Sallisaw Chamber Membership Meeting, Highlights Diamond Daze and Community Growth

Thursday, April 23, 2026— The Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce hosted its monthly membership meeting on Wednesday, April 22, at the People Inc. Conference Center, bringing together local business leaders, community members, and organizations for updates on upcoming events and economic development opportunities.

Chamber President Eric Carter welcomed members and opened the meeting with announcements focused on community events and volunteer opportunities.

Among the top items discussed was the upcoming Diamond Daze festival, which remains on schedule for Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2.

Diamond Daze updates included a call for contestants for the Hot Dog Eating Contest, which will be held at the auditorium; open registration for the Miss Diamond Daze Pageant; and a need for additional BBQ cookoff teams. Organizers also requested volunteers to assist with festival activities, with a special need for help on Friday morning and Saturday morning.

Walmart was recognized as the Chamber’s Member of the Month, with store manager Ringo Spurlock accepting the award on behalf of the store.

Spurlock shared that his personal story is deeply connected to Sallisaw, where he has lived since grade school and now raises his family with his wife, Felicia, and their children, Payton and Hudson.

After high school, Spurlock served four years in the United States Marine Corps before returning home to be closer to family. He later worked in the oil field across Oklahoma before deciding to build a long-term future in his hometown.

That decision led to a nearly decade-long career with Walmart, where he now leads the Sallisaw Supercenter.

Spurlock noted that Walmart first opened in Sallisaw in 1972 as a 30,000-square-foot discount center with just over 40 associates. Today, the store operates as a 155,000-square-foot Supercenter employing 245 associates, 28 hourly supervisors, and eight coaches.

He also emphasized Walmart’s commitment to community service, saying the company provides thousands of dollars in in-kind donations each year, along with nearly $10,000 annually through Spark Good grants that support local nonprofits.

Looking ahead, Spurlock announced Walmart anticipates a full store remodel in early 2027, bringing a refreshed look and enhanced shopping experience to the community.

The keynote speaker for the meeting was Gena Crain, executive director of the Oklahoma Ozarks Tourism Association.

Crain highlighted the importance of tourism as an economic driver for eastern Oklahoma and shared efforts underway to promote the natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and cultural heritage of the Oklahoma Ozarks region.

She explained that the organization works collaboratively with local tourism partners, such as Tour Tahlequah and Explore Cherokee County, to develop a unified marketing strategy that showcases area attractions and encourages visitors to explore the region.

Crain also highlighted the growing impact of fishing tourism, including the upcoming Bassmaster College Series set for April 29-30 at Kerr Reservoir at Cherokee Nation Sallisaw Creek Park, located at 457959 E. 1118 Road in Sallisaw.

In addition, the Bassmaster High School competition will follow on May 3. Crain noted that events like these not only bring national attention to the region but also generate valuable economic benefits for Oklahoma lakes and surrounding communities.

Tournament takeoffs will begin each morning at 6:30 a.m., with weigh-ins scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

Following the April membership meeting, members were invited to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Sequoyah County Boys & Girls Club facility, held nearby in Sallisaw.

Lindsie Dyer, Staff Writer

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