Grand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Names Jim Sellers as New Executive Director

(Langley, OK) With the resignation of Chamber Executive Director Cindy Morris, the Grand Lake Area Chamber began the process of hiring a new executive. The search process really never got started however, since the new executive was located right here in Langley.

During the Chamber’s Board of Directors meeting, a recommendation from the Executive Committee resulted in the unanimous decision to hire Jim Sellers, owner of The Artichoke Restaurant, located in Langley.

“We are certainly pleased with our decision to bring Jim on board as the new executive director,” said Judy Florida, Chamber President. “Jim brings to the table an array of management experience, plus his past involvement as a Chamber board member in various communities gives him knowledge of the duties and responsibilities he will be taking on.”

After 37 years in the food service business, Jim Sellers has established a solid reputation as a food and wine professional.  Sellers’ talents include restaurant concept and menu design, product development, food preparation techniques, and wine and food paring.  His expertise extends to all areas of food preparation and service in commercial, retail and contact feeding.

Sellers spent several years with Gilbert/Robinson Inc. based in Kansas City, in food and beverage management, production and design.  After this time, he was a partner in a restaurant group in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  This project included his involvement in site selection, design, and menu and recipe development. Jim has taught cooking and catering classes and represented California Wineries through out the Midwest, including representation of Mirassou Vineyard as Sales manager for the Midwest region.

In the mid 80’s Sellers and his wife Diana built and operated a catering operation in Central Oklahoma, as President and senior executive chef, known as The Catering Co. By Jim & Diana Sellers.  They also operated the food service at Metro Tech Center and Oklahoma City Community College for many years.  The organization became the largest independent caterer in the area.  Sellers had a daily radio spot on public radio for thirteen years and made appearances on regional television.

After selling the companies in Oklahoma City, the Sellers’ moved to Grand Lake of the Cherokees in northeastern Oklahoma and opened a small fine dining restaurant called The Artichoke and a greenhouse and gardening concern called The Potting Shed.

Sellers holds a bachelors degree from Emporia State University in Speech (theatre) and Business.  He served on the National Restaurant Association for nine years, is currently a trustee on the NRA Education Foundation, serves as a member of the advisory council for the NTC Pro-Start program and has been on the Oklahoma Restaurant Association for many years.  He has served as a board member of the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce; treasurer of the Grand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce; President of the Fine Arts Institute, an arts teaching organization; and Oklahoma Culinary Arts AFC.  He is a founding member of the Edmond Central Rotary Club and is currently a board member for the Vinita Rotary Club.  Jim now serves as trustee and committee chair for the South Grand Lake Christian Church.

“I consider the hiring of Jim Sellers the best hiring decision that could have been made,” said Morris.  “Jim will be a great asset for Grand Lake Area Chamber.  His chamber knowledge, personality and management style will take the chamber to a new level.  Plus, he seems to know everyone in the Grand Lake area… and that in itself creates a benefit for the chamber.”

Sellers is already at work representing the Grand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.  Since last week, he has been working with Cindy Morris, current Executive Director, to become better informed on upcoming projects and programs. Morris’ final day is February 1, and Sellers is prepared to step in and continue enhancing the Chamber of Commerce going forward.