Partnerships and Progress Drive Discussion at Sallisaw Chamber Meeting

Friday, September 26, 2025 — The Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce held its monthly membership meeting on Wednesday at Carl Albert State College in Sallisaw, bringing together community members, business leaders, and educators for a morning of announcements, recognitions, and inspiration.

Upcoming events were front and center, with reminders that the Sallisaw Main Street Fall Festival is set for Saturday, October 11. The festival will feature live music, a car show, local vendors, and the ever-popular chili cook-off. Members were also encouraged to attend the Red Autumn Art Festival, which this year expands into a two-day event scheduled for October 31 and November 1 in downtown Sallisaw.

In addition, the first Workforce Development Summit and Job Fair will take place at Sallisaw Middle School on October 10. Registration begins at 7:45 a.m., with the event closing at 5:00 p.m., offering opportunities for networking and career advancement.

This month’s Chamber Member of the Month was announced as Hog Creek Salvage, a long-standing business that has proudly served Sallisaw and surrounding communities since 1976. For nearly 50 years, Hog Creek Salvage has provided quality auto parts, metal recycling, reliable towing, and affordable used vehicles. The business, located at 2500 E. Redwood, continues to be a trusted name in automotive service and recycling, committed to meeting customer needs both online and in person.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Jay Falkner, President of Carl Albert State College, who officially assumed the role on July 1, 2026. Falkner, a dedicated leader with more than two decades of service at CASC, shared his journey through various leadership roles, including Vice President of Enrollment and Retention, Director of Title I Programming, and Coordinator of the TRIO Upward Bound Program. His educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern State University, a master’s degree in education from East Central University, and a doctorate in education from the University of Arkansas.

Falkner emphasized the importance of partnership and collaboration, both within the college and throughout the community. He praised the efforts of faculty, trustees, and local leaders who have supported CASC’s growth, highlighting record-breaking enrollment numbers across all categories. He shared particular pride in the college’s concurrent enrollment program, which allows high school students to earn college credit. Enrollment in this program has reached record highs for the second year in a row, thanks in large part to investments from the CASC Development Foundation and community supporters.

Falkner noted that the strength of CASC lies not only in its programs but also in the people and partnerships that fuel its mission. Falkner stated, “Why are we successful? Because our communities have ownership in this institution,” crediting community collaboration for CASC’s achievements in education, workforce development, and student success.

Lindsie Dyer, Staff Writer

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