THE VOICE SPRING 2024

SPRING 2024

EDMOND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MARY JOHNSTON

JUSTIN SMITH

SVP, Commercial Lender VP, Commercial Lender

JIM TRENT President

JOHN ROY

AVP, Retail Lender

MARK LISLE

EVP, Business Development

EDMOND

1264 S. Bryant | 405.270.1655 2125 N. Kelly Ave. | 405.619.2270 15200 N. Western Ave. | 405.619.2250

BANCFIRST.BANK

TABLE OF

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CONTENTS A LETTER FROM THE CEO

ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET

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AMBASSADOR HIGHLIGHT

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VISIT EDMOND HAS A NEW LOOK

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PAMPERED PETS: SUCCESS UNLEASHED

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GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

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NEW MEMBERS

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Sherry Jordan Letter from the CEO In this issue, we recognize award recipients from our Annual Awards Banquet that have made significant contributions to our community. These award winners represent the driving force behind Edmond’s growth and prosperity, embodying the values that make our chamber and city strong and vibrant.

The recognition of award winners goes beyond the individual; it is a testament to the collaborative spirit that binds our community together. These distinguished citizens, businesses, and nonprofits serve as inspiration, motivating others to aspire to greatness and contribute to the collective well-being. Whether they have served the chamber for 5 years or 15 years, their accomplishments create a ripple effect, fostering an environment where excellence is not only acknowledged but also celebrated.

Award-winning businesses often become catalysts for economic development, attracting investment and creating job opportunities. Nonprofits honored for their outstanding service inspire increased civic participation and volunteerism, creating a network of support for those in need. The acknowledgment of exceptional individuals instills a sense of civic pride, reinforcing the idea that everyone plays a crucial role in shaping our community.

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to the betterment of our chamber. Together, we can continue to build a thriving community for generations to come.

Warm regards,

Sherry Jordan President & CEO 4

francistuttle.edu/wed 405.717.4740

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CITIZENS BANK OF EDMOND CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

Stephanie Carel, Silver Leaf Gems and Randy Grau, Citizens Bank of Edmond

Stephanie Carel

Stephanie's passion is her family and community. She strives to make Edmond a better place to live and visit by improving the downtown Edmond district and events. She has been volunteering for over 40 years with community service as her true calling. If it weren't for her family and friends, she wouldn't be able to give so much to benefit the Edmond community.

Stephanie is co-owner Silver Leaf Gems, Executive Director of the Downtown Edmond Business Association, past chairman of Edmond Historic Preservation Trust, teacher at Edmond Fine Arts Institute, and member of Edmond Homeless Alliance. She loves helping out whenever she can at her favorite organizations: Hope Center of Edmond, Free to Live Animal Sanctuary, and Fostering Sweet Dreams.

PROSPERITY BANK WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Dr. Angela Grunewald Dr. Angela Grunewald was named the first female superintendent in the district’s history in June 2021. She leads Oklahoma’s third largest public school district of nearly 26,000 students and over 3,100 employees across 30 campuses. Now in her third year as superintendent, Dr. Grunewald’s leadership includes the implementation of several new initiatives aimed at helping the district’s students and employees. This includes the successful opening of the EPS Employee Child Care Center in August of 2023 making it possible for employees to enroll their children in low cost, reliable daycare while they are working for the district.

When Dr. Grunewald was asked what advice she would give to young women, she said, “Just be yourself! Do something you are passionate about, and do it well. If you do something well, people will notice that.

They will see your commitment, character and qualities, and will say Dr. Angela Grunewald, Edmond Public Schools and Jacque Fiegel, Prosperity Bank

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that’s a person I want on my team.”

RCB BANK PHILANTHROPIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Melissa Leyba, CEC and Luke Williams, RCB Bank

CEC

CEC is more than a multi-discipline engineering firm. Because of their purpose to Get Stuff Built Right, they have a responsibility – and a passion – to give back to communities beyond services and projects. CEC’s Corporate Giving Program is an internal organization created and run by CEC team members, and it is the backbone of their culture. Since 2013, they have served more than 250 of their own team members in need, over 50 nonprofits, and touched thousands of lives. CEC celebrated 10 years of philanthropic service in May 2023.

CEC is active in giving back to the Edmond community. They sent a group of 22 volunteers to help at the Hope Center, serving for more than 80 hours as well as giving a monetary donation. Their team has also volunteered at Wings, and the Cycle 66 event. They also sponsored Luminance in Mitch Park this past season.

FIRST UNITED BANK SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Pampered Pets Veterinary Clinic & Spa

The team at Pampered Pets Veterinary Clinic and Spa are Oklahoma pet lovers just like you! Their team is dedicated to providing the highest level of veterinary medicine along with friendly, compassionate service.

Pampered Pets believes in treating every patient as if they were our own pet, and giving them the same loving attention and care. Their team members are composed of a group of highly trained, experienced animal lovers who are devoted to giving patients the best care possible.

In order to develop their core values, the Pampered Pets team asked every staff member to write down 5 different qualities. The top 5 qualities picked to encompass Pampered Pets were: Dedication, Excellence, Glen McCall, First United Bank and Dr. J. Brian Ledger, Pampered Pets

Compassion, Teamwork, and Integrity. The Pampered Pets team is committed to the best standards in providing the best care for each pet along with the highest quality of service to help people and their pets.

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MERCY AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR

Dr. Chad Smith, Mercy Hospital and Angie Clemens Byers, First United Bank

Angie Clemens Byers

Angie Clemens Byers is a passionate advocate for local businesses, community involvement, and ambassadorship in Edmond. With a deep love for her town and a strong belief in giving back, she is dedicated to supporting and promoting the thriving local business community in Edmond.

Through her roles in the Edmond Chamber of Commerce and various community initiatives, she continues to make a positive impact and inspire others to contribute to the growth and success of Edmond. Angie exemplified tremendous service for the Edmond Chamber in 2023 to achieve this award. Angie attended 120 chamber events over the past year, made over 150 goodwill check-ins with members, and had 100 more ambassador points than any other ambassador.

INTEGRIS HEALTH EDMOND VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Tony A. Scott

Tony received the 2020 Public Service Award and the 2021 Outstanding Member in Financial Planning Award. Tony’s current community activities include board service with Oklahoma Schools of Character, the Oklahoma City Estate Planning Council (President 2023-24), the OSCPA Educational Foundation (Vice President 2022-24), and ambassador for the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce.

A cancer survivor, Tony recently served as an Executive Cattle Baron for the American Cancer Society (2021-23). Tony helped raise funds to create an operational endowment for the Chad Richison Hope Lodge, a 34-suite long-term cancer patient/caregiver residential facility in Oklahoma City. Tony has been a volunteer for the Edmond Chamber

Angie Kamermayer, Integris Health Edmond and Tony A. Scott, Arledge and Associates

since becoming an ambassador and continues to exceed what is asked of him. The Edmond Chamber is thankful for Tony’s service over the years and is thrilled to honor his hard work.

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OU HEALTH EDMOND YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Shane Luebbers-Jones, Michelle Early Farmers Insurance and Leslie Buford, OU Health Edmond

Shane Luebbers-Jones

Shane Luebbers-Jones is a lifelong Oklahoman. Raised in the small town of Prague, Shane moved to Oklahoma City to attend Mid-America Christian University, where he graduated in 2010. After spending 6 years in ministry, Shane made the transition into the insurance business. He joined Michelle Early's Insurance Agency in 2016 and has been there ever since.

Since joining Edmond Young Professionals in 2019, Shane has been an active member of EYP. Shane joined the Edmond Young Professionals Advisory Board in 2021, and has played a pivotal role in engaging with our EYP members and board. EYP is excited to have him as Chairman of the Edmond Young Professional Advisory Board in 2024.

OKLAHOMA ER & HOSPITAL LEADERSHIP EDMOND ALUMNI OF THE YEAR

Dr. Krista Jones

Krista Jones is a retired Dentist and was well known for her successful dental practice in Edmond for 39 years. Krista served as an officer in many of her professional organizations, including the following: former President of the Oklahoma Dental Association, President of OK County Dental Society, and the third President of Oklahoma Association of Women Dentists. She is the past President of the Edmond Democratic Women.

Krista was named the Edmond Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2012, and was inducted into the Edmond Chamber Hall of Fame in 2010.

Krista participated as a celebrity dancer in the Edmond Chamber’s Dancing With The Stars event in 2021 and was selected “Star of the Show.”

Dr. Krista Jones and Dr. Sang Lee, Oklahoma ER & Hospital

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TINKER FEDERAL CREDIT UNION NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR

Shelley Pulliam and Pam Kanaly, Arise Single Moms and Dave Willis, Tinker Federal Credit Union

Arise Single Moms

Arise Single Moms, a global nonprofit, serves as one of America’s leading advocates for single mothers raising children alone. In 2002, Pam Kanaly and Shelley Pulliam co-founded Arise whose mission is to help single mothers navigate life. They serve a variety of women: widows, single again, never married, grandmothers raising grandchildren, and women who have adopted or their husbands are incarcerated or in rehab.

The Arise Single Moms grassroots effort that began in Edmond twenty-one years ago has grown to serve 10,000 women a year in Oklahoma. More than a half million single mothers from around the world have utilized Arise’s free, specialized online resources. Arise Single Moms has been a recipient of the Hobby Lobby Passion Award and recognized by The Journal Record as a top ten organization making a difference.

CHAIRMAN’S AWARD

Evan Comer

Evan has been a member of the Edmond Chamber of Commerce for 8 years. During this time, he has volunteered on the Ambassador Council and served as Chair of the Council from 2019 to 2021. Evan has attended hundreds ribbon cutting ceremonies while on the Ambassador Council! He was also recognized as Ambassador Of The Year for 2019, Volunteer of the Year in 2021, and currently serves on the Chamber's Board of Directors.

Evan is a wonderful chamber volunteer and board member, and he played an instrumental part in supporting our 2023 Dancing with the Stars event. Evan stepped in to make sure we had a payment system for our event during a nationwide outage to ensure that we had a successful evening.

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Evan Comer, Turn 2 Payments and Leslie Buford, OU Health Edmond

Sherry Jordan, CEO, with outgoing board of directors members (Left to right): Sarah Clutts served from (2018 to 2023) ; H.J. Reed served from (2017-2023); Lissa Qualls served from (2017 to 2023)

KEVIN PYLE

Kevin has served the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce as an ambassador for nearly 2 years. During this time, he has come to love meeting various chamber members and connecting with his fellow ambassadors. He has been with First United Bank as a Commercial Loan Officer for more than 6 years, but has enjoyed working in banking for more than 20 years. Kevin is originally from Anadarko, OK and has lived in the Edmond area since November 2021.

During his free time, he enjoys hitting the green on the Rose Creek Golf course or spending some quiet time fishing. As a veteran of the Oklahoma Army National Guard, Kevin stays in contact with fellow veterans. He was one of 40 men and women who served in Baghdad from November 2005 thru November 2006. He sees each day moving forward as an exciting opportunity to explore more areas of Edmond, try different restaurants and meet new people who keep our beautiful community going strong.

BRANDING EDMOND FOR VISITORS Written by Jennifer Thornton, Tourism Director As Edmond grows into a destination leader, Visit Edmond decided it was time for a fresh, fun and bold look to welcome visitors. A new logo and tagline will lead Edmond into a future of exciting new activities like the Arcadia Lake enhancements, Route 66 Centennial Celebrations, youth sports field renovations, downtown development and much more. It is more than a logo!

Strategic branding elevates tourism, informs citizens, welcomes visitors and showcases a sense of pride in our hometown.

Edmond welcomes more meeting planners and tournament directors every year. With 45 creative venues and 28 sport facilities, Edmond hosts professional conferences, sporting events, weddings and everything in between. When people stay the night in Edmond, they pay a 4 percent lodging tax and contribute to our sales tax when they shop, dine and play. In fact, $65 is added to the local economy each time a guest stays overnight, in addition to the cost of their hotel or Airbnb/VRBO. Before designing a new logo, local stakeholders met with a design firm, Nuevo Studio (UCO graduates!) for a branding strategy session. No flip charts or computers, just questions and conversations about Edmond tourism, vision, growth, culture, audiences, brand voices and much more.

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From this session we wrote a “brand story.”

Once that was finalized, a logo and tagline was created: Visit Edmond – A place to be connected.

WHAT Visit Edmond is your local tourism department, dedicated to simplifying and amplifying your experience. Our goal is to provide you with curated resources to discover all the wonderful things our city has to offer.

HOW At Visit Edmond, we believe in the power of collaboration to bring people together. Whether you’re here for a business conference or for a weekend getaway, we’re your go-to source for making your visit enjoyable and hassle-free. We do this with an active digital presence, travel guides, and connecting with community members to bring fun activities to you.

WHY Visit Edmond is all about enhancing the quality of your visit. Whether you are coming to Edmond for work or pleasure we are here to help guide you to make the most of your stay.

BRAND VALUES

Bold Kind

Fun Hospitable

Connecting

Local leaders often pitch Edmond to host statewide, regional and national events. For example, Edmond Farmers Market & Visit Edmond worked together to bring the Oklahoma Local Agricultural Summit to the Edmond Conference Center in February. More than 600 attendees were the most registrants in their history.

TARGET DEMOGRAPHICS Research shows that Edmond offers the best of both worlds the charm of a small town and the excitement of a big city all while maintaining a friendly and inviting atmosphere mixed with history. Visit Edmond will focus on the following audiences:

·Sport Families ·Business Travelers ·Rural Explorers ·Newcomers ·Edmond Citizens ·Ex-Edmond Citizens ·UCO Graduates

Additionally, former City Council member David Chapman introduced Edmond to his academic colleagues from the United Kingdom. The University of Central Oklahoma Real Estate Program has had a wonderful partnership with Coventry University and, because of that connection, Chapman pitched UCO as the host for their 2024 conference.

“They like the idea of using 'Experience Route 66' in Edmond as their theme,” said Chapman. UCO is now the location for the Society for Terrorism Research Conference Sept. 4-6, 2024.

Visit Edmond is a proud Edmond Chamber member and participates on the advisory board.

Chamber events are a great way to experience Edmond venues and businesses.

Visitors and citizens enjoy exploring trails, savoring local flavors at festivals, rediscovering Edmond’s evolving culture, and getting kicks on Route 66. From welcoming hospitality to a bustling calendar of events, Edmond has something for everyone.

SUCCESS

U N L E A S H E D

“I think it really helped when I moved to the new facility and I could actually unleash all my vision for doing the different types of services. Now we can focus on these areas to really concentrate and do our best to service each pet’s needs,” Dr. J. Brian Ledger said.

Dr. Ledger, owner of Pampered Pets Veterinary Clinic and Spa, has been in the veterinary business for more than 20 years and continues to be one of Edmond’s preferred veterinarians. His team was recently awarded the 2023 First United Bank Small Business of the Year at the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet. Dr. Ledger and his staff continue to help treat pets and serve families in the community that have been with them from the beginning.

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Dr. Ledger explained it took many years of hard-work, team-building and continuous education for Pampered Pets to reach its full potential. Through many trials within the veterinary profession, he said he prides himself on leading his staff by instilling compassion, strong ethics, dedication and flexibility so they may provide the highest quality of care to their clients. “Things are continuously changing and we want to use the latest technology just like in human medicine,” Dr. Ledger said.

Pampered Pets Veterinary Clinic and Spa is composed of a 33 member staff offering multiple services to help pets stay healthy and happy. Within their facility on North Kelly Avenue, Dr. Ledger designed their veterinary clinic and spa to house 5 businesses under one roof.

Veterinary Medical/Surgical Lodging

Day Care Grooming

Their staff moved into their new facility on January 1, 2022, and since then, further success has followed, but also so has some challenges. Dr. Ledger sees an average of 22 pets a day for medical and surgical needs. However, more than 200 animals walk through Pampered Pets door each day requiring high quality care in all services including grooming, lodging, and day care. But no matter the challenge, the Pampered Pets staff continues to make every animal’s well-being their top priority.

When they are not taking care of animals, they are doing their best to help those in need within the community. By offering an elderly outreach program, they provide emotional support pet therapy visits to elderly in Edmond. “Ruffles is really good at pet therapy. I’ve taken her to visit people, and it just brightens their day.” The Pampered Pets team also partners with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts assisting them with earning badges focused on animal education.

Dr. Ledger explained the overwhelming spread of the canine flu in 2023 led to ‘make or break’ challenges for him and the Pampered Pets team.

“It was important to educate our clients, get those pets vaccinated, and maintain cleaning protocols.”

He explained, to this day, Pampered Pets, similar to others within the veterinary profession, continue to face supply chain issues for the canine influenza vaccine. But not even the canine flu stopped Pampered Pets’ success from being unleashed.

I’ve set up this facility to take us into the future, and that’s what we’ll do.

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2024 GOVERNMENT RELATIONS The Edmond Chamber of Commerce’s Government Relations Council enables the Chamber to foster and maintain important relationships with elected officials. The committee works to represent the legislative interests of business on local, state and national levels through a variety of efforts, including candidate forums, legislative breakfasts and an annual trip to Washington D.C. to meet with officials.

1. Pre-Session Legislative Breakfast 2. Senator Adam Push recognizing Edmond North JROTC Cadets 3. Member Lunch with Governor Stitt

ECONOMIC GROWTH Support innovative workforce and economic development policy to keep Edmond and Oklahoma competitive.

TRANSPORTATION Continue to support expedited funding in Eight-Year plan for Interstate 35 corridor improvements to ease congestion and improve safety.

FEDERAL ISSUES Secure additional federal funding for infrastructure improvements within the Edmond area.

EDUCATION Advance and support strategies for equitable and competitive funding for the hiring and retention of a qualified workforce, including faculty and staff, for PK16 to provide high quality instruction and the ability to offer competitive compensation, directly impacting the ability to attract and retain a highly qualified workforce.

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Edmond Chamber

NEW MEMBERS

Indicates Marketer Level Members

AAA Insurance- Cody Link 1216 W Danforth Rd., Edmond, OK 73003 405-513-6500 link2insurance.com

Evoke 5 Medical Center 401 S. Coltrane Rd., Ste 280, Edmond, OK 73034 405-906-3892 evoke5.com

Hometown Garage Doors 2524 Broadway #555, Edmond, OK 73034 405-659-2216 Hometown-garagedoors.com

American Medical Response Service, Inc. 1315 S Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034 405-465-9988 globalmedicalresponse.com

Exodus HR Group 317 W Evergreen, Durant, OK 74701 405-831-4488 Exodushrgroup.com

DREAMLLC Jamba/Auntie Annes 2141 W. 15th St., Edmond, OK 73013 405-696-5222

American Solera 129 W 2nd St., Edmond, OK 73003 405-920-6210 americansolera.com/edmond

Fuzzy's Taco Shop 1462 S. Bryant, Edmond, OK 73034 405-562-4800 restaurants.fuzzystacoshop.com

Balloon Therapy 7920 N May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-586-5567 balloontherapyokc.com

GableGotwals 499 W. Sheridan Ave., Ste 2200 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 405-235-5520 gablelaw.com

Boiling Point Media 7801 N. Robinson Ave., Ste J11, Oklahoma City, OK Gotcha Covered of Edmond 73116 9852 W. Charter Oak Rd., Edmond, OK 73025 405-652-9033 405-415-3024 boilingpointmedia.com gotchacovered.com/edmond Caddyshack Golf Cartz 900 W. Memorial Rd., Oklahoma City, OK 73114 405-749-5886 Caddyshackgolfcartz.com Chico's Mexican Restaurant 1389 E. 15th St., Edmond, OK 73013 405-906-2023 chicosmexicanrestaurant.com Crest Discount Foods 2933 N Sooner Rd., Edmond, OK 73034 405-970-8100

Dave's Hot Chicken

E 2nd St., Edmond, OK 73034 18 2404 405-888-8504 daveshotchicken.com

Home Instead Senior Care 3844 N. MacArthur, Warr Acres, OK 73122 405-521-1963 homeinstead.com/okc Homeland 1151 N. Bryant Ave., Edmond, OK 73034 405-844-4400 homelandstores.com Homeland 16525 Rose Creek Blvd., Edmond OK 73012 405-603-0200 homelandstores.com

Knucklehead Outdoor 12551 Glendale Circle, Edmond, OK 73034 423-462-5563 knucklehead-outdoor.com Linden Salon 17 W. 1st St., Edmond, OK 73003 405-830-9759 linden.salon The Lookout 1600 E Danforth Rd., Edmond, OK 73034 405-216-7423 thelookoutedmond.com BGM Consulting 405-833-0484 Mattress Authority 617 S Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034 405-306-6179 mattressauthorityok.com Mode.

140 E 5th St., Ste 100, Edmond, OK 73034 918-406-5188 shopmode.fashion Neighborly Wellness Clinic 1973 W 33rd St., Edmond, OK 73013 580-853-3417 neighborlywellness.com

Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinic 3520 South Boulevard, Ste #100, Edmond, OK 73013 405-754-4005 nerverenewalnow.com OnCallProject Foundation 1500 Glenolde Place, Edmond, OK 73003 405-517-4882 oncallproject.com Parcel Goods + Gifts 140 E 5th St., Ste 100, Edmond, OK 73034 405-473-5629 shopparcelok.com PixelMongers LLC 10 N Broadway, Ste 3, Edmond, OK 73034 405-459-7496 pixelmongers.com Precision Restoration, Inc. 14310 N Lincoln Blvd #314, Edmond, OK 73013 405-246-8559 precisionresto.com QuidAI 10205 Bald Cypress Dr., The Village, OK 73120 405-808-9964 quidai.com Red Dirt Merch LLC/Patriot Laser Works 8450 N Portland Ave., Crescent, OK 73028 405-831-9109 patriotlaserworks.com Renegade Supplies Edmond, OK 73013 405-868-6041 FixMyWater.us

The Richards Group LLC 3412 NW 178th St., Ste A, Edmond, OK 73012 405-253-4843 therichardsgroupinsurance.com Sean Shiba Design 4852 Buffalo Hill, Guthrie, OK 73044 405-834-7092 seanshibadesigns.myportfolio.com

ServiceMaster By RSI 4355 N Santa Fe. Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73118 405-208-0556 smrsi.com Summit Digital Solutions, Inc. 2000 Oak Valley Circle, Ste 150, Edmond, OK 73025 405-456-9507 wsi-summit.com Sunbelt Rentals 3801 S Broadway, Edmond, OK 73013 405-486-7820 www.sunbeltrentals.com Titan AVL 4349 SW 23rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73108 405-479-8711 titanavl.com Topchian Collection 6400 NE 101st St., Oklahoma City, OK 73151 847-780-7484 Topchian.com Venue 102 94 W 1st, Edmond, OK 73003 361-739-1066 venue102.com Vignolas Italian Kitchen 23 W 1st St., Ste 130, Edmond, OK 73003 405-906-3575 vignolaskitchen.com The Winston 17900 N May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73012 405-321-2600 thewinston.com

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825 E. 2nd Street, Suite 100 Edmond, OK 73034