voice for business in the community and the state. It can be the facilitator for the community and should be a builder of partnerships,” Myers said. “I look forward to the opportunity to work with the Chamber Board, our Chamber members and our community partners to continue to build positive relationships.”
The Claremore Area Chamber Board of Directors has organized a Meet & Greet with Barby on Thursday, July 26, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Will Rogers Memorial. This event will give community members the opportunity to meet her and engage in more conversations to shape the future of the Chamber.
About the Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce
For nearly 90 years, Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce has served as the voice of business in Claremore. The continuing mission of Claremore Area Chamber is to serve its membership; advance economic, industrial, professional, cultural, and civic welfare; and enhance the quality of life for the Claremore area. Chamber offices are located at 419 West Will Rogers Boulevard in the heart of Claremore’s historic downtown, and the Chamber can be reached at (918) 341-2818 or chamber@claremore.org.
