By: Value News | Category: Special Interest | Issue: April 2026

Oklahoma State Senator Ally Seifried addresses the Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses and organizations during the annual 'Claremore Day at the Capitol,' event on Monday, April 20, 2026, in Oklahoma City. Photo by Jessica Forester.
The Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Claremore Day at the Capitol, Monday, April 20, bringing local business leaders to the State Capitol to connect directly with Oklahoma legislators and advocate for issues impacting the Claremore business community.
The annual event provides Chamber members with the opportunity to showcase their organizations, discuss their products and services, and engage in meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing local businesses.
This year, 17 Chamber member organizations participated, each hosting a presentation booth in the Capitol rotunda. Throughout the day, attendees connected with elected officials and shared insight into the economic impact and needs of Claremore-area businesses.
Participants also heard from several state leaders during a luncheon program, including Senators Ally Seifried and Julie Daniels, Representatives Mark Lepak and Derrick Hildebrant, and Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, who provided updates on legislative priorities and engaged with attendees on issues affecting Oklahoma’s business climate.
The Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce was among the first in the state to establish a “Day at the Capitol” event, launching the initiative more than 40 years ago as part of its commitment to business advocacy. Since then, the model has been adopted by chambers across Oklahoma, reflecting its value in strengthening connections between local businesses and state leadership.
“Claremore Day was a perfect example of the Chamber’s commitment to advocating on behalf of its member organizations,” said Josh Cantwell, president and CEO of GRAND Mental Health and a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “By creating a direct connection between local businesses, community leaders, and state policymakers, the Chamber ensures that the voices of Claremore’s business community are not only heard but taken seriously.”
Cantwell emphasized the value of the event from a business and leadership perspective. “As a member organization, Claremore Day is incredibly valuable,” he said. “It provides an opportunity to share the impact of our work, highlight the needs of our community, and build relationships with state leaders who influence policies that affect both our organization and the people we serve. As the CEO of GRAND, it’s especially important that conversations around behavioral health, workforce, and community well-being are part of the broader business dialogue.”
He added his appreciation for the Chamber’s continued efforts to advocate for its members at the state level. “I’m proud to be part of an organization that actively champions the needs and priorities of its members,” Cantwell said. “This event reflects the Chamber’s commitment to ensuring our business community has a strong and consistent voice.”
The Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce remains committed to advocating for policies and initiatives that support business growth, economic development, and the overall quality of life in Claremore and Rogers County.
For more than 86 years, the Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce has served as the voice of business for our members. Our mission is to advance economic, industrial, professional, cultural, and civic, welfare; and enhance the quality of life for Claremore and Rogers County. We are community partners and advocates for business. For more information on the Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce, visit claremore.org or connect on Facebook.
(918) 341-2818
419 W. Will Rogers Blvd. | Claremore, OK
claremore.org
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