The state’s 17th lieutenant governor will be the featured speaker later this month at a Kingfisher Chamber of Commerce event.

Matt Pinnell will speak at the Biz-Connect Luncheon set Thursday, June 20, at The Cedar Gate.

“The chamber is excited to have the lieutenant governor as our honored guest,” said Chamber Director Shauna Rupp. “We look foward to hearing from him on tourism, growth in our state and workforce development.”

Pinnell was elected into his role in November 2018 and took office in January 2019.

As part of his office, he serves as the president of the Oklahoma State Senate.

He also presides over or is a member of several state boards and commissions, including serving as chairman of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission.

The lieutenant governor is considered the “chief marketer of Oklahoma and spends much of his time promoting Oklahoma,” according to his official state website.

His biography goes on to say: “In partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, he launched a talent recruitment campaign targeting the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. He also works to retain and attract companies to the state by hosting events throughout the year, including the annual Lt. Governor’s Turkey Hunt, a two-week event that showcases Oklahoma to prospective out-of-state companies and site selection representatives.

“As an entrepreneur himself, Pinnell champions small business growth. He advises the Oklahoma Department of Commerce on small business growth, entrepreneurship and workforce development. In 2022, he launched ‘A Look at Oklahoma CareerTech,’ a video interview series that showcases the education and employment opportunities the state’s CareerTech system provides.

“Pinnell launched a statewide rebrand in 2020, a campaign that has streamlined state agency processes and saved taxpayer dollars.”

Pinnell owns an advertising degree from Oral Roberts University.

Networking at the Biz-Connect Luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m.

A lunch will be served at noon, followed by Pinnell’s address.

Chamber members will dine free while guests are $10. For registration information, see the ad on Page 2 of this edition.