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ED M O N D, O K LAH O MA
February 2015
VOL. 7 | NO. 2
INSIDE
2015
PUBLISHER Karan Ediger 405-341-2121 kediger@edmondsun.com SALES TEAM Terri Bohanan Maegan Newport Trey McVea
Mercy Occupational Medicine Program
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CONTRIBUTING Mike Crandall WRITERS Jim Denton Cyndy Hoenig Nick Massey Patty Miller Van Mitchell Tim Priebe Terri Schlichenmeyer Mark Schlachtenhaufen
Sleep disorders causing lost work productivity
8
James Coburn
Sleep disorders are something that most Americans will be affected by during their lifetime and in turn is costing U.S. employers billions of dollars due to lost work productivity. As a result more people are seeking out sleep labs across the nation for help and one of those places is the OU Medical Center Edmond Sleep Lab. Better preventative health care at top of Baby Boomers’ to do list
10
Just a few years ago the first wave of Baby Boomers turned 65 and by 2030 all of that generation will have hit that age milestone according to the Pew Research Center population projections. And as a result of Americans living longer, a greater emphasis is being pushed for better preventive health care.
Wireless Technology in Healthcare
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 Š February 2015.
When a tornado struck the Mercy I-35 medical center in 2013 and delayed its opening, it gave Mercy leadership a chance to review what new services might be offered. And out of that review emerged the Mercy Occupational Medicine program which started last May.
Wireless technology is ever-changing and among those changes are several apps that allow people to better monitor their health.
12 Cover by BrAd Gregg | Special to the Business Times February 2015 | The Business Times
3
from our Publisher
Email Etiquette
T
o our Readers: It amazes me how much communication we as leaders do through email. I was counting and I receive almost 300 emails per day. It made me think about what proper etiquette for business emails were and luckily in the December 2014 issue of the Rotarian magazine I got my questions answered. According to an article by Kevin Cook when you are in doubt of how your email should be addressed go the formal route. Open with “Dear” instead of “Hey, Hi, or Hello.” Second, don’t be a teenager! Cut out the CAPS and exclamation points!!! Keep it tight. My staff will tell you that they need to say everything important in the first few lines of their email if they want me to read it. Busy people hate long emails. You must keep your emails short and sweet; however, if your email topic requires a lot of detail and explanation attach a PDF. Go ahead and play the emoticon game. Something that you would think is unprofessional actually has a place in business emails. Our attempts to keep emails short and to the point can often make us sound clipped, sarcastic and rude. Don’t overdo it, but go ahead and use simple emoticons. :) Customize your subject lines. Again, be specific and keep it short. For example: Month End Report or Cost Saving Plan. Toss the “empties”. Thousands of people clog email boxes by responding with “Ok” or “Thanks”. If it’s not necessary to send that short of a reply, leave it. On the other hand do hit reply on any email that needs a response. As we get swamped with emails it becomes easy to not answer the less important ones. People do not like to be ignored. Even if you’re not interested in an offer simply say “thank you, we are not interested right now.” This should help you in your future email correspondence.
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February 2015 | The Business Times
In this issue of Business Times you’ll learn about the changes and additions to our healthcare industry. Take time to educate yourself. Next month we’re talking real estate so stay tuned!
KARAN EDIGER is publisher of The Business Times of Edmond and The Edmond Sun.
By Van Mitchell | Special to The Business Times
Occupational Medicine Program 6
February 2015 | The Business Times
W
hen a tornado struck the Mercy I-35 medical center in 2013 and delayed its opening, it gave Mercy leadership a chance to review what new services might be offered. And out of that review emerged the Mercy Occupational Medicine program which started last May. The $90 million wellness and medical center was hit by the tornado that caused widespread damage in Edmond, Arcadia, Luther and Carney May 19, 2013, according to the National Weather Service in Norman. Damages delayed the opening of the near-completed Mercy Edmond I-35 building south of 15th Street on the west side of Interstate 35 by about a year. “When the tornado came through here it gave Mercy leadership a chance to see what programs could be added that weren’t originally part of the plan,” said Dr. Debra Montgomery, who leads Mercy’s occupational medicine program. “They saw the need for additional occupational medicine in our community.” *Occupational medicine focuses on the prevention and management of work-related injury, illness and disability. It also promotes the health and productivity of workers and their families. Prior to 1945, many labor-intensive industries employed physicians to deliver acute and surgical care to employees. By 1945, the practice of employing physicians to provide care for employees had spread to businesses with a predominance
of administrative positions. These programs were known as occupational medicine programs. In 1955, occupational medicine received specialty status from the American Board of Preventive Medicine.* Montgomery, who has more than 20 years of experience in occupational medicine, was recruited along with Glenda Gallagher, manager of industrial medicine to create the new occupational medicine program. Gallagher said occupational medicine’s goal is to help employees get back on the job as soon as possible by providing effective and prompt medical care. Modern occupational medicine physicians address worksite and environmental concerns. They also tackle community health and policy issues such as product safety and benefits value management. Occupational medicine encompasses most of the traditional medical areas including internal/family medicine, surgery, toxicology and preventive medicine. Occupational medicine physicians are clinical consultants, researchers and educators. This has resulted in a growing need for trained physicians in private industry, education and government agencies. “Across the nation there is a huge deficit for occupational medicine,” Montgomery said. Montgomery said she is pleased with how the program is progressing, but stressed it will take time to build it where it needs to be. “So far we are happy with the way it has been going,” Montgomery said. “But we are not nearly as busy as we want to be. It takes about two years to really hit your stride.” Gallagher said Mercy’s team of specialists treat patients with work-related injuries. “Our doctors and nurses have the training and experience to meet all your occupational health needs,” she said. “Our occupational therapists work as part of a comprehensive health care team focused on your well-being. We offer the whole gamut of services.” Some of the services offered include: •Pre-employment physicals; •Drug screening; •Treatments of work-related injuries; •Worker’s compensation physicals; •Return-to-work evaluations; •Disability ratings; and •Independent medical evaluations. Montgomery said there have been a number of federal laws and regulation changes the past few years — including the requirement by the Department of Transportation that all physicals must be performed by a certified occupational physician. She said Mercy is able to perform those physicals for the DOT and agencies that require driving physicals. Gallagher said the program also features an orthopedic access clinic which is designed as an easy solution for orthopedic needs. It offers treatment options for fractures, sports injuries, workrelated injuries, sprains/strains, hand injuries, foot/ankle injuries, back injuries and osteoarthritis.
Wellness in the workplace programs area an additional service at the center, said Montgomery. She said some of those wellness plans includes smoking cessation and weight control. “Occupational medicine, if done right, dovetails with wellness,” Montgomery said. “We can help with workplace (wellness) plans. Weight control and smoking cessation are some of the minimal things that can add up to be healthcare savings for the companies.” Montgomery said with workplace injuries there is the potential for an employee to be out of action for an extended period of time. If possible employers should have a “light duty” plan to keep the injured worker on the job. “It is important for employers to have some sort of light duty or modified duty for all their workers,” she said. “Statistics have shown the longer a person is away from the workplace the harder it is to get them back to the work place.” Montgomery said there are other occupational medicine programs in the metro area and it is important for potential clients to price shop. She added that Mercy offers a competitive service with topnotch professional care. “Our goal is get them (employee) back to work expeditiously and safely back on the job,” she said. “We want to help that employer get their people back quickly and safely.” For more information call (405) 757-3710 or visit www.mercy.net.
February 2015 | The Business Times
7
Sleep disorders causing lost work productivity
By Van Mitchell | Special to The Business Times
S
leep disorders are something that most Americans will be affected by during their lifetime and in turn is costing U.S. employers billions of dollars due to lost work productivity As a result more people are seeking out sleep labs across the nation for help and one of those places is the OU Medical Center Edmond Sleep Lab, located at 1 South Bryant and opened in October 2014. “It was decided that we (OU) would have a comprehensive sleep program and add an Edmond location,” said Teresa Fritz, director cardiopulmonary and rehab service at OU Medical Center Edmond. “It is comprehensive effort to take care of all the patient population throughout the metro area. It made sense to add an Edmond location.” According to a 2012 sleeping disorder study conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, the National Department of Transportation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 40 million Americans have a chronic sleep disorder and the estimated cost to U.S. employers in lost productivity due to sleep loss issues was $18 billion. The study also showed that five percent of Americans suffer from sleep apnea and 62 percent of American adults experience a sleep problem a few nights a week. It is also noted that the annual number of non-fatal car crash 8
February 2015 | The Business Times
injuries attributed to falling asleep was 40,000 while the annual number of car crash fatalities attributed to falling asleep is 1,550. Fritz said the Edmond sleep lab currently has two rooms used for sleep study observation and due to the increased demand more beds are expected to be added later this year. “We have seen a really good volume in these first three months so we will probably be adding a couple of beds later on,” she said. Fritz said OU has a sleep lab for both adult and pediatric patients at The Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City, but the Edmond site will be for patients 16 and older only. She said patients are often referred to the sleep lab by a doctor and must fill out a sleep questionnaire prior to their 8:30 or 9:30 p.m. arrival times. “They (patients) have usually gone to the doctor with the spouse complaining that they can’t stand their snoring,” Fritz said. “The physician can refer them here for a sleep study.” Fritz said the most common concern from patients is a fear that they won’t be able to sleep. “I hear that over and over again,” she said. Fritz said patients will have their breathing measured and monitored overnight to diagnose any sleep disorder including sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing is briefly and repeatedly interrupted during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea, which is the most common form, occurs when the muscles in the throat relax and, despite efforts to breathe, the breathing passage narrows and collapses. Central sleep apnea, the more rare form, occurs when the brain fails to properly control breathing during sleep. Fritz said patients may be fitted with a continuous positive airway pressure therapy or CPAP machine to help a person who has obstructive sleep apnea breathe more easily during sleep. Kris Sekar, M.D., pediatric medical director, said in a press release that a CPAP machine increases air pressure in a person’s throat so that their airway doesn’t collapse when they breathe in. “It involves wearing a mask that goes over the nose and pressure is delivered in order to eliminate apneas, snoring, desaturations and arousals,” Sekar said. “We continue to work towards success as it is important that children as well as adults achieve a restful night’s sleep.” Fritz said feedback from patients and physicians about the Edmond sleep lab have been positive. For more information call 359-5440 or visit www.oumedicine.com/edmond.
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February 2015 | The Business Times
9
Better Preventative Health Care at Top of Baby Boomers’ To Do List
By Van Mitchell | Special to The Business Times
J
ust a few years ago the first wave of Baby Boomers turned 65 and by 2030 all of that generation will have hit that age milestone according to the Pew Research Center population projections. And as a result of Americans living longer, a greater emphasis is being pushed at both the state and national levels for better preventive health care for seniors which can help lower health care costs for the consumer and hospitals. To help better meet the needs of the local senior community, in 2013 OU Medical Center opened its Senior Health Clinic in Edmond at 105 S. Bryant Ave., Suite 210. The clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Leslie Buford, director of community relations and volunteer services at OU Medical Center Edmond, said the clinic focuses solely on the health care needs of adults at least 55 years of age and older and specifically works to coordinate and manage care within the community. The clinic is led by Dr. Larry D. Balzer. “We have a huge population of seniors that were underserved,” Buford said. “We saw a need for a clinic that will accept Medicare patients. We saw a need for primary care strictly for older adults. That is how the clinic evolved.” Services offered at the Senior Health Clinic of Edmond include: primary care, disease management, immunizations, acute care, 10
February 2015 | The Business Times
senior wellness exams, laboratory tests, specialty referrals, and health education and consultation services. Buford said the Senior Health Clinic features longer appointment times where patients can spend more time with their physician. “That is what really sets our clinic apart in that we are not trying to pack in 50 patients a day,” she said. “We want the patient and doctor to have time to have that relationship and have the patient feel comfortable with seeing the doctor.” The clinic welcomes Medicare and Medicare supplemental insurances as well as most private insurances. “We have seen tremendous growth of the senior clinic,” Buford said. “We are already looking at possibly adding another provider to that clinic.” As the nation ages, so does the potential for rising health costs for the senior population in Oklahoma and nationwide. According to the 2013 America’s Health Rankings Senior Report conducted by the not-for-profit United Health Foundation, the U.S. is an aging nation that’s living longer but with growing rates of obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases and points to an emerging health care crisis. The report focuses on 34 measures of senior health, including physical inactivity, obesity, self-reported health status, poverty, drug
coverage, hospital re-admission rates and flu vaccinations. The data analyzed is from more than a dozen government agencies and private research groups. Among signs of impending challenges the report cites: • One in eight Americans (13 percent or 40.3 million) are 65 or older, and that is projected to grow to One in five (19.3 percent, or 72.1) in 2030. By 2050, seniors will make up 25 percent of the population. Those 85 and older are projected to increase from 5.8 million in 2010 to 8.7 million in 2030. Nearly eight in 10 seniors are living with at least one chronic health condition; 50 percent have two or more, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates. About 25 percent of older Americans are obese; 20 percent have been diagnosed with diabetes; more than 70 percent have heart disease; nearly 60 percent have arthritis, a leading cause of disability. • Adults 65 and older spend nearly twice as much as those 45 to 64 on health care each year; they spend three to five times more than all adults younger than 65, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The report ranked Oklahoma 49th in terms of overall senior health just ahead of Mississippi while Minnesota ranked first. The study showed that Oklahoma has one of the highest rates of physical inactivity among seniors in the country; 36.7 percent or 189,000 seniors in Oklahoma are physically inactive. The study also said that in 2012, the percentage of seniors who received recommended health screenings increased by 5 percent, from 77.9 percent to 81.7 percent of adults aged 65 and older from
the previous year. Buford said The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the single largest insurer in the United States, has launched a national campaign aimed at promoting preventative healthcare. “We have gotten a huge push to go towards this,� Buford said. Buford said part of the national initiative is promoting health screenings for seniors. “They are trying to encourage preventative health instead of acute care,� Buford said. “It is everything from mammograms to nutritional counseling which are available for either no co-pay or small co-pay. They have so many services for diagnostic testing and treatment that weren’t previously available. It behooves them (seniors) to go to the doctor to get the tests done and fixing the problems while they are still fixable.� Buford said the Senior Health Clinic is also conducting monthly Lunch and Learn classes on healthy eating and exercises. The meetings are held on the third Wednesday of every month. “We try to go with a health topic that is of interest to our seniors once a month,� she said. Buford said preventive healthcare is a win-win situation for both the patient and OU Medical Center Edmond. “It lowers insurance costs and it lowers the amount of time that you have to spend in the hospital,� she said. “It is really going to change on how we deliver healthcare here. It is going to have a dramatic effect on us over the next 10 to 15 years.� For more information on the Senior Health Clinic call 359-5229.
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11
WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY By Van Mitchell | Special to The Business Times
W
ireless technology is ever-changing and among those changes are several apps that allow people to better monitor their health. Jay Ellison, executive vice president of operations for U.S. Cellular said in 2015 he expects to see increased use of “telemedicine,” which allows people to contact trained medical professionals from home or work via smartphones and tablets where they are able to discuss symptoms and health concerns and get prescriptions or treatment. He added as the technology evolves and more doctors and consumers experience the convenience, this trend will expand in the health care field. “The convenience of wireless technology can be seen in so much of our daily lives, whether it be wirelessly monitoring crosscountry shipments for your business or video-chatting with your family across continents to stay in touch,” Ellison said. “We’ve become accustomed to checking our symptoms online, but technology will have an even greater impact on how we monitor health.” Ellison said there will be a higher demand for add-on accessories, such as heart-rate monitors and blood testers, as well as smart watches that deliver these services. He said with Apple, Samsung, Motorola and LG all planning to offer an assortment of wearable devices in 2015, the opportunities to monitor and improve health through a wireless device get even easier. According to a report by the Institute of Medicine health literacy rates in the U.S. are abysmally low and the majority of Americans need much more information that is simple, clear and understandable to make informed health care decisions. The reports added that a lack of shared decision making and evidence based medicine have led to undesirable patient outcomes, unnecessary or even harmful tests and procedures performed partly attributing to the $750 billion in wasted health care spending calculated by the Institute of Medicine. Joe Cabrera serves as the director of sales, corporate-owned channel in Oklahoma for U.S. Cellular. He said telemedicine and voice over LTE technology are starting to play a greater role in health technology. “Telemedicine is becoming more and more popular,” Cabrera said. “You can go to different websites or apps and type in your symptoms and come up with what those answers are. With cell 12
February 2015 | The Business Times
phones in our hands it is becoming easier and easier for us to access that without ever having to step foot into an emergency room.” OU Medical Center Edmond recently released its new iNotify feature, said Leslie Buford, director of community relations and volunteer services, through the mobile healthcare app iTriage which is a one-stop healthcare app that lets users instantly find information about specific medical conditions and locate nearby healthcare providers from any location. “There is more competition out there with ERs and urgent care centers and even late-night access clinics,” Buford said. “It creates a lot of confusion of where to go to and what is the most appropriate place to handle different healthcare needs. So we have partnered with a company call iTriage for a free app for any consumer to use. It (iTriage) walks the consumer through the process. It is going to give you the most appropriate places for your care.” Buford said iTriage also allows people to get information on the closest doctors and medical centers, check on medical symptoms and descriptions of medicines. “iTriage walks them through the process, while iNotify allows them to let us know they are coming to our ER so we can start the registration process,” Buford said. “iTriage is going to tell you if it is a life-threatening emergency so you should call 911.” Founded in 2008 and based in Denver, Colo., iTriage’s free consumer health care app has been downloaded nearly 10 million times, with 50 million uses each year. Buford said the iNotify app allows a person to check in at OU Medical Edmond, but it isn’t a reservation for emergency services. “You can check in with I-Notify with (OU Edmond),” Buford said. “It is not a reservation. You cannot make a reservation for an emergency. It starts the paperwork and gives the consumers a little sense of control during an emergency or urgent situation.” Buford said OU Medical Center Edmond will be promoting the new healthcare app as part of an advertising and public relations campaign for its new emergency room that is scheduled to open this spring. “We are opening a second emergency room in west Edmond in the spring at 150th and Western so iNotify will be heavily featured in our advertising and public relations campaign,” she said. “We are also doing an advertising campaign between downtown (OU Medical Center) and The Children’s Hospital to
let consumers know that the OU Medical System has the most comprehensive emergency room treatment in the state.” Dr. Visal Pok, a primary care physician at Mercy I-35 is a big proponent of the MyMercy app that allows patients to use their smartphone to log into their MyMercy account and get an e-visit. “MyMercy is an electronic Dr. Visal Pok portal for patients to be able to access their medical records, make appointments, pay bills, look at lab results, and send messages to their doctors,” Pok said. “I tell my patients don’t do this to replace your doctor’s visit. It is another way to access your doctor if you can’t get in to see them.” Pok said E-visits are great for common issues like coughing, heartburn, red eye, sinus issues and diarrhea. And, he said, in the height of cold and flu season, avoiding the doctor’s office also means avoiding all the germs from other patients. Pok cited the recent example of one his patients who was away in New York when she came down with a sinus infection. He said the patient used her smartphone to log into her MyMercy account and got an e-visit. Any Mercy patient can fill out a questionnaire detailing their symptoms, and a primary care doctor will respond. The cost is $35. “I can pull up their chart right from there and I can prescribe medication to the pharmacy that they request if they are out of town,” Pok said. “This patient was in New York and she found a Walgreens and I sent the prescription there.” When using Mercy’s e-visit, the doctor will decide whether your illness will require you to come into the office for treatment or if you’ll require follow up care. They cannot prescribe narcotics or controlled substances through e-visits. Pok said he has enjoyed positive feedback from patients using the MyMercy app. “It has been very positive,” Pok said. “I have gotten a lot of good feedback from patients.” Consumers can also utilize myINTEGRIS which is a free web-based tool that allows patient’s easy access to their healthcare information said Avilla Williams, president of INTEGRIS Health Edmond. “MyINTEGRIS is a free web-based tool that allows patients easy access to their healthcare information through a cutting-edge, user-friendly platform,” Williams said. “myINTEGRIS takes the inconvenience out of the patient experience by integrating with innovative health tracking technology such as FitBit and other Microsoft HealthVault devices. This allows daily personal health information to be automatically uploaded and displayed in an intuitive format that is accessible 24/7.” To provide the best and safest experience, myINTEGRIS
partnered with Microsoft’s Personal Health Record Management product, HealthVault. Using its existing technology, it can ensure that personal medical records are stored securely and are accessible only through a set of rigorous security protocols. HealthVault also acts as a gatekeeper for the connection of devices and apps that monitor and store a patient’s health information. This allows it to aggregate a patient’s data easily and safely from applications for their PC or smartphone as well as things like Wi-Fi enabled scales, fitness trackers, blood pressure cuffs, and insulin pumps to their myINTEGRIS account. “Beyond that, myINTEGRIS features the ability for INTEGRIS patients to communicate with their healthcare providers through a secure messaging interface in order to request prescription refills, schedule appointments or even ask their physician questions with quick response time,” Williams said. “These are just a few of the benefits of being an INTEGRIS patient using the myINTEGRIS portal.” Williams added anybody seeking a unified and convenient location to store their health information can utilize this tool. “Encounter details, records and other information from prior physicians may be uploaded into myINTEGRIS so any patient, whether or not they have had an encounter with an INTEGRIS physician, may have access to all their medical history in one userfriendly environment,” Williams said. For more information visit www.myINTEGRIS.com
February 2015 | The Business Times
13
Business matters
Mike Crandall Growth S olutions
Hammer vs. Nail is the issue
T
he sales person only sells one product — on the sales call they discover that what they sell does not help the prospect in anyway. They now have a choice, to either honestly say, I am sorry what we sell would not be a fit for you, or to attempt to force a fit. What do you think happens most? You likely had an answer that came to mind based on what you think or believe your team and you would do. Unfortunately, unless you said the second (force the fit) you are likely wrong. This is called the Hammer/Nail Issue (also called the Hammer/Nail Paradox). This is when you operate from a mindset that if all you sell are hammers you think every problem is a nail. Most salespeople make this mistake every single day. They seldom, if ever, realize it because in all honesty, the only person’s thoughts or feelings about it that matter are the prospect. And when they are asked nearly 100 percent of potential buyers share this happens on a regular basis to them. The biggest reason most people have no idea it happens is that most people sell more things that just hammers. So it is not cut and dry. Instead they tend to sell the one product or service they like most, make the most money on, is on sale, has a spiff on it, etc., subconsciously becomes the hammer. They do not consciously go 14
February 2015 | The Business Times
in thinking they will do this, however, they do. The scariest part of the Hammer/Nail Issue is that it is often a company culture issue. A large percentage of the time the owner and/or senior leaders create an environment where the sales team is expected to operate this way. Recently I saw this at a restaurant as I watched a waitress push a certain brand of beer to every table around us. I watched people become uncomfortable at table after table. When she did it at our table, I asked if there was a spiff (promotion where she makes money on that brand). She said, yes — the manager over ordered that brand and needed to get rid of it before the owner found out. He was forcing them to push a brand no one wanted. There are two great ways to tell if this may be happening to your organization and
“The scariest part of the Hammer/Nail Issue is that it is often a company culture issue. A large percentage of the time the owner and/or senior leaders create an environment where the sales team is expected to operate this way.”
you. One, you have more appointments than you would like ending without a clear next step. Two, you are getting far less referrals that you would like. Hammers and Nails cost 100’s if not 1,000’s of sales every single day. What do they cost you? So, let me ask, “How often do your team or you attempt to force the fit to make a sale? Or, sell a hammer, because you see a nail? If you do not know for sure you should find out. If you are not sure how to find out and want to fix it, you would want to find a Business Growth Consultant who can help. MIKE CRANDALL lives in Edmond. 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 online to www.customgrowth.sandler.com.
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business matters
Nick Massey Astute Investor
Who is Getting Ahead in this Economy? T he stock market is near an all-time high. But if you ask the average persons on the street, they will probably tell you they think the economy is still weak. There are several reasons for this, but the main one has to do with employment and wages. The economy feels weak because, depending on your education or employment and skill set, it very well may be weak to you. Unlike the typical postcredit-crisis recovery, this one features disappointing GDP gains, subpar job creation, stagnant wages and weak retail sales. Different employment sectors have done considerably better or worse, depending on demand and scarcity of workers in that field. The recovery is here, but it just isn’t evenly distributed. If you are a minimum-wage worker, jobs have become fairly easy to get. Just don’t expect to support a family on those wages. If you are a low or medium skill healthcare worker, you too can find work. However, it probably pays less than the job you lost a few years ago. At the other end of the socioeconomic scale, the unemployment rate for those with a graduate degree is less than 3 percent. Unemployment in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math is not only very low, but the pay scales average about 50 percent more than the median for U.S. workers. 16
February 2015 | The Business Times
There are many other examples of the bifurcated economy. General Motors and Ford have to sell cars financed with a version of securitized subprime loans in much the same way as housing was in the 2000s. Meanwhile Audi, BMW and Mercedes are setting sales records. We see evidence of the bifurcated recovery in how various retailers have been performing. It is much better to be Coach, LVMH or Tiffany than Wal-Mart, Target or the various Dollar stores. As the Pew Research Center noted last year, all of the wealth accumulation in this recovery has gone to the top 7 percent of wage earners, with an increase of 28 percent, mainly because of gains in financial markets. As for the other 93 percent, its wealth has declined 4 percent. About half of all Americans own stocks, regardless of portfolio size. Therefore a surge in the S&P 500 from 666 to 2,000
“Different employment sectors have done considerably better or worse, depending on demand and scarcity of workers in that field. The recovery is here, but it just isn’t evenly distributed.”
or so is a meaningless abstraction for the other half. There are signs that the economy is continuing to improve, even for those who earn lower wages. However, these have been slower and more modest gains than the upper end of the income scales are enjoying. The reason so many economists have been focusing on the inequality in wage and employment gains is how it affects the broader recovery. A virtuous cycle typically accompanies a recovery. Increased hiring leads to increased spending, which leads to wage gains and leads to more robust economic growth, and so on. Five years after this recovery began we have yet to see such a cycle. We’re still waiting. Thanks for reading.. NICK MASSEY is a financial adviser and president of Householder Group Financial Advisors in Edmond. Massey can be reached at www.nickmassey.com. Investment advice offered through Householder Group Estate and Retirement Specialists, a registered investment adviser.
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JIM Denton L edger Lines
Selling business assets could be taxing G eorge Harrison, formerly of the Beatles, had his third and his most succesful solo album entitled “All Things Must Pass.” Harrison, who was known as “The Quiet Beatle,” released it in 1970. I loved listening to that album. My buddy and I used to play bumper pool in his basement while those songs blared on his parents’ turntable. I loved Harrison’s unique guitar work against the massive sounds of echoing orchestral strings, woodwinds and percussion. And then his understated British-accented voice would enter with the verse. We would try to sing along with our changing, soon-to-be tenor voices. Good times! In business, we find that “all things must pass” as well. A friend asked me the other day about how he should approach selling his business. He’s nearing retirement and wants to slow down. I asked him a few questions and found out that he owned a corporation with very little in the way of assets and liabilities. His main asset is his reputation along with a good standing in his industry - so in other words, his client list. His question was, should he sell his assets or should he sell his stock? His few tangible assets have a very low-cost basis due to rapid depreciation allowances under the law.
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His valuable client list was not purchased by him but came from his reputation and hard work. My answer to him was that if he is incorporated, his ownership in the corporation is in stock. This makes it better to sell his corporate stock in this situation since capital gains rates are substantially lower. Under the U.S. tax code, corporate stock qualifies as a capital asset, whereas business property such as desks, chairs, buildings and lists does not. Capital assets like stock get a special treatment – for example, a lower tax rate – when they are sold. It matters what you sell. I did not know his numbers at all, but if his other taxable income is less than $450,000, his capital gains rate is likely to be 15 percent. His actual income tax rate is likely 28 percent. If so, our little conversation likely saved him 13 percent tax on his upcoming sale if he structures it correctly.
“Capital assets like stock get a special treatment – for example, a lower tax rate – when they are sold. It matters what you sell.”
So if he sold the stock for $500,000, we just saved $65,000. I told him to get with his own CPA to be certain. Which leads us back to George Harrison. “All Things Must Pass” was a triple album set with the third piece of vinyl entitled “Apple Jam.” It was a bonus disc of studio out-takes and offbeat behindthe-scenes music making, otherwise called “jamming.” I recall a selection on Apple Jam entitled “It’s Johnnie’s Birthday.” It is rumored that Harrison intended it as a gift to John Lennon on his 30th birthday to reportedly rub it in. This song was sung to a tune written in 1968 by Cliff Richard whose publisher claimed royalties in December 1970. Harrison then had to give him album credits on future releases. Which brings me to ask, If Richard sold his copyrights, would he get capital gains rates? Not if he sold it in the United States. It would all be ordinary gain. Bummer. 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.
Edmond is Alive and Well‌
OU Physicians Edmond has experienced and caring providers offering primary care, cardiology, dermatology, neurology, surgery and urology all at our convenient location on Eastern Avenue, just north of Memorial.
Jenny Le, M.D.
Deborah Lockwood, M.D.
Barry Mitchell, M.D.
Bryan Potthoff, M.D.
Eileen West, M.D.
Kathleen Barbour, P.A.-C.
Family Medicine
Internal Medicine
Providing primary care to patients of all ages. For appointments, call (405) 340-1621
Providing primary care to adult patients. For appointments, call (405) 359-0919
Tarun Dasari, M.D.
Pamela Allen, M.D. Heather Wadley, P.A.-C.
Allison Murphree, M.D.
Cardiology
Dermatology
General Surgery
For appointments, call (405) 340-0551
For appointments, call (405) 340-0551
For appointments, call (405) 340-0551
Shuchi Chaudhary, M.D.
Aaron Farrow, M.D.
Anthony J. Vaughn, M.D.
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Neurology
T.R. Lewis, M.D.
Clay Stockton, P.A.-C.
Gavin O’Mahony, M.D.
Orthopedics-Adult
For appointments, call (405) 340-0551
Joseph Davey, M.D.
Yuri Lansinger, M.D.
Santaram Vallurupalli, M.D. (Not pictured)
For appointments, call (405) 271-2663
PEDIATRICS ADULTS Ashley Bowen, M.D. Dominic Frimberger, M.D. Valarie Cathey, A.R.N.P.
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business matters
Cyndy Hoenig S ocial Strategies
Communicating the old way: Face Time
T
here has been a change in the way people communicate -- Electronic communication doesn’t allow your personality to show through. And people want to do business with those they know, like and trust. Therefore -- Face Time is critical --The most effective method of communication. Which is why people have lunch together, attend networking events and conferences, go out to dinner with friends, and entertain at home. Make it a goal to meet at least two new people a week, then increase that number over time. Tips to Network Well • Donate time to an organization that can benefit from your participation. You’ll meet and help others. And, while you’re at it, stake out a leadership position. You’ll piggyback on the positive PR that charities garner. • Take care of current clients. 80% of your business comes from current clients. Visit their businesses, show them you care. • If you attend networking events with friends, split up once you get there. Groups are intimidating. • Attend social engagements. Listen online. Use tools like Twitter search and FB events to find what is happening
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February 2015 | The Business Times
in your community. Check out the events at your local chamber and attend them. Join every small chamber in your community. Results will follow. • Training. Whenever you pursue additional training, you will meet new people to network with. • Look for opportunities to speak and teach. Offer yourself up to local Chambers, colleges and professional organizations. Join your local chapter of the National Speaking Association. • Keep in mind that networking is about being genuine, authentic, building trust and relationships and seeing how you can help others. • While networking, ask open-ended questions. The who, what, where, when and how. This form of questioning opens up the discussion and shows listeners that you’re interested in them. • Become known as a powerful resource. When you’re known as a resource, people remember to turn to you for suggestions. Keeps you visible to them.
“Face Time is critical -The most effective method of communication. ”
• Make sure you have your 10-second elevator speech at the ready. • Follow up quickly afterward. Send a note, make a call. Ask if you can meet and share ideas. • Remember: He who has the relationship wins the client. 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.
GROWING EDMOND
Photos PROVIDED | EDMOND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Ribbon Cuttings Cross Timbers Family Dental celebrate their grand opening Cross Timbers Family Dental recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of its newly opened full-service dental practice at 3152 S Broadway in Edmond. Kurtis Reitz, DDS and the dental team at Cross Timbers Family Dental offer a wide variety of dental services, including teeth whitening, Invisalign invisible braces, VELscope oral cancer screenings, and general dentistry for the entire family. Dr. Reitz and his team are proud to serve the Edmond community, providing firstclass general, cosmetic and restorative dentistry and outstanding patient service. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (405) 285-8811 or visit www.CrossTimbersFamilyDental.com.
Sit Means Sit celebrates its grand opening Sit Means Sit recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its grand opening in Edmond. Sit Means Sit is the largest US based dog training company in the country and is excited to open its first location in Oklahoma! Sit Means Sit offers free in-home demonstrations as well as in-home training, so they come to you. No dog is too old to train, and 6 weeks is old enough to start training. For more information, visit www.sitmeanssitokc.com or call Lukas at (405) 673-5538 to set up your free demo!
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February 2015 | The Business Times
THE CPA FIRM celebrates grand opening of its 2nd office THE CPA FIRM recently celebrated the grand opening of its 2nd office at 15816 N. Pennsylvania Avenue in Edmond. Joshua Jenson, CPA has 21 years of tax experience and is the managing partner of THE CPA FIRM. The firm specializes in tax planning and preparation for small businesses and small business owners, especially those in the legal and medical industries. The firm is expanding into a 2nd office, which will exclusively serve clients with individual tax needs, to ensure a high level of service and attention to those that only need tax services once a year. Joshua was recently named Distinguished CPA of the Year for Oklahoma City by the Oklahoma Society of CPAs. Joshua serves as a regular tax expert to the news media and has become known as “JJ the CPA.” For more information, call (405) 715-1556 or visit www.jjthecpa.com.
Business Briefs Edmond’s Public Works Director Herb Blomquist Named APWA Public Works Leadership Fellow The City of Edmond Public Works Director, Herb Blomquist, PWE, was recently designated a national Public Works Leadership Fellow by the American Public Works Association. Blomquist received the APWA service designation in recognition of this highest level of commitment to the public works profession. The APWA PWLFs mentor other public works professionals in three of the APWA Leadership and Management professional development programs. “The APWA Public Works Leadership Fellows have pledged to assist those who aspire to become public works directors, executives, managers, and supervisors through APWA’s focused mentoring program” said APWA Executive Director Peter B. King. “All of the Fellows are experienced public works professionals, and they have committed their time and talents to advise public works professionals who are enhancing their professional skills and careers,” said King. Blomquist is one of the first APWA Public Works Executives who has become a PWLF, and he is currently mentoring other public works professionals. He has served as the Public Works Director for the City of Edmond for the past five and a half years. During that time, he led the City of Edmond Public Works Department through the successful completion of the APWA Accreditation program. Blomquist also served as the Public Works Director for the City of Watertown, SD for eight years. He graduated from the Norwich University’s Masters of Public Administration program and the Oklahoma City University’s Masters of Business Administration program, and served as a US Army Officer from 1978-1995 after graduation from the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York. For more information about the APWA Donald C. Stone Center’s Public Works Leadership Fellow program, visit http://www.apwa.net/donald-c-stone, or for APWA professional development opportunities, email Director of Professional Development Mabel Tinjacá, mtinjaca@apwa.net. For APWA media queries, email Laura Bynum, M.A., APWA Media Relations and Communications Manager, lbynum@apwa.net.
Keith Mitchell to join Oklahoma Gas and Electric as chief operating officer OKLAHOMA CITY — OGE Energy Corp. (NYSE: OGE) today announced the hiring of Keith Mitchell as chief operating officer of the company’s Oklahoma Gas and Electric subsidiary. Prior to Mitchell’s most recent position as executive vice president and COO of Enable Midstream Partners LP in Oklahoma City, he spent almost 20 years with Enogex, an OGE Energy subsidiary, ultimately serving as the company’s president and member of the Board of Directors. “I greatly appreciate Keith’s leadership over the years in successfully growing Enogex into a valued midstream business, and most recently, for his leadership in creating Enable Midstream Partners,” said Delaney. “ I am excited that Keith has agreed to join the OG&E team, bringing his valuable experience and further expanding an already great management team.” “For several years, I have shared my views that the electric utility industry is on a pace for rapid change marked by increasing competition,” said Delaney. “Keith will bring the valuable perspective gained from leading Enogex and Enable Midstream in a very competitive energy industry. Keith is no stranger to our company, embraces our values and models the type of leadership we desire at OG&E.” A native of Bethel Acres, Mitchell is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Mitchell joined Enogex in 1994 as a planning engineer and held a variety of positions, eventually becoming president of the company until the formation of Enable Midstream, when he was named EVP and COO. OGE Energy Corp. is headquartered in Oklahoma City and is the parent company of OG&E, a regulated electric utility serving 812,000 customers in Oklahoma and western Arkansas. In addition, OGE Energy Corp. holds a 26.3 percent limited partner interest and a 50 percent general partner interest in Enable Midstream Partners.
A Fresh Start for WINGS with new executive director Oklahoma City — WINGS, a special needs community that reaches out to adults with developmental disabilities, is beginning the new year with a new Executive Director. Chad Green, former Vice President of City Rescue Mission, has a heart for nonprofit organizations and is excited about joining WINGS. “I’ve been searching for my mission field and feel like God has led me to WINGS,” Green said. After college, Green spent many months serving in missions overseas in Africa and Papua New Guinea. “I have a passion for those who don’t have a voice,” Green continued. Green graduated from Southern Nazarene University. He’s been married for more than seven years and has two children. Located at 13700 N. Eastern in Edmond, members of WINGS are ages 21-60. They are taught through life-skills training, creative courses and job-related classes. “WINGS is proud to announce the hiring of Chad Green as Executive Director. Chad brings a wealth of knowledge gained from serving a very large non-profit organization in the Oklahoma City area. Chad was very successful in developing relationships with donors, volunteers and staff to exceed goals on a consistent basis. We are excited to have Chad lead our organization and achieve the goals we have developed to assist adults with special needs in the Oklahoma City and Edmond area,” Mike Mathews, WINGS Chairperson of the Board said. Green feels strongly about WINGS’ vision to have a community for those with developmental disabilities. He hopes to see WINGS’ voice grow stronger and to develop even better relationships with the community, support groups and other organizations.
GableGotwals promotes Adams, Curran, Vermeire OKLAHOMA CITY, – Three Edmond attorneys have received promotions at the law firm of GableGotwals, the firm announced. Ellen A. Adams, Jeffrey A. Curran and Diana T. Vermeire have been named shareholders. All three practice in the firm’s Oklahoma City office. Adams’ practice primarily consists of prosecuting and defending corporate and individual clients in a wide variety of complex business litigation in state and federal courts. Her representation has been focused on clients in a wide variety of matters including environmental disputes, breach of contract, labor and employment issues, lease cancellation and royalty disputes. Adams has been named a Rising Star by Oklahoma Super Lawyers since 2012. Curran’s practice focuses on product liability defense, insurance matters, intellectual property litigation and commercial litigation. He also maintains an entertainment law practice, representing motion picture production companies, musicians and recording companies in contract negotiation, licensing and related areas. Curran has been recognized by MartindaleHubbell as an AV Rated lawyer, Best Lawyers since 2014 and Oklahoma Super Lawyers since 2009. Vermeire has extensive experience in the corporate and nonprofit sectors, including state and federal litigation; labor and employment law; administrative, regulatory and legislative advocacy; policy analysis and management. She brings a unique skill in the area of compliance review for companies that includes an analysis of work place policies and procedures, identifying areas of exposure for potential litigation and offering solutions. GableGotwals is a full-service law firm representing a diversified client base across the nation. The firm has offices in Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
DHS adds foster care ombudsman position, new complaint process Oklahoma City — The Oklahoma Department of Human Services has created a new position to help resolve problems for foster parents. Lisa Buck, a former foster parent and a professional advocate, has been named as the foster care ombudsman. DHS Director Ed Lake created this position within the Office of Client Advocacy to track, address and resolve complaints and grievances of foster parents in order to improve their experiences with DHS and ultimately to improve recruitment and retention of foster parents. OCA is the independent investigative and advocacy office within DHS that promotes client safety and the fair, honest and professional delivery of services provided by the agency. Buck and her husband became foster parents eight years ago as an answer to their call of faith. They have had eight foster children in their home, adopting two of them along the way. In addition to the children they adopted, the Bucks also have four biological daughters, and two other “sons” who have become part of the family through church mentorship. “Having been a foster parent, I understand that it is critically important that their needs be heard and addressed,” she said. Buck is passionate about systemic improvements for foster families. She was an original member of the 111 Project to create initiatives and awareness in the faith community. She is also a tireless advocate for foster parent recruitment and retention, speaking all over the state to faith-based groups, support groups and conferences. “Lisa’s personal and professional background makes her uniquely suited to serve as the foster care ombudsman. She is dedicated to improving the experience of foster parents and has the passion, wisdom and sense of purpose necessary to truly make a difference,” said Kathryn Brewer, OCA Advocate General. Senate Bill 1793 which went into effect November 1, 2014, mandated an entirely new grievance and complaint process for foster parents. This legislation requires the collaboration and oversight of both the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY) as well as the DHS OCA. The two offices have been working together to establish an online complaint system, www.okfosterparentvoices.org. “The collaboration between the OCA and the OCCY will foster transparency of the foster parent complaint process” said Sara Vincent OCCY Programs Manager. “As a result of the positive working relationship between the OCA and the OCCY, foster parents are able to submit complaints at a neutral site. This process cultivates a systemic support system for foster parents and promotes communication among persons involved in providing services to children placed in foster care. The OCCY supports the advocacy efforts for foster parents offered by the new foster care ombudsman.” The grievance procedures have been significantly modified for foster parents. The statute requires all grievances and complaints to be resolved within 60 days. However, initial responses to complaints or grievances are now answered within three business days and are tracked by the foster care ombudsman. To submit a complaint or grievance, foster parents can use the online form located at:http://www.okfosterparentvoices.org/ or call 1-866-335-9288. “Foster parents have not had this opportunity before,” said Buck, “This process will help them understand what their rights are, provide them with answers and closure, and allow their voices to be heard.”
February 2015 | The Business Times
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BUSINESS CALENDAR Centennial Kiwanis Club 6 p.m. Feb. 2 (Club meets every Monday) Ken’s Pizza 628 W. Danforth Boulevard Rotary Club 6-7 p.m. Feb. 2 (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. Feb. 3 (Meets every Tuesday) Mercy I-35 2017 W. I-35 Frontage Road For more information, call 405-CUEARLY. Planning Commission 5:30 p.m. Feb. 3 (First and third Tuesday) City Council Chambers 20 S. Littler Ave. Visit www.edmondok.com to find the agenda Edmond Kiwanis Club Noon Feb. 4 (Club meets every Wednesday) Cherokee Room in Nigh University Center 100 N. University Drive Edmond Rotary Club Noon Feb. 4 (Club meets every Wednesday) Mercy at I-35 20147 W. I-35 Frontage Road For more information, http:// facebook.com/rotaryclubofedmond. Edmond Exchange Club 7 a.m. Feb. 5 (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.
Edmond AMBUCS Noon Feb. 6 (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. Feb. 9 (Second and fourth Mondays) City Council Chambers 20 S. Littler Ave. Visit www.edmondok.com to find the agenda. Edmond Evening Lions Club 6 p.m. Feb. 10 (Club meets second and fourth Tuesday) Johnnie’s 33 E. 33rd St. For more information, call Bob Austin at 285-4980. Oklahoma City American Marketing Association 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 12 (Second Thursday of the month) Will Rogers Theatre 4322 N. Western Ave., Oklahoma City, 73118 For more information, www.amaokc.org. Planning Commission 5:30 p.m. Feb. 17 (First and third Tuesday) City Council Chambers 20 S. Littler Ave. Visit www.edmondok.com to find the agenda. City Council 5:30 p.m. Feb. 23 (Second and fourth Monday) City Council Chambers 20 S. Littler Ave. Visit www.edmondok.com to find the agenda TO ADD your business event to this free calendar, email the details to kediger@edmondsun.com.
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February 2015 | The Business Times
February 2015 | The Business Times
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Business Book Review
Best of
S
o many books, so little time. It’s easy to feel that way when faced with an entire bookstore full of possibilities. How do you pick? How do you know what’s good? Start here, with the Bookworm’s Best of 2014… Let’s start with FICTION. Throughout the year, every time something bad happens, you’re reminded to hug the ones you love. “Five Days Left” by Julie Lawson Timmer, the story of a woman who is at the end stages of a terminal disease, and a man in another state who has fallen in love with a child he’s fostering, will actually make you want to do that. Bring tissues. That’s all I’m saying. My list wouldn’t be complete without my annual nod to Emma Donoghue. Her novel “Frog Music,” a big story of murder and lust set in 1870s San Francisco is a must-read for this year. It’s a gauzy tale – in fact, it seems at times like a dream, as though the main character, Blanche Beunon has imagined the whole friendship she had with Jenny Bonnet and the reason for Jenny’s death. Bonus: it’s based loosely on a true event. I almost guarantee that you won’t see “The Last Time I Died” by Joe Nelms on any other Best Of list. It’s here because it was one of those books that just struck me: Christian Franco, a loser in life and love, learns that he can re-visit his childhood by being brought back from the edge of death. Early trauma left him with holes in his memory. Reviving gave him answers. But he had to die again and again and you won’t be able to put this book down until you know what happens. They say we all have a doppelganger, and “Recognition” by O.H. Bennett is based on that idea: on a rainy night, as a young widow heads home to pick up her son, she sees a beggar who is her late husband’s double. Many years ago, he went missing and was presumed drowned – but did he? You’ll wonder, too... And finally, a tie: “A Wanted Woman” by Eric Jerome Dickey and “I Am Pilgrim” by Terry Hayes are both thrillers; I couldn’t decide which I liked better. Be aware that the Dickey book leans toward violence and profanity, while the Hayes book is more espionage-like. Both kept me on the edge of my seat for days… And then there are my NON-FICTION PICKS… “The Baby Boom” by P.J. O’Rourke will bring back memories for anyone born between 1947 and 1964. O’Rourke recalls the usual things that Boomers will remember – playing outside til dark, getting that first Color TV – but the real appeal comes when he finds something you’ve long-forgotten, and he expounds upon it. This book is like time-travelling to your childhood. Lovers of the Old (or new) West will love “Badluck Way” by Bryce Andrews, the story of cowboying, ranch life, and the end of both. It’s also a tale of conservation: wolves were a big problem on the ranch where Andrews worked, and they cost his employer a good amount of money. But where’s 26
February 2015 | The Business Times
by Terri Schlichenmeyer | The bookworm sez
the happy medium between raising cattle and being a steward to the land and its wildlife? This book doesn’t have all the answers, but it’ll make you think. I’m normally not a big fan of biographies that include “recreations,” but “Death of a King” by Tavis Smiley was a great exception. In this book, Smiley envisions the last year of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: his friendships, his dilemmas, the heartbreak he knew and caused, the work he did, and that which he might’ve wished he didn’t do. I liked this book because it’s thoughtful, and because it makes Dr. King into an ordinary man. Smiley makes King approachable. If you’ve read other Best Of lists this year, you’ve probably found “Being Mortal” by Atul Gawande there – and for good reason. It’s about the end-oflife, aging, and how medicine perceives both. Gawande urges readers to take charge of the end of their lives. That’s powerful stuff, in a powerful book. And lastly, another tie: “The Removers” by Andrew Meredith, “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” by Caitlin Doughty, and “The Skeleton Crew” by Deborah Halber all deal with bodies. Dead ones. The Meredith book is a father-son memoir in a coming-of-age way; the Doughty book is a memoir about her years working in a crematory; and the Halber book is about how everyday people spend their time comparing missing persons lists with online lists of unclaimed bodies. I liked ‘em all. I couldn’t decide … And then my Best of CHILDREN’S BOOKS: For the littlest kid, “Don’t Push the Button” by Bill Cotter is a near-guaranteed gigglefest. There’s a monster inside this book, and a red button. Whatever you do, well, read the book with your favorite 3-to-6-year-old and see. Post-apocalyptic novels have been done to death, but “H2O” by Virginia Bergin really struck me as unusual. The premise of this book is that planetary dust has caused contaminated rain. Anybody who gets wet dies – bloody, painfully, and fast. That includes the heroine’s parents, sibling, friends, neighbors, and everyone she loves. Or maybe not, because there’s a wicked cliffhanger here and I loved it. I also liked “Noggin” by John Corey Whaley, a disturbingly plausible book about a young man who’s suffering a terminal illness. His only hope is to have his head cryonically frozen, and to wait for a donor body. But can everybody in his life wait for him to return? As I read “Endangered” by Jean Love Cush, I wasn’t sure whether or not it was an adult book or a teen read. I decided it was both: it’s the story of a young teen who gets arrested for a murder he didn’t commit, but it’s also the story of his mother, who tackles the justice system, the law, and everything she never thought she’d have to deal with on behalf of her son. Timely and sobering, this is another one of those books you just can’t put down. And finally, “Skink No Surrender” by Carl Hiaasen is a great way to introduce your teen to the humor of this adult author. In this book, a teen goes missing and it’s up to her cousin and a Vietnam-veteran-former-mayorpossibly-insane-conservation-minded madman to find her. What’s not to like, hm? And there you are: fifteen books you just can’t miss. The Best of the Year. Happy Reading! Terri Schlichenmeyer is a book reviewer in Wisconsin. She may be reached via email at bookwormsez@yahoo.com.
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LAST LOOK
OKC Features First Cremation Gardens in Nation Written & Photographed By Patty Miller The Business Times
In the Family and Friends area of Reflection Pointe Gardens, a bronze cocker spaniel digs playfully in the ground while a cat and squirrel look on. They are a few of the many statues dotting the landscape of the nation’s first cremation gardens at North Eastern and Northwest 109th Street just south of the Edmond city limits.
T
he passage of time as well as variations from culture to culture have made an impact of the way loved ones are memorialized. Whether memories are shared in services, remembered in the form of a grave marker or tombstone, visited in a specific location like a garden pond, kept on a memorial table in an urn or worn like a piece of jewelry, individuals choose specific ways to remember those in their lives who have passed. Brad Whinery, owner of Reflection Pointe Gardens, located south of Edmond on the corner North Eastern and Northwest 109th Street has designed an innovative way to address the rising needs of remembering the passing of family and friends. “In the past cremation was not considered the most popular way of remembering the death of a loved one, but now it is the fastest-growing trend in funeral services,” Whinery said. Reflection Pointe Gardens is innovative in the fact that Whinery has built the first cremation garden park in the nation, but it is also innovative in the way it integrates high-tech features into the park-like setting. A water fall in the front features burial niches on the back side. The area is surrounded by trees and shrubs and in the 28
February 2015 | The Business Times
spring flowers will be blooming throughout the garden. Statues dot the grounds with plans to add more in the future. “At this time we have 40 percent of our plants in the ground,” Whinery said. “We will be planting 500 more flowering plants, and when we are finished we will have more than 1,000 trees, plants and flowers newly planted on the property.” Reflection Pointe Gardens’ fouracre grounds are landscaped with trees, reflection ponds, benches and walking paths. What are absent are the traditional cemetery headstones and markers. The four acres also feature an ossuary where the co-mingling of ashes below ground is done. Behind the park is an additional eight-acre meadow for scattering ashes of loved ones. One area is called Forever Friends where a pet owner and their pet can be buried in the same location, something not allowed in traditional cemeteries, Whinery said. The other thing visitors won’t see is the integrated high-tech technology that helps families locate and memorialize their loved ones. Whinery developed a location-based app that corresponds with a smart chip buried with the remains. Each resting place is coded with a unique GPS point so people visiting the gardens can use a smartphone or tablet to locate a
specific site. Additionally, each resting place will have a separate website that can be customized with information, photographs, name, dates and life story. The personalized website will appear on smart phones or tablets instantly when families reach their loved one’s resting place. Whinery is a second generation funeral home owner who has been in the business for 38 years and whose son is also in the funeral business. He said cemeteries have changed very little in the past 150 years, and yet new generations of adults are demanding more personalized and meaningful burials. “Reflection Pointe Gardens’ use of GPS location and microchip technology will allow families to view far more “life story” information for loved ones than physical memorials permit,” Whinery said. Psychologists say remembrance practices are an important emotional function for survivors as they help bring closure and allow the healing process to begin. In the past families often skipped this part in the cremation process because there isn’t a body or grave site to visit, Whinery said. Reflection Pointe Gardens is at 10900 N. Eastern, Oklahoma City. For more information call 843-2099 or visit online at www.reflectionpointe.net
» C OME JU DGE
for Yourself.
GOLFERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD COME TO CHALLENGE THE JUDGE and the two other golf courses in Prattville at RTJ Capitol Hill. Bring your clubs and come take on Judge hole number 1, voted the favorite hole on the Trail. Complete your day in luxury at the Marriott and enjoy dining, firepits and guest rooms overlooking the Senator golf course. With the Marriott’s 20,000 square feet of meeting space, 96 guest rooms and luxurious Presidential Cottage combined with three world-class golf courses, business and pleasure can definitely interact in Prattville.
THE ROBERT TRENT JONES GOLF TRAIL AT CAPITOL HILL is home of the Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic on the Senator Course September 18 to 24, 2014. The Marriott Prattville is part of the Resort Collection on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Visit www.rtjgolf.com or call 800.949.4444 to learn more.
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4747 Gaillardia Parkway, Suite 200, Oklahoma City, OK 73142 (405) 721-7776 or Toll Free: (866) 314-0402 A Division of Delaware Resource Group of Oklahoma, LLC drgok.com
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February 2015 | The Business Times
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There is truly not a single word to describe all that women are and all that they do. And that’s a beautiful thing. At INTEGRIS Health Edmond, we celebrate every part of your life and every phase of your journey. That’s why we’ve committed such a large part of what we do to helping you get healthy now and stay healthy in the future. For new moms and moms-to-be, our ten-room Women’s Center has every amenity you expect from a leading hospital, like peaceful, warm surroundings and experienced, board-certified physicians and specialists. But there are also reassuring amenities you might not expect – the Level II Special Care Nursery, the electronic infant security system and automatic screening for congenital heart defects. And for the rest of your life, we are here for routine mammograms, surgical services, urology services, health screenings and all of the things that keep you feeling like the strong, gentle … beautiful woman that you are.
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