2018 Year In Review

When I took this position a year ago this month, I told the board of directors that my aim was to try to put my fingers on the pulse of Osage County.  I wanted to hear its heartbeat and see what made it beat.  I wanted to take the pulse of a county and get to know its personality so as to be able to market it effectively and genuinely.  In that quest and journey, I have met what I call "salt-of-the-earth" folks with a quick wit, dirty boots, clean minds, and big hearts who are community-minded givers.  I found the most beautiful countryside and more flowing water than this former Texas gal had ever seen in one county.  The small-town buildings whispered their stories and the tallgrass prairie sang its native song. The bison's eyes commanded respect and Grayhorse Cemetary told the rest.

Chief Standingbear has welcomed me to his headquarters and I have enjoyed his company, insight, boldness -- and even noticed the twinkle in his eye that gets sparked over the vision he has for the Osage Nation.  I appreciate his heart for his people and also his willingness to work together for the good of all.

Larry Nunley brought the rhythm to the Tallgrass and I saw his passion to give an event to Osage County that comes from his heart.

Bob Fraser out at Woolaroc puts the personality in Frank's place and couldn't be better suited for that position! ( Bob's middle name is "Excellence" in case you didn't know. )

Mollie Bivin blesses me with her phone calls of encouragement and her fortitude to shine in Shidler like sunshine.  Her smile makes me feel like family.

The Fairfax and Barnsdall Chambers are always a blessing to drop in on and the fortitude, great attitudes, and giving hearts found up in Fairfax after the tornado -- touched my heart more than they will ever know.  

I am thankful to so many who took me in and made me feel at home -- too many to name.  I am blessed to serve under a board stacked with professionalism and appreciate each and every one.  You see, on the journey this past year -- I thought I was out to capture the heartbeat of Osage County, but here at the end, I have found Osage County captured mine...  I am blessed to be a part of Osage County, Oklahoma.