Duncan foundation marks 70 years of economic development

DUNCAN — The Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation (DAEDF) celebrated 70 years of organized economic development in the region and honored the McCasland family for its enduring commitment to community growth at its annual banquet last week.

The evening was a tribute to the past, present, and future of economic prosperity in Duncan and Stephens County, officials said.

DAEDF President and CEO Lyle Roggow presented a comprehensive overview of the organization’s history, highlighting the pivotal role of the Duncan Industrial Foundation and its evolution into DAEDF. He detailed the strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts that have shaped the area’s economic landscape since 1954.

“The McCasland family’s dedication to Duncan is unparalleled,” said Roggow. “For seven decades, they have consistently invested their time, resources, and vision to build a strong foundation for our community. Their contributions span generations, from securing land for major industries to supporting vital community projects.”

The banquet recognized the family’s extensive involvement, including its support for the Halliburton manufacturing plant, Duncan Public Library, the Cow Creek water project, Duncan Senior Citizen Center, Chisholm Trail Heritage Center, DRH Cancer Center, and its recent donation of 290 acres for future economic development. Marilyn Hugon, with her mother Mary Francis (Maurer) Michaelis, and family members accepted the honor on behalf of the McCasland family, expressing their ongoing commitment to the region’s prosperity.

In addition to honoring the McCasland family, DAEDF recognized outgoing board members Hal Labyer and Rick Braught for dedicated service. The organization also honored the late Greg Shepherd, a former board member and chair. His contributions to DAEDF and the community were acknowledged, and a paver was presented to his family for the Friends of the Capitol.

“This banquet was a celebration of our community’s resilience and progress,” said Roggow. “We are grateful for the leadership of the McCasland family, the dedication of our board members, and the unwavering support of our community partners. As we look to the future, we are committed to building upon this strong foundation and creating new opportunities for growth and prosperity.”

DAEDF also outlined its strategic vision for the coming years, which includes expanding its county-wide reach, enhancing public communication, supporting workforce development initiatives, and focusing on core industries such as manufacturing, construction, healthcare and finance.