Latest news with #SheppardAirForceBase
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WF Chamber of Commerce hosts State of Economy forum: discuss growth, opportunities, and connection
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — Opportunities, growth, and connection were at the top of the discussion during this year's 'State of the Economy' event hosted by the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, March 19. It was a packed house inside the Sikes Lake Center as city leaders, business owners and many others joined together to talk about growth for the City of Wichita Falls. Ron Kitchens, president and CEO of the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce, said the event is vital for change. '[It's] critically important to celebrate success. We have to craft a vision each year, and then we all got to make a commitment,' Kitchens said. 'We can either be victims of change or victors of change. Today was about creating victory for the future.' Kitchens also said strengthening connections with MSU and Sheppard Air Force Base would also be vital for the growth of Wichita Falls. 'Between MSU and Sheppard Air Force Base, that's about 60 percent of our local economy. They're critical not just today for jobs, but they're critical to our future,' Kitchens said. Kitchens said the Wichita Falls economy has been thriving over the past two years. 'You know, the national hiccups going on. We've got, you know, a $.5 billion in investment going on now. We've had $1 billion investment in the last 30 months,' Kitchens said. Kitchen mentioned that there are new jobs and significant announcements on the way for the city. Also at the event, Carol Wagner and Richard Bundy were named Wichitans of the Year. That is an award to recognize those who help shape the city. The chamber's next big event, Leader Fest 2025, is coming up in August. Click here for more information on how to get your tickets. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Wichita Falls employee recognized for Sheppard Air Force Base efforts
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — One City of Wichita Falls employee recently won the Community Partner of the Year Award, which thanks those in the community for being active advocates and forcing change that helps Sheppard Air Force Base. The 82nd Mission Support Group awarded Karen Montgomery-Gagne the Community Partner of the Year. Gagne officially received this award on March 7 and will receive special recognition at the city council meeting on Tuesday, March 18. Commander Colonel John Hollister from the 82nd Mission Support Group praised Gagne for being a 'critical component' of the mission's continued success. 'We wanted to take the time to ensure that we were thanking those in the community that help SAFB. Mrs. Montgomery-Gagne has been a constant advocate and force for change to help advance the training missions,' Hollister said. 'Specific instances were taking the lead drafting the grant package for the DEAAG, advancing language to the 4A/4B boards for economic assistance to both DEAAG and BASH weed control. In addition, she is continually in communications with multiple base agencies regarding everything from utilities to obstructions in the local air space.' Gagne is the city's principal planner and has partnered with SAFB, the Sheppard Military Affairs Committee, and the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce on three different grant programs, including the Defense Economic Adjustment Assistant Grant Program. 'I feel very honored I have been given the opportunity both professionally and personally to be involved with Sheppard Air Force Base through the ENJJPT program,' Gagne said. 'I have enjoyed working with so many wonderful people at the 82nd while also getting to know all of the incredible people that come through Wichita Falls through ENJJPT. This community is very blessed to have this Air Force installation here locally.' She and her family have been ENJJPT co-sponsors for the Italian delegation since 2013. They welcome new students when they arrive in Wichita Falls, which allows the students to connect locally. Director of Development Services Terry Floyd expressed gratitude for Gagne and praised her hard work for SAFB and the entire community. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
