Q3 2025 Board Chair Letter
Summer's Here!
Dear Shawnee Chamber Members,
With the summer season here, we all start to feel a shift—longer days, vacation plans, and the rhythm of business life adjusting accordingly. For many of us, summer brings both opportunities and challenges. Some businesses see a welcome surge in activity, while others experience a seasonal slowdown. And all of us may feel the challenges of meeting deadlines as we work around holidays and enjoy vacation time. Regardless of which side you find yourself on, this is a key moment to plan intentionally and make the most of the months ahead.
The Chamber is here to help you do just that.
Summer offers a unique opportunity to reconnect—with customers, fellow business owners, and even with your own goals. Perhaps you’ve already done so through the Chambers June 2nd golf tournament, Old Shawnee Day’s, or attended the June 18th member luncheon in which the “Leadership Tomorrow” participants graduated, and the speaker provided important tips for preparing and making presentations. Regardless of whether it’s through a seasonal promotion, a community event, or simply refreshed marketing, it’s a great time to remind your audience that you’re here, active, and engaged.
This can also be a valuable time to invest in strategy—identify how to use your strengths in pursuing opportunities and in executing the various initiatives identified in your strategy. Initiatives can include items such as increased business development or product extensions, revamping your website, attending a workshop, or networking at one of the Chambers’ upcoming events. Sometimes the quieter months are where the next chapter of growth begins.
With summer upon us keep in mind that:
- Consumer habits shift during this time—consider how you can adapt your offerings or hours to better meet seasonal needs.
- Tourism and local events (e.g. Moonlight Market and teams visiting for sporting tournaments) bring fresh foot traffic—are you positioned to capture that attention?
- Staffing and scheduling may need extra attention as team members take well-deserved time off—make sure you plan ahead.
And as always, stay connected with the Chamber. Our summer calendar includes great opportunities to stay visible and engaged, including the Chamber Red Friday Cookout Luncheon on September 12th, please be sure and join us! These are the moments when connections are formed, ideas are shared, and business relationships deepen.
On behalf of the Chamber, I wish you a successful, productive, and balanced summer season. Make time for growth, make time for rest—and remember, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
-Don Chew, 2025 Board Chair