"Leading Ladies" to be Honored

Claremore Chamber to Host Leading Ladies Gala on October 5, 2022

The Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to continue the annual tradition of honoring outstanding Claremore women at the 7th Annual Leading Ladies Gala, slated for Wednesday, October 5, at the Dr. Carolyn Taylor Center Ballroom on the campus of Rogers State University.

This year, 10 Leading Ladies will be recognized from various professions and industries; these ladies make it their business to volunteer and make a difference. They all have a strong record of innovation in their fields, excellent performance in their business, and/or a clear track record of meaningful community involvement.

The categories are: Rising Star (under 25 years of age), Behind the Scenes, Community Supporter, Business Leadership, Leader in Health, Leader in Manufacturing, Non-profit Leadership, Leader in Education, Leader in Government, and Leading Lady of the Year. Previous winners of the Leading Lady of the Year award include Meggie Froman-Knight, Jody Reiss, and Crystal Campbell, as well as Jill Ferenc, Donna Grabow, and Rhonda Bear.

Women are nominated by their peers, and they are chosen by an outside source. The Chamber will announce the winners in late September.

Each year, the gala entertains a theme, primarily focused on women’s health. Past topics have shined a light on breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and heart health. For 2022, the emphasis will be on overall women’s wellness, including how to create a work/life balance. Today, juggling a career and children can be difficult, and women tend to focus on others before themselves. 

The presentation from Hillcrest Hospital Claremore will enlighten women on how vital it is to take their own health seriously.

The evening will kick off with a cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m. with live music and a cash bar. Each year also boasts a signature cocktail; this year’s will align with the gala’s rustic fall décor. There will also be a plated dinner and a dessert auction along with the awards ceremony.

“The Leading Ladies Gala is one of our favorite events,” said Ashley May, Director of Communications for the Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce. “It’s fun to get dressed up and to recognize our winners for their accomplishments. Claremore is home to so many smart and talented women and we are excited to announce this year’s winners.”

The Leading Ladies Gala is made possible by many generous sponsors, including presenting sponsor, Hillcrest Hospital Claremore, and award sponsors TTCU Federal Credit Union, RCB Bank, Wallace for Life, 5 Star Group KW Premier, 6:19 Nutrition, CIEDA, Red Crown Credit Union, Robson Properties, Keith Austin Cherokee Nation Tribal Council, and Northeast Tech. Ladies Loot sponsors include Dori G. Studios, The District on Main, Elizabeth J Salon + Co, Marble Elegance, and Ethos Yoga.