After the memorial gavel was passed from the incoming Cushing Chamber of Commerce president Kelly D. Young to the outgoing president Marc White, Young took a few minutes to not only express his vision for Cushing, but the reason he now calls Cushing home.
Compared to many leaders in the community, Young is a newcomer. He and his family and the family business – Young Oil Tools, Inc. – moved to Cushing about four years ago. He said after his dad purchased Remco they needed a larger space than what they had in Fairfax. It was at that time they began looking for a proper building for the business and, according to Young, a community to “live in and raise a family.”
A potential building brought the Youngs to town, but it was a stop at the Cushing Chamber of Commerce that led to the move to town.
“I met Priscilla [Smith] who was the Chamber director at the time and Bob Felts [then economic director].” Both opened his eyes to the many amenities in Cushing.
“I couldn’t believe a town of this size had so many things to offer,” Young said, “…like a water park – larger towns don’t have even have one, let alone one that’s as nice as this one…and the Youth Center. I saw they were expanding the library and the ball fields were being built…there was BBQ & Blues and Festival in the Park. What I saw was a town that’s investing in itself.”
Young said he came up with the slogan “Find your fit in Cushing” because he wants others to find their fit in Cushing, just as he and his family have found theirs. “You welcomed us with open arms – and everyone likes to be wanted,” he said smiling. “It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of this community.”
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