Page 2
■
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Page designed by: Violet Hassler
Enid News & Eagle
a
SPARK
in enrollment
Autry Technology Center follows the trends in employment in Enid, the surrounding area By Phyllis Zorn Staff Writer
An important part of Autry Technology Center’s formula for success is keeping an eye on the local economy, knowing what jobs are in demand and offering training designed to meet employer needs now and into the future. The “hot classes” in 2013 are electronics, welding, information technology, administrative services, automotive technology, accounting services, air conditioning, collision repair, diesel technology and power products. In addition to full-time training programs, Autry offers a large assortment of short-term classes designed to meet specific needs of area industries.
Classes of opportunity The school provides options for welding. In-depth training is offered during the day and emphasizes gas, arc, MIG, TIG and pipe welding while utilizing the theory and practices of welding, brazing and assembly. An evening class offered once a semester includes oxyacetylene cutting and welding, arc and MIG welding. Techniques of uniting common and alloy metals in extensive hands-on experiences are covered in this class. Ryland Stonehocker, Autry welding instructor, remembers as recently as two years ago the number of welding students and equipment needed for learning the trade filled a space half the size the program now requires. He’s watched enrollment in the welding program undergo remarkable growth. “In the seven years I’ve been here, it’s expanded considerably,” Stonehocker said of the welding program. “We went from eight students in the morning and eight in the afternoon my first year to 22 in the morning and 22 in the afternoon.” Welding student Lawrence Ramirez said he enrolled in welding to learn respect and self-disciple. “I thought it would help me learn that,” Ramirez said. “I have learned to love welding.” Ramirez bought a portable welder and is earning money making hand rails as well as working for a local automotive service shop. He’s also taking three online classes through Cowley Community
College in Arkansas City, Kan. Ultimately, Ramirez has his eyes set on a specific industry. “My plans are to become a pipeline welder and move on to nondestructive testing,” Ramirez said.
Fueling a career Changes in the general economy and the industry’s response to them have created a new need in the automotive technology program as well. “With businesses turning to alternative fuel to save money, Autry’s Compressed Natural Gas State of Oklahoma Certification class has experienced growth,” said Melissa Jenlink, marketing director for Autry. “Auto technicians learn the basics of CNG installation operations, state rules and regulations and have the option to take the state certification test at the end of the class.” Aaron McCormick (left and cover) practices welding at Autry Technology Center. Changes in the economy and automotive industry have increased interest in Autry’s programs such as certification for compressed natural gas vehicles, like those (above) used by Autry. (Staff Photos by BILLY HEFTON)
ments of Oklahoma Construction Industry Board and International Mechanical and Fuel Gas Code. Students learn installation, operation, maintenance and repair of residential and commercial air conditioning, heating and refrigeration systems.
Learning to troubleshoot
James Chastain, automotive instructor at Autry, helps students learn not only how to repair gasoline-fueled vehicles but to repair and maintain vehicles that operate on CNG. More and more vehicles are powered primarily or entirely on CNG, Chastain explained. Most of the vehicles start out on CNG and run on it until the tank is empty, then switch over to gasoline. “We think it’s going to be a very big thing in the near future,” Chastain said. Autry is one of only a handful of technical schools licensed to teach the state-mandated CNG course. CNG isn’t just for powering cars and trucks. It’s technology that is catching on in other areas.
“They are also converting heavy equipment as well to CNG,” Chastain said. “With the substantial growth in the transportation industry there is a need for diesel technicians, automotive technicians, collision repair technicians, truck drivers and small engine mechanics,” Jenlink said. “Autry offers training in all areas— some that span over a couple weeks and some that could last as long as two years. Training is offered during the day and evening. Some courses are even offered over the weekend. Customized training can be put together for local businesses.” Air conditioning and refrigeration technicians are high in demand and low in supply, he said. Autry’s training program meets require-
Created to INSPIRE marketing professionals By Cass Rains Staff Writer
Inspire Greater Enid began in 2009 as a forum where marketing and communications professionals could gather to network and share ideas and information. President Nicole Winfield said it is the only organization for marketing professionals in northwest Oklahoma. “It pretty much started so we wouldn’t have to go to Oklahoma City or Tulsa,” she said, noting those were the closest cities with such a group. “We bring local and non-local speakers to talk about marketing related topics and share ideas.” The group has met every other month for the past four years but also meets if there is a topic or issue that needs discussed, Winfield said. “We have a meeting in February, which is one of our off-months, but we have a topic we want to hit on,” Winfield said. “This year we’re hoping to hit on topics we’ve never hit on before,
like blogging is really important. Crisis management is another topic we want to hit.” The group has members from 65 area companies, with some companies hosting multiple members. However, the group is always looking for more people, Winfield said. “We’re trying to push for members now,” she said. “We hope to bring speakers to Enid that our marketing professionals can really benefit from. Bringing a perspective from outside can help to freshen up creative ideas.” Memberships are available at $75 individual and $125 corporate rates. The first meeting is free for those who have never attended an Inspire Greater Enid meeting and just want to get a feel for what the group offers. “They can listen to the speaker, and if they have any questions, talk to one of the board members or me,” Winfield said. Not only do members benefit from the different speakers but meetings also afford an opportunity to meet other
professionals. “Networking is one of the most important elements of IGE. Not only do you meet people from companies you might not have known existed but it’s a great way to exchange ways on how others market their business,” Winfield said. “Social media, and creative ways to market, is always changing. IGE wants to focus on that and give members the most up-todate and accurate way to use these tools effectively.” Current officers include Winfield as president, Curtis Tucker as president-elect, Derrick Silas as secretary, Kelly Goodwin as treasurer and Deborah Cromwell as board member at-large. The organization’s March meeting will feature Angie Mendez from Eskimo Joe’s Clothes. She will speak about the success of her company. To join Inspire Greater Enid go to www.inspire greaterenid.com, contact a board member and fill out an application, or attend one of their regular meetings.
Brian Ferrell, from factor 110, (right, at top) addresses members of Inspire Greater Enid at Convention Hall in January. IGE board members (right, from left) Kelly Goodwin, Deborah Cromwell, Curtis Tucker, Nicole Winfield and Derrick Silas work to bring local and non-local speakers to talk about marketing related topics and share ideas. (Staff Photos by BONNIE VCULEK)
Every company, every industry and a growing number of households rely on a variety of technological devices. Electronic technicians install, troubleshoot, maintain and repair automated equipment controlled by electrical, electronic and computer systems used in a wide variety of applications, such as industrial robots and automated controls. Monte Reggow, electronic systems instructor, puts it simply: “If you want to know how things work, this is where you will learn it.” His students have gone on to be instrument and electrical technicians, oil field equipment maintenance specialists, information technology technicians, maintenance technicians and more. “You can hire somebody off the street to run this equipment, but if a wire gets removed, it’s not going to run — and who can fix it?” Reggow said. “One of my students can fix it.”
“
A boom in business There is a growing need for administrative professionals as well as professionals who can work on computers. A variety of classes offered at Autry help this area, including administrative services, accounting services, information technology and several classes focused on computers, software, leadership and management and succession planning. Melissa Hula, instructor in the business department at Autry, said the department houses four programs, and students range from high school and college students to adults. Some students already are working in their fields and are sent by their employers to learn specific skills. The majority of the young students go on to college, where they use their knowledge in their future coursework, Hula said. “Now computers are in every area of business that we serve,” Hula said. The business department will stretch out in the fall, when instructors begin teaching in a second location. “We’re really excited that we have been asked to come in to the University Center at Enid High School next semester,” Hula said.
We hope to bring speakers to Enid that our marketing professionals can really benefit from. Bringing a perspective from outside can help to freshen up creative ideas.” Nicole Winfield, president of Inspire Greater Enid
Page designed by: Violet Hassler
Enid News & Eagle
“
ERDA Executive Director Brent Kisling (Staff Photo by BONNIE VCULEK)
Sunday, February 17, 2013
■
Page 3
I’m starting to get a little aggravated with the people who say this is all fixing to end, and the glory days of Enid are behind us. ... When you have an extra $100 million in retail sales in 2012 over 2011, you’re going to get some attention. I’ve got to think 2013 is going to be a big year for retail development in Enid.” Brent Kisling, Enid Regional Development Alliance executive director
a new level of
PROSPERITY
ERDA director predicts Enid has not seen plateau in economic boom, diversified market will keep it growing By James Neal
A city of diversity
Despite fewer oil lease contracts and last year’s departure of Continental Resources, Enid Regional Development Alliance Executive Director Brent Kisling is predicting unprecedented performance for the Enid market in the foreseeable future. The pace of signing new oil field leases in the Mississippi Lime play peaked in 2011, with 12,540 new leases in the Oklahoma portion of the play, according to figures provided by ERDA. That pace slowed in 2012 with 3,642 new leases, the lowest level since a 10-year low of 1,414 leases inked in 2009. A majority of the active leases in the Mississippi Lime play are set to expire in 2014. But, Kisling said a slowing pace of new leases doesn’t necessarily signal a slowing of the booming pace in Enid’s economic growth. “I’m starting to get a little aggravated with the people who say this is all fixing to end, and the glory days of Enid are behind us,” Kisling said.
He said the focus needed now isn’t on when or whether the oil boom will end, but rather on reaping its benefits. “How do we capitalize on this now, to make sure there’s not a cliff at the end of this boom?” Kisling said. The pace of the current boom likely will “plateau at some point,” but it will not necessarily bust like the last big boom in the early 1980s. “The difference between this boom and the ’80s is these are horizontally fractured wells, which require a lot more ongoing service,” Kisling said. “The service companies that are coming to town now are going to have more of a presence here.” He said the best of the economic impact from the oil and gas industry is yet to come. “I think we have a new level of prosperity here,” Kisling said, “and we’re not to the plateau yet.” Even the departure of Continental Resources has not slowed Enid’s economy, Kisling said. “We hate it, that they’re gone, but we’re more-than managing in their absence,” he said. “We’re doing OK.”
Staff Writer
He said Continental left Enid at the best possible time, during a strong local economy and before Continental grew too big for Enid to “grow” into the vacated jobs. “If Continental had been bigger when they left, it would have been a lot harder on Enid,” Kisling said. “They probably couldn’t have chosen a better time to make the move. We’ve grown into the hole they left. There’s been plenty of employees and plenty of wealth come to town to fill that hole since last April.” Kisling said companies like Wymer Brownlee, Triangle Insurance and Hiland Partners have been able to expand their businesses into space formerly occupied by Continental. Kisling said Enid’s economy has continued to grow because it is not focused on one asset. One of the local market’s increasing strengths lies in a growing retail diversity, Kisling said. That retail diversity, paired with strong oil and gas activity, led Enid to unprecedented sales tax returns in 2012, after a record-breaking year in 2011. Kisling said that perform-
ance bodes well for Enid’s potential to attract new retailers and continue to build on its growth. “I’ve got to think more retail outlets are going to be looking at Enid,” Kisling said. “When you have an extra $100 million in retail sales in 2012 over 2011, you’re going to get some attention. I’ve got to think 2013 is going to be a big year for retail development in Enid.” Kisling said the major challenge facing the region this year, and the one over which the city has least control, is the ongoing drought. He said the continuing drought threatens the livelihood of agriculture producers and the grain storage and transport industry. “If there’s no crops coming in, it hurts the economy for all of us,” Kisling said. “The availability of water could hamper our economic growth.”
Self-perception To overcome challenges and competition, Kisling said Enid needs to continue investing in improvements that attract new businesses, new
investors and new residents. He said ERDA supports the city of Enid’s proposed $50 million parks plan for that reason. “We are very much for it,” Kisling said of the parks plan. He said Enid competes with communities like Stillwater, Ponca City and Woodward for new residents and new businesses, and those communities are investing a larger share of revenue on quality of life improvements. “If we’re going to compete, we have to invest in ourselves,” Kisling said. “We know we have more than 1,500 jobs in Enid right now we’re trying to fill, which is going to mean bringing in people from other communities because of our low unemployment. And, you can’t just convince someone to move to Enid with a paycheck anymore.” He said it takes meaningful quality of life improvements, like the parks plan, to attract a skilled workforce. “The green spaces, walking trails, good-quality sports venues, that’s all a big part of what we’re trying to sell,” Kisling said.
He is optimistic the parks proposal will pass March 5. “I think there are enough people in Enid who believe quality of life is important, and who want to see these venues built ... I think the vote will be successful.” While optimistic about the parks vote, Kisling said one of the biggest long-term hurdles Enid needs to overcome is locals’ perception of the city and its potential. “Those who already live here need to recognize what an awesome place this is, and how big a deal Enid is becoming,” he said. “We’re a much bigger deal outside of Enid than we are among the people who already live here, and that’s one of the biggest factors holding us up right now.” If Enid can overcome that hurdle, Kisling said, the city is poised to benefit from an unprecedented level of prosperity. He expects continued opportunities for growth for Enid, through 2013 and the foreseeable future. “I have no doubt 2013 is going to be a great year,” Kisling said. “We have not yet reached the plateau everyone is thinking about.”
Page 4
■
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Page designed by: Violet Hassler
Enid News & Eagle
a
message UNIFIED
City groups working for economic development in Enid, the area benefit from pooling their resources toward marketing the region By James Neal
Main Street Enid and the city of Enid. Enid assistant city manager Joan Riley said the process of “Branding Enid” took more than a year of research, focus groups, design and marketing. “The first thing that came up was that we needed a solid, unified brand,” Riley said. Kevin Friesen of Friesen Design was brought in to help the Enid First committee come up with a unified message, and then
flag flying off the logo, symbolizing Enid’s pioneer past and its movement into the future. From large signs atop The letters rise from the ground Convention Hall and the Enid city and move upward to a blue sky administration building to T-shirts, and billowing clouds. stationery and souvenirs, Enid’s “Enid basically was formed new logo has become an easily overnight, so that idea of rising up recognizable symbol of the comfrom the prairie was part of our munity. thinking,” Friesen said. “We’re But the new logos are only a forward thinking, and the idea of small, visible portion of a more being boundless, and having enercomprehensive campaign to gy ... all of those things were intechange perceptions about Enid, grated into it.” among current residents, Friesen said the logo serves prospective visitors and as an important visual symbol new businesses. of Enid’s personality, but he The effort to “rebrand said the branding effort goes Enid” began in 2011 as a far beyond the logo. way to unify marketing “The logo is not the efforts coming from the brand,” Friesen said. city’s main promotional “The logo is a visual and economic developidentifier of what we ment entities. want to communicate Enid basically was formed overnight, Brent Kisling, executo people about our so that idea of rising up from the tive director of Enid community. EveryRegional Development prairie was part of our thinking. We’re thing we do has to be Alliance, said the need to advancing the brand, forward thinking, and the idea of being create a cohesive brand for but the logo is the boundless, and having energy ... all of the city became evident most visual and most those things were integrated into it.” when ERDA launched a simple visualization new ad in a regional magof the brand.” Kevin Friesen of Friesen Design, azine. Enid City Manager designer of the Enid brand logo unveiled in 2012 “We were really Eric Benson said excited about our ad, many people just assoand when we got the ciate Branding Enid publication in we saw that the boil that message down into a rec- with the new logo. He said the chamber also had an ad in there, ognizable symbol for the city. campaign really is about creating a and Main Street had an ad, and Friesen said the process of cre- more positive view of Enid’s curthe convention and visitors ating a new brand, and a logo to rent vitality and its future potenbureau had an ad, and they were symbolize it, was focused both on tial. “It’s more than an image, and all different, and they were all the past and the future. small ads,” Kisling said. “We wanted to go back and it’s more than tag line,” Benson said. “It’s a whole new personality for the city.” Benson said the branding campaign aims to change visual and verbal messages about the city. “It’s about a change of attitude,” Riley added. “All the way around, it’s a change of what you want people to think of when they think of Enid, and that’s a city that’s growing, thriving and maturing.” Main Street Enid Director Kelly Tompkins said Enid’s new brand can be summed up in this sentence: “Enid is a community overflowing with boundless opportunities, building on an original heritage and pulsing with a vibrant quality of life.” She said the new branding effort has “brought about unity, with us all promoting Enid as a community that is boundless, original, and vibrant.” Enid Convention and Visitors Eric Benson signs the final steel beam during an Enid Renaissance steel signing celebration at the Bureau Director Marcy Jarrett said project site in downtown Enid. Mayor Bill Shewey, commissioners and guests signed before the the new brand allows different city organizations to promote Enid to difsteel was raised into position. Work continues on the project. (Staff Photo by BONNIE VCULEK) ferent audiences, but with a cohesive message about the city. He said it was apparent all of look at the history ... and see what “Each of our five different entithe city’s entities working for eco- we could do to tie this to the past, ties have the same goal — bring nomic development could benefit and yet look to the future,” Friesen more people to Enid,” Jarrett said. from pooling their resources and said. “We didn’t want to just be “Each of us have a different target creating a unified message. tied to the past. We wanted to be audience, but now, with this unified “We knew if we were going to looking forward to the future.” brand, if someone sees an ad targetall be publishing ads out there, we Friesen said the elements of the ing economic development, they see needed a consistent message.” logo symbolize both Enid’s past the same branding used in a tourism The effort to create that cohe- and its future. campaign. Each audience sees the sive message resulted in formation Among other elements, a capi- same Enid, and that’s what we needof Enid First, comprised of repre- tal ‘E’ and bold letters in the city’s ed.” sentatives from ERDA, Greater name “communicate strength and Jarrett said the unified campaign Enid Chamber of Commerce, Enid confidence,” while the ‘i’ in Enid has effectively extended the marketConvention and Visitors Bureau, doubles as a landrun stake with a ing budget for all five of the Enid Staff Writer
“
TURN YOUR TO DO LIST INTO YOUR DONE LIST!!
• LAWN & GARDEN • OUTDOOR LIVING • PAINT • HOME GOODS • TOOLS • ELECTRICAL • BEDDING PLANTS The Helpful Place • POTTING SOIL • DECORATIVE ROCKS • GARDEN TOOLS
HARDWARE
®
2215 W. Willow Enid, OK 73703 580-237-3335
An enormous Enid, Oklahoma, brand hangs on the south wall of Convention Hall as roof construction continues at the Renaissance project area in downtown Enid. (Staff Photo by BONNIE VCULEK)
Enidbrand.com: This website provides general guidelines for visual and verbal articulation of Enid’s brand, as well as specific directions for the application of our logo and related elements.
A brand new way to look at Enid Enid News & Eagle, with consent from the city of Enid public relations department and Enid brand designer Kevin Friesen, has incorporated the flag from the Enid brand logo as part of its annual Progress edition design. Enid’s Brand incorporates the idea of embracing the area’s heritage while looking to the future, which is along the same lines as this year’s News & Eagle Progress theme, “Our Heritage, Our Future.” It is a marriage of ideas both city and News & Eagle officials hope will instill a sense of pride in the hearts of Enid and area residents. You can learn more about Enid’s brand at enidbrand.com. First entities because of “crossover” between their marketing campaigns. “It shows we’re all stronger working together, and we’re all putting Enid first,” Jarrett said. Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jon Blankenship said the new brand, and its message about Enid’s future, is being embraced by the community. “In general people have been very enthusiastic about the new brand,” Blankenship said. “It’s a positive morale thing for the community, and it’s great to see all our organizations working together to move Enid forward.” Blankenship said businesses, the public and the Enid First members “have run with the ‘boundless, vibrant, original’ concept” in the new brand. “It helps convey pride in our community, pride in our heritage and pride in the fact Enid is progressive, and it conveys a message of what Enid aspires to be,” Blankenship said. Broadcasting that message, in-
side and out of city limits, is an evolving process. Kisling the next step in the process is creating video and digital marketing messages to “broadcast the brand.” He said all of the Enid First entities need more video clips that could be used to market Enid online and to prospective visitors, residents and businesses. ERDA currently is working on several video projects to produce promotional clips that can be used for different purposes, from workforce recruitment to tourism promotions. But, regardless of the medium, Kisling said the campaign will continue to advance Enid’s bright future, rooted in a proud past. “Our older representations focused more on our past than on our future,” Kisling said. “We don’t want to lose connection with that past, but we want to focus on where we’re headed as a community. We’re going to a new level, and this is a new representation of who we are.”
ALVA STATE BANK & TRUST CO. ENID BRANCH ASB
1901 Member ★
2013
★
LATEST IN BANKING TECHNOLOGY with “Hometown Service’’ • On-Line Banking • TeleBanking • Image Statements
• Bill Pay • Debit & ATM Cards • Friendly Service
Consumer, Commercial & Agricultural Lending
801 W. Broadway ENID, OK
580-234-4201 www.alvastatebank.com
Enid News & Eagle
Sunday, February 17, 2013
â–
Page 5
Page 6
■
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Enid News & Eagle
Page designed by: Violet Hassler
building
B USINESSES ‘that don’t
go away ...’
James Strate Center is a good place for fledgling firms to get their start By Phyllis Zorn Staff Writer
Linda Beguin found the perfect place to grow her small business, Over the Fence Farms, when she discovered James Strate Center for Business Development at Autry Technology Center. Beguin and her husband, Jerry; son, Adam; and mother, Betty Radcliff, all pitch in with the business. Products are prepared in a certified kitchen inside the James Strate Center. Beguin has special words about her mother’s assistance. “She’s a huge help to me,” Beguin said. “I don’t know what I’d do without her.” They market Farmhouse, Spicy Farmhouse, Tomato Basil, Red Pepper and Vegetable and Stuffed Baked Potato spice mixes; Basic Beer Batter Bread Mix, Cinnamon and Raisin Beer Batter Bread Mix, and Garlic and Herb Beer Batter Bread Mix; Dad’s Miracle Cobbler Mix; Sweet and Spicy Chunks pickles; Cowgirl Kisses, also known as pickled jalapeno; and Jezebel Sauce. Over the Fence Farms products are sold at six retail stores in the region, at home shows and the like when the Beguin family sets up a table and through mail order from overthefencefarms.com users. Brian Gaddy, director of James Strate Center for Business Development, said the center is beginning its fifth year. Over the Fence Farms has been housed in the Center for one year — the first six months part-time and the second six months fulltime. In addition to Over the Fence Farms, the center is the home of Adventures with Travis & Presley; Aspire Oklahoma; Fuel Conversion Solutions; Privation Printing; and Tres Sucre Chocolatiere. Other businesses have called the center home, as well, including Fence CLM/Encompass, Solutions, Grace Care, Aerosock, Klida and Pro presenters. The center holds classes
for would-be business owners, Oklahoma State University Boot Camp for Entrepreneurs and Business Development Academy. After taking classes that help them learn the basics of starting and operating a business, owners can enter the Cherokee Strip Business Model Competition. Businesses that are ready to start up can apply for a space in the James Strate Center. “We have a selection committee that helps pick who gets to come in here,” Gaddy said. Businesses pay discount rent at first, then the rent is increased. “By the fourth year, they are paying the same rent they would be paying in the community,” Gaddy said. The selection committee looks at the entrepreneur’s business plan. If it’s not solid and well thought-out, the committee will select someone else, Gaddy said. “Mostly they learn how to write a plan by taking classes offered here,” Gaddy said. When the committee gives the nod to a potential business, the business representatives are authorized to make an offer. Gaddy said ample From an economic development standpoint, what we’re space is available in doing is a long-term solution.” the James Brian Gaddy, director of James Strate Center for Business Development Strait Center. In addition, the Grow Enid program provides sponsorships to fledgling businesses. The program is designed to foster small businesses that won’t pack up and leave — or fold up. Businesses selected in the Cherokee Strip Business Model Competition are awarded cash and in-kind service awards, funded by donors interested in helping build great entrepreneurial leaders and venture. “From an economic development standpoint, what we’re doing is a longterm solution,” Gaddy said. “It’s a way to build businesses that don’t go away.”
“
Brian Gaddy, James Strate Center for Business Development director, poses inside the board room (top) and with Linda Beguin (left), Over the Fence Farms owner, at the incubator center. Over the Fence Farms Sweet & Spicy Pickles (above) are one of the products made by Beguin. (Staff Photos by BONNIE VCULEK)
Page designed by: Violet Hassler
Enid News & Eagle
Sunday, February 17, 2013
MAIN
the
Page 7
event
Organization coordinates, promotes businesses and events that keep people coming downtown By Robert Barron Staff Writer
Main Street Enid is a force that promotes (clockwise from top) downtown businesses and events such as the Jazz Stroll, Enid Noon AMBUCS’ Tour de Trykes and the Twilight Criterium, an annual event that features a .6 mile figure-eight track around downtown Enid where cyclists’ speeds can reach 35 mph. (Staff Photos by BONNIE VCULEK)
■
There will be plenty to do in downtown Enid in 2013, as Main Street Enid is focusing on key events, including some changes and a surprise or two. Kelly Tompkins, Main Street project director, said the popular Jazz Stroll event is moving to the week of TriState Music Festival, and hopefully some jazz bands involved in Tri-State will participate. The 15th annual Jazz Stroll will be May 3, part of the First Friday events downtown. In addition to Tri-State jazz bands, area college and university bands will be asked to participate, Tompkins said. Some jazz choirs also will be asked to perform. The venue for those performances will be the West Randolph breezeway, Callahan’s restaurant and the courthouse Gazebo, if there no construction is ongoing. Tompkins said a third outside area also may be used. Restaurants and merchants can obtain their own bands as they normally do, she said.
“There will probably be a big name entertainer perform, but the details are not final yet,” Tompkins said. “We will most likely have one.” First Friday is back March 1, after being on an extended break. During that time, Gaslight Cabarets have continued to be held, as have Turpin Thursdays, a time when when local musicians gather to perform for the public. First Friday has grown significantly in the last year, with four participating locations at the start of 2012 increasing to 20 by the end of the year. Tompkins credited volunteer Stella Jantzen’s promotion of First Friday as a volunteer. Another big event downtown is the annual Tour de Trykes fundraiser by Enid AM AMBUCS. It includes events for casual bike riders as well as serious competitors who compete in the Twilight Criterium on a figure-eight track through downtown Enid. The event has been nominated previously for an Oklahoma Main Street award. One of the most popular Main Street events is the annual Enid Lights
Up The Plains holiday lighting festival that kicks off the Christmas shopping season. The fireworks display always is a crowd favorite. Several new Main Street committees have been started this year, as the organization continues to evolve to meet the needs of downtown. One is called Loft Living and is designed to educate people and provide sources on ways to make it easier to create more loft apartments downtown. Another committee is tasked with creating a downtown Enid history website. It will feature photos and stories of old Enid. Visitors to the site can share their memories of downtown and of people they knew. A third committee is a public art committee that will try to bring more vibrancy to downtown by showcasing art. One of the projects to be worked on will be artistic designs on the eight downtown corner nodes. Some art exhibits around town will be permanent and some will be temporary. Main Street Enid was created in 1994 with the goal of revitalizing downtown. One of the first things the organization did was work on streetscapes and facade improvements. Since its inception, Main Street Enid has seen private reinvestment in downtown top $32 million.
Page 8
Sunday, February 17, 2013
■
Enid News & Eagle
ENID’S ONLY LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED SUPERMARKET
“LENTEN SPECIALS” Best Choice Tartar Sauce
Ea.
16.5 Oz. Squeeze Ea.
USDA SELECT 1/8” TRIM BONELESS SHOULDER ROAST $ 79
2
Jumbo Pack
Lb.
USDA CHOICE ANGUS BEEF 1/8” TRIM BONELESS PETITE SIRLOIN STEAKS $ 99 Lb. Jumbo Pack
e c u od
3
$1.49
PILGRIM’S USDA GRADE A VEGETABLE FED SMALL OCEAN ECLIPSE WHOLE SALMON FILLET ¢ $ 99 FRYERS Lb.
99
e c u od
Pr
1
5
Ea.
Pr
EXTRA LARGE SWEET SEEDLESS NAVEL RIPE ORANGES $ 00 ROMA TOMATOES¢ 2 LBS. / 1 58 Lb.
HORMEL NATURAL CHOICE BOSTON BUTT PORK $ 59 Lb. ROAST
6
24 Oz. Pkg.
OCEAN ECLIPSE TILAPIA FILLETS $ 99 2 Lb. Bag
FRESH FROZEN CATFISH $ 99 NUGGETS 1 Lb.
AQUA STAR RAW SHRIMP $ 99 26-30 Count
5
1 Lb. Pkg.
Ea.
Ea.
HEINZ KETCHUP
1
$ 99
38 Oz. Squeeze Bottle
Ea.
BETTY CROCKER CHICKEN, TUNA OR HAMBURGER HELPER $ 4.3-12.2 Oz. Select Varieties
5/
5
BLUE BUNNY PREMIUM ICE $ 99 ¢ CREAM 56 Oz. Ea.
BANQUET ENTREES 4.9-10.5 Oz. Select Varieties
89
Ea.
Select Varieties
4
C&H GRANULATED SUGAR RAINBO THIN SANDWICH 4 Lb. Bag $ 29 BREAD $ 69 24 Oz.
2
Ea.
1
Loaf
CRYSTAL FARMS CHUNK CHEESE $ 8 Oz. Select Varieties
OREO’S
15.5-18 Oz. Select Varieties
2/
4
$
2/
4
BEST CHOICE COTTAGE CHEESE 24 Oz. 1%, Non-Fat or Regular
2
$ 49
CAMPBELL’S SOUP 10.5-15.4 Oz. Select Varieties
$
10/
10
Ea.
STARKIST CHUNK LIGHT TUNA 5 Oz. Can Packed in Oil or Water
99
¢ Ea.
COKE, SPRITE OR DR. PEPPER 98 12 Oz. Cans,$ 20 Pack
5
STARKIST TUNA POUCH 2.6 Oz. Select Varieties
$
4/
5
KELLOGG’S CORN POPS, APPLE JACKS OR FROOT LOOPS $ 99 CEREAL
MAXWELL HOUSE OR GEVALIA KEURIG CUPS 12 Count Select Varieties
6
$
12.2-15 Oz.
2/
5
FRITOS, CHEETOS & FUNYUNS 6.5-11.3 Oz. Select Varieties
5
$
2/
COORS, COORS LIGHT, MILLER LITE PAMPERS DIAPERS CHARMIN ULTRA OR MGD 64 Jumbo Cruisers, $ 98 SOFT OR 23-31 Count HAWAIIAN PUNCH Ea. 8 $ 99 $ 29 Jumbo Baby Dry, STRONG BATH $ 99 31-36 Count $ 48 12 Oz.Cans 128 Oz. Select Ea. 18 Pack
13
Varieties
2
9 Roll Pack
4
Select Varieties
8 Ea.
Prices Good Sunday, February 17th thru Tuesday, February 19th , 2013 JUMBO EAST 221 SOUTH 30TH 237-9700 Open 7am-10pm 7 Days A Week
VISIT ON THE WEB AT WWW.JUMBOFOOD.COM
Western Union Office Hours: 8 am till 10 pm 7 Days A Week
MONEY ORDERS ONLY 39¢ EVERY DAY
JUMBO WEST
2311 W. WILLOW 237-4170 Open 5am-12 Midnight 7 Days A Week
Page designed by: Violet Hassler
Enid News & Eagle
Sunday, February 17, 2013
■
Page 9
when business
IS SO GOOD
Local aircraft repair firm growing faster than it can find help By Jeff Mullin Senior Writer
Mickey and Kay Stowers have a problem. For business owners, it is a good problem to have. Their business is so good, they need more employees. “We’ve really been expanding here the last several years,” Mickey Stowers said. “Everybody else has been going backwards and we’re going forwards. We could grow faster ...” “We just can’t get employees,” said Kay Stowers, finishing her husband’s sentence. ‘We need people’
The Stowers are co-owners of Aircraft Structures International Corp., located at Enid Woodring Regional Airport. The firm’s primary mission is rebuilding and repairing the Cessna 208 Caravan, a single-engine turboprop that is a true aviation workhorse, used by international cargo carriers like FedEx as well as many foreign airlines. Unlike other aircraft, the Caravan was not impacted by the Great Recession. “They kept producing that airplane when they cut production on all the rest,” Mickey said. Currently the company has 33 employees but could use more. “We have to turn work away,” Mickey said. “We could use another 40 people right now.” “It’s very, very hard to get good employees,” said Kay. “We need people.” The Stowers’ have even resorted to taking mechanically inclined people with no aircraft maintenance experience and training them.
“
shortage of housing. You can’t expect people to come here and not have a place to live.”
Free trade zone Dan Ohnesorge, airport manager, said Mickey Stowers is considering taking advantage of the foreign free trade zone that has been approved but has yet to be activated. In free trade zones, businesses can import items into the free trade zone and delay paying duty on the merchandise. “We have gone through the process of getting it approved,” said Ohnesorge. “That was about a two-year process. All we need is a business owner who wants to take advantage of the opportunity. It hasn’t happened yet, but Mickey Stowers is looking at it.”
We have such a shortage of housing. You can’t expect people to come here and not have a place to live.”
Shifting focus
ASIC got its start in 1978 in the back of an old bank Kay Stowers, co-owner building in Pond of Aircraft Structures International Corp. Creek as Stowers Aircraft Corp. The company moved to Even the numerous layoffs in Medford, Blackwell-Tonkawa the aircraft industry in Wichita Airport, back to Pond Creek and in recent years didn’t lead to then, in 1984, to Berryville, Ark. The company began calling Enid more employees at ASIC. To attract qualified appli- home in 1992. cants, the Stowers plan to buy When the firm moved to Enid some rental property, either sin- the company shifted its focus gle-family homes or apartments, almost exclusively to the that they could then house their Caravan. workers. They plan to offer their “The reason is we can be proemployees three months free ficient at doing the same thing rent, half-rent for the next three over and over,” Mickey said. months then six months at full “There’s no learning curve, you rent, during which time the already know it.” employee would have to obtain ASIC employees travel the other housing, “So we can keep world retrieving damaged using it for new employees,” Caravans, from Laos, to Alaska, Kay said. “We have such a to India, to Nigeria, to Fiji.
“They wreck an airplane, they call Cessna, Cessna says to call us,” said Kay. ASIC has a contract to do all metal work for FedEx, which maintains a fleet of 250 Caravans. They also work for insurance adjusters and buy wrecked Caravans, which they repair and sell. “We had one that flew into a mountain in Alaska,” Mickey said. “It’s flying back up there.” Presently ASIC is working on Caravans from Chile, Peru and the U.S. Damaged aircraft normally are disassembled on site, crated up and shipped back to Enid, but occasionally they can be patched up and flown here. The company also does modifications and enhancements of Caravans under supplemental type certificates granted by the
Federal Aviation Administration. “We’ve gotten three approved STCs,” said Kay. Mickey and Kay married in 2000, and she became co-owner of the business. He handles sales and production management, while she handles finances and human resources. “Everybody says, ‘You guys work together and then you’re home together, doesn’t that just drive you crazy,’” Kay said. “When we’re at work I hardly see him. He’s in his office doing his stuff, and I’m in mine.”
An Aircraft Structures International Corp. employee (top left) works on a damaged Cessna Caravan 208-B Jan. 24, 2013, in Hanger 33 at the business, which is located at Enid Woodring Regional Airport. ASIC (top middle) is owned and operated by Mickey and Kay Stowers and specializes in reconstruction of the Cessna 208 Caravan series. Paul Wilson (top right) glues a new headliner into a Cessna Caravan 208-B at Aircraft Structures International Corp. Wilson has been employed for more than five years at the Enid business. Wilson (middle) works on a Cessna. Mike Burnett (above left), ASIC’s production manager, and Chase Key discuss the application of new skin on a Cessna. (Staff Photos by BONNIE VCULEK)
Page 10
■
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Page designed by: Violet Hassler
Enid News & Eagle
Looking
FORWARD
to 2013 & beyond
“If the people of Enid would just new business about our commitIt’s through increasing retail are going to make piles of cash.” He said Enid still is held back by get on a bus with me and go visit ment to our citizens and our comsales, Benson said, that the city is able to increase its public services locals’ perceptions of their own city, some other communities in mitment as a community to ourand of its future potential for growth. Oklahoma, they’d realize how selves,” Benson said. and improve public infrastructure. He said the new community “We have long failed to live up to blessed they are, and how far this “No one seems to understand that community has come,” Kime said. park at 30th and Randolph could the vast majority of our core servic- our potential,” he said. He said Enid routinely outper- “Numerous communities our size help create incentive for new busies are paid for through sales tax revforms cities like Stillwater in retail would love to get rid of the plywood nesses on the city’s east side. enue,” Benson said. That revenue has shown By James Neal strong growth in recent years, Staff Writer and Benson said it’s not just because of the booming oil Coming off two record-setting and gas industry. years in sales tax returns, a 10th“We were experiencing straight year of operating with a double-digit growth in sales budget surplus and with the tax revenues a year before the Renaissance project reaching its oil and gas exploration started final stage and a $50 million parks here,” Benson said. “Our plan vote set March 5, Enid City increase in sales tax doesn’t Manager Eric Benson said residents come about just because of Enid have a lot to look forward to we’re at the right place at the in 2013 and beyond. right time. When the rest of Benson’s comments came short- the country was at the height ly before city of Enid Chief of the recession, we were still Financial Officer Jerald Gilbert pre- turning a profit.” sented to city commissioners an Sales tax returns set an allaudit that showed the city’s revenue time high in 2011, only to be up 11 percent and expenses down six shattered with an additional percent in 2012 for a surplus of $100 million in retail sales in $15.8 million. 2012. Benson said sales tax ‘Strong financial footing’ returns have grown because Benson said the city’s sound of a concerted effort on the financial footing has been the result part of the city, Enid Regional of a long-term effort on the part of Development Alliance, Enid himself, assistant city manager Joan Convention and Visitors Greater Enid Riley, and the city of Enid employ- Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, ees. “The city is, and has been, on a Main Street Enid and local very strong financial footing,” businesses to make Enid a Benson said. “Every year since Joan retail destination. He said the city has a vestand I have been here at the city, we’ve operated with a balanced ed interest in that effort because retail sales pay for budget.” According to audit report data public infrastructure. “Why retail? Because Broadway Tower in downtown Enid recently was announced as the home of a newly planned hotel, while parks in Enid are set for an upgrade if votprovided by the city’s finance office, ers approve a plan in March. Enid residents are key in deciding whether success of the city continues, officials say. (Staff Photos by BILLY HEFTON) Enid has operated “in the black,” sales tax pays for our streets,” with revenues exceeding expenses, Benson said. “If you don’t “We can’t develop to the west have a source of income you don’t sales but still suffers a perception of on the windows downtown, and every year for the last 10 years. much more,” Benson said. “We have And, revenue growth has out- have the opportunity to pay for new having less to offer than other towns. have what we have here in Enid.” Kime said Enid is outperforming overrun our infrastructure over there. Many people remain resistant to paced rising expenses, leading to a streets.” changes or investments that could other cities its size because of hard But, we have a massive opening to surplus margin that has grown over Seeing the potential expand to the east.” draw more investment to the city, work and investment. the last 10 years. He said more than 80 percent of “If it was easy everyone would be Benson said the continued Benson said. In 2003, the city brought in $49.4 “Every step of the way we run doing it,” Kime said. “Most commu- the city’s retail sales currently take million in revenue and spent $38.9 growth in retail sales has enabled the into the same ‘You’re not from nities in Oklahoma don’t have the place on West Garriott between million for a surplus of here, you don’t know how we do patience, they don’t have the drive Cleveland and Garland. $10.5 million. The 2012 “We have massive opportunities things’ mentality,” Benson said. and the vision we have here. Enid is audit, including $78.2 up and down Van Buren and east of “We need to start focusing on and sitting very pretty.” million in revenue and Van Buren on Garriott,” Benson embracing our bright future. $62.4 million in expensLooking at expansion said. “We have great potential there, “We have the challenge of es, showed a net a surplus Continuing that drive forward and all we need to do is change the overcoming a percepof $15.8 million. tion here in Enid, and means continuing to invest in the prevailing winds.” The city’s net assets Benson said the parks vote is that’s the perception of city’s future, Benson said. also have shown strong more than a vote on parks — it’s a He said improving quality of life mistrust,” Benson growth, corresponding to We have to embrace our potential vote on investing in the city’s future. issues in Enid through the upcoming said. the city’s increased revas a community. We have to believe “If you believe in it, and you He said the com- parks plan vote is the next crucial enues. Net assets have want to invest in yourself and your in ourselves, and be willing to step step. He described the March 5 vote munity tends to “galincreased almost 91 percommunity, then vote for it,” Benson as a “very important juncture in the out of our comfort zone and embrace vanize around the negcent since 2005, from said. “If not, then vote ‘no,’and we’ll ative comments,” and future of this city.” our opportunities. We can return to what $100.2 million to the curwalk away from it. But, it’s not Voters will cast ballots on a plan become mired in peswe had five, six or 10 years ago in this rent level of $191 million. going to get done.” that calls for raising $20 million by simism. community or we can continue this ascenWhether the parks plan passes or “People don’t increasing the city sales tax rate by ‘Turning a profit’ sion to greatness we have going.” understand just how one-half cent for five years, and $30 not, Benson said the city’s future Benson attributed the much potential this million in general obligation bonds rests on the community’s willingEric Benson, Enid city manager city’s fiscal performance town has,” Benson by extending an existing 7 mill ad ness to move forward. to a long-term shift in fissaid. “This is an valorem tax. The proposed plan “We have to embrace our potencal philosophy. extremely capable would renovate all existing parks; tial as a community,” he said. “We “When we say we’re a financial- city to invest $42 million in streets in community, not only financially but build two new neighborhood parks; have to believe in ourselves, and be intellectually.” ly sound city, it’s not just by happen- the last five years. build a large community park at 30th willing to step out of our comfort For those who see the potential in stance,” he said. and Randolph, to include a water zone and embrace our opportunities. Benson said the city for too long Enid, there’s immense opportunity Sitting pretty park, pool or other water feature; and “We can return to what we had focused only on cutting costs, and for investment, Benson said. five, six or 10 years ago in this comCity of Enid director of market- expand on the city’s trail system. “Those opportunities are right ing and public relations Steve Kime did not invest in ways to generate Benson said the plan goes munity or we can continue this here under our nose, and the said public perceptions of Enid beyond improving the quality of life ascension to greatness we have new revenue. A major way Enid has increased only ones who are taking advan- could change drastically if people for Enid’s residents to upgrading the going,” Benson said. “We are the revenue and improved its financial tage of it are the people from would look at what Enid has, com- city’s image for visitors. economic center of northwest standing has been by boosting retail outside of Enid,” Benson said. pared to other cities of its size in “It makes a big statement to Oklahoma, and that’s a great oppor“The people that see it coming Oklahoma. draw to the city. every visitor and every potential tunity for Enid.”
Only thing that could jeopardize Enid’s rise is Enid, Benson says
“
Our Services All too often, families discount the value of ceremony after the death of a loved one. What they don’t know is that a funeral or memorial service is an important part of the healing process.
Funeral Services Coming together with friends and family, whether in a formal funeral or a more relaxed memorial service, gives everyone the opportunity to share memories, express emotions, and find comforting support. Whether you choose burial or cremation, the need for acknowledgement of the loss with family and friends is ever present. Together we can create a unique meaningful ceremony to express the genuine individuality of your loved one. We offer families a peaceful setting in which to gather those who wish to honor your loved one. A service that will make a difference in the lives of all who attended.
4800 W. Garriott Enid, OK
WAY OUT WEST WESTERN STORE
ished 1970 Establ
(580)233-5186
2800 N VAN BUREN ENID, OKLAHOMA 73703 580-233-1400 LADUSAUEVANS@SUDDENLINKMAIL.COM WWW.LADUSAUEVANS.COM
Page designed by: Violet Hassler
Enid News & Eagle
Sunday, February 17, 2013
■
Page 11
Enid Young Professionals members discuss plans for the 2013 year during their first board meeting in the Dr. Jerry & Carolynne Blankenship Conference Room at Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center Jan. 17. The group aims to impact Enid’s future through local involvement and awareness of community issues. (Staff Photo by BONNIE VCULEK)
YOUNG By Cass Rains Staff Writer
Greater Enid Young Professionals is working to reach more in the community, even as they invite even more members to help address the interests and needs of those younger than 40 in Enid and the surrounding area. The group aims to impact Enid’s future through local involvement and awareness of community issues. President-elect Rynn Day
said the group is expanding its board and will hold a membership drive this month. “We’re expanding our board so we can extend our reach,” she said. “Our main event this year is going to be our 10 under 40 honors.” The event honors some of Enid’s brightest up-and-coming civic and business leaders, as well as recognizes other nominees for the award. 2012 10 Under 40 honorees were Shaye Aman, Kyle Brownlee, Cara Carson, Ash-
ley Ewbank, Robert Faulk, Amber Fitzgerald, Becky Livesay, Dalen McVay, Lisa Powell and Jason Turnbow. As part of its membership drive, Day said the group will host an information session later this month at Convention Hall. “It’s an informative session to invite members and non-members to come and hear more about what is planned, what the benefits of being a member are,” she said. “We’re excited about the
professionals ready to make an impact
new opportunities to find new people. We’ll be sending letters out to all the businesses in Enid.” Individual memberships are $35 and business memberships are $60. Applications are on the group’s website, www.enid YP.com. Enid Young Professionals’ board consists of president Cody Joliff, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center education director; presidentelect Rynn Day, Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce mem-
bership and special events director; secretary and treasurer Whitney Hall, Oxbow Calcining chemical engineer; and Webmaster Jacob Foos; city of Enid deputy director of public relations. New board members include Kristen Vencl, Enid Event Center and Convention Hall monthly events chairwoman; Tim Campbell, 10 Under 40 chair and attorney with Mitchel, Gaston Riffel & Riffel; Stephanie Ezzell with Humphrey Abstract; commu-
nity enhancement chairwoman Tiffany Harvey, with Messer Bowers Co.; monthly event committee member Kara Bowers, with Enid Event Center and Convention Hall; and advisory committee member Ryan Allen with Autry Technology Center. Current members and those interested in the group are invited to attend a membership mixer at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at Convention Hall. Drinks and appetizers will be provided.
Midwinter Service Event! Midweek Special
10%
Off Service
• Tuesday is Senior Citizens Day (55 and older) • Wednesday is Ladies Day • Thursday is Military Day
Valid only at Northcutt Toyota. Maximum discount of $150. Must be presented at time of write-up. One coupon per customer, per visit. Not valid with any other offer, promotion or special. No cash value. Not retroactive. See dealership for details. Void where prohibited by law. Offer expires 3/31/13
In colder weather, moisture and adverse road conditions put your vehicle’s vital systems to the test Minor issues leading to bigger problems could leave your vehicle susceptible to breakdown. To help you save as you maintain the health of your Toyota this winter, Northcutt Toyota is hosting our Midwinter Service Event now through March 31. To schedule your service online, simply click the button or call one of our Service Appointment Coordinators at 800-749-9536
TOYOTA SERVICE
WINTERIZE YOUR
CAR
Mon - Fri 7:30am - 6:00pm Sat: 8:30am - 4:00pm
3201 W. Owen K. Garriott • Enid, OK 73703 • 580-234-5171 Make your life easier... with a Remote Starter
Introducing the New
Starting at
$
2799.
Many models to select from
3535 West Garriott •
(580) 234-4095
Tool Boxes • Hitches • Spray in Bedliners • Window Tinting Fiberglass Bed Covers & Camper Shells • And much, much more!
F.W. ZALOUDEK CO. KREMLIN, OK • 580 -874 -2211
Page 12
Sunday, February 17, 2013
■
Page designed by: Violet Hassler
Enid News & Eagle
Kristal Randall (right), executive director and owner of LearningRx, has benefitted from help from Oklahoma Small Business Development Center in Enid. Taylor Howard (above), with LearningRx, works with a client at the new business location, 2106 W. Willow Friday, Feb. 8, 2013. (Staff Photos by BONNIE VCULEK)
“
“We are here to help small businesses and help them succeed. ... We help any business: someone who is thinking of going into business — we call those ‘preventurers’ — and a high percentage of our clients are those who are already in business.” Laura Girty, regional director, Oklahoma Small Business Development Center in Enid
to help business
BUSINESS
in
Development center detects greatness in small ventures By Bridget Nash Staff Writer
The development of small business is an important component of Enid’s economy, and one of the places those small business can turn to for help is Oklahoma Small Business Development Center. Oklahoma Small Business Development Center in Enid is housed at Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Enid campus and is funded through Small Business Administration, a federal program. “We are here to help small businesses and help them succeed,” said Laura Girty, regional director. The center offers a confidential assistance in a variety of areas. “We help any business: someone who is thinking of going into business — we call those ‘preventurers’ — and a high percentage of our clients are those who are already in business.” Oklahoma Small Business Development center offers counseling in marketing, media, financial analysis, business planning, capital sources, government contracting, industry research, international assistance, training/education and networking. “And we can help people registering for a federal I.D. number and Oklahoma sales tax,” said Girty. “We have lots of online resources available.” One of Oklahoma Small Business Development Center’s most unique programs allows the staff to help clients predict how well an offered product will be received. “We can run extensive industry reports,” said Girty. “It is really very helpful.” Oklahoma Small Business Development Center does not currently have a full-time Enid employee but is planning to have one by March 1 of this year. Once there is a full-time staff member in the Enid office, Girty said no appointment will be necessary for anyone who wants to drop by and
seek counseling on their small business. Oklahoma Small Business Development Center’s mission is to “provide confidential, high quality, no-cost entrepreneurial and small business management advising in order to help Oklahomans start and grown businesses.” The organization’s vision is “the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center Network will be the most highly regarded small business management advising organization in Oklahoma.” Oklahoma Small Business Development Center has been helping local business in Enid since 1996. The center is in room 124 of Northwestern-Enid’s campus. Their website is www.osbdc.org.
Donna Lemmons (above), owner of Aerosock, sought advice from Oklahoma Small Business Development Center for her business at 222 E. Maple. Lemmons provides windsocks around the world and assists local photographer Mike Klemme with his printing needs. Betty Furmage (left), with Aerosock, packs items for shipment. (Staff Photos by BONNIE VCULEK)
FREE Beautiful Style and Design For Any Home
The new gel mattress by Serta®
Memory Foam Pillows w/Queen & King Sets See Store For Details.
Proudly Made In U.S.A. Where Quality Counts
Grand Avenue Lighting
323 South Grand • 580-237-4656
• Sofas • Recliners • Sectionals • Adjustable Beds
• Mattress • Dinette • Bedroom Sets • Water Bed Acc. Furniture
If You Haven’t Shopped Beds Unlimited, You’re Not Saving Money!
Beds Unlimited Inside Oakwood Mall
580-242-6915
FURNITURE & MORE, INC. Enid, Okla.
Page designed by: Violet Hassler
Enid News & Eagle
Sunday, February 17, 2013
■
Page 13
what’s in a name?
VISIT ENID
believes it’s a lot
ECVB name change follows the bureau’s purpose
experience and enjoy the city of Enid. “The purpose ... is for a visitor to be able to look on the website and get inside information,” he said. “If I am going to launched in December. By Jeff Mullin another community, I want to know “The feedback that we’ve received so where the local people go and hang out.” Senior Writer far has been really good,” he said. “A visitor wants to see Enid like a Visit Enid also produces a weekly cal- local,” Jarrett added. “What we have in Enid Convention and Visitor’s Bureau has one goal: to get people to visit Enid. endar of events. Enid is clearly along main thoroughfares, “We had been asked to really step up 412 and 81. So we want them to venture Which is why the ECVB is transitionthe calendar of events so people have one off those main thoroughfares.” ing to a new identity, Visit Enid. “When you say convention and visi- central calendar to go to,” Jarrett said. Houston said anybody wanting to fill tor’s bureau, it’s a mouthful,” said Marcy “So we pro-actively look for activities out an Enid insider questionnaire can Jarrett, director of Visit Enid. “Visit Enid going on.” contact him at Visit Enid, 233-3643. says what we do and what we want peoThe group’s goal is to answer the age“That website is critical because that ple to do, we want them to visit is Enid, 365, Enid.” 24 hours, all Visit Enid not only has a new over the When you say convention and visitor’s bureau, it’s name and logo, as part of the world,” city’s general re-branding, but a Jarrett said. a mouthful. Visit Enid says what we do and what new website, as well. The site, “The website we want people to do: We want them to visit Enid.” www.visitenid.org, contains a serves a lot of Marcy Jarrett, director of Visit Enid variety of photos, videos and difference information about everything purposes.” there is to see and do in Enid. Houston “One of our big goals was to revamp old question: What is there to do in Enid? shares visitors’ stories on Facebook, the website, make it a lot more visitor“For someone to say there is nothing including a tale of a woman named Enid friendly,” said Rob Houston, Visit Enid to do, either they don’t want to do any- who wanted to visit her namesake city. communications coordinator. “We really thing or they don’t know who to ask,” “She knew of Enid, Oklahoma, used the new branding in developing the Jarrett said. “We’d like to make sure because of her first name and she wanted website to make it fit in with what Enid’s we’re available.” to visit here just to see what the town is brand is.” Houston sends out a weekly e-mail like,” Houston said. Houston said they are “continually calendar and newsletter that includes the The woman, from California, and her tweaking,” the website, which was thoughts of a local insider on how to best husband spent three days here last year. Houston took a picture of the lady’s husband holding an “I Heart Enid,” T-shirt. “She wanted to go where people knew how to pronounce her name,” Jarrett said. “There are people who have odd reasons, but they want to come here.” Visit Enid is asking local residents to submit photos of people enjoying local activities to rob@visitenid.org. “All of that, we can use in our photo library,” Jarrett said. “We’re gathering video and photos at more events throughout the year.” Enid Welcome Center, 123 W. Maine, in the old Kress building, offers free local and state information as well as Enid memorabilia, ranging from T-shirts to shot glasses. The center, which opened in May 2011, is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. “The reason it’s the Welcome Center is because if we call it the Visitor’s Center they will think it is just for visitors,” said Jarrett. “It is for everybody.” On Feb. 26, Convention Hall will host the annual Red Carpet Country Tourism Conference, featuring a scheduled visit from Enid native Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb. In September, Convention Hall will host Oklahoma Museums Association’s statewide conference, a three-day event expected to bring more than 200 people. “That’s the first statewide conference coming to Enid because of the renovated Convention Hall,” Jarrett said. One of the highlights of 2012 for Visit Enid was hosting the American Kitefliers Association’s national convention. That brought some 200 kiteflying enthusiasts to Enid from all over the world. “They loved Enid,” said Jarrett, “and they’re very interested in coming back.” “We would be eligible to host that again in 2015,” said Houston. “We made Marcy Jarrett, Rob Houston and Shala Miller (from left), staff members with Enid Con- center downtown. The bureau’s goal is to get people to visit Enid, hence the name change. it very clear to them that we would love vention and Visitor Bureau, or Visit Enid, pose for a photographer in the Visit Enid welcome Signs (top) promote the downtown area and Visit Enid. (Staff Photos by BILLY HEFTON) to have them back.”
“
KUYKENDALL HEARING AID CENTERS
ENROLL NOW! CLASSES START MARCH 12
BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGY RANGE WIRELESS Products Provide BLUETOOTH YOUR CELL PHONE CALLS TO YOUR HEARING AIDS NEW ACTIVE NOISE CONTROL BEST IN CLASS FEEDBACK ELIMINATOR Todd Kuykendall WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL Greg Kuykendall B.S., BC-HIS Hearing Instrument Specialist WIRELESS TV MEDIA CONNECT BOX Board Certified in H.I.S. Oklahoma LIC# 597 Oklahoma LIC# 451 ★ FREE EVALUATION ★ 3201 N. Van Buren, Suite #200 FREE Wireless Basic 580-234-6168 Remote Control with 1-866-872-8244 Purchase of a set of Range Wireless “Serving Northwest Oklahoma Since 1940’’ Hearing Aids • Enid • Woodward ($150 Value)
Expires March 15, 2013
• Stillwater
• Ponca City
www.kuykendallhearing.com
FREE Consultation With This Coupon Expires March 15, 2013
Page 14
■
Sunday, February 17, 2013
COOKIN’
Eagle Marketing keeps on By Bridget Nash Staff Writer
Page designed by: Violet Hassler
Enid News & Eagle
When it comes to promotion of the city of Enid, Eagle Marketing is deeply involved. “We’ve been described in a bunch of different ways,” said Frank Baker, director of Eagle Marketing. “As a marketing company, a boutique advertising agency, as just folks involved in a lot of things in the area.” Eagle Marketing uses its marketing know-how to take advertising in every direction possible. “We do a lot of advertising. ...We do everything from websites to videos to direct mail. It’s a very broad portfolio,” Baker said. In addition to visual advertising, Eagle Marketing also uses manpower to assist during events and creates partnerships to get Enid events up and running. Some of the well-known events Eagle Marketing has a hand in are Paws for the Cause Dachshund Dash, Junior College World Series, Music and Jazz Stroll, Play it Forward, Weddings with Elegance Bridal Show and Roberts Ranch Smokin’ Red Dirt BBQ. “A ton of our work is behind the scenes,” Baker said. “We have four full-time employees and an extended family of 15 to 20 folks — photographers, those who help with events, writers and web development.” The largest event Eagle Marketing is involved in is also the largest community event in Enid. “This will be the eighth
year of the Smokin’ Red Dirt BBQ,” Lynne Benkendorf, Eagle Marketing project coordinator, said. The Roberts Ranch-sponsored barbecue competition brings 70 competing teams, each comprised of two to five members, to Enid to participate in the competition. “We have judges who come from all over,” Benkendorf said. “Between judges and cooks we have about 400 to 500 people participating. The event brings 7,000 to 8,000 people to downtown Enid.” Roberts Ranch Smokin’ Red Dirt BBQ not only boosts Enid tourism and economy but also raises funds for Enid Arts, March of Dimes, Day Without Violence, Enid schools arts departments and Enid Noon AMBUCS. Last year the barbecue event raised $35,000. The event is KCBSsanctioned and is held the third weekend of April each year. Cathy Nulph is the account executive and promotions director for Eagle Marketing and usually has a hand in arranging the entertainment portion of events. Nulph also is known for her involvement in Eagle Marketing’s well-known magazine E-Town. “I have been with E-Town since its birth,” said Nulph. “It has grown from a small magazine, that was intended to be a soccer mom magazine, to a community lifestyle magazine.” E-Town is a publication
that promotes and highlights the good things going on in Enid and includes features on people, businesses, homes and the popular “party pics” section. “We have also been able to have events through ETown such as Play it
Forward, the music festival at the mall,” said Nulph. “That’s been awesome. It’s (Oakwood) Mall’s second biggest day next to Black Friday.” This year marks ETown’s seventh year, and
Eagle Marketing also has created a dance magazine called “Just Dance.” Eagle Marketing prints 7,500 copies of every issue of
with passion for city of Enid E-Town for subscribers and magazine racks. The magazine can be purchased at Enid’s Jumbo Foods stores. Eagle Marketing also depends on creative director, Theo Pace.
“He kind of completes us,” said Nulph. “He reads our minds.” “Eagle has been blessed with great creative people,” Baker said. Eagle Marketing is in the business of marketing but the passion of its staff is Enid.
Frank Baker, director of Eagle Marketing; Lynne Benkendorf, marketing director; Theo Pace, creative director; and Cathy Nulph, marketing executive, pose for a portrait. Eagle has a hand in marketing several events in Enid. “We’ve been described in a bunch of different ways,” Baker said, “as a marketing company, a boutique advertising agency, as just folks involved in a lot of things in the area.” (Staff Photo by BONNIE VCULEK)
Page designed by: Violet Hassler
Enid News & Eagle
Sunday, February 17, 2013
■
Page 15
INVESTING in Enid AdvancePierre Foods pays attention to recruiting and keeping its workers By Cass Rains Staff Writer
AdvancePierre Foods continues to grow and invest in Enid. “We have increased our production capabilities in Enid with some of our retail products,” said Vice President of People Services and Safety Brian Hayden. “Our Enid operations will produce 280 million pounds of product here in Enid.” That equals about 1 billion portions of food produced by the company, following a $20 million capital investment in Enid. “We’ve increased our production by about 60 million pounds,” Hayden said. “We have that much more capital investment and that much more production coming out of Enid. Naturally, it’s going to take more associates to produce that much more product.” AdvancePierre Foods has about 100 openings for associates in Enid. Low unemployment, an oil boom in outlying and surrounding areas and a lack of readily available housing make filling those openings more difficult. “The labor market is really tight. It makes us look at a lot more flexibility in the hiring of our associates,” Hayden said. “Enid’s unemployment has been 3 or 4 percent for as long as I can remember. In order to effectively operate and to balance family and work life situations, we have to change how we do our staffing to accommodate them with much more flexible scheduling.” AdvancePierre Foods works with a South Bend, Ind., company called Peoplelink to fill its open positions for associates. Hayden said the company does recruiting for associates using the company flexible scheduling model. The company has an office at 910 W. Park where those interested in a position can fill out an application. The office has extended hours and weekend hours to meet changing needs of potential associates. He said one of the things the company has learned is it needs to be more flexible to fit the needs of associates. “Maybe there’s people who only want to work part time. Maybe there’s people who only want to work weekends,” he said. “Peoplelink is going to give us a lot more flexibility and allow us to accommodate what people are looking for and allow us to keep up with the new production and business we have.” Hayden said the multiple locations in Enid have different needs of associates, depending upon the product being produced. “With them helping us on the staffing side we can move people around to where we need them,” he said. “We think it is a
25
win-win situation. It’s a win for us because we give people work when they want to work, and they work for us when they want to work.” Janet Coplen, director of HRIS and compensation, said the company began a mid-shift, 4-9 p.m., to allow associates more flexibility in their schedules. “We began this model after the first of the year with Peoplelink,” she said. “In today’s workday, people want value flexible scheduling. We have to adjust our model to allow that flexibility. We also modified our hourly wage plan to be more aggressive in our recruiting.” Wages have increased in positions throughout the company, and enhanced benefit packages have been rolled out in addition
Mon.-Fri. 9:30-5:30 Sat. 10-3
$
Save $25 on any set of 4 high quality Big O Brand tires Expires 4/15/13
$ Expires 4/15/13
Expires 4/15/13
20
00
Expires 4/15/13
REBATE On Any Other Brand At Reg. Price
30
$ Expires 4/15/13
00 OFF Any Service Over $200.00
Expires 4/15/13
Expires 4/15/13
Expires 4/15/13
Expires 4/15/13
Expires 4/15/13
Expires 4/15/13 Expires 4/15/13
to programs already in place for some 1,600 associates in Enid. Hayden said associates have their own health clinic with professionals available to help with specific health and lifestyle choice areas, such as nutrition and exercise. “We’re trying to create a workforce that is healthier by investing a lot of dollars in our medical plans for health and wellness,” he said. “The value of our benefits is higher than the average employer’s. What the associates pay in premiums is lower than average. “We’ve always put a lot of value on that, and as AdvancePierre Foods we try and enhance that.” Founded in 1973 by Paul Allen and David McLaughlin, Advance Food Co. started by providing hamburger patties and breaded beef to local grocers and restaurants in Oklahoma. In 2001, a new company was formed when Advance Foods joined forces with Excel Specialty Products, a subsidiary of Cargill, to form Advance Brands, LLC. In September 2010, Pierre Foods Inc. merged with Advance Food Co. Inc. and Advance Brands LLC. “We’re still heavily engaged in support of the community,” Hayden said. Associates participate in an annual volunteer day, and the company donates to local food banks. AdvancePierre Foods made the first donation to Loaves and Fishes and also organized support for Hurricane Sandy relief. “We are the No. 1 associate company for the United Way, and the organization does a match as well,” Coplen said. “It’s a huge influx of dollars into the United Way campaign.” AdvancePierre Foods gave 50 cents for every dollar contributed by associates to United Way of Enid and Northwest Oklahoma. “It’s always humbling to know how much our associates are contributing to social services like United Way,” Hayden said. He said the company also is excited about projects undertaken by the city of Enid, such as the walking trail, parks complex on 30th that will go before a voters in March and the Renaissance project. “We’re excited about the things the city is doing,” he said. “We support those efforts. We know quality of life is important for employers and associates.” Hayden and Coplen said they want people to know AdvancePierre Foods is a place where careers can be made. “At AdvancePierre Food a person can have a very long successful career here,” Hayden said. “You can retire here.”
We Buy Gold & Silver
402 C South Oakwood 237-2101 Curtis and Beverly Ediger Family Owned and Operated for 32 Years
Page 16
■
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Enid News & Eagle
COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL 580-540-8948 866-359-9421
All Types of Roofing Concrete Commercial & Residential Windows • Patio Covers Siding • Fencing WE ALSO REPAIR CAVED-IN PATIO COVERS AND CARPORTS