CIEDA welcomes Terri May Peters to lead organization’s small business development

September 1, 2021

Terry May Peters

The Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority (CIEDA) is excited to welcome Terri May Peters as the newest addition to their staff. Peters will be leading the organization’s small business development effort and overseeing Connect Claremore. 

A Chelsea High School and Rogers State University graduate, Peters joins CIEDA with more than 20 years of economic and small business development experience and a passion for fostering the entrepreneurial spirit. Prior joining CIEDA, Peters launched CEO Partners, a business consultation organization for various community, economic and business development projects. Through this initiative, Peters offers business owners support through marketing research, leadership coaching and strategic planning and execution. 

“In 2020, CIEDA launched Connect Claremore to better support local businesses in the wake of the COVID crisis,” said Meggie Froman-Knight, CIEDA Executive Director. “I am confident that under Terri’s leadership and guidance, Connect will continue to refine its scope to ensure the program is relevant, aligned with other community efforts, and advocates for this vital sector of our economy.  

Today in Rogers County, more than 80 percent of organizations have fewer than ten employees. Connect Claremore aims to aid, counsel, and assist in the retention and expansion of local businesses to maintain and strengthen the local economy. To gain valuable insight into business owners' challenges, Peters will meet with business owners to offer assistance and solutions as well as develop training opportunities relevant to community needs. 

“I truly believe in the mindset that a rising tide lifts all boats,” said Peters. “I love to see others win and achieve their goals. I am looking forward to representing CIEDA and working with our small business partners to cultivate an ecosystem for owners and entrepreneurs in our area to successfully evaluate, plan, launch, and scale their businesses.”

In her free time, you can find Terri crafting, thrifting, performing random acts of kindness and attending community events, like Food Truck Thursday and Dickens on the Boulevard. She lives in Claremore with her husband Jason and two dogs and is proud to have called Rogers County home for 33 years. 

Peters formally began her role with CIEDA on September 1. If you are a small business owner in need of assistance, you can contact Terri at connect@growclaremore.com to set up your free one-on-one consultation.