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ED M O N D, O K LAH O MA
May 2015
VOL. 7 | NO. 5
INSIDE
2015
PUBLISHER Karan Ediger 405-341-2121 kediger@edmondsun.com SALES TEAM Terri Bohanan Maegan Newport Suzanne Hamlin CONTRIBUTING Mike Crandall WRITERS AND Jim Denton PHOTOGRAPHERS Cyndy Hoenig Nick Massey Patty Miller Van Mitchell Tim Priebe Terri Schlichenmeyer Karen Moore
Edmomd: State of the City
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Mayor Charles Lamb said Edmond has grown dramatically from the time he moved here as a teenager. And that growth he says has helped make Edmond the thriving economic community it is today. “We are in a dynamic direction at this point and time for this community,” Lamb said. Edmond Public Schools
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Patti Locklear
Edmond Public Schools Superintendent David Goin just shakes his head and smiles when someone mentions that voters in the school district have approved 58 consecutively passed bond issues, dating back to 1959. And voters did it again this year with the passage of a $90.6 million bond issue that will begin with the construction of safe rooms in selected schools throughout the district.
UCO 125th Anniversary
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The University of Central Oklahoma is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year with a slate of activities that highlight the school’s past, present and future. UCO President Don Betz said the university has a long and rich history that has helped transform it.
Building Relationships
Miss your Business Times? Call 341-2121 to get on our mailing list. Thanks! The Business Times is a monthly publication of The Edmond Sun devoted to business in the Edmond area. All rights reserved. Copyright © May 2015.
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Relationships are the building blocks for most businesses. Whether you want to organize a volleyball game or get rid of unfair housing practices in your town, or sell more stuff, you will need lots of good relationships. Why? Because the relationships we have with our coworkers, the communities we serve, and even our adversaries are the means for achieving our goals.
Cover Photo by Karen Moore | Special to the Business Times May 2015 | The Business Times
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from our Publisher
The Employment Issue
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o our Readers: This issue of Business Times of Edmond we reflect on employment. Edmond is blessed to have so many local businesses. There are over 4,000 brick and mortar businesses which employee local people. It makes our economy strong. The Edmond Sun and Business Times of Edmond are proud to employ some of the most talented people around. There is true longevity on our staff. James Coburn, Government and Crime reporter and Todd Short, Production Manager have both been here over 30 years. We also have many others hovering around the 15-20 year mark. The top 10 employers of Edmond are in order: Edmond Public Schools, University of Central Oklahoma, City of Edmond, Integris Health Edmond, OU Medical Center Edmond, Petra Industries, Inc., Adfitech, Mercy Edmond I-35, Remy International, Inc. and Pelco Products, Inc. Many of these businesses have been here 30 years and longer. We thank them and all of our local businesses for your contribution to Edmond! June’s issue of Business Times focuses on LibertFest. It is a time honored celebration in Edmond and one of the world’s largest. We encourage you to experience it!
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May 2015 | The Business Times
KARAN EDIGER is publisher of The Business Times of Edmond and The Edmond Sun.
Edmond
The State of the City
By Van Mitchell | Special to The Business Times
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ayor Charles Lamb said Edmond has grown dramatically from the time he moved here as a teenager. And that growth he says has helped make Edmond the thriving economic community it is today. “I moved here when I was 13 so I am a graduate of Edmond High School when there was just one high school,” Lamb said. “I have seen Edmond explode around me. We are 10 times larger today than when I came to town.” Lamb has served on the Edmond City Council since 1993 and served as mayor since 2013. He was re-elected to a second term after drawing no opponents in the April 7 municipal election. The former city councilman also served 18 months as mayor, appointed to the post after replacing former Mayor Patrice Douglas. Douglas left the City Council after Gov. Mary Fallin appointed her to the Corporation Commission. Lamb said Edmond is undergoing a lot of changes including the construction of a new public safety center which will open later this fall. “We are in a dynamic direction at this point and time for this community,” Lamb said. “We are investing in our public safety facility and that project is going quite well. Collections are ahead of expectations which mean our economy is solid and growing. We feel good about the direction we are going.” Construction of the police department headquarters, 911 communications and emergency management operations started in September 2013. 6
May 2015 | The Business Times
The public safety center, a $27.5 million complex, consists of a 70,000-square-foot downtown headquarters and a second 15,000-square-foot building and support facility at 315 W 33rd St., west of Broadway. The headquarters building is changing the looks of downtown Edmond on the southeast corner of First Street and Littler Avenue. Voters approved in October 2011 a half-cent sales tax for five years to pay for the public safety center project. The center is expected to meet the city’s needs for the next 20 years. The three-story building, with a basement where 10 holding cells for men and five cells for women will be located, is being constructed on a 41,976-square-foot lot. It will be the largest building in downtown Edmond. Lamb said Edmond is seeing a lot of growth along the I-35 corridor. He said the city decided several years ago to put up $11 million to help develop a sports complex and hotel and conference center, part of a 300-acre development of the three corners of Covell Road and Interstate 35. The Hilton Garden Inn and the conference center will be six stories tall and have 158 rooms. The building, with an inside pool and spa, will be surrounded by 546 parking spaces and 28 bicycle parking slots. The city also purchased 19.35 acres of land on the northeast corner of Covell Road and I-35 for the sport complex for $2 million.
Davis Hudiberg, an owner of Summit Sports Complex, said in a previously published article that final plans are being tweaked and they are close to getting started on the project. Plans for a McDonald’s have been approved in the area. “Some of our council members have described I-35 as our river of commerce,” Lamb said. “Some of our projects are outside of the box. Our investments at I-35 and Covell represent that.” Lambs said the opening of the Mitch Park YMCA and Aquatic Center which was collaboration between the city, Edmond Public Schools and the YMCA has proven to be a huge success. About 18,000 members have joined the Mitch Park Y since it opened in 2014. “The Mitch Park Y investment has proven to be more valuable to the community than we expected,” Lamb said. “That Y broke its membership goal within its first two months. We have already seen state swim meet events at facility and those are economic engines for the city.” Lamb also touted the creation of Edmond’s fourth community park called Edmond 66 Park located at the northeast corner of Post Road and State Highway 66, which includes an eight-field softball complex. Lamb said the new hospitals and medical complexes along I-35 are also positive economic signs for Edmond. Discussion has also gotten underway between officials from the city and the University of Central Oklahoma about the feasibility of building a new community performing arts center. UCO and city representatives have met to discuss visions, opportunities and challenges of building a performing arts center on campus or in the downtown area. David Stapleton, UCO’s architect, said previously a center with 1,200 to 1,500 seats would require a building ranging from 68,000 to 75,000 square feet. Lamb said the biggest obstacles are location and funding. “It is very early in the discussions,” Lamb said. “The issue of having a performing arts center in Edmond isn’t a new one and it has gained a little traction with the growth of UCO. The problem we have from a community standpoint is where would you put it? Location is a problem. We need more dialogue to continue and we want to be a member at that table.” Lamb said the vision for Edmond’s current growth began back in the mid-1990s with the creation of Tomorrow’s Edmond which allowed citizens and city officials to work together for Edmond’s future.
“It set a tone and we have continued on with additional planning,” he said. Lamb and city council members also appointed a task force to look at future capital improvements needed in Edmond. City officials are considering renewing the five-year half-cent sales tax that started in April 2012 for the new public safety center. The tax money would go to fund capital improvements. Lamb also wants to see the city renew the penny sales tax as well for capital improvement projects. “If we can extend it then we will have a source of revenue that can help build those needs and wants,” Lamb said. Lamb said the city has been able to weather economic rollercoasters because of its conservative budgeting in which the city has not had to incur any layoffs. Lamb also praised the city’s efficiency in its training of city employees. He said the city has partnered with Francis Tuttle Technology to provide training services for municipal employees. “We have employees who can do multiple things,” he said. “We don’t have multiple personnel or multiple pieces of the same equipment. We are getting efficiencies out of that.” As Edmond grows, so does its traffic problems. Lamb said the city is looking at ways at improving traffic including upgrading traffic systems to allow for greater vehicle flow. “Traffic needs capital improvements whether it is road improvements or intelligent traffic system which would dictate the flow of the traffic,” Lamb said. “You don’t always have to build more roads if you can build a more efficient flow system.” Lamb said Edmond has a lot of positives going for it and believes the future of the city is bright. “I think we are physically well located,” he said. “We have a great quality of life. We are a safe community. We have a strong educational community. We have a lot of good things.” May 2015 | The Business Times
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The next generation of Edmond business community leaders are already making their presence and influence felt in every industry. They’re there, working beside you every day, finding new ways to achieve success for both themselves and their businesses. The Business Times of Edmond wants to highlight the Top 20 under 40 in the local business community. Help us find the 2015 class of go-getters by nominating a young businessperson for this honor. Name:______________________________________________________________________Age:___________ Business:__________________________________________________________________________________ Education:_________________________________________________________________________________ Do they live in Edmond?______________________________________________________________________ What makes this young businessperson outstanding?____________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ How do they contribute to the community?______________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Previous honors and recognition:______________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ How to contact them:_________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Nominee name and phone number:____________________________________________________________ please fill out this form online at www.edmondsun.com/top20under40 or mail this form to The edmond Sun, Managing editor Scott Wanish, p.o. Box 2470, edmond, oK 73034, drop it by The Sun at 123 S. Broadway or FAX it to 405-340-7363. deadline for nominations is 5 p.m., August 1, 2015.
c i l b u P d Edmon Schools By Van Mitchell | Special to The Business Times
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Superintendent David Goin
dmond Public Schools Superintendent David Goin just shakes his head and smiles when someone mentions that voters in the school district have approved 58 consecutively passed bond issues, dating back to 1959. And voters did it again this year with the passage of a $90.6 million bond issue that will add to the number of existing safe rooms in selected schools throughout the district as gymnasiums, band rooms, media centers and classroom additions will be built to do double duty. “It really does say so much about the value this community places on excellence,” Goin said. “The people have shown that they are willing to support their school district over the years. The community also recognizes that as you grow you must reinvest and expand your investments to accommodate that growth. We really take care to place items before the voters that are of merit.” Kathleen Duncan, president of the Edmond Public Schools Board of Education, concurred. “Without supportive citizens who have consistently passed our bond proposals, we would not be able to offer adequate facilities and excellence in our academic and athletic programs,” Duncan said. “Passage of the most recent bond proposal for 91 million dollars is allowing us to build more classroom additions, storm-safe rooms, stadium expansions at all 3 high schools and purchases for technology, curriculum materials and textbooks.” Goin said EPS which is the largest employer in Edmond, currently has a student enrollment of 23,582. He said over the last five years the school district has averaged a growth of 550 students per year. “We have had 60 new students since October,” he said. Goin said with that growth comes the need for more schools. He said the newest elementary school Heritage Elementary will open this coming fall and he anticipates more than 550 students will be served from the outset. “Heritage will alleviate some of the large population numbers at Cross Timbers and Centennial Elementary schools,” Goin said. “Our sixth middle school, Heartland, is scheduled to open in the fall of 2016. This will allow us to relieve crowded conditions at existing middle schools.” Goin said land has also been purchased east of I-35 for a fourth high school that could be built and serving students by the early 2020’s. 10
May 2015 | The Business Times
Duncan said the school district is working with Edmond city officials on staying informed on where population growth occurs and how that could impact the school district in the future. “To assist with long-term growth projections, administrative staff is staying in close communication with city planners to keep apprised of anticipated growth across the areas served by Edmond Schools,” Duncan said. Goin said as part of the latest bond issues each high school stadium would also be expanded as part of the deal. Santa Fe High School would be the first to have its stadium redone. Currently, the school’s bleachers hold about 800 to 1,000 people at the most. That’s why all the football games are played at the University of Central Oklahoma’s football stadium. The school bond will add artificial turf, new bleachers and larger locker rooms. Santa Fe would also get additional safe rooms and class rooms. Construction could begin in the summer. Renovation is planned for both Memorial and North high schools’ football stadiums if a similar bond issue is passed in 2017. “Having the UCO facility as nice as it is, it is not adequate enough,” Goin said. “When you look at adding the fourth high school we are not even accommodating the three high schools enough. Upgrading those facilities does make some sense. It will be a great amenity for each high school campus.” Goin said over the next few years selected school facilities will have new storm shelters and those shelters will serve as multipurpose facilities. “We didn’t want to just build storm shelters,” he said. “Every campus that is receiving a storm shelter will have a dual purpose for that space.” EPS has continued to grow in facilities and district officials have tried to keep that pace with employment as well. Randy Decker, executive director of human resources said EPS currently has about 2,800 employees which doesn’t include substitute teachers with numbers around 441. Lori Smith, EPS chief financial officer said the school district this school year received $33,171,829 in state funding on a per pupil basis and the school district’s budget for the 2014-15 school year is $138,242.16. “It’s a very people intensive business,” Smith said. Decker said Edmond tries to attract teachers and administrators with competitive salaries and benefits.
Randy Decker, Executive Director Human Resources our students’ ability to be successful in life” has been achieved with outstanding success. He will be greatly missed when he retires from the district this July. “ Goin said he believes the future for the school district is being left in good hands. “It is has been very rewarding,” he said. “To be part of a community and organization that is so committed to doing the right things and doing them well I can’t imagine having a more rewarding career. I feel very confident that this district will continue to flourish into the future.”
He said salaries for teachers depend on the number of years a person is employed with the school district. Decker said the minimum salary for a beginning teacher with EPS is just over $34,000 plus benefits and a maximum salary is $49,931.36 plus benefits. Goin has served as superintendent for 16 years and has been with EPS for 21 years. He said he is proud of the hard work and pride that EPS employees have for the school district. “People put in long hours and put in a lot of extra time and energy and that is really what is required,” he said. “We can’t rest on our laurels. We have to be consistently looking at how we can improve and better serve our children.” Goin is set to retire June 30 and Duncan said there were plenty of applicants for the job. “The board accepted applications for the superintendent position from Dec. 14 through Jan. 15,” Duncan said. “Approximately 20 applications were received. After carefully reviewing these applications, the board selected several candidates to interview. The final decision for the selection of a new superintendent will be announced sometime in April.” Goin said the timing was right to take a break from work. He said he and his wife are moving to Fort Worth, Texas to be closer to a daughter and a younger set of grandchildren. “Superintendent’s work is very time consuming,” he said. “There is travel that my wife and I would like to engage in.” Duncan praised Goin for his service to EPS. “Dr. Goin has served the Edmond Public School district for the past 15 years as its superintendent,” she said. “Under his outstanding leadership the district has survived financial difficulties and significant growth of now over 500 new students a year. In spite of those challenges, our students have continued to excel academically as indicated by test scores, Advance Placement programs and the number of National Merit scholars we have each year. Our district has more National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence than any district in the state. The community support we have continued to enjoy under Dr. Goin’s tenure is evidenced by the passage of over 57 consecutive bond issues.” She said Goin will be missed. “Dr. Goin is a master communicator and is admired as a man of integrity and dedication,” Duncan said. “He spends a great deal of time visiting our schools, attending school events and inspiring our teachers and staff. He especially enjoys sharing lunch with and reading to our elementary students. Dr. Goin’s goal of “enhancing May 2015 | The Business Times
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125th Anniversary of
By Van Mitchell | Special to The Business Times
T
he University of Central Oklahoma is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year with a slate of activities that highlight the school’s past, present and future. UCO@125 is a yearlong celebration of the 125th anniversary of Central. Events will include a speaker series and the grand opening of the CHK|Central Boathouse on the Oklahoma River. UCO President Don Betz said the university has a long and rich history that has helped transform it. “UCO continues to thrive after 125 years thanks to a long history of creativity and innovation on the part of our students, faculty and staff, along with the support of the community,” Betz said. The school kicked off its UCO@125 Distinguished Speakers Series Jan. 28 with a presentation on the future of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area by Bruce Katz, vice president for the Brookings Institution and founding director of its Metropolitan Policy Program. 12
May 2015 | The Business Times
Katz co-authored the 2013 book “The Metropolitan Revolution,” which argues that cities and metro areas are the drivers of national economies and the front lines for economic policy innovation. He served as chief of staff for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development during the Clinton administration. Entertainer John Legend spoke at UCO on April 7 as part of the speaker’s series. The nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist and University of Pennsylvania alumnus was recently recognized alongside rapper Common with an Oscar for Best Original Song at the 2015 Academy Awards for “Glory.” The single served as the theme song for the 2014 film “Selma,” which portrays the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches. Betz said the CHK|Central Boathouse in downtown Oklahoma City opened this spring and serves as home to UCO’s women’s rowing team and includes a live music venue and an art gallery. He called the construction of the CHK|Central Boathouse the
next step in a fulfillment of a dream and a demonstration of the power of common vision, collaboration and generosity. “Rising just to the north of us is this amazing phenomenon that’s called the metropolitan area — Oklahoma City,” Betz said. “Now, 1.6 million people are looking to its future. I cannot tell you how proud and excited we are to be part of that story. That is not only going to be a boathouse for our women’s rowing team but it is going to be a serious art gallery and performing arts venue.” Betz became UCO’s 20th president in 2011 and previously served as Central’s provost and vice president of Academic Affairs from 1999-2005. He said the university has continued to grow in enrollment and staff. The school is the second largest employer in Edmond with just over 1,200 employees. The school’s enrollment is over 17,000 students. “We have students from every county, a couple dozen different states and students from over 100 countries,” Betz said. “Most of our living graduates have ended up living within 150 miles of here. The place matters and it matters to the people who went to school here.” In an effort to help meet that student growth, Betz said UCO has undertaken its largest construction project to date with its new $28 million, 120,000-square-foot residence hall. The 440-bed hall, which is anticipated to open this August, will be located just north of the university’s College of Business building along Ayers Avenue. It is the former site of East Hall, which closed in 2001. The structure will bring the total number of available beds
on campus to 1,900. The hall will be paid for by auxiliary funds from the project. In addition to its many amenities, it will include a storm shelter in its basement built to Federal Emergency Management Agency standards. The residence hall’s design focuses on connecting students to campus and building strong communities through a pod-style housing option. Betz noted that the concept of the design was meant to draw on existing campus buildings, but also to look to the university’s future. “As you get to know this building, you’re going to see that it’s going to be far more to us than a place where 440 students live,” Betz said. “It’s going to be a place where we find a new opportunity to express how we mesh living and learning in a very active way. It will be a great place to live and learn.” Betz said UCO has also started to branch out beyond Edmond. He said this semester students had expanded class offerings at the university’s new downtown location, UCO Downtown, located in the lower level of the Carnegie Centre at 131 Dean A. McGee Ave. in Oklahoma City. Classes are available in a wide variety of subjects, including biology, design, education administration, math, music and political science — the latter specifically for students in the Master of Public Administration program. The university’s strategy for the first semester of classes at UCO Downtown focuses on both the working professional interested in a graduate degree and expanding sections of popular classes that could fulfill requirements for a variety of majors. May 2015 | The Business Times
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The university will also work through its Center for eLearning and Customized Education to build partnerships with downtown businesses to offer non-credit courses, certificates and conferences at UCO Downtown. Businesses can build customized education offerings exclusively for their employees or participate in the noncredit courses available to the public. “As Oklahoma’s metropolitan university, UCO is uniquely positioned to equip students to enter the Oklahoma City metro’s workforce,” Betz said. “Those students are the change agents -the drivers of continued economic success.” Founded in 1890, the Edmond school became known as Territorial Normal School of Oklahoma (TNSO). It was later changed to Central State University and in 1975 became UCO. Despite challenges, UCO continues to receive regional, national and global recognition for its programs and its championing of transformative learning. Betz said the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the institutional accrediting agency for more than 1,000 institutions across 19 states, selected UCO’s presentation and paper as its 2014 annual conference’s best. The Chronicle of Higher Education has included UCO in its national “Best Colleges to Work For” honor roll. Betz praised UCO’s faculty and staff. “They are wonderful,” he said. “They are the kind of people you want as your neighbor. We have people who have been here a lifetime, and they are dedicated to the people they serve.” Betz said UCO’s reputation for excellence has continued to prosper on a state and national level. He highlighted that UCO is the nation’s first university named an official U.S. Olympic and Paralympic training site and the Academy of Contemporary Music in Bricktown, directed by noted indie music agent and manager Scott Booker. 14
May 2015 | The Business Times
17 W. 1st ST. DOWNTOWN EDMOND 405-341-2770 www.swansonsfireplaceandpatio.com
Betz also touted the success of the UCO Jazz Lab at 100 E. Fifth Street which is a live music club, recording studio and classroom in one and the Small Business Development Center in Oklahoma City. UCO opened its Forensics Science Institute (FSI) which sits across the street from the new Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations Forensic Science Center. “One of the reasons that OSBI decided to locate its research center was because of FSI,” Betz said. “I see nothing but growth with that relationship.” UCO’s College of Fine Arts and Design recently unveiled plans to expand historic Mitchell Hall Theatre to nearly double its size. The project will allow the school’s performing arts programs to grow a projected 30 percent. UCO has also been on the forefront of green initiatives. The Environmental Protection Agency recognized the school as the 2009-2010 Individual Conference Champion for using more green power than any other school in the Lone Star Conference. Betz said in 2013 UCO along with Oklahoma City Public Schools and Oklahoma City Community College signed the Central Oklahoma Regional Educational Partnership which is designed to further advance efforts to improve educational attainment and success for young people in Oklahoma City.
“This whole thing is to have students be successful and have them matriculate to us or OCCC and knock down the barriers that can discourage people,” Betz said. With the 125-year celebration for the University of Central Oklahoma comes a new society that honors individuals who brought distinction to, or positively influenced the life of the university through their service and/or contributions. Betz said this visionary group of 125 will be recognized throughout the celebration year and formally inducted into the new Luminary Society for the university. “This is going to be an opportunity for us to honor both the past and the present,” Betz said. Betz said UCO is attractive to students for a number of reasons, including its affordability. “I want us to always be affordable, accessible and helping students at any age achieve success,” he said. Betz said he wants the 125th celebration to not just be a retrospective but a continuation of UCO’s mission. “We wanted to celebrate it not as simply a retrospective,” he said. “Our mission is clear. We are here to help students learn, persist, achieve and graduate.” For more information visit www.uco.edu/125
May 2015 | The Business Times
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business matters
JIM Denton L edger Lines
IRS Plays ‘Who is THE SCAMMER?’ W
e are all a sum of the lessons we have learned. A valuable lesson I learned early in life was to never send a stranger my money and expect to receive something in return. I played double-bass, a very large string instrument, in the college orchestra and I was always subject to the basses and bows that the school had on hand. These basses and bows were abused instruments that were barely in working order. Although I couldn’t afford to buy my own instrument, I became convinced that my sound would improve if I had a better bow made by a craftsman. So, I found this guy in Louisiana who reportedly made bass bows. I sent him a check and a letter telling him what I wanted. I waited a few months for my bow. I finally called the craftsman and he claimed no knowledge of my order or my check. He claimed not to know me and told me to leave him alone. Later on, I found that he had endorsed and deposited my check and consequently, I lost about $300 in that deal. I was scammed by a bow maker! There are numerous scams of which we need to be aware. One in particular involves taxpayer identity theft and the Internal Revenue Service. In this scam, the thief obtains a victim’s tax identification
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May 2015 | The Business Times
number either electronically or through other sources, files a false tax return and obtains a refund on the victim’s IRS account. This is not hard for a thief to do and electronic filing has facilitated their crimes. The IRS currently sends letters to verify the identity of taxpayers who the IRS suspects may have fallen victim to this scam. The IRS letter gives taxpayers two options to contact the IRS and confirm whether or not they filed the return. Taxpayers can go to a website called idverify.irs.gov or call a toll-free number. The IRS states that idverify.irs.gov, is the safest, fastest option for taxpayers who
“The IRS currently sends letters to verify the identity of taxpayers who the IRS suspects may have fallen victim to this scam. The IRS letter gives taxpayers two options to contact the IRS and confirm whether or not they filed the return.”
receive the IRS letter. The website will ask a series of questions that only the real taxpayer can answer. Taxpayers should have their prior year tax return and their current year tax return, including supporting documents, such as Forms W-2 and 1099 and Schedules A and C available when they access the site. Once the identity is verified, the taxpayers can confirm whether or not they filed the return in question. If they did not file the return, the IRS can take steps to assist them. If the taxpayer actually filed the return, the IRS says it will take about six weeks to process it and issue a refund. It seems to me the IRS could save significant time and reduce this fraud by issuing every legitimate taxpayer a supersecret 2-digit code under separate cover to enter with their taxpayer identification number on their return. But what do I know? I was scammed by a bow maker. JIM DENTON is a CPA and a managing partner with Arledge & Associates P.C. in Edmond. He may be reached via email at jim@jmacpas.com.
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May 2015 | The Business Times
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business matters
Nick Massey Astute Investor
Let the Market Figure-Out Dollar Exchange Rates
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here is a well-known prayer from Saint Augustine on the topic of chastity. Paraphrased, he reportedly prayed for the Lord to make him chaste, but not just yet. Something similar could be said for those who used to worry about the weak US dollar and longed for “King” dollar to return. It has. But many have said they wanted a stronger dollar, but not just yet. When a country with a healthy economy has a strong currency, the citizens benefit from a higher standard of living through lower import prices and positive terms of trade, i.e. imports become cheaper. If the economy is struggling to grow its way out of a recession or sluggish growth pattern, that benefit will likely be outweighed by the headwinds a strong currency brings on exports. In other words, exports become more expensive and can slow the recovery. One question to ask regarding the recent dollar appreciation is whether the U.S. economy is finally strong enough to bear it. My guess is that it is strong enough to accommodate a moderate appreciation of the dollar, but not a 17 percent appreciation. Like the decline in oil prices, dollar appreciation has been too far, too fast. Be careful what you wish for.
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May 2015 | The Business Times
Of course, to a large extent the strong dollar is a reflection of a weak Euro, which is needed to keep the Eurozone out of a triple dip recession and avoid deflation. However, there is no offsetting currency appreciation against the dollar anywhere in the world. Our two largest trading partners, Canada and Mexico, also have currencies depreciating against the dollar. We are in the position of having to acquiesce to the whole world’s efforts to stimulate exports at our expense. While many countries would like to depreciate their currencies to increase exports, everyone can’t depreciate at the same time. The race to the
“Recent trends mean the Euro could fall to parity with the dollar soon, i.e. one Euro to one dollar. There is nothing wrong with that except that the Euro was recently trading in the high $1.30s, and that is quite a sharp change in a short time.”
bottom in terms of deprecating currencies has become today’s version of trade wars. Recent trends mean the Euro could fall to parity with the dollar soon, i.e. one Euro to one dollar. There is nothing wrong with that except that the Euro was recently trading in the high $1.30s, and that is quite a sharp change in a short time. As I write this the exchange is $1.06 and trending down. (Your next European vacation is getting cheaper by the day.) As for what is the correct level, the Euro started out at a discount to the dollar, and there is no good reason that its subsequent premium to the dollar was what nature intended either. What is the answer? Let the free-market sort it out. To reverse an old phrase – don’t just do something, stand there. The market will correct itself. Thanks for reading. NICK MASSEY is a financial advisor and President of Householder Group Financial Advisors in Edmond, OK.Nick can be reached at www.nickmassey.com. Investment advice offered through Householder Group Estate and Retirement Specialists, a registered investment advisor.
Business matters
Mike Crandall P rofessional Growth S olutions
Why Your Sales Scripts DO NOT Work
T
he young sales rep was excited about his new role — he had been hired by the company straight out of school to sell to the business world. After all of the training he finally had his first solo sales call. He enthusiastically went through all of the things he had been trained to do. Afterwards he raced back to the office to debrief his call with the Sales Manager. The Sales Manager asked the basic question we all know “How did it go?” The young sales rep then paused as he felt uncomfortable answering. As he answered “I thought it went well, however, he did not seem to know his part.” The Sales Manager developed a curious and confused look. As the conversation went deeper, quickly they uncovered that the young sales rep had followed the script from his role play training so closely the prospect did not
“They put way too much pressure on both the salesperson and the prospect. When you follow a script it is impossible to be in the moment and read / understand the other person.” 20
May 2015 | The Business Times
know what to do, which to the new rep appeared he did not know his part. You may think this is an isolated problem, however, it is not. We hear from CEO’s and Presidents all the time that they actually feel bad watching / listening to sales reps call on them as they try to follow scripts. Which is kind of funny because so many of them then turn around and ask their reps to do the same thing with scripts. In our firm one of the top requests we get is to help write or re-write scripts for companies. Each time we get this request I smile, because we know scripts simply do not work. There are four key reasons why scripts don’t work — 1. They seldom sound like the person reading / following them. Scripts do not allow for you to create an environment where the salesperson and the prospect are both comfortable with the interaction. 2. Scripts often come with training on how to follow them. This training is always based on the technique it seldom, if ever, addresses the behavior, attitude, or guts needed to ensure the people can become comfortable using them. 3. They put way too much pressure on both the salesperson and the prospect. When you follow a script it is impossible to be in the moment and read / understand
the other person. The misplaced pressure is on the script not the interaction. 4. Scripts greatly limit the ability for the listen. Far too frequently when you watch someone following a script they subconsciously are so worried about getting the script correct they cannot focus on or listen to the other person. All four of these are tremendous issues for anyone in sales whether brand new like that sales rep at the beginning of this story or a well-seasoned individual having been selling for years. So let me ask how many opportunities have your team / you blown because you were trying to follow a script. Can you see the pressure it was putting on both parties? Can you see how it prevented listening? If you do not know you should find out. If you don’t like the answer find a Business Growth Consultant who can help. MIKE CRANDALL lives in Edmond, OK. He is a consultant, coach, trainer, and speaker focused on sales, management, and leadership development for proactive business growth. He can be reached via email at mike.crandall@sandler.com or by phone at (405) 844-1700. For more information, go to online to www.customgrowth.sandler.com
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AN EDMOND TRADITION
For 68 years, OU Medical Center Edmond has been right here, in the heart of our community. We’ve grown with and supported Edmond through the decades. This is our home. And we’re always here – your home for the city’s most trusted health care. So thank you, Edmond. While other options come and go, we’re proud that you choose your community’s hospital to guide your health. KEEPING EDMOND ALIVE & WELL oumedicine.com/edmond
My Birth Center | Women’s Health Center | Edmond Physical Therapy | Autumn Life Center | Senior Health Clinic May 2015 | The Business Times
21
business matters
Cyndy Hoenig S ocial Strategies
Building Relationships R
elationships are the building blocks for most businesses. Whether you want to organize a volleyball game, or, get rid of unfair housing practices in your town, or sell more stuff, you will need lots of good relationships. Why? Because the relationships we have with our coworkers, the communities we serve, and even our adversaries are the means for achieving our goals. Here are some tips for getting your relationships off the ground. Some of these ideas we learned in the first grade but as adults, we sometimes forget. Face Time. You have to use social media in your communications plan, but nothing can replace Face Time. Get out of the office. The single best way to grow your business is to bring yourself to the client and not just wait for the phone to ring. Largely, people hire people. They don’t hire companies. People hire people they know, like and trust. It’s called cultivating relationships — in person. Sure, we do it online — Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and others. But, nothing takes the place of personal interaction. Take clients to lunch or coffee. Listen to what they want and learn how you can serve them. One on one, the ideas will flow. Attend social engagements. Listen online to find them. Use tools like Twitter search and Facebook events to find what is happening in your community. Your local chambers also host several activities a week to network. Give and Take. Offer something of value to those who are taking time to assist you, buy from you and network with you. I give holiday gifts to each of my clients every year, and I hand deliver them. This small action will go very far in strengthening your relationship. Image of Reliability. Whenever you make a promise or agree to a course of action, make 22
May 2015 | The Business Times
sure you deliver, even if it is to drop off a brief thank you note. Persistence and reliability give you credibility. Training. Whenever you pursue additional training in your profession or sign up for courses in your area of interest, you will meet new people to network and exchange information on new opportunities. Look for opportunities to speak and teach. Offer yourself up to local Chambers. Join your local chapter of the National Speaking Association. Don’t ignore existing clients. Approximately 80 percent of your work will come from your current clients. Treat them well. Visit their businesses. Solicit feedback. Don’t assume your clients are satisfied. Ask them — in person. Personal conversations are always better than surveys, but any method is better than none at all. Donate time. Stake out a leadership position at an association that can benefit from your participation. You’ll meet and help others — and you’ll be seen, and meet new people. How do you sustain relationships? Okay, now you’ve built some relationships. Relationships, like any other living thing, need care to keep them alive and healthy. So what do you do with them to keep them going? Pay attention to people. Check in with people when you need to. This may take only a few minutes a week, but those few minutes can make the difference in helping your friend or co-worker remember the importance of the work you are doing together. Communicate openly. People need to communicate. It’s a good idea to set aside some time just to talk about the way things are going. When people don’t have a chance to talk about important issues, misunderstandings can occur
and tensions often build up. Communication is a discipline that has to be practiced regularly; it’s like taking vitamins or doing push-ups. Appreciate each other. Everyone needs to be appreciated in order to keep relationships going. If you notice that someone did a stellar job of collecting the necessary data for the committee, say so. If you enjoy working with someone, let him or her know. We are all human beings and appreciation helps us thrive. Extend yourself. Go a little out of your way, at least once in a while. If your co-worker needs to spend some extra time with his daughter, you might tell him go home early and you’ll finish up the grant proposal. Volunteer to do some work for their organization (if they are not already in yours) If you lend them a hand, they are likely to think well of you and give something back in return. Challenge each other to do better. We all need a buddy to help us stretch ourselves beyond what we think we can do. We can also build stronger relationships by challenging our work partners to take on bigger challenges. Back each other when things get tough. Loyalty is essential to keeping relationships healthy. We may not agree with a co-worker or friend, but we can stand by him or her when they are in a jam. CYNDY HOENIG is a PR strategist who owns Pure PR in Oklahoma City. She is the author of “600 PR, Marketing and Social Media Tips,” which is available as a free download at http://pureprokc.com/600-diy-pr-tips. She also is the author of “PR Rock Star.” Email Cyndy at cyndyhoenig@ymail.com or call her at 405-245-4668 for more information.
The next generation of Edmond business community leaders are already making their presence and influence felt in every industry. They’re there, working beside you every day, finding new ways to achieve success for both themselves and their businesses. The Business Times of Edmond wants to highlight the leaders in the local business community. Help us find the 2015 class of go-getters by nominating a young businessperson for this honor. Name:______________________________________________________________________Age:___________ Business:__________________________________________________________________________________ Education:_________________________________________________________________________________ Do they live in Edmond?______________________________________________________________________ What makes this leader outstanding?___________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ How do they contribute to the community?______________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Previous honors and recognition:______________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ How to contact them:_________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Nominee name and phone number:____________________________________________________________ Please fill out this form online at http://tiny.cc/wuwnvx and email to kediger@edmondsun.com or mail this form to The Edmond Sun, c/o Publisher Karan Ediger, P.O. Box 2470, Edmond, OK 73034, drop it by The Sun at 123 S. Broadway or FAX it to 405-340-7363. Deadline for nominations is 5 p.m., June 1, 2015.
GROWING EDMOND
Photos PROVIDED | EDMOND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Ribbon Cuttings FuLlfilled Coffee celebrates grand opening
Covell park restaurant has grand opening Covell Park Restaurant recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its grand opening at 1200 W. Covell Road in Edmond. Covell Park is a one of a kind Asian fusion restaurant located in the same shopping center as Uptown Grocery. Covell Park is committed to bringing the best flavors to your plate with recipes influenced by all parts of Asia. The team at Covell Park invites you to stop by, take a tour and try one of their signature dishes or sushi rolls – or to just come have a drink! For more information, call (405) 285-1720 or visit www.covellpark.com.
Fullfilled Coffee Company recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its grand opening at 601 S. Boulevard in Edmond. Fullfilled Coffee, a family owned and operated specialty coffee shop located in the heart of Edmond, offers patrons a delightful atmosphere to enjoy their specialty coffee, teas and pastries. The building itself has several nooks for enjoying a book or visiting with friends and family, including an indoor/outdoor fireplace and two outdoor patio spaces. Fullfilled Coffee also supports local artists through their annual UCO CFAD Scholarship and by providing select artists the opportunity to display their art at the coffee shop. For more information, call (405) 513-6923 or visit www.fullfilledcoffee.com.
Goodwill celebrates new location Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma (GICO) recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of its newest store and attended donation center at 1900 N.W. 164th in Edmond. GICO is Oklahoma’s largest employer of people with disadvantages and disabilities. The new store will be staffed with 25 Goodwill employees ready to provide the best merchandise quality and shopping experience in the thrift business. The new store will also be open and ready to accept donations of clothing, housewares, electronics and other items from the public. Chris Daniels, CEO, stated, “Our goal over the next 3 years is to open at least 9 new stores and create 250 new jobs in central Oklahoma. In addition to job creation, we strive to increase revenue to fund community programs, expand job connection centers, add accredited training programs, a ground maintenance program, and a certified hospitality program to meet the needs of Oklahoma businesses to have a quality trained pool of job candidates.” For more information, call Linda Burgett at (405) 278-7119 or visit www.OKGoodwill.org. 24
May 2015 | The Business Times
Edmond East Animal Hospital celebrates ribbon cutting at new location Edmond East Animal Hospital recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of its new location at 5825 E. Covell Road. Edmond East Animal Hospital is owned and operated by Drs. Rex and Shannon Johnson. The doctors and team provide complete physical care for their patients, including blood work, internal medicine, surgery, dental care, vaccines and preventative care. For more information, call 701-9000 or visit www.edmondeastvet.com.
Premier Consulting Partners celebrates grand opening Premier Consulting Partners recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its grand opening at 6701 Broadway Extension Service Road in Oklahoma City. It is based in Tulsa and provides services in HR compliance, risk management, employee benefits planning and consulting, business and estate planning and wealth management. Premier Consulting Partners tailors each strategy to reduce uncertainty and help clients pursue business and personal goals with confidence. They recently selected former Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner and Edmond Mayor, Patrice Douglas, to serve as its President of Emerging Markets. “Our clients include entrepreneurs, families, retirees, and senior-level executives, as well as municipalities, large corporations, one-person businesses and every level in between,” said Douglas. “Our collective experience allows us to take advantage of what we believe are the most appropriate opportunities for each client’s unique situation.” For more information, call (405) 242-4140 or visit www.premierconsultingpartners.com.
One Focus Medical celebrates one year anniversary One Focus Medical recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its one-year anniversary. Last year, Dr. Jeffrey Davenport, M.D. opened the first Direct Primary Care practice in Oklahoma, One Focus Medical, at 3815 S. Boulevard in Edmond. This membership-based, insurance free, direct primary care clinic is built on the concept that patients pay a small monthly membership fee for unlimited access to his or her doctor. The fee structure is based on age and ranges from $10 - $100/mo, with a corporate rate for small businesses also available. Dr. Davenport’s “One Focus” is the doctor-patient relationship; therefore One Focus Medical provides high quality, personalized care at an affordable price. For more information, call (405) 285-7568 or visit www.OneFocusMedical.com.
Physical Therapy Central has grand opening Physical Therapy Central recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its grand opening at 1260 W. Covell Road in Edmond. PTC Edmond is owned and managed by Christy Nix, PT, DPT, OCS. Christy is a Board Certified Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, and her areas of interest in physical therapy include outpatient orthopaedics, manual therapy, sports injuries and rehabilitation, pediatric physical therapy, and spinal dysfunction. With 16 locations around Oklahoma, Physical Therapy Central’s mission is to provide quality physical therapy services to all in order to get Oklahomans, “Back to Work, Back to Play, Back to Life.” For more information, call (405) 471-5522 or visit www.ptcentral.org.
Securian Advisors MidAmerica, Inc. celebrates relocation Securian Advisors MidAmerica, Inc. recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its relocation to 1360 Fretz Drive in Edmond. The firm was previously located at 2545 South Kelley Avenue in Edmond. Securian Advisors MidAmerica, Inc. serves clients’ investment, insurance and financial needs in Edmond and surrounding communities. Jason Stewart and Bryndon Manzer manage the firm’s representatives and staff. Securian Advisors MidAmerica, Inc. is an independently owned and operated affiliate of Securian Financial Group, Inc. and a registered branch office with Securian Financial Services, Inc., a securities dealer and member FINRA/SIPC. For more information, call (405) 2859647 or visit www.securianmidamerica.com. May 2015 | The Business Times
25
Business Briefs
Kirkpatrick Bank Expands Staff and Services
Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, David Sutter, announces the confirmation of Kathy Frankenfield as Vice President/Director of Private Banking services for Kirkpatrick Bank. In making the announcement, Sutter said, “Kirkpatrick Bank has enjoyed a strong, steady growth trend in the past several years. Our customer needs have also grown and we are responding by bringing Kathy Frankenfield and her expertise in private banking to develop services to meet these needs.� A graduate of Oklahoma State University and the University of Central Oklahoma in Finance, Frankenfield has been in banking in the Oklahoma City market for over 30 years. Her background has included corporate finance, loan review, portfolio management, as well as compliance & community development reinvestment activities. Her recent background has been with Bank of Oklahoma in their Private Banking area focusing on high net worth clients, providing customized banking needs, asset services and wealth management. This expertise will enable her to develop and provide these services for Kirkpatrick Bank clients, creating exciting opportunities for their continued growth strategies. In accepting the position, Frankenfield commented, “I value an environment designed for focus on each individual relationship and the opportunity to develop custom banking solutions for clients. Kirkpatrick Bank is appealing as it expands to offer big bank capabilities in a niche banking environment.�
Arvest Bank Promotes Jerry Garcia to Vice President Branch Manager Arvest Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Jerry Garcia. Garcia has been promoted to vice president branch manager. He has been with Arvest for over 7 years. Garcia’s main responsibilities will be to develop and maintain customer relations and to oversee branch activities. His office is located at 1501 W. Edmond Rd.
Head Over Heels Downtown Edmond can welcome a new retail business early this summer. Head Over Heels a shoe store now in Highland Park shopping center is moving into the Downtowne Shop where Karen Moore Studio is now located. Sue Krominya and her daughter Kelsey opened their shop in 2011 and have patiently waited for just the right location in Edmond. Downtown Edmond was envisioned to become an active part of activities and contributing to the growth of a community. Sue, a retired nurse and Kelsey, a graduate of UCO with previous experience in retail, believe in the philosophy that women care and protect their feet with a comfortable shoe. They take pride in providing sizes 4 to 12 with widths narrow to wide. They will also carry Brighton jewelry and handbags. Sue and Kelsey are already active members of the Edmond Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Edmond Business Association. A big welcome to Head Over Heels.
26
May 2015 | The Business Times
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BUSINESS CALENDAR Edmond AMBUCS Noon May 1 (Club meets every Friday) Cherokee Room in Nigh University Center 100 N. University Drive Call June Cartwright at 405-820-9667 for more information. Centennial Kiwanis Club 6 p.m. May 4 (Club meets every Monday) Ken’s Pizza 628 W. Danforth Boulevard Rotary Club 6-7 p.m. May 4 (Club meets every Monday) Louie’s Bar and Grill 1201 N.W. 178th St., Suite 101 For more information, http://facebook.com/ BoulevardRotary. Edmond Summit Rotary Club 7 a.m. May 5 (Meets every Tuesday) Mercy I-35 2017 W. I-35 Frontage Road For more information, call 405-CUEARLY. Planning Commission 5:30 p.m. May 5 (First and third Tuesday) City Council Chambers 20 S. Littler Ave. Visit www.edmondok.com to find the agenda. Edmond Kiwanis Club Noon May 6 (Club meets every Wednesday) Cherokee Room in Nigh University Center 100 N. University Drive Edmond Rotary Club Noon May 6 (Club meets every Wednesday) Mercy at I-35 20147 W. I-35 Frontage Road For more information, facebook.com/rotaryclubofedmond. Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce New Members Reception 4 p.m. May 6 825 E. Second St. The event is free, but RSVP is required. For more information, or to RSVP, edmondchamber.com.
Edmond Exchange Club 7 a.m. May 7 (Club meets every Thursday) Room 213 in the Nigh University Center 100 N. University Drive For more information about the club, visit www.facebook.com/ EdmondMorningExchangeClub.
Oklahoma City American Marketing Association 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 14 (Second Thursday of the month) Will Rogers Theatre 4322 N. Western Ave., Oklahoma City, 73118 For more information, www.amaokc.org.
Edmond AMBUCS Noon May 8 (Club meets every Friday) Cherokee Room in Nigh University Center 100 N. University Drive Call June Cartwright at 405-820-9667 for more information.
Edmond AMBUCS Noon May 15 (Club meets every Friday) Cherokee Room in Nigh University Center 100 N. University Drive Call June Cartwright at 405-820-9667 for more information.
City Council 5:30 p.m. May 11 (Second and fourth Mondays) City Council Chambers 20 S. Littler Ave. Visit www.edmondok.com to find the agenda.
City Council 5:30 p.m. May 18 (Second and fourth Monday) City Council Chambers 20 S. Littler Ave. Visit www.edmondok.com to find the agenda.
Boulevard Rotary Club 6-7 p.m. May 11 (Club meets every Monday) Louie’s Bar and Grill 1201 N.W. 178th St., Suite 101 For more information, http://facebook.com/BoulevardRotary.
Boulevard Rotary Club 6-7 p.m. May 18 (Club meets every Monday) Louie’s Bar and Grill 1201 N.W. 178th St., Suite 101 For more information, http://facebook.com/BoulevardRotary.
Edmond Evening Lions Club 6 p.m. May 12 (Club meets second and fourth Tuesday) Johnnie’s 33 E. 33rd St. For more information, call Bob Austin at 285-4980.
Planning Commission 5:30 p.m. May 19 (First and third Tuesday) City Council Chambers 20 S. Littler Ave. Visit www.edmondok.com to find the agenda.
Edmond Summit Rotary Club 7 a.m. May 12 (Meets every Tuesday) Mercy I-35 2017 W. I-35 Frontage Road For more information, call 405-CUEARLY.
Edmond Summit Rotary Club 7 a.m. May 19 (Meets every Tuesday) Mercy I-35 2017 W. I-35 Frontage Road For more information, call 405-CUEARLY.
Edmond Kiwanis Club Noon May 13 (Club meets every Wednesday) Cherokee Room in Nigh University Center 100 N. University Drive
Edmond Kiwanis Club Noon May 20 (Club meets every Wednesday) Cherokee Room in Nigh University Center 100 N. University Drive
Edmond Rotary Club Noon May 13 (Club meets every Wednesday) Mercy at I-35 20147 W. I-35 Frontage Road For more information, facebook.com/rotaryclubofedmond.
Edmond Rotary Club Noon May 20 (Club meets every Wednesday) Mercy at I-35 20147 W. I-35 Frontage Road For more information, facebook.com/rotaryclubofedmond.
Edmond AMBUCS Noon May 22 (Club meets every Friday) Cherokee Room in Nigh University Center 100 N. University Drive Call June Cartwright at 405-820-9667 for more information. Boulevard Rotary Club 6-7 p.m. May 25 (Club meets every Monday) Louie’s Bar and Grill 1201 N.W. 178th St., Suite 101 For more information, http://facebook.com/BoulevardRotary. Edmond Summit Rotary Club 7 a.m. May 26 (Meets every Tuesday) Mercy I-35 2017 W. I-35 Frontage Road For more information, call 405-CUEARLY. Edmond Kiwanis Club Noon May 27 (Club meets every Wednesday) Cherokee Room in Nigh University Center 100 N. University Drive Edmond Rotary Club Noon May 27 (Club meets every Wednesday) Mercy at I-35 20147 W. I-35 Frontage Road For more information, facebook.com/rotaryclubofedmond. Edmond AMBUCS Noon May 29 (Club meets every Friday) Cherokee Room in Nigh University Center 100 N. University Drive Call June Cartwright at 405-820-9667 for more information.
TO ADD your business event to this free calendar, email the details to lshearer@edmondsun.com.
May 2015 | The Business Times
27
Business Book Review
by Terri Schlichenmeyer | The bookworm sez
“Reach: 40 Black Men Speak on Living, Leading, and Succeeding” Edited by Ben Jealous and Trabian Shorters. Foreword by Russell Simmons. c.2015, Atria $15.00 / $18.00 Canada 275 pages
Trabian Shorters
W
here do you go from here? You’ve been looking at your life and everything around you, and that’s the question you’ve been asking: what next? What will you do with the rest of your days? In the new book “Reach,” edited by Ben Jealous and Trabian Shorters, foreword by Russell Simmons, you may find some guidance. What you see is what you do. That’s natural. Says Ben Jealous, “…imitation has always been the first step for those who achieve great things.” It’s easy to emulate positive behavior and success, once you see it done — which is what you’ll find in this book. When D’Wayne Edwards was sixteen, he lost his beloved older brother. “That,” says Edwards, “really encouraged me to pay attention to my gift of drawing and design. Realize your true potential,” he advises. Says actor Louis Gossett Jr.: learn that you can play Superman. Shaka Senghor was still a teenager when he was sent to prison and “was on course to become the best predator I could be,” until journaling helped him look at his life and “the most absurd stuff you can imagine. Write down your thoughts,” he says. “Read them” and “understand that [they] have power.” “Read,” says Dr. Eddie Connor. “We’ve got to promote books instead of prison bars…” Ben Jealous advises taking risks. “Learn math,” says Emmanuel Cephas. Broadcasting executive Ron Davenport says to “Be in the room where the decisions are made.” Learn to fail, says aviator Barrington Irving, but don’t let it be an option. Name your future, 28
May 2015 | The Business Times
Ben Jealous
says Van Jones. Become involved in politics, get an education, and cultivate empathy. Be financially literate, and promote entrepreneurship. Be a role model, and ask for mentors. Work collaboratively, and lift up future generations who come after you. And above all, stay hopeful. Loss of hope, says Reverend Tony Lee, can “sabotage [your] faith.” Says Yusef Shakur, “without… hope, poverty becomes overwhelming.” Says Senghor, “… hope, man – hope is the saving grace.” Wow. Though it’s only a few ounces of paper and ink, “Reach” truly packs a punch. There’s a lot of takeaway in this book, for starters. Editors Ben Jealous and Trabian Shorters invited 40 black men from all walks of life and achievement to tell their stories and share what helped them succeed. While it’s natural that there’d be some repetition, you’ll find dozens and dozens of short chapters to uplift and inspire. I loved that in this book — but there was one thing that bears mentioning: pay attention, and you’ll start to notice that many authors here were raised in fatherless households. It truly struck me as further proof that there are no excuses not to succeed. While I think anyone will be glad they read this book, I can definitely see it being a great gift for any young man on his way to high school, college, or post-college life. It will give him something to think about on his path to success. For him, “Reach” is a great book to have, wherever he goes. Terri Schlichenmeyer is a book reviewer in Wisconsin. She may be reached via email at bookwormsez@yahoo.com.
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LAST LOOK
Cowboy Cobblers By Van Mitchell | Special to The Business Times
L
Lisa Sorrell and her husband Dale pose at Sorrell Custom Boots located at 217 East Oklahoma Avenue in Guthrie.
isa Sorrell’s career as an acclaimed bootmaker began by answering a newspaper ad asking for someone to help stitch boot tops. But her ability and passion for sewing came much earlier in life when she learned the art from her mother. “My mom began teaching me to sew when I was 12,” said Sorrell, who owns Sorrell Custom Boots, located at 217 E. Oklahoma in Guthrie. “And by 15 I was sewing clothes professionally. I answered an ad in the newspaper seeking someone who could stitch boot tops and that sounding like sewing. That is why I answered it because I could sew.” Sorrell started out making boots for her and her husband Dale before she was mentioned in a book by author Tyler Beard called “Art of the Boot” which looks at the artistry happening in boot manufacturing over the last 20 years. “Within a year of having my own business I was featured in a book titled “The Art of the Boot,” and at that time I was mainly making boots for myself and my husband and I was making boots that I wanted to make since it was just for us and those got put in the book,” Sorrell said. “People read it and that is what really led me on the path of making these exotic and intricate work boots that I make today instead of the work boots for cowboys that I probably would have been making otherwise.” Sorrell said she has a waiting list of about a year for people wanting her to make boots which are made using hand tools. She has customers across the globe. “They are all custom boots,” she said. “I have a waiting list of about a year. I am working on a pair of boots for a guy in Australia. I have to personally meet and measure every client. I spend about a month on every pair of boots I make. My favorite part is sitting quietly in my shop with the radio on. That is my passion being alone and making boots.” Boot making isn’t the only business that Sorrell is involved with. She has also started a company called Sorrell Notions and Findings that sells leather and supplies to boot makers and leather makers. “It began when I started importing a line of water-based glue from Germany because I had developed sensitivity to solid-based rubber cement,” she said. “I decided it was so great that everyone should have
Paige Sorrell works on a pair of women’s shoes at Sorrell Custom Boots in Guthrie.
it too. I was the only U.S. dealer for quite a while. It is largely mailorder.” Sorrell sells a variety of products through the online business including kangaroo leather from Australia, glue from Germany, knives from Japan and tools from Italy. Sorrell is also busy with doing public speaking, teaching and traveling to bootmaking competitions. Later this year she will be teaching her craft to students in Finland. “People want to learn it,” she said. She also produces a YouTube show once a month showcasing her craft and is working on a trio of books about bootmaking. Sorrell said the first book will deal with working with leather. “There is knowledge falling between the cracks,” she said. “I want to get this knowledge down on paper so it can be passed down. I want to get it documented.” Sorrell is joined at her Guthrie shop by her daughters Morgan who is attending the University of Central Oklahoma and works with Sorrell Notions and Findings and Paige, a valedictorian at Guthrie High School who will be attending UCO in the fall. Paige Sorrell is following her own business path having started to make women’s shoes by hand. Sorrell said Paige wants to be a shoemaker and has studied in Oregon and trained with a master shoemaker from Sweden and will train with a master craftsman from Hungry later this year. “She makes ladies shoes although she is getting ready to make men’s shoes,” Sorrell said. “She really wants to be a shoemaker. She is really good.” Sorrell said she is proud that both daughters are working with her. “It is very satisfying,” she said, “It makes it much more enjoyable for me, the fact that they have voluntarily chosen to have an interest in what I do.” Sorrell who has been in her current location for about 12 years, said she never envisioned her business growing like it has. “My biggest vision was that I would put a sign out by the road and people would find me and order boots,” she said. “I never envisioned that I would define what boots I am building nor did I think I would learn enough about it to teach and speak about it.” For more information call (405) 282-5464 or email customboots@aol.com or visit www.customboots.net
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April 2015 | The Business Times
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