CLAREMORE — Claremore City Manager Jim Thomas received a very warm welcome Tuesday as many community leaders, business owners and members of the community gathered at the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum.
The event, hosted by the Claremore Chamber of Commerce provided guest with the opportunity to get acquainted with Thomas.
Thomas spoke briefly to the crowd after his introduction by Chamber Chair Clarice Doyle.
“We need somebody that is on the job all the time,” Doyle said. “We need to get to know each other. We are all in this together.”
Doyle continued by saying that Thomas needs the support of the community and the community needs his leadership. She placed special emphasis on Thomas’s experience in community outreach and economic development.
Thomas humbly took the podium as he began to explain how the opportunity to come to Claremore has already been a pleasant experience.
“You all have made me feel very welcome,” Thomas said. “Sometimes crowds this big aren’t so friendly and kind.”
Thomas added that he and his wife Kathy have both noticed the sincerity and genuine nature of people from Claremore. Thomas was visibly taken back by the show of support by the crowd, while focusing on the optimism he feels for the future of Claremore.
“I have seen communities that have struggled or made bad choices. We can be honest, Claremore has made some bad choices, but I believe there is a sense of optimism,” Thomas said.
Claremore is on the cusp of some great things and there are some great business partners here, he added.
“We all need to be ambassador’s of good will and talking up the city of Claremore,” Thomas said.
Thomas vowed to do what is best for the community adding, “my door is always open.”
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