Business news

Official recommends having flood insurance

By Oklahoma Insurance

Commissioner Glen Mulready

As a resident of Tulsa for the past 25 years, it was devastating to watch our neighbors’ homes destroyed in May 2019. It was emotional because it was not just the building itself they lost, but also the contents. When my boys and I went out to help clean the waterlogged neighborhoods, we found pictures, keepsakes, kids’ drawings and letters from loved ones—all things that can’t be replaced. We are back to April two years later and I want all Oklahomans to ask themselves if they have the necessary insurance coverage to mitigate its consequences.

During the late hours of April 30 and the morning of May 1, 17 tornadoes struck Oklahoma. The storm carried 5 to 6 inches of rainfall. Thousands of Oklahomans were devastated by flooding resulting in more than $31 million in estimated losses. More than 6,000 flood claims were reported. Unfortunately, many residents did not have flood insurance and some of them are still trying to recover today.

As April showers bring May flowers, I’m encouraging Oklahomans to Get Ready now and prepare for the worst. Flooding can cause catastrophic damage, and preparation now will lead to a better recovery later. Here are three important reasons to consider flood insurance today: ---- You Live in Oklahoma Flooding is the number one natural disaster in the United States. While most standard homeowners policies cover tornadoes, hail, and wildfires, they do NOT cover floods. There is at least a 1 in 4 chance of flooding in high-risk areas during a 30-year mortgage. ---- 30-Day Waiting Period It typically takes 30 days for a flood policy to go into effect, so the time to buy is well before a disaster. That is why you need to purchase or renew flood insurance well in advance. Waiting until you see the water rushing is too late. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) today. ---- Cost of Flooding Flooding can be an emotionally and financially devastating event. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, an inch of water in a home could cause more than $27,000 in damages. About 33% of all flood claims come from outside of high-risk areas. In 2019 nationally, the average flood insurance claim payment was $53,301while the average flood insurance premium payment was $674.

While we cannot prevent another flood from occurring, we can get our state financially prepared for the damage when it hits. Let’s make sure that Oklahomans understand their flood risk. As I always like to remind folks… If it rains where you live, it can flood where you live.

If you have questions about other insurance issues, please contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-800-522-0071 or visit our website at www.oid.ok.gov.

OC, Integris team up

The prolonged presence of COVID-19 has exasperated the nursing shortage across the United States, including Oklahoma. To meet this need, INTEGRIS Health partnered with Oklahoma Christian University to educate, train and employ nurses more efficiently through INTEGRIS University.

“Integris University is a modernized college experience, meeting students where they are at while they navigate work and career advancement,” said Brandon Tatum, Chief Strategy Officer at Oklahoma Christian University. “Oklahoma Christian University is proud to be partners in this effort to deliver a modernized education model that fully immerses students in a hands-on learning and working environment while affordably earning a Bachelors of Science in Nursing.”

Applications for INTEGRIS University are now open. Candidates must apply to both INTEGRIS Health and Oklahoma Christian University, which can be done by visiting https://www.oc.edu/academics/online/integris.

Integris and Oklahoma Christian University have teamed up to provide nurse training.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Business plan competition sees students fare well

Student entrepreneur teams from the University of Central Oklahoma claimed one first place award and two second place finishes in the 2021 Love’s Entrepreneur’s Cup statewide business plan competition.

Team Amidad from UCO claimed a $10,000 first place prize in the Small Business Division for its app-based concept that provides undocumented immigrants and refugees with guides on understanding their legal rights during arrests.

Amidad team leader was Esther Velasco, with team members Sofia Arenas, Nichole Burroughs and Ashley Guerrero. Advisor was Amy Johnson.

Hamkke, another team from the University of Central Oklahoma, claimed second place in the Small Business Division, while team Swift and Sweet Events from East Central University was the third place winner.

Hamkke team Leader was Nhi Pham, with team members Emily

Falls and Marissa Perez. Advisor was Amy Johnson. A third team from UCO, Pick Pro, won second place in the High Growth Graduate Division for its patented Light Duty Electric Cargo vehicle that reduces time and expense for shipping fulfillment centers by enhancing productivity. Pick Pro team leader was Ruth Davis, with team members Drake Cartwright, Mattie England and Mark Steele. Advisor was Maurice Haff. P Pick Pro also was named Interview winner in the High Growth Manufacturing, Material Sciences and Transportation category, sponsored by the Oklahoma Business Roundtable. Team Empowering Natives from UCO was named Interview winner in the Small Business Product category, while team AGnosis from Oklahoma Christian University was named Interview winner in the IT/App category.

See Students, Page 18

Measure targets criminals and costs of cybercrime

A bipartisan solution to address the proliferation of cybercrime unanimously passed the Senate last we4ek.

House Bill 1759, authored by Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater and Sen. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole, updates language in the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act to better address computer security threats that continue to evolve.

“Our cybercrime bills are woefully behind the advance of technology leaving our agencies, businesses, and consumers vulnerable to threats, such as malware and ransomware,” Ranson said. “This bill updates definitions and penalties in the Computer Crimes Act so that Oklahoma is better prepared for whatever the future brings.”

As technology advances and more commerce moves online, cybercrime is a growing threat. The FBI estimates that cybercrime costs the global economy more than $450 billion a year. This nefarious activity costs not only large companies but also small businesses.

“When people think about cyber attacks, they probably think about large companies,” said Ranson. “However, small businesses are just as susceptible and sometimes more so due to their inability to pay for extensive cybersecurity. This bill is about protecting their livelihood and ultimately the state economy.”

HB1759 is now eligible to be signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt.

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Finally, Regan McCarthick a member of team Pristine Clean from UCO, was named Undergraduate Division pitch winner.

Student innovators from across Oklahoma pitched concepts in the 2021 Love’s Entrepreneur’s Cup that ranged from high tech futuristic solutions to answers for real world problems that are here and now.

The teams were honored in a special Facebook Live virtual presentation on April 22.

The winning teams were among more than 50 collegiate teams that originally submitted written business plans for the competition that began with the Interview portion in February.

Student entrepreneurs competed in three divisions for $158,000 in cash awards and scholarships.

Love’s Travel Stops serves as Signature Sponsor for the annual competition, which is managed by i2E, Inc. More than 2,500 students have competed for over $2.1 million across the 17-year history of the competition.

In a special address to the Facebook Live audience, Jenny Love Meyer, chief culture officer for Love’s Travel Stops, thanked the student entrepreneurs for rising to the occasion amid the social distancing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Love’s is proud to recognize these outstanding young people, whose ability to create, innovate and think outside the box is an inspiration to us all,” Meyer said. “Every one of these students has shown a tremendous commitment to excellence and perseverance that I have no doubt will help them make a positive impact in their communities.”

Claiming first place and a cash award of $20,000 in this year’s High Growth Graduate Division was team BioSeal XE from Oklahoma State University. Saeed Manouchehr was BioSeal XE team leader, with Kevin Heupel as team member. David Thomison was advisor.

BioSeal XE is taking a bio adhesive to the equine market with technology that immediately stops bleeding and accelerates wound healing in horses for traumatic cuts, tears, or skin punctures. Another team from Oklahoma State University, Apeiron Solutions, was the third place winner. In the High Growth Undergraduate Division, team Daedalus Droneworks from the University of Oklahoma claimed the first place prize of $20,000. Avery Mayfield was Daedalus Droneworks team leader, with team members James Geis, Johnathan Karch and James Roe. Omar Wyman was faculty advisor. Daedalus DroneWorks is introducing a new groundbreaking technology that vastly improves flight times of unmanned aerial vehicles by using hybrid engines that convert gasoline to electricity. University of Oklahoma teams swept the Undergraduate Division, with Team Simply Sorority named second place winner, while team Overlook claimed third place. Also addressing the audience celebrating the Love’s Cup winners was Matt Pinnell, Oklahoma Lt. Governor. Pinnell and his wife are entrepreneurs themselves who operate a small business. “We know the highs and low of running a small business and being an entrepreneur,” Pinnell said. “We know how important it is to health and well being and the future growth of the state of Oklahoma. I want you to know how big a deal you all are. We want all of you to be successful and would love for you to start businesses right here in the state of Oklahoma.” i2E CEO Scott Meacham closed the ceremony with remarks that not only lauded the achievements of the student entrepreneurs, but also recognized the Oklahoma investment and business leaders who served as judges, as well as the competition sponsors. “Although these students are taking their first steps down the entrepreneur’s path, I’m impressed by both the innovation and level of sophistication of their concepts,” Meacham said. “I’m certain that we will see many of these students use this valuable learning opportunity as a springboard to successful careers as Oklahoma entrepreneurs and business leaders.”

Girl Scout organization will have eight weeks of day camp

Parents seeking activity for girls this summer will have a unique option at Camp Trivera, as Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma (GSWESTOK) has announced it will offer eight weeks of day camp sessions at the newly-opened STEM camp.

Trivera’s week-long sessions will run from June 7 through July 30. Each session will be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with after-care available for working parents. The cost per week is $225, providing adventure and care for girls from grades K-12 at a competitive rate. There is a one-time sign-up fee of $35, which also provides participants with one year of membership in Girl Scouts.

GSWESTOK will host open house sessions from 5-7 p.m., April 26 and 27 at Trivera, 2508 NE 50th Street, Oklahoma, where parents and kids can learn about day camp activities, including a STEM lab, swimming pool, basketball court, amphitheater, treehouses and other indoor and outdoor adventures.

“Parents are looking for summer options for their kids, and at Camp Trivera, we have activities to get girls outdoors, make connections with friends and find adventure around every corner,” said Shannon Evers, CEO of Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma. “These camps are available for all girls from kindergarten through 12th grade. We can’t wait to meet our campers.”

In addition to wandering the grounds and meeting with staff, attendees at the open house sessions can also try out Trivera’s indoor rockclimbing wall. While no registration is necessary for the open house, participants can reserve a time for the climbing wall by visiting this website: https://bit.ly/2QdpVsp.

To see a full list of Trivera’s day camp sessions, visit: https://camp.gswestok.org/types-ofcamp/day-camp/

More information about all Girl Scout camp options is available at www.GirlsGoCamp.org or by calling (405) 528-4475.

Camp Trivera, owned and operated by Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma, is a first-of-its-kind urban STEM camp. The $12.2 million project was completed in the fall of 2020, so this will mark the first summer for campers. When not in use by the Girl Scouts, the camp is available as a rental space geared to host everything from family reunions to corporate retreats.

Located in 39 Oklahoma counties in the central, southwest and northwest region of the state, Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. More information is available at www.gswestok.org.