Claremore Chamber’s Leading Ladies Gala a Rousing Success

The Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted the seventh annual Leading Ladies Gala & Awards Ceremony at Rogers State University. The gala honors 10 local women who go above and beyond in their field and for the community. The winners are nominated by their peers, and all nominations are sent out of town for judging.

“We were excited to add two new categories this year: Government and Education,” said Ashley May, Director of Communications for the Claremore Chamber. “We have an amazing pool of talented ladies in Rogers County, and the judges had a tough time choosing our honorees.”

The 2021 Leading Ladies Award winners and presenting sponsors were:

Rising Star Award, presented by TTCU, honors Mariana Flores, Rogers State University.

Behind the Scenes Award, presented by RCB Bank, honors Delinda Reed, Safenet Services.

Business Leadership Award, presented by Wallace for Life, honors Amy Cope, Spirits of 66.

Community Supporter Award, presented by 5 Star Group, honors Allison Dietzfeld, RCB Bank.

Leader in Health Award, presented by 6:19 Nutrition, honors Michelle Green, Hillcrest Hospital Claremore.

Leader in Manufacturing, presented by CIEDA, honors Cara Carroll, United Axle.

Nonprofit Leadership Award, presented by Red Crown Credit Union, honors Nancy Phelps, Light of Hope.

Leader in Education, presented by Robson Properties, honors Christi Mackey, Rogers State University.

Leader in Government, presented by Keith Austin - Cherokee Nation Tribal Council, honors Ashley Hickman, City of Claremore.

Leading Lady of the Year, presented by Northeast Tech, honors Jody Reiss, Safenet Services.

The evening event, presented by Hillcrest Hospital Claremore, featured live music, dinner and drinks, plus guest speakers. The focus of the 2021 gala was women’s heart health, and the audience heard a personal tale from Marti Jenkins, who was the Community Supporter Leading Lady of 2020. Jenkins had two heart attacks at the age of 47 and is passionate about telling her story, since she wants other women to be aware of the signs. She fully credits Hillcrest Hospital Claremore for saving her life. Attendees also heard from Kathy VanCuren of the American Heart Association.

The Ladies Loot giveaways are always a big hit, and this year the Chamber gave out more than $2,500 worth of goodies from local merchants, including Crooked Roots, The District on Main, Wildflour Baking Co., Ethos Yoga, Elizabeth Jean Salon, Spirits of 66, High Life Limos, Vintique Charm, Esau Leatherworks, ACK Esthetics, Backwood Crafts, BancFirst, Dori G. Studios, Eye Care Catoosa Hills: Dr. Brett Howell, and Kaci Grossman Group One.  

This year, the Chamber added a dessert auction, complete with 15 desserts donated by local bakers. Donors for the dessert auction were Hammett House, Hayes Cakery, My Yummy Crumbs, Northeast Tech Culinary, Nutcracker Sweets, Reasor’s, Not Your Grandma’s Cupcakes, The Blessed Baker, The Bookworm Cakery, The Pink House, Too Much Icing and Wildflour Baking Co. There are also a few local women who are known around town for their baking skills who donated their favorites: Sara Moss for her famous “Nana’s Cookies,” Sarah Miller and her scones, and Ollie Starr, who had the high bid of the night for her Southern Pecan Bourbon Pie.

“This was our best Leading Ladies Gala to date,” said Barby Myers, President and CEO of the Claremore Chamber. “Our committee worked tirelessly to make the event come together perfectly, and we are so thankful to our generous sponsors who made the event a success. We can’t wait to see what 2022 will bring!”

For additional information about the Leading Ladies Gala, please call the Claremore Chamber at (918) 341-2818.