Fall is a season of tradition and transition, and last week, Oklahoma City had the chance to establish a new one: raising a championship banner. I wasn't there in person, but the power of the event still resonated. In a short span, we collectively reflected on all we had accomplished, remembered the hard-fought battles, and celebrated our journey. Then, almost immediately, the focus shifted to the future, challenging us to rise and begin the next chapter of hard work.
It is with that same spirit—celebrating the past while embarking on a new climb—that I write to you today. When a group of city leaders founded the Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) in 1987, emerging from the oil bust of the early 1980s, their goal was economic diversification. They recognized that ensuring Oklahoma's long-term success required expanding our expertise, technology base, and talent. To achieve this, the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce participated in the creation of OVF to connect early-stage businesses with the capital and resources needed to build a new economy. As our ecosystem's first entrepreneurial community organization, OVF has become the premier connector, educator, and showcase for the best of our region. In many ways, it has not only met but exceeded its original mission.
However, OVF's very success has changed the landscape it was built to serve. The economic diversification that seemed unimaginable 40 years ago is now a reality, and in many ways, this achievement has diminished the original necessity for the organization. As a result, we have faced declining membership, engagement, and financial support.
This summer, the Board of Directors initiated a strategic planning process to address these challenges, which are common among similar organizations. We identified key issues like event fatigue, the need for more relevant programming, and accessibility. In response, we implemented several exciting changes: switching to bi-monthly events, moving to the premier address for innovation at Innovation Hall, and launching our 2025-2026 session with the newly appointed Secretary of Commerce.
Despite these efforts, our membership has continued to erode to a point where ongoing financial challenges are no longer sustainable. Therefore, after extensive discussion and exploration of various proposals, the Board has made the difficult decision to pause regular operations following our November luncheon.
I know this news is difficult to hear, and I am personally saddened to be sharing it. On behalf of our entire board and the hundreds who have been part of the OVF community over the years, I want to express our deepest gratitude to each of you.
Thank you for every contribution, big and small—for attending a luncheon, bringing a guest, making an introduction, investing, mentoring, or serving. You are the reason the dreams of 1987 became the reality of today. We also extend our sincere thanks to the many vendors, hosts, caterers, volunteers, and staff who have helped make our events so memorable.
Finally, we owe a special debt of gratitude to the dedicated cultivator of OVF's stellar reputation: Ché Loessberg. We are extremely grateful for her 19 years of dedicated partnership. She began as our event producer in 2006, through her company The Event Company, Faire La Fête, Inc., and continuing through her 11-year tenure as our Executive Director. Her commitment has been an integral part of everything OVF has accomplished even as this chapter closes.
But now, just as we admire last year's championship banner, we turn our focus to the future. As this new season begins, I invite you to join us in two important ways.
First, please join us on November 12 for our final OVF luncheon. We have an incredible pitch panel ready to showcase the newest opportunities in our ecosystem, and we look forward to celebrating 38 years of OVF with you.
Second, in any entrepreneurial venture, an ending is simply a new beginning. As market conditions shift, so must our offerings. Therefore, OVF leadership will spend the coming months reimagining a next-generation OVF. We are asking the essential question: How can we meet the needs of today's market and set a new vision for the next 40 years of Oklahoma entrepreneurship?
To do this, we need you. OVF has always been a community, and communities work together to achieve more. If OVF has been a valuable part of your story, we sincerely hope you will now lend your feedback, energy, and talent to help write its next chapter.
Oklahoma Venture Forum
Chairman of the Board
Andrew Pollock
Please Join Us for the November 12th Pitch Lunch
