Join us as we hear Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture, Blayne Arthur, as she shares an update on the state of agriculture. Arthur is the first female to hold this cabinet position, as she was sworn in on January 14, 2019 by Governor Kevin Stitt. Secretary Arthur acts as Governor Stitt's chief advisor on policy development and implementation related to agriculture, food and forestry; and holds the titles of Oklahoma Commissioner of Agriculture and the President of the Oklahoma State Board of Agriculture.
Blayne Arthur grew up in Chickasha, Oklahoma, where her family raised horses, shorthorn cattle, wheat, alfalfa, and soybeans. Her family was very involved in 4-H and FFA, primarily focused on showing horses and shorthorn cattle - both statewide and nationally. She attended Oklahoma State University in 2004, earning her bachelor's degree in agricultural economics. After college, she then took a role in small-business financing for Rural Enterprises, Inc. In 2009, the then-Secretary of Agriculture, Terry Peach hired her as the department's social media coordinator. When Secretary Jim Reece was elected in 2011, he offered her the position as the Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture, where she stayed from 2011-2016. Before being appointed into Governor's Stitt's cabinet, Arthur served as the Executive Director for the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation. Secretary Arthur is happily married to husband, Jerrod with two children, Kelton and Kennedy, who both enjoy showing cattle and horses, all while residing in Stillwater.
Business@Lunch combines building relationships and making connections with business education. For many years, members have selected this event as the most beneficial program the Chamber provides. Each month, the program features speakers and presenters who provide important information about the community, leadership training and other business-related tools.
