Federal Stimulus Funds Have Arrived

Originally published in The Tribune July 23, 2009
by Jill McCartney, President/CEO The Northwest Chamber

It’s here. The national recession has raised its ugly head in Oklahoma. Many businesses are making do with less staff, holding off on investments in new equipment and building, and cutting corners any way they can to survive. Despite lessons learned from the past, many small businesses are now hurting.
In the face of this situation, some of the stimulus money is now making its way into our area, targeted to specific programs and projects that our national leaders hope will turn things around and ultimately also make a long term difference. One requirement of the projects is that they can start being spent between now and September 2010.
Financing transportation infrastructure has been among the first things funded by the stimulus. In Oklahoma, our state Transportation Secretary, Gary Ridley, quickly pulled together a list of shovel-ready projects that were already part of Oklahoma’s 8-year transportation plan and did not need the time involved for right-of-way clearances and other concerns that can bog down construction. Oklahoma was one of the first states to advance our plan and to use all the available funds. If other states are not able to spend all of the money they’ve been allocated in that time frame, Oklahoma leaders hope to position us to pick up those unused funds and efficiently utilize it.
Our Northwest area did not have any road projects detailed in the eight year plan, but hopes are that with many projects already being addressed, additional projects can move onto the eight year comprehensive DOT plan. Some of the money has been allocated for municipal repairs. Warr Acres recently earned stimulus funding of $285,000 for street improvements along NW 63rd between MacArthur and Ann Arbor.
My neighbor was recently hired by the Department of Rehabilitation Services to find jobs for disabled workers. Companies that hire these workers could be paid up to $3,500 for hiring and training a disabled worker in a permanent position. Because disabled workers have an unemployment rate 59 percent higher than nondisabled Americans, they hope this incentive will mean that 500 – 900 disabled workers will find long-term jobs because of this program.
The Community Action Agencies have also received some stimulus funds, and the CAA in Oklahoma and Canadian counties will dedicate it toward three programs CAA already operates, but will expand the number of clients they can serve.
One program works to weatherize homes for low income and elderly residents. Making these houses more energy efficient by installing insulation, caulking, weather stripping, doors and windows and minor roof and floor repair will help many folks live better no matter the season.
Another program provides funding for graffiti removal, a commitment that can reduce gang activity and frustrate vandals who will tire of seeing their ‘work’ quickly eliminated. Some students at OSU-OKC on N. Portland recently created an organization, “Establishing a Great Society” aimed at removing graffiti from metro area structures.
Finally, CAA is now offering Small Business Stimulus Loans to encourage economic growth within Oklahoma and Canadian Counties through the retention, expansion, or start-up of small businesses. Credit-worthy applicants who meet Federal Income Guidelines can apply for these 3% fixed rate loans in the amount of $5,000 – $100,000 on a 1 – 15 year term. As these funds are now dedicated for this purpose, as the loans are repaid CAA will be able to keep the circle going by loaning these funds again.
For more information on the Department of Rehabilitation Services Vocational Rehabilitation program, call 800-487-4042. For more information on the Community Action Agency programs, call 405-232-9074.

Celebrating Public Service – Ted Withrow and our Elected Officials

Originally published in The Tribune July 2, 2009
By Jill McCartney, President/CEO The Northwest Chamber

One of the best things about working with the Northwest Chamber is getting to know so many people who are pursuing their dream of owning their own business. It is really great to see businesses that are not just thriving, but giving back to the community in significant ways.
It’s a pleasure to report on one of them today. Ted Withrow, a State Farm Insurance Agent located at 36th & Rockwell in Bethany was recently named one of only seven small to medium sized businesses in the state to be recognized as a finalist for the Beacon Award for his generous support of the nonprofit community. This honor is especially significant when you realize that this category is for businesses with less than 100 employees, and Ted’s has less than five.
Ted devotes much of his time to working with young people – by chairing the Bethany YMCA’s Strong Kids Program, raising money to help it run its programs, as well as working with the Last Frontier Council of the Boy Scouts. He has also been involved with the Travelers’ Aid Society and served as president of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and the Financial Services Professionals of Oklahoma City.
It’s great to shine the spotlight on our fellow Northwest area residents who are succeeding, both in their business, and in helping others. I know that our community has many individuals like Ted Withrow who give selflessly, and I urge you to write to let me know about other local heroes.
One of the roles of a Chamber is to help its members interact with the government. Whether it’s the city, county, state or federal government, we work to build and maintain strong relationships with our elected leaders, and to provide many opportunities each year for our members to meet with these leaders, learn more about the issues, and voice their opinions.
Next Thursday, July 9, we will hold our annual “State of the State” Luncheon. State Representatives and Senators that represent our Northwest Area will bring us updates on the happenings of the 2009 Session of the Oklahoma Legislature and how it impacts you and your business.
It is also an opportunity for Chamber members to ask questions and provide ideas and suggestions to legislators for needed reforms in the 2010 session. While the 2009 session adjourned in May, lawmakers are currently in a period of “interim study” wherein they examine issues in greater detail that may need legislation next year. In December they narrow their list of ideas for legislation, so now is a good time for people to make their suggestions.
While provided as a service to Northwest Chamber members, the luncheon is open to all citizens of Northwest Oklahoma City who would like to be better informed. Those attending will need to RSVP, and lunch is $10.00 for Chamber Members and $15.00 for non-members. The luncheon will be held at the Lansbrook Event Center, 6009 NW Expressway, (West of MacArthur) and catered by Swadley’s. Tinker Federal Credit Union is the meeting sponsor.
This year is already shaping up to be quite interesting, politically. With our long-time State Senator Glenn Coffee term-limited and Congresswoman Mary Fallin running for Governor, candidates are already emerging to fill these seats, and some are vacating theirs to seek other offices. As a Chamber, we will offer many chances for you to get to meet and assess these candidates as you make your decisions over the coming months.

Traditions Celebrate & Build Community

Originally published in The Tribune June 25, 2009
By Jill McCartney, President/CEO The Northwest Chamber

Traditions, especially celebrations like festivals and parades are an important part of the fabric of a community. They bring people from many walks of life together in a common experience. They build upon the heritage of the people and create memories that are passed on through generations.

Among local traditions it is hard to beat the Bethany Freedom Festival held on Independence Day each year. Boasting one of the grandest celebrations in the state, Bethany puts on a tremendous show with a 3K/8K run, a big parade, carnival rides, vending booths, live music, a classic car show and one of the largest digitally mastered fireworks displays in Oklahoma.

But one of the biggest features of the event is not one advertised on that list of attractions – it is the simple fact that if you come to the festival you will see and be seen by friends and neighbors from all over. People you knew in grade school, folks you went to church with in the ‘90’s, friends who grew up here and moved away — everyone comes back for the Freedom Festival. Candidates running for office, businesses promoting sales, bands and cheer squads boosting pep, all kinds of people turn out for Bethany’s great annual event.

This year’s Festival will be extra special as it kicks off a year-long celebration of Bethany’s Centennial as a city. Long before Oklahoma City sprawled out in all directions around it, Bethany’s founders settled here and the building blocks of the community were formed – churches, schools, and the Children’s Center. It is fitting that many of those institutions will also be celebrating their own 100th birthdays over the coming year.

As you are out walking through the Freedom Fest this year, please take a moment to stop by the Northwest Chamber Booth in the City’s Tent to say “Hello”. We’ll be there to welcome you and hope you’ll enjoy the many activities provided at the event.

It’s also time to get those stories about your business, your church, your school, and your family turned in for the Bethany Centennial History Book. Each entity can turn in a story up to 500 words long and judging from those already submitted, it will be an interesting, entertaining read. Your family need not date back 50 or 100 years in this community – one of the books leading proponents has only recently moved here but fell in love with this area and all it has to offer. It is also time to buy your book for $45, a great Christmas Present – because after the initial order, any extra books will cost $60. The Centennial History Book Committee will have a booth at the Freedom Fest also.

The folks at Dignity Memorial funeral services, which includes Bill Merritt, Guardian West, and Chapel Hill, will present a special viewing of a three-quarter scale Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Wall from July 3 – 5 at Piedmont High School’s Stout Field. This traveling exhibit is inscribed with the names of more than 58,000 servicemen and women who gave their lives in the Vietnam War. The exhibit is free and open 24 hours a day, a fitting reminder of the sacrifices that have been made for our freedom.

It’s been about six months since this column began, and I’d like your feedback – What are the top things YOU love about our Northwest Community? What are some of the greatest challenges we face? I’ve started posting these “Northwest Notes” columns in a blog,

www.nwokc.wordpress.com,

and you can interact with your ideas, comments and suggestions.

Building Business Relationships Through Networking – Slow AND Fast

Originally published in The Tribune June 18, 2009
By Jill McCartney, President/CEO The Northwest Chamber

At the very core of business success is a relationship. Developing a relationship takes time, getting to know and understand one another. For hundreds of years, the game of golf has been not just a sport, but an opportunity to get to know someone else and build a business relationship.

Spending the day on the golf course with someone is very revealing. While no actual business may be discussed, each of the parties has a unique vantage point to observe and access the other. Are they honest or do they fudge on the little things? When things go wrong, how do they react? When they are successful, do they gloat? Do they make excuses? Are they supportive of others? Do they have patience? Are they relaxed or uptight? How quickly do they adjust when situations change? Are they ultimately more interested in the outcome of winning or the process of playing?

It would be nice if every business relationship started with this kind of information; because how a person conducts them self on the course can be a real insight into their character.

I’m thinking about golf today as we prepare for the Northwest Golf Classic to be held Monday, June 22 at The Greens Country Club. While the tournament has been held in several locations in recent years, we felt it was important to bring it home to the Northwest Area this year. Our area is loaded with many recreational opportunities, and there is no better way to highlight it than by holding the tournament here.

Later that week the Chamber will go from one of the oldest relationship builders to one of the newest as we host a speed networking “POWER HOUR” on Thursday, June 25 at Southern Nazarene University. While we’ve held others at lunch time, we’ve scheduled this one at 7:30 AM for those who cannot get away from their business at noon. Our members always tell us it is one of their favorite activities.

In speed networking, if there are fifty participants there might be ten tables set up, each with five seats. Each person is given a schedule so that each time the bell rings; they rotate to a different table with all new people. Within the time period each person has a minute or two to tell the short story of their business. No small talk and no awkwardness about getting right to the meat of the matter.

Speed networking is extremely efficient and interesting – participants walk away with lots of new contacts and usually learn new information about the businesses of people they visit with casually at regular networking events. After a speed networking event it is important for the participants to follow up with one another, so that these contacts actually have a chance to grow into a relationship. But the quick information gleaned from these brief encounters provides more than enough facts to support future conversations and referrals.

In many ways, speed networking is the opposite of golf – in tempo and the way that information is exchanged, but both are useful tools in building relationships for business. And helping people build their business by building relationships is what the Chamber is all about.

Going Green Makes Cents for Northwest Businesses

Originally published in The Tribune June 11, 2009
By Jill McCartney, President/CEO The Northwest Chamber

What does it mean to “Go Green”? When the movement started several years ago, the ideas involved no motor vehicles, no use of paper, dietary restrictions, and other policies that made everyday life both extraordinarily expensive and miserable.

This Thursday, June 11, local businesses will have the opportunity to learn more about how it saves cents and makes sense to go green at the Northwest Chamber Luncheon. Small business representative from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, Dianne Wilkins, will talk about ways to make our businesses more profitable by becoming less wasteful, more sustainable and efficient.

“Improving your company’s environmental performance is good for business. Waste indicates inefficiency: the more waste your business produces, the less efficient it is. Greening your company’s operations makes them more efficient,” said Dianne Wilkins, Environmental Programs Manager with the Department of Environmental Quality.

The luncheon will take place at the Clarence Page Building at Wiley Post Airport. The Northwest Chamber thanks Cartridge World for sponsoring the luncheon, and Cocina de Mino for catering. All attending should RSVP to ashley@thenorthwestchamber.com.

There are several Chamber member businesses who are true “ecopreneurs”, making a living from green or sustainable industries.

Cartridge World handles ink cartridge recycling in environmentally friendly way at both ends of the sale. Doing business with them not only saves money, it’s also nice to know those bulky plastic cartridges are not adding to the mess in our landfills and leaking their chemicals into our water. Cartridge World has metro locations at Westgate Marketplace and at Rockwell & NW Expressway.

Another “Green” business is Shred-It, the world’s leading on-site document destruction company. By keeping unwanted papers shredded, opportunities for identity theft area reduced, as is recycling the shredded debris into a next generation product.

Other businesses help individuals go green – many by helping people turn their unwanted goods into someone else’s treasure, and not more trash. Getting more efficient means eliminating unnecessary consumption, like too many clothes in an over-stuffed closet. Enter Suited for Success, Kimberly’s Bargain Boutique, and the Heart and Hand Thrift Store.

Suited for Success accepts gently worn ladies apparel and provides them to women who are getting a new start on life. Kimberly’s Bargain Boutique and its companion store, Heroes and Hardball give local folks the chance to bring in their trading cards and comic books, dresses, and accessories and earn a little money by putting the items on consignment in their just-opened store at 38th and Peniel in downtown Bethany. Finally, local charity Heart and Hand Thrift Store is a place that will accept a wide array of donations, both clothing and household goods.

Our metro area will fall out of federal air quality compliance this year. This will cause big changes in the way we generate energy, drive and work. Businesses with fleets, aviation, landscaping, and those that work with chemicals (body shops, exterminators, dry cleaners, etc) will be especially impacted by the issue, which in other parts of the country has changed the way of life for all citizens with vehicle emissions testing, required auto modifications, and changes at every gasoline pump.

The Northwest Chamber is a member of the Central Oklahoma Regional Advocacy Alliance, which on June 17 will hold a forum to provide an informative and timely discussion on the impact of a non-attainment designation for central Oklahoma. Held at from 11:30 AM to 1 PM at Oklahoma Christian University, on Wednesday, June 17, registration is $40 and includes Lunch. Speakers include environmental law experts and others heavily involved in air and transportation public policy issues. Those interested should contact the Northwest Chamber at 789-1256.

Planning Northwest Growth & Neighborhoods

For publication in The Tribune June 4, 2009
By Jill McCartney, President/CEO The Northwest Chamber

What will this area look like in 20 or 30 years? I never thought about that 20 years ago, but I’m glad there were people who did.

In looking toward the future, previous generations saw the need for more water, and built Lake Overholser, and later Lake Hefner to meet those needs. Roads like Route 66 and I-40 have been joined by the Hefner Parkway, Northwest Expressway, and the Kilpatrick Turnpike to ease travel, provide a structure to our community, and tie our community together. All of these came about because people planned and developed the area with that plan in mind.

With most of the centrally located land already in use, Oklahoma City is now looking at the large and somewhat undeveloped spaces in the Northwest Sector to forecast what the long range needs of the community will be, over the next 20 years and beyond.

A collaborative effort led by Oklahoma City’s Planning Department, the group has invited local citizens to participate in a series of meetings over the last several months to discuss how land in northwest Oklahoma City should be used, the transportation system, water, sewer, parks and recreational opportunities, police and fire protection, and other public services.

The Northwest Sector includes 100 square miles of land North and West of Lake Hefner and Wiley Post Airport, including portions of Canadian County. Some of the particular aspects of the plan they are reviewing include the social, historic and environmental characteristics of the area, specific growth and development concerns. The outcomes will help in designing policies, strategies and land use to support the long-term growth and development of this area. While everyone in the area was invited, most of the citizen participants have included neighborhood leaders, area developers, and school representatives.

This Friday, June 5, the Northwest Chamber is inviting all local business owners to participate in a special briefing with the planners from 7:30 – 9 AM in Room 101 of Building 7 at Francis Tuttle Technology Center on North Rockwell. City officials will provide an overview of the plan and request business input into the projected long term infrastructure and development needs of this area. The meeting is free and open to anyone who would like to attend.

A key component of successful communities is an active neighborhood, and one way these groups learn to work together is through forming Neighborhood Associations. The Neighborhood Alliance is an organization committed to creating safe, attractive and healthy neighborhoods throughout Central Oklahoma.

In working with the Neighborhood Alliance, people can learn about grants available for improvements like lighting, sidewalks, and landscaping, and groups can learn from the successes and challenges faced in other areas. Many of the most active neighborhoods have created great turnarounds by working together and stopping the problems of dropping property values, empty storefronts, and rising crime. People make the difference.

The Neighborhood Alliance is holding two seminars on the Legal Issues for Homeowner Associations. The first will be held the evening of June 16 at Pelco Products in Edmond. The next will be on July 23 at Home Creations in Moore. For more information or to sign up, call 528-6322.

Next Thursday, June 11 the Chamber’s monthly luncheon will focus on ways your business can “Go Green” by reducing waste, becoming more sustainable, and ultimately more profitable. Sponsored by Cartridge World, attendees will enjoy lunch from Cocina de Mino and a presentation by the Small Business Liaison with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality. Seats are $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Call 789-1256 to reserve your place.

Recognizing Northwest Achievers

Originally published in The Tribune May 28, 2009
by Jill McCartney, President/CEO The Northwest Chamber

It’s a pleasure to shine the spotlight on several Northwest OKC people and chamber members who have earned new achievements recently.

Our Chamber Chairman, Jane Haskin, was just elected First Vice Chairman of the Oklahoma Bankers Association. Jane is the President of First Bethany Bank, and with this election, she is set to become the first woman to lead the state bankers association when she becomes the OBA Chairman in 2011.

Steve Rasmussen, the president of FAA Credit Union just became Chairman of the Credit Union Association of Oklahoma. FAA hosted a coffee for our chamber members at their Northwest Expressway office last week.

Three Northwest Chamber members were recognized as “Achievers Under 40” at a special luncheon last week. In earning this distinction, they have the opportunity to participate in a series of young achiever breakfasts over the next year and also received a generous $5,000 scholarship to continue their education or gift to someone else from Oklahoma City University.

Rachael Collins, just 28 years old, was nominated by both the Northwest Chamber of Commerce and her boss, Allegiance Credit Union’s Vice President of Corporate Development Laurie Stratton. Rachael was awarded the 2008 Volunteer of the Year by the Northwest Chamber and has proven her leadership the last 8 years she has been employed with Allegiance.

Todd Krout, Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending at First Bethany Bank has been in banking for 15 years, the last 10 with First Bethany Bank. He also volunteers as a tutor at Monroe Elementary School.

Alison Wolf is the Vice President of Marketing for FAA Credit Union, and chair’s the Oklahoma Credit Union Marketing Council. She participates in more than 15 community athletic events each year and volunteers with United Way, the OKC Arts Council and Children’s Miracle Network.

Toastmasters is an organization that helps individuals develop their speaking and leadership skills, and in this arena, Michael Boatman, President of Professional Image Displays, has once again distinguished himself. After winning several rounds of competition, Michael will represent Oklahoma in the regional Toastmaster International Speech Competition June 20 in Denver.

Five years ago, state leaders formed a statewide business plan competition for college students aimed at simulating the real-world process of entrepreneurs soliciting start-up funds from potential investors.

Backed by the generous Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, the competition known as the Governor’s Cup has now attracted more than 180 innovative ideas from 26 campuses across the state. Altogether over 650 students have tested their entrepreneurial skills while competing for over $700,000 in cash prizes.

The program has helped to establish innovative companies and created scholarship and job opportunities, helping to retain our ambitious young minds and build an innovation economy.

This year five fellowships worth a total $40,000 have been awarded as part of the Governor’s Cup Entrepreneurial Leadership Program, and two of them came from OSU-OKC. The ELP serves start-up technology businesses interested in offering students the opportunity to be involved in a business growth project.

Students participating in the Governor’s Cup applied for consideration and matches were made based on the project and student skills. The paid fellowships begin in June.

Dustin McBride, an undergraduate at OSU-OKC will work on developing and standardizing management operational procedures with Digitouch Innovations in Oklahoma City. Digitouch distributes digital interactive information to unique physical locations via a centralized web interface.

Nathan Nelson, an OSU-OKC student now attending Oklahoma City University earned a fellowship with Orbus Technology Group. Nelson will spearhead a return on investment analysis on Think 12, Orbus’s flagship proprietary managed IT infrastructure solution for school districts with minimal or under-funded IT budgets.

All About Bethany

Originally published in The Tribune May 21, 2009
by Jill McCartney, President/CEO, The Northwest Chamber

The Bethany Public Schools Foundation recently held their annual dinner, which raised money to support special projects of that teachers need for their classrooms, recognize outstanding educators and students, and awarded scholarships. On the fundraising front, they held an auction, and there was one particular item that really captivated me. It was a framed black and white photo of downtown Bethany, circa 1952, which showed a bustling scene of storefronts, traffic and a line of children. It was simply charming, and I was not the only one smitten – a bidding war ensued, and ultimately I lost. I think the sweet lady in gold who purchased the picture was may have been one of those children in the photo.

While that particular image slipped from my hands, I have faith that I will find another out there. Over the last few months I’ve had the opportunity to participate in a citizen committee working on a book detailing Bethany’s history over the last 100 years. While no original founders are on the committee, many of them are the sons and daughters of those founders who’ve spent their entire lives in this community, fostering its heritage for generations.

Several local historians and curators are also working on the project, which will not only publish a book, but are also recording a video history of the memories of our people. Each family, business, church and school is asked to submit a personal story of no more than 500 words and a picture. Additional space, as well as advertising space and sponsorships are also available. Submissions must be made by July 4.

The books are scheduled to be printed in time for Christmas and can be ordered for only $45 by July 4. After that date, a limited number will be available for $60. All monies collected beyond the printing costs will be donated to The Children’s Center.

Last Saturday, committee members were at the Bethany Library to scan citizen’s photos for the book. That way people can stop by, share their memories, and still hang on to their cherished mementos. If you missed it, you have another chance — the scanners will also be there on from 1 – 4 PM on Saturday June 6, and again on June 20. Maybe I’ll spot another picture or two that someone would allow me to make a copy of – I’d love to hang it in the chamber office.

Each year Bethany hosts one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in the state, the Family Freedom Festival at Eldon Lyon Park. The event features a run, a parade, a classic car show, carnival rides and games, entertainment, an opportunity for retail sales through vendor booths, and fireworks. This year the Festival will also mark the start of Bethany’s Centennial celebration, which will continue through the fall of 2010. Businesses interested in becoming a festival sponsor, booth vendor, or entering the parade should contact the City of Bethany at 789-5005.

It’s time again for The Children’s Center’s Farmer’s Market on NW 39th Expressway, which features fresh, healthy, locally grown fruits and vegetables on Thursdays from 2:30—6 PM and on Saturdays from 9 AM – Noon. For more information visit The Children’s Center’s Website: www.tccokc.org .

Chamber Awards Local Seniors Scholarships

Originally published in The Tribune May 7, 2009By Jill McCartney, President/CEO The Northwest Chamber

Having a strong workforce of college graduates is a key component of attracting new companies to locate in Oklahoma. Up until the recession, economic development leaders were scrambling, trying to attract, retain, and encourage a permanent homecoming of our state’s best and brightest. The must-have-qualified-people to attract jobs, must-have-quality-jobs to retain educated people conundrum is a chicken-and-egg situation state leaders have been trying to address for some time.
In many ways the economic downturn has been a great leveler in Oklahoma’s effort to stem the “brain drain”. As jobs have evaporated elsewhere, Oklahoma ‘s economy has kept chugging along, helping to make our area more attractive to those who are looking for a stable place to work, live, and raise a family. Creating and enhancing programs that support students in their college studies is more important than ever.
The Northwest Chamber started a scholarship program a few years ago that is growing each year. On May 14 we will present four scholarships to local students graduating from high school this year who have demonstrated excellence in their business ambitions, leadership, community involvement, academics, and character
Kim Thai will graduate from Putnam City North. She and her family immigrated to America from Vietnam when she was very young, and she has learned much about hard work from her parents. Kim has been very active in school as student council treasurer, a class officer, and a volunteer with over 100 hours of community service. She has also worked consistently through her high school years and now plans to attend UCO and major in accounting, hoping to someday have a career in international business.
Katie Bowles will graduate from Putnam City West and plans to attend UCO and become a math teacher. During school, Katie has served as President of the Honor Society and an officer of the Silver Strings of Putnam City orchestra. She has volunteered as a tutor for middle school students and also with children in the Special Needs ministry at her church. Katie was selected for the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute Orchestra the last two years and plans to play with the symphony orchestra at UCO.
Aaron Klossner will graduate from Putnam City High School and hopes to pursue a career in Architecture. Aaron has been active in Scouting, earning the Eagle Scout and Bronze Palm honors and leading young scouts in developing their outdoor skills. He has also been active as a cellist in the orchestra and the Silver Strings. He is a member of the National Honor Society and volunteers with his church, while being a reliable employee with his part time jobs.
Nikala Shenold will graduate from Putnam City West and plans to attend Oklahoma City University and pursue a career in Nursing. A performer in school musicals and dramatic productions, as well as competitive choir, Nikala has been a group leader at her church ‘s Vacation Bible School. She also earned her black belt in karate at the age of 12 and has been helping teach others for the last six years. She has served as a class officer and is a member of the National Honor Society.
There were many outstanding candidates for these awards, and each of these individuals ranked at the very top of their classes, and they share inspiring stories of courage and determination.

Celebrating Leadership in our Community

Originally published in The Tribune April 30, 2009
by Jill McCartney, President/CEO The Northwest Chamber

Each year a group of individuals is selected to participate in Leadership Northwest, a Chamber program that helps participants learn about the cultural, social and economic forces that impact business and the community and encourages its graduates to get involved and take on leadership roles.

Since September the class has learned about services and organizations operating within the community through sessions focusing on education, public safety, economic development, health care, government, and non-profit organizations. Organizing the sessions were LNW Alumni John Martin, Director of Development with SNU and John Lunn, Principal of Lake Park Elementary School, assisted by other LNW graduates. The courses of study helps participants develop an awareness of the challenges and the opportunities that exist in this community, and to discuss and develop potential solutions.

Each Leadership Class creates a special project in service to the community. This year’s class is remodeling a shelter room for the Oklahoma City YWCA’s Domestic Violence Shelter. The shelter is a temporary safe haven for women and children escaping dangerous situations and provides encouragement and hope toward a transition to a positive future.

Jan Peery, CEO of YWCA Oklahoma City will speak at the graduation dinner for this year’s class on May 12 at A Spot for Tea. Leadership Bethany and Leadership Northwest Alumni are invited to a reception from 5 – 6:30 p.m.

Members of this year’s class are Lillian Brejda, Herbs Etc; Randy Dunn, PreSort First Class; Glenn Gee, Tan ‘n’ Go; Jeffrey Groves, Coppermark Bank; Gary Mercer, MercerAdams Funeral Service; Janet Oden, Putnam City Schools; Charlie Phillips, County Clerk’s Office; Valerie Shed, RE/MAX Real Estate; and Cathy Wandel, The Northwest Chamber.

Candidates are currently being nominated for the 2010 Class of Leadership Northwest. Those interested should call the Northwest Chamber office at 789-1256.

Leadership is personified by Kay Martin, the long-time Superintendent of Francis Tuttle Technology Center, who is planning to retire this June. Recognized nationally as a trailblazer for women and CareerTech education, Martin was only the second female superintendent of an Oklahoma technology center district when she was named to her current position in December 1996.

She has served on boards for the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women, the Academy for State Goals, the State Chamber, Oklahoma Business Roundtable, Science Museum Oklahoma, and a charter member of the national Manufacturing Institute Education Council. Over the years Martin has earned numerous honors including the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame, the Woman of the Year’s Circle of Excellence, and the Oklahoma Association of Career and Technology Education’s highest award, the Francis Tuttle Career Excellence Award.

Martin will be honored by Francis Tuttle Technology Center the evening of Friday, May 8 at Innovision ’09, which raises money for the Francis Tuttle Foundation. The funds go to assist students in need at FTTC who might otherwise be unable to attend classes or prepare for the workforce.

Last year the Foundation paid tuition for fifty-six students. Once a student is funded they continue to receive tuition assistance until they complete their program. All recipients are adult students preparing themselves for productive roles in the workplace and society.

The Foundation also provided assistance grants totaling $9,130 and student loans totaling $11,150, which are typically bridge loans made while waiting for the receipt of approved federal aid and are repaid in the same school year. In the past five years ending June 30, 2008, the Foundation made tuition payments of more than $240,676 for 453 students.

For information more information go to www.kaymartinft.com .