January 25, 2023 Issue, Page 12 of 16

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January 25, 2023 Takes Over as Chamber President By Sheryl Ponce working together to foster an environment of growth and Local financial advisor of Ed- prosperity. My goal is to contin- ward Jones Shaley Sikes took ue our development by focusing over as Elk City Chamber of on unity and community. My ef- Commerce President at the forts can be described in three I immediately began my career herself to the town. She drove Pam Muncrief, past presi- Edward Jones, she earned the chamber banquet on Jan. 10. words or summarized in three with Edward Jones,” Sikes ex- around the city until she found dent of the chamber said. “It accredited Asset Management She wants to focus on people words - change, challenge and plained. a perfect and friendly home. She was during that internship Specialist designation and 2015 being heard and understood unity. Change. It’s inevitable. She learned that locationeven went back that evening to that she realized her passion, and the chartered retirement and how she can challenge the How can the chamber continue was an important part of start- have pizza in the home of Earl creating personalized strate- planning counselor designation community to continue to be to address the changing needs ing her financial career, so she and Jean Muncrief. gies that allow her to partner in 2021. And she is currently the leader by providing a strong of our businesses and organiza- reached out to her mentor at Ed- “They (the Muncriefs) will with our clients to help them studying to sit for the Certi- local economy that serves the tions? As a member of the Elk ward Jones to get advice about forever have a special place in meet their financial goals. She fied Financial Planner board in surrounding areas. Her theme City Chamber of Commerce, making long-term plans. my place in my heart for that. If dropped strives to make clients 2024.” “His advice was this, ‘Go you take nothing else from what feel heard and understood in Unity in the community is for the year is “Unity in Com- your voice is important, and I munity,” want to focus on making sure where you want to live and build Thave to say this evening, take a warm and welcoming office what Sikes is stepping up to do “Unity in the words of Henry you feel heard and understood,” a business.’ I visited two or three this. Elk City is a town that en- that is best utilized to help her as a leader in the chamber. She Ford is, ‘Coming together as a she continued. of the potential locations I had, compasses core values that are understand what's important seems eager to bring the busi- beginning, working, keeping Sikes said that she cannot and then I came back to spend lost in the world we live in to- to them. A warm and welcom- nesses to keep the organization working together as a process emphasize enough how thank- the day with the local advisors day” Sikes added. ing office is what it is, I've been strong and fun. keeping together as a success.’ ful she is to have said yes to Elk and got a feel for Elk City. It was Before coming to Elk City, in there. During her career at Elk City would not be the suc- City nine years ago. She is not over lunch at Prairie Fire that Sikes earned the title of Aca- cessful and wholesome commu- from Elk City, but she grew up day that I made a life changing demic All-State in Kansas while decision that I've never once earning her associate degree. nity we are if there weren't al- in western Oklahoma, having ready a sense of unity amongst roots in a small town where her questioned. I was a homeowner She then went to OSU, earning a our entities. AndI will do every- parents instilled the importance in Elk City three months later,” degree in finance. She spent her she said, final semester interning with thing I can to further deepen of being invested and involved that working relationship to in the community. A final story about her reloca- Edward Jones, and immediately better citizens and set the stan- “Both of my parents served tion to the community was when transitioned into the role of fi- dard of those around us,” Sikes ‘on the school board and spent she came to Elk City, she started nancial advisor upon graduation said. their free time coaching T ball, going door to door, introducing in 2012 She believes that Elk City is a volunteering in the concession town that encompasses core val- stand, and providing snacks af- ues that are lost in the world to- ter the game. After high school day. Sikes said that the town can I went to a small junior college be described as a bustling com- in Kansas on athletics and aca- munity that is full of hospitality demic scholarships, followed by and warmth. studies at the university where “During my year as a presi- I studied finance. I still find my- dent of the Chamber of Com- self in awe of how God’s hand merce, I'm excited to continue was in every step of the way to the mission of our chamber lead me to Elk City. After college Thankwou Thank You To The Elk City Chamber Of Commerce! We Can’t Wait To See What 2023 Brings! LO ElkeCity; Western Oklahoma Insurance 1203 S. Main St. “It’s always something” Homeowners « Vehicles « Farm and Ranch « Life and Health Elk City, Oklahoma 580.225.2500 (Of Commerce! 580-225-1121 119 N. Jefferson Ave, Elk City, Ok. Sometimes the simplest got TRAD A BIG THANK YOUT! - : oS 4 Thank The Elk City Chamber of Commerce! things mean the most. |i SINCE Pou! eee Sree Thank you Elk City Chamber! We want to thank The Mens & More Store the Elk City 318 S. Main St Chamber 18920 E 1170 Rd, Elk City, OK of Commerce Sayre, OK 73662 580-210-6309 ‘ er s Mon-Fri10-6+Sat9-5 =, nai ear <| — ’ y= 723 S. Merritt Road (580) 928-3366 as we opene Eik City, OK 73644 www.nfecoop.com up our business! PRESSURE CONTROL 580-225-6922