Images Stillwater, OK: 2009-10 by Journal Communications

2009-10 | IMAGESSTILLWATER.COM ®

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STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA

TAKE NOTE! Local music has Red Dirt roots, bright future

HOME SWEET HOMES Diverse neighborhoods welcome newcomers, natives alike

A 36-Hour Tour Spend a fun-filled weekend seeing all that sets this community apart

What’s s e Online Video tour of downtown’s newest art gallery

SPONSORED BY THE STILLWATER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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SIMPLY SEARCH: In a hurry? Find the exact info you need quickly with our enhanced search capabilities.

SMOOTHER SURFING: Explore the site and interact with us more easily with our reorganized navigation bar.

JUST THE FACTS: Get a quick snapshot of the community with our greatly enriched Facts and Stats section.

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WATCH AND SHARE: Experience ﬁrst-hand views of the community in our video gallery, then share them with friends.

VIRTUAL VIEW: Flip through pages of the digital magazine, an online version of the print publication.

MOVING MUSTHAVES: Visit our new Relocation Tools section for many useful tips and information to make your transition go smoothly.

MORE EYE CANDY: Check out our enhanced Photo Gallery for more stunning photos of the community.

OUTSIDERS WELCOME: Read about the best places to play in this community.

IN GOOD TASTE: Get the dish on local ﬂavor, from favorite restaurants, noted area products and farmers markets in our new Food section.

2009-10 EDITION | VOLUME 2 ®

STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA

36 CO NTE NT S

STILLWATER BUSINESS

F E AT U R E S

30 Retail Renaissance

12 A 36-HOUR TOUR Spend a fun-ﬁlled weekend ﬁnding out all that sets this community apart.

Stillwater’s strong economy buoys commercial enterprise.

33 Biz Briefs 34 Chamber Report

16 HOME SWEET HOMES The diverse neighborhoods of Stillwater welcome natives and newcomers alike.

20 TAKE NOTE! Stillwater’s local music scene has Red Dirt roots and a bright future.

35 Economic Proﬁle

D E PA R TM E NT S 8 Almanac: a colorful sampling of Stillwater’s culture

26 Portfolio: people, places and

40 WHERE ARTISTS ARE BORN Multi Arts Center instructors instill creativity in a new generation.

events that deﬁne Stillwater

36 Health & Wellness 37 Sports & Recreation 39 Education

Inside:

OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPECIAL SECTION All or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

ON THE COVER Photo by Jeff Adkins The sun sets over Lake McMurtry.

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PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

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STILLWATE R , OKL AHOMA SENIOR EDITOR JESSY YANCEY COPY EDITOR JOYCE CARUTHERS ASSOCIATE EDITORS LISA BATTLES, SUSAN CHAPPELL STAFF WRITERS CAROL COWAN, KEVIN LITWIN CONTRIBUTING WRITERS DANNY BONVISSUTO, VICTORIA ECKENRODE, MATT ELLIOTT, SHARON H. FITZGERALD, MICHAELA JACKSON, BETSY WILLIAMS DATA MANAGER CHANDRA BRADSHAW EXECUTIVE MEDIA MANAGER MIKE ARNOLD SALES SUPPORT MANAGER CINDY HALL SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER BRIAN McCORD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS JEFF ADKINS, TODD BENNETT, ANTONY BOSHIER, IAN CURCIO, J. KYLE KEENER PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT MANAGER ANNE WHITLOW CREATIVE DIRECTOR KEITH HARRIS ASSOCIATE PRODUCTION DIRECTOR CHRISTINA CARDEN PRODUCTION PROJECT MANAGERS MELISSA BRACEWELL, KATIE MIDDENDORF, JILL WYATT SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS LAURA GALLAGHER, KRIS SEXTON, CANDICE SWEET, VIKKI WILLIAMS LEAD DESIGNER JESSICA MANNER GRAPHIC DESIGN ERICA HINES, ALISON HUNTER, JANINE MARYLAND, AMY NELSON, MARCUS SNYDER WEB IMPLEMENTATION DIRECTOR ANDY HARTLEY WEB DESIGN DIRECTOR FRANCO SCARAMUZZA WEB PROJECT MANAGER YAMEL RUIZ WEB DESIGN CARL SCHULZ WEB PRODUCTION JENNIFER GRAVES COLOR IMAGING TECHNICIAN TWILA ALLEN AD TRAFFIC MARCIA MILLAR, PATRICIA MOISAN, RAVEN PETTY

CHAIRMAN GREG THURMAN PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER BOB SCHWARTZMAN EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT RAY LANGEN SR. V.P./CLIENT DEVELOPMENT JEFF HEEFNER SR. V.P./SALES CARLA H. THURMAN SR. V.P./OPERATIONS CASEY E. HESTER V.P./SALES HERB HARPER V.P./SALES TODD POTTER V.P./VISUAL CONTENT MARK FORESTER V.P./EDITORIAL DIRECTOR TEREE CARUTHERS V.P./CUSTOM PUBLISHING KIM NEWSOM MANAGING EDITOR/BUSINESS BILL McMEEKIN MANAGING EDITOR/COMMUNITY KIM MADLOM PRODUCTION DIRECTOR NATASHA LORENS PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR JEFFREY S. OTTO CONTROLLER CHRIS DUDLEY ACCOUNTING MORIAH DOMBY, DIANA GUZMAN, MARIA McFARLAND, LISA OWENS RECRUITING/TRAINING DIRECTOR SUZY SIMPSON DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR GARY SMITH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR YANCEY TURTURICE IT SERVICE TECHNICIAN RYAN SWEENEY HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER PEGGY BLAKE SALES SUPPORT RACHAEL GOLDSBERRY SALES/MARKETING COORDINATOR RACHEL MATHEIS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY/SALES SUPPORT KRISTY DUNCAN OFFICE MANAGER SHELLY GRISSOM RECEPTIONIST LINDA BISHOP

CU S TO M M AG A Z INE M ED I A

Images Stillwater is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by e-mail at info@jnlcom.com. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Stillwater Chamber of Commerce 409 S. Main St. • Stillwater, OK 74074 Phone: (405) 372-5573 • Fax: (405) 372-4316 www.stillwaterchamber.org VISIT IMAGES STILLWATER ONLINE AT IMAGESSTILLWATER.COM ©Copyright 2009 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. Member

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Member

Custom Publishing Council

Member Stillwater Chamber of Commerce

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imagesstillwater.com THE DEFINITIVE RELOCATION RESOURCE

Buying or Selling?

What’s Onl Online n

PROJECT GALLERY Take a virtual tour of Main Street’s newly opened Project Gallery, a creative space that highlights local artists. Watch this and other quick videos in the Interactive section.

RELOCATION Considering a move to this community? We can help. Use our Relocation Tools to discover tips, including how to make your move green, advice about moving pets and help with booking movers.

PHOTOS We’ve added even more prize-winning photography to our online gallery. To see these spectacular photos, click on Photo Gallery.

Let our experience and knowledge help you make the right move.

“Bringing Buyers and Sellers Together, Professionally!”

FACTS & STATS Go online to learn even more about: • Schools • Health care

LOCAL FLAVOR

• Utilities

From hibachi to Hideaway Pizza, Stillwater’s dining scene runs the gamut on good eats. Get a taste of local ﬂavor in our food section.

• Parks • Taxes

ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE Images gives readers a taste of what makes Stillwater tick – from business and education to sports, health care and the arts. “Find the good – and praise it.”

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– Alex Haley (1921-1992), Journal Communications co-founder

723 S. Main Stillwater, OK 74074 (405) 372-5151 www.stw-realestatepros.com

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Almanac

I Dream of Stillwater Life is but a dream in this town. Demographics Daily, part of Bizjournals, named Stillwater No. 6 on its America’s Dreamtowns list. The study describes dreamtowns as “the small towns that offer the best quality of life without metropolitan hassles.” The city’s low cost of living, stress-free atmosphere and overall vitality contributed to its high ranking, as did its cultural offerings, health-care access and support for schools. Stillwater was one of just two Oklahoma towns on the list of 141 cities.

Land O’ Lakes With five lakes in the area, outdoor recreation makes a big splash in Stillwater. Lake Carl Blackwell, Lake McMurtry, Sanborn Lake, Whittenberg Lake and Boomer Lake are major recreational draws. These lakes offer fishing, boating, skiing and other water sports. If you prefer to stay on dry land, hike or bike the 3-mile trail around Boomer Lake Park. Other neighborhood parks with playgrounds, youth baseball fields and more community activities include Babcock Park, Strickland Park, Whittenberg Park and Couch Park, home to the public pool.

Flower Power Stop and smell the roses – and all of the other flora, foliage and natural attractions at the OSU Botanical Garden & Arboretum. Located on 100 acres just west of the Oklahoma State campus, the attraction features more than 1,000 varieties of herbaceous and woody plants, as well as research centers and themed gardens. The garden is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. OBGA also hosts an annual GardenFest each June that is free to the public. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HORTICULTURE AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE DEPT., OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

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Fast Facts Q Southern Business & Development magazine named Stillwater one of America’s Top 10 Small Towns To Operate a Business and Retire. Q Stillwater is the home for the Oklahoma Special Olympics Summer Games each year. Q Pente, a popular retro board game once distributed by Hasbro, was invented in Stillwater.

The Inns and Outs of Local Lodging New hotels are opening all over town, ensuring that visitors have plenty of options during their stay in Stillwater. The Cimarron Hotel & Suites opened in 2008 near the university, and four brand-new hotels – Holiday Inn & Suites, LaQuinta Inn and Suites, Microtel Inns & Suites and Residence Inn – opened in 2009. The Stillwater Plaza Hotel & Conference Center is under new ownership and has a new name, too. The lodging facility has 122 rooms and popular night spot, Brannigans.

Bravo, Bravo Performing arts take center stage in Stillwater, which has become a mecca for theatergoers. Founded 59 years ago, the Town and Gown Theatre is the city’s popular community theater, while the Stillwater High School Performing Arts Center showcases the best of young local talent. At the college level, the theater department at Oklahoma State University features student-run productions of major plays and musicals at its two facilities, the Vivia Locke Theatre and the Jerry L. Davis Studio Theatre. Also at OSU, the Seretean Center for Performing Arts (pictured) features a theater and concert hall. Residents can also enjoy theatrical and musical events at Stillwater Community Center’s Winfrey D. Houston Theater.

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Q Stillwater has its very own winery, Woodland Park Vineyards. Q Oklahoma State University is the largest employer, biggest landowner and considered the city’s cultural center. Q “Cowboy” Kenny Bartram hails from Stillwater and usually wears orange, Stillwater’s unofficial favorite color.

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Almanac

Made in Stillwater

The Young and the Professional

What do shutters, speakers and seasoning salt have in common? They’re just a few of the products thought up by Stillwater entrepreneurs. KICKER Audio invented the first full-range speaker system for automotive use, and today produces audio equipment under the name Stillwater Designs. Eskimo Joe’s runs an apparel shop called Joe’s Clothes. Its T-shirts, featuring a smiling Eskimo, are one of the most collected in the world, second only to Hard Rock Café shirts. Learn more about Joe’s Clothes and Eskimo Joe’s Kirtz Shutters is renowned in a quick video at imagesstillwater.com. for its hardwood shutters, and WaterStone Coasters developed an absorbent stone coaster. Payne County Rust, a rub for grilled goods, and Ren Corporation’s hydraulic test equipment systems round out the list.

After just two years in operation, Young Professionals of Stillwater is growing at a rate of about 200 members per year, making it the fastest growing segment of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce. Known as YPS, the organization provides career development and a recreational outlet for the 20s-40s age group. It also offers volunteer opportunities for its members, who raised $2,700 for local charities in 2008. Also in 2008, YPS increased its online presence via MySpace and Facebook, and added an educational component with a bimonthly luncheon. YPS hosts at least one event every month.

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Stillwater At A Glance LOCATION Stillwater is in north-central Oklahoma, midway between the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area and the Tulsa Metropolitan Area. BEGINNINGS Stillwater was officially founded on Dec. 12, 1884, and was the first settlement in what was designated the Unassigned Lands of the United States. Because it was the original settlement, Stillwater continues to be known as The Birthplace of Oklahoma. POPULATION 46,976 (2007 estimate) CONTACT INFORMATION Stillwater Chamber of Commerce 409 S. Main St. Stillwater, OK 74074 Phone: (405) 372-5573 Toll Free: (800) 593-5573 Fax: (405) 372-4316 www.stillwaterchamber.org

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What’s Online e Take a virtual tour of Stillwater, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at imagesstillwater.com.

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A 36-Hour

Tour

SPEND A FUN-FILLED WEEKEND SEEING ALL THAT SETS THIS COMMUNITY APART

STORY BY CAROL COWAN

he thriving, family-friendly city of Stillwater boasts great neighborhoods, high-quality schools, low crime, low cost of living and a myriad of recreational and cultural attractions that draw visitors and new residents alike. Home to Oklahoma State University, Stillwater pulsates with the youthful energy of a college town, while its world-class golf courses make the friendly city equally attractive to retirees. Come for a weekend and taste great local food and wine, relax at a spa, hit the links, hike the lakeside trails, explore galleries and museums, shop the boutiques, and check out the bustling nightlife. Who knows? Maybe you’ll decide to stay. Here are a few suggestions for a whirlwind weekend adventure.

PHOTOS BY JEFF ADKINS

Friday

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5 p.m. Take a drive around town to get acquainted with Stillwater’s historic Clinton Hetrick tees off at Karsten Creek Golf Club. Right: The Garden Room at Woodland Park Vineyards

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Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Online e Meet the owners of the newly opened Project Gallery in a quick video at imagesstillwater.com.

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PHOTOS BY ANTONY BOSHIER

Diners at Kyoto Japanese Restaurant are in for a feast as well as a show. Left: Project Gallery on Main Street

architecture, such as the art deco Leachman Theater building, the Payne County Courthouse, the Stillwater Opera House and the Stillwater Santa Fe Depot. 7 p.m. Enjoy an international dining experience at Kyoto Japanese Restaurant on North Boomer Road. The sushi – particularly the Kyoto roll – earns rave reviews, or try the hibachi for added entertainment with your meal. Kyoto’s expert chefs will delight you with feats of knife-twirling and friendly banter while preparing your meal right at your table. Or cook your own food ShabuShabu style at Tokyo P.O.T. 9 p.m. Leave Asia and head to Tuscany after dinner. At Zannotti’s Wine Bar, you can find a perfect wine to pair with dessert. Saturday 8 a.m. Start the morning right with locally roasted coffee and fresh-baked pastries at Aspen Coffee Co. Then stroll along one of Stillwater’s many walking trails. Boomer Lake Park has a 3-mile walking trail, and while you’re there, you can feed the geese, toss a Frisbee or even toss in your line at some great fishing holes. S T I L LWAT E R

11 a.m. Next, tour the vineyards, herb and flower gardens, browse the art gallery, and sample the estate-bottled wines at Woodland Park Vineyards. For a perfect finish, eat lunch in the Garden Room. The chilled melon soup is made with the estate’s own Riesling and ripe melons. 1 p.m. Meander through the multitude of museums and galleries. Check out Project Gallery, the Pfeiffer Farm Collection at the Payne Expo Center, the Sheerar Cultural Center and Museum, and several offerings at OSU. Sports fans should pin down a time to visit the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, and history buffs will appreciate the Washington Irving Trail Museum. 3 p.m. Now it’s time to relax with some pampering at Dragonfly Day Spa, or simply lie back and soak up some rays at Riviera Tanning Spa in Fountain Square. 5 p.m. After your rejuvenating afternoon, pay a visit to Main Street. From comic books to designer clothing, the downtown shopping district offers something for everyone. Browse through specialty shops and apparel boutiques, or check

out unique collectibles in Stillwater’s Antique Mall. 7 p.m. A trip to Stillwater wouldn’t be complete without a juicy burger with world-famous cheese fries at Eskimo Joe’s. You can also grab a bite at one of the other eateries that make up Stan Clark Company’s Three Amigos Restaurants: Joseppi’s Italian Kitchen and Mexico Joe’s. Then catch an OSU game or a performance at OSU’s Seretean Center for the Performing Arts. 9 p.m. For after-dinner drinks, check out the nightlife at the city’s luxury boutique hotels, The Loft at the Cimarron Hotel and The Rancher’s Club at The Atherton Hotel. Visit the casual atmosphere at Louie’s Grill & Bar, or liven things up at Brannigans with some karaoke. Sunday 9 a.m. Get going with a caramel latte and breakfast soufflé at Panera Bread. Then spend the rest of your Sunday morning on the greens at one of Stillwater’s golf courses, such as the challenging Karsten Creek, designed by renowned golf architect Tom Fazio. I M AG E S S T I L LWAT E R . C O M

Home Sweet

Homes DIVERSE NEIGHBORHOODS WELCOME NATIVES, NEWCOMERS ALIKE

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STORY BY MICHAELA JACKSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTONY BOSHIER

here are as many ideas of home as there are people in the world, but Stillwater offers such a diverse array of neighborhoods – from old to new, modest to opulent – that even the pickiest home browsers feel compelled to kick off their shoes and start picking out curtains. College students, young professionals, families, corporate executives and retirees all hang their hats comfortably in this city of nearly 50,000. “Stillwater has got some phenomenal neighborhoods,” says Mike Lauvetz, president of the Stillwater Board of Realtors. “We have some neighborhoods that are historic, like College Gardens, and we have some high-end gated neighborhoods. The majority of what we have are mid-ranged, moderately priced, family-style Middle America neighborhoods.” Case in point: Berry Creek, in southwest Stillwater, is radiating with the American Dream. Three phases of completed and almost fully occupied houses, an enclave of garden homes – a gated section of the community where landscaping is provided for homeowners – and two still-to-come phases round out the 205-home community, which is billed as a haven of respite for busy families. A waterfall at the neighborhood’s entrance

Welcome Home The neighborhoods of Stillwater range from high-end and luxurious to quaint and comfortable. Young professional, family and retirement communities include: Berry Creek College Gardens Copperfield Deer Ridge Forest Hills Karsten Creek Oak Trail Pecan Hill The Renaissance Wedgewood Westbrook Estates

A home in the Berry Creek development

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The Oak Trail neighborhood Right: Katie Oomens and her son, Marek, take a walk near their College Gardens home.

greets residents, who also enjoy a swimming pool and a community clubhouse. “We wanted to develop a feeling of ‘Ahhh, I’m home,’ as soon as you pull into development,” says Carol Ebert, a member of the Berry Creek Development Team, which is headed up by her husband, Mike. “It’s just that feeling of comfort, of ‘I’m coming home, now I can let the rest of my day go.’ And I think we did it, with the waterfalls and the flowers. It’s very pretty.” If Berry Creek is a facet of Stillwater’s new face, College Gardens is the city’s heritage. The sense of history is almost palpable in this decades-old neighborhood, where distinguished homes grace meandering streets lined with mature trees. The neighborhood, convenient to the university and downtown, is a unique blend of longtime residents and vibrant students, all of whom share a distinct pride of ownership in their homes. “We like the fact that everything looks different – not every house looks the same,” says Katie Oomens, who moved to the College Gardens area with her family in fall 2007. “The houses all have individual character. You can tell people have lived here a long time, that they’ve made this their home.” Just a few of Stillwater’s other dwelling options include 18

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“Stillwater has got some phenomenal neighborhoods.” Deer Ridge, the first eco-minded development in the area that features Energy Star ratings for each home; Stillwater Country Club, which sits on an 18-hole golf course; and a variety of retirement communities such as The Renaissance and the Sterling House of Stillwater. But wherever home sweet home may be in Stillwater, everyone’s singing the same song about friendly neighbors and engaged communities. Oomens in College Gardens said she knew they were in the right neighborhood when, on the first night in their new home, her husband was welcomed by a neighbor with an apple pie. “What makes Stillwater great is our people,” Lauvetz says. “You would be amazed by how many people live here and commute to Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Ponca City or Enid because they just love the quality of life we have here. We are second to none.” S T I L LWAT E R

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Take

Note! STILLWATER’S LOCAL MUSIC SCENE HAS RED DIRT ROOTS AND A BRIGHT FUTURE

Sounds of Stillwater From Red Dirt to mainstream rock to the most successful solo artist of all time, these renowned musicians kicked off their careers in Stillwater: All-American Rejects Bob Childers Cross Canadian Ragweed Garth Brooks Jason Boland & The Stragglers Jimmy LaFave Red Dirt Rangers Stoney LaRue

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STORY BY DANNY BONVISSUTO

ashville has country music, Memphis has the blues and Detroit has Motown, but Stillwater is known as the home of Red Dirt music, a genre as varied as the people who try to define it. “Red Dirt music has more of a focus on songwriting with an outlaw-country sound behind it,” says Jared Cranke, publisher of the monthly Stillwater Scene magazine, which celebrates its 100th issue in September 2009. “The sound has dominated the music scene in Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma for years, especially as local bands including Cross Canadian Ragweed and Jason Boland & The Stragglers have become national acts.” The bands that have sprung from Stillwater’s music scene over the years begin with the pioneers – Bob Childers, Red Dirt Rangers, Medicine Show – and include recent chart-toppers such as the All-American Rejects. But if there’s one musician Stillwater can truly hang its hat on, it’s Garth Brooks. “Willie’s Saloon on the strip is the home of

the first public performance of Garth Brooks, and we all know what happened to him after he left here,” Cranke says. Born in Tulsa and raised in Yukon, Brooks attended Oklahoma State University and worked as a bouncer at the Tumbleweed Dance Hall and Concert Arena, where he met his first wife, Sandy, when he had to throw her out of the club for fighting. “There’s even a house in town with a sign that says, ‘Garth and Sandy Brooks lived here,’ with the dates they rented it,” Cranke says. The Tumbleweed and Willie’s Saloon are iconic anchors to Stillwater’s string of clubs where music keeps the area hopping every night of the week. “Tumbleweed is a great place to go for music,” Cranke says. “They have live acts a couple times a month. The strip is more of the live music place to go with Willie’s Saloon, Dirty’s Tavern and a new place called the Crosseyed Cricket. Eskimo Joe’s is the place to go if you want to see the pop or rock ‘n’ roll acts. The music scene is growing again, and there are a couple of bands that are really getting their legs S T I L LWAT E R

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under them and starting to make some noise.” And that noise can be heard all over town, especially at Eskimo Joe’s, which has Red Dirt roots that have grown in many different directions. “Cody Canada of Cross Canadian Ragweed and Jason Boland played here every Wednesday night for a couple of years,” says Tim Holland, general manager at Eskimo Joe’s. “Then Cody went national, and Stoney LaRue took his place. Then Jason’s band took off, and Stoney played with Steve Rice, who is the lead singer of country rockers No Justice. We eventually stopped doing it, but it was cool to see how everyone grew and evolved from here.” First and foremost, Eskimo Joe’s considers itself a casual

family restaurant with a vibrant bar scene that does live music two nights a week. “It’s a very eclectic, fun and unique atmosphere,” Holland says, “I call it the most intimate live music venue in Stillwater.” Of course, the clubs aren’t the only place to see live music in Stillwater. OSU’s Orange Peel, a combination pep rally and entertainment extravaganza, hosts comedians and national music acts for this annual event each fall; the Stillwater Blues Festival in mid-September draws the best acts from around the country for four days of blues, jazz and gospel; and the Oklahoma Celtic Music and Heritage Festival in June honors a completely different side of Oklahoma’s culture, with traditional Celtic music, activities and workshops.

Clockwise from top: Tumbleweed Dance Hall and Concert Arena; Garth Brooks’ former home at 227 Duck St.; Eskimo Joe’s, a Stillwater restaurant famous for its cheese fries and T-shirts, doubles as a music venue two nights a week.

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PHOTOS BY JEFF ADKINS

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Portfolio

Making the (Up)Grades EXTENSIVE RENOVATIONS SIGNIFY A BRIGHT FUTURE AT OKLAHOMA STATE

What’s Online e

ANTONY BOSHIER

Take a stroll on OSU’s campus in a quick video at imagesstillwater.com.

OSU has remained easy to navigate despite ongoing construction projects.

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ounded in 1890, Oklahoma State University dates back prior to statehood. Today, the school attracts students from all over the state, across the nation and 120 other countries. More than a century after OSU was first established, major renovation and restoration efforts are taking place throughout the campus. Improvements consist of work to replace many of the university’s original water and sewer lines, as well as sidewalk expansions on the south and north sides of campus. But despite the ongoing construction, the campus has remained relatively easy to navigate, thanks to careful planning. Academics will benefit from the upgrades, too. The Interdisciplinary Science Research Building, a new $70 million laboratory-filled structure, will be completed in the fall of 2010, and the School of Architecture is undergoing a $16 million renovation and expansion. Also under way is a $7 million restoration of the 113-year-old Old Central – the first building on campus. Perhaps the most visible endeavor has been at Boone Pickens Stadium, the physical centerpiece of the school’s athletic program. A $185 million football stadium renovation began in 2006 and is slated for completion in time for the Cowboys’ September 2009 season home opener against the University of Georgia. The Boone Pickens project included the installation of more restrooms, reconstruction of locker rooms, new concession areas and improved seating for football fans. By the way, the first grandstand of what was then called Lewis Field opened in 1920 and held about 8,000 seats. Today’s Boone Pickens Stadium can accommodate as many as 60,000 spectators. The 2009 football season also calls for visits to Boone Pickens Stadium from the University of Texas, University of Missouri, Texas Tech University and University of Colorado. S T I L LWAT E R

Community Lends a Helping Hand T

he spirit of volunteerism is alive and well in Stillwater. The city is home to a number of civic-minded organizations. One of the largest is the Stillwater Area United Way, which oversees two dozen local agencies, and 99 percent of the money United Way raises in Stillwater remains in the city. The other 1 percent is sent to United Way of America. Some of the agencies under the Stillwater Area United Way umbrella include the American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Payne County Youth Services, Salvation Army, Stillwater Community Health Center, Stillwater Literary Council and the YMCA of Stillwater. The local United Way chapter entered its 58th year of operation in 2009. Another important volunteer-based service in town, the Stillwater Habitat for Humanity has been building homes for families in need since 1990. To date, a total of 14 Habitat homes have been constructed within the city, and the organization plans to build at least two more homes every year from now on. Stillwater families and individuals are selected to become owners of Habitat houses on the basis of their income, number of people in the family,

employment record and their current housing conditions. Volunteers work alongside the selected partner families in constructing simple, decent homes. The families contribute hundreds of hours of “sweat equity” in building their own homes and then pay a mortgage that is interest free. The Sanborn Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America is another volunteer organization in Stillwater.

United Way board members and volunteers during the 2008-09 campaign

Fun Centered Around Seniors F

rom board games to video games, all sorts of entertainment is on the agenda at the Stillwater Senior Activity Center. Any citizen aged 55 and older is welcome to use the spacious facility for free. The center on East 12th Street has been open for more than 30 years and underwent extensive renovation in 2006. Today, it’s open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. “We offer the usual activities such as ceramic classes, card playing and exercise courses, but we have also purchased a new Wii gaming system that our seniors have been using every Wednesday,” says Rachel Palmer, recreation supervisor for the Stillwater Senior Activity Center. “With the Wii, participants can virtually bowl,

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Founded in 1922, the Izaak Walton League has 300 chapters nationwide that take a common-sense approach to protecting natural resources in their communities, as well as improving outdoor recreation. Izaak Walton volunteers are involved in causes such as wildlife and species protection, renewable energy, clean air and water, reducing air pollution and promoting conservation efforts.

play baseball, tennis or many other fun games all in the building, plus we have started a fun exercise activity time using the Wii. It gets more popular all the time.” The center features a Ladies Billiards Morning, as well as a low aerobic workout session called Sit ’n Be Fit. “The Sit ’n Be Fit men and women participate in a lot of exercises seated in a chair, while some simply stand next to a chair and use it for balance,” Palmer says. “The center also offers a digital camera class where participants can learn how to upload and download their digital photos on the computer. That is especially popular with seniors who have young grandchildren.” Other activities at the Stillwater Senior Activity Center include bridge tournaments, oil painting classes and crafting workshops. “A lot of our seniors also volunteer in the community, so we organize several of those volunteer opportunities out of the center so that the seniors will know where to best serve the Stillwater community,” Palmer says. “The center is certainly a fun place for seniors to socialize and stay active.”

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Forces in Training a Skilled Workforce Q

uick trivia: Northern Oklahoma College is the oldest community college in the state – even before there was a state. NOC was chartered in 1901, and of its 5,000 students at three Oklahoma locations, 2,000 attend the Stillwater campus. The next nearest community college to Stillwater is 60 miles away. Currently billed as the fastest growing rural community college in the state, NOC has a number of innovative programs in place. For example, the Scholars for Excellence in Child Care Program gives child care providers an opportunity to obtain additional credentialing to pursue a Certificate of Mastery in child development. After the certificate, child care students can then earn an associate degree in child development, if desired. The child care college diploma program is the only one of its kind in the country. NOC also offers an initiative called Project Achieve, where non-employed individuals can receive technological training to enhance their career skills. When their instruction is completed, 28

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students receive what’s known as Career Ready Credentials to verify to employers that the students have the professional and technical skills to meet workplace requirements. What’s more, the Stillwater campus features a gateway program specifically designed for those planning to transfer to Oklahoma State University. NOC’s gateway courses meet the university’s requirements for general education, making the transition to OSU smooth for NOC students. At the same time, nearby Meridian Technology Center provides specific career-training programs, classes and seminars. The facility has developed courses in popular fields such as construction, information technology and health sciences, and offers full-time curriculums, as well as individual courses, for business and industry. Meridian Technology Center has 34 daytime and adult full-time programs, and nearly 1,000 students are enrolled at the Stillwater campus. Founded in 1973 with two employees, today the center boasts a staff of 100. S T I L LWAT E R

Portfolio

Have Briefcase, Will Travel

orporate executives who are looking to invest in Stillwater can easily fly in and out of the city, which is why Stillwater Regional Airport is a big part of the overall economic development thrust of this community. Airport director Gary Johnson likes to say Stillwater Regional is the front door to the community and a gateway to the world. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The corporate sector is the primary user of this airport, and 80 private aircraft are located here on our grounds,â&#x20AC;? Johnson says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And for any out-of-town developers looking to invest in Stillwater, the airport is their first and last impression of our city.â&#x20AC;? Located in northern Stillwater, the regional airport got its start in 1945 as a military training facility and then was purchased by the city the following year. The city has owned and operated the airfield ever since. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some of the companies and entities with aircraft based here include Special

Energy Corp., LBR Engineering, Falcon Air Services and Oklahoma State University,â&#x20AC;? Johnson says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We fly all of the OSU sports teams in and out of Stillwater Regional, and the university also operates their own flight school on site for students who want to earn aviation-related degrees.â&#x20AC;? The airport features two large runways and has the capacity to land large 757 airliners, either passenger or cargo. A life-flight helicopter service is also based at the site. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t yet have any commercial airlines flying out of Stillwater, but at a population of barely under 50,000, we have just about enough people to start attracting one of the big carriers,â&#x20AC;? Johnson says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the meantime, we will take care of all the corporate flights by providing 24-hour weather service along with air traffic control that operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 365 days a year.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Stories by Kevin Litwin

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Business

Retail Ren What’s Online e Avon Beauty Center’s owner discusses why she chose downtown in a quick video at imagesstillwater.com.

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aissance

STILLWATER’S STRONG ECONOMY BUOYS COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISE

STORY BY SHARON H. FITZGERALD PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTONY BOSHIER

ell most women that owning a successful retail venture in Stillwater will reward her with dinner with Patrick Dempsey, who plays Dr. McDreamy on television’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” and the city would be overrun with enterprising entrepreneurs. Cyndi Collin-Hise, owner and manager of Avon Beauty Center, certainly didn’t foresee such an honor when she launched her Main Street company in downtown Stillwater in October 2008, but her retail savvy earned her that dreamy meal. Collin-Hise first sold Avon products as a young stay-at-home mother and in 2003 rejoined their part-time sales force. After retirement from Oklahoma State University she recalls asking herself, “Why not open a retail store and have the people come to me?” That’s just what she did, and her December 2008 sales numbers nabbed a grand prize in Avon’s contest. In fact, the company points to her store as a model for its retail startups to emulate. Avon Beauty Center’s achievements don’t surprise Josh McKim, economic development director for the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce. “Commercial and retail development has really taken off here,” he says, noting the successful Find It, Buy It … Stillwater! campaign to encourage support of local retailers. “I believe that many of the businesses will tell you that they’re really starting to see an improvement in pedestrian traffic and sales. It seems like we’re really going down the right road right now,” says Angela McLaughlin, coordinator of

the Business Improvement District. In the downtown BID, businesses have agreed to pay an additional tax to fund infrastructure improvements, marketing initiatives such as a Web site, www.downtownstw.com, and downtown events. Some property owners received BID grants for exterior building upgrades. “The recent retail development is happening primarily along U.S. Highway 177 to the north and south of town, and along [state route] 51 to the west of town,” McKim says. To the north, a Belk department store anchors the Lakeview Point Shopping Center, where Nagoya Japanese Sushi & Steakhouse and Palominos Mexican Restaurant both just opened. On the south side, Tractor Supply Co. cut the ribbon on a new store in March 2009, “and we have several other retailers looking in that direction,” McKim adds. West Stillwater is really hopping, too, with the construction under way on Koby Plaza, and development on Country Club Crossing, a new lifestyle center, slated to begin in 2010. Oklahoma has fared much better than most states during the economic downturn, McKim says, and Stillwater’s economy is among the state’s healthiest. “We’re the fastest-growing community in Oklahoma as far as population growth, and we’ve really been able to capitalize on that over the last couple of years, especially in the commercial development area,” he says. “Growth begets growth.”

Locally owned businesses line Main Street in downtown Stillwater.

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Commercial & Personal Insurance Independent Agent

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www.AllAmericanAgency.com (405) 377-5900

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Business

Biz Briefs BUSINESSES – BOTH LARGE AND SMALL – THAT HELP DEFINE STILLWATER’S ECONOMIC CLIMATE

Scorecard BUSINESS AT A GLANCE

$478,957 Retail sales ($1,000)

$11,949 INTERWORKS INC. Biz: technology provider and outsourcing firm Buzz: InterWorks got its start in 1996 as a networking and technical support company, but over the years, it has grown to provide business solutions of all sorts. Clients range from small businesses with just one or two employees to large companies with many locations. Services include Web design, software development, Internet marketing and data security. www.interworksinc.com

CHRIS’ UNIVERSITY SPIRIT Biz: Oklahoma State University merchandise Buzz: The largest selection of Cowboys apparel, souvenirs and gift items can be found at Chris’ University Spirit. Selling everything from OSU oven mitts to dog leashes, Pistol Pete tattoos to bottle stoppers, Chris’ has been a fan favorite since it opened in 1987. The retailer is located on South Knoblock Street at Campus Corner, near the university. www.chrisuniversityspirit.com

Retail sales per capita

$81,118 Accommodations and food service sales ($1,000)

3,161 Total number of firms Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts

MEDITATIONS CATERING & BANQUET FACILITY Biz: caterer and events facility Buzz: Located on North Country Club Road, Meditations caters occasions of all sorts, including luncheons, banquets and weddings. The business offers a variety of menus to please any crowd, from professional to party. Brunch, hors d’oeurves, ice carvings and buffets are just a few of the caterer’s offerings. www.meditationscatering.com S T I L LWAT E R

ZANNOTTI’S WINE BAR Biz: downtown wine bar Buzz: The newly opened Zannotti’s Wine Bar has quickly become the hot spot downtown with a large selection of reds, whites and rosés, in addition to bottled beer and cocktails. The menu also includes appetizers such as cheese plates, smoked salmon and hummus, as well as desserts. The Tuscany-inspired setting on West Seventh Avenue also hosts wine tastings. www.zannottiswinebar.com I M AG E S S T I L LWAT E R . C O M

JEFF ADKINS

Business | Chamber Report

Larry Brown, president and CEO of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce

Membership Has Its Privileges STILLWATER CHAMBER BENEFITS MEMBERS WITH ARRAY OF PROGRAMS, EVENTS

f membership involvement is an accurate barometer of a chamber of commerce’s effectiveness, then the Stillwater chamber earns high marks indeed. Just a look at the organization’s calendar of events leaves no doubt that the more than 650 members have every opportunity to become active and engaged with the community. Chamber President and CEO Larry Brown describes the early morning Third Friday Forums as “getting our membership together informally with policymakers in our community and region who help determine the future of Stillwater. In my view, it’s an educational opportunity.” Initially, Third Friday Forums were scheduled monthly only when the Oklahoma Legislature was in session from February through the end of May. When Brown took the chamber helm in late 2007, he expanded the events to be year-round, inviting not only state lawmakers, but leaders in local and federal government, too. “It’s generally standing room only,

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to be quite honest,” Brown says, adding that the invited guests wrangle for the opportunity. “It really is a much different atmosphere. It’s just like sitting in your living room or den with a cup of coffee and a doughnut and talking.” Also in the morning is the Business for Breakfast series, when the chamber provides a free breakfast and a chance for members to hear expert presentations on topics that particularly resonate with small and medium-size businesses. Past topics have included tax code updates, avenues for employee health insurance, business succession planning and marketing using popular networking technologies such as Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn. That last topic was such a hit that Brown says the chamber has considered launching an annual technology seminar, probably each autumn. One of the chamber’s newest events is Noon Networking, a monthly forum for members to share what their business is about with other members. The first 20 to sign up are allowed two minutes

for a spiel highlighting their services and products. Any member is allowed to distribute business cards, brochures and other materials. “It originally started out as a brownbag lunch situation, but it proved to be so successful that we now have sponsors coming on board buying lunch because they want that exposure,” Brown says. Young Professionals is the only chamber gathering that is also open to nonmembers, in hopes of building tomorrow’s Stillwater business network. Yearly chamber events include the Annual Meeting and Awards Reception each June, Industry Appreciation Night and the Agriculture Appreciation Banquet. Business After Hours, held every other month, provides a fun social atmosphere for members while showcasing area businesses. “I’m a believer that you don’t necessarily have to have an agenda for all these types of things,” Brown says. “Business After Hours is that kind of deal.” – Sharon H. Fitzgerald S T I L LWAT E R

Business | Economic Profile

STILLWATER BUSINESS CLIMATE Stillwater is home to a diverse mix of business and industry, from manufacturing to advanced technology, and offers a highly educated workforce and low cost of doing business. Among its export industries are marine engines, printing and publishing, floor covering, wire products, software, food and kindred products, and research.

Stillwater City Hall 723 S. Lewis St. Stillwater, OK 74074 (405) 372-0025 www.stillwater.org

TAX STRUCTURE

3.5% City Sales and Use Tax

0.5%

MORE EO ONLINE imagesstillwater.com

TRANSPORTATION

More facts, stats and community information, including relocation tools and links to resources.

Stillwater Regional Airport 2020 W. Airport Road Stillwater, OK 74075 (405) 372-7881 http://stillwater.org/airport

County Sales Tax

OSU/Stillwater Community Transit System 1006 W. Hall of Fame Stillwater, OK 74078 (405) 744-2832 www.transit.okstate.edu

4.5% State Sales Tax

8.5% Total Sales Tax

GOVERNMENT OFFICES Payne County Administration Building 315 W. Sixth St. Stillwater, OK 74074-4020 (405) 747-8310 www.paynecounty.org

ECONOMIC RESOURCES REAL ESTATE Stillwater Chamber of Commerce 409 S. Main St., P.O. Box 1687 Stillwater, OK 74074 (405) 372-5573 (800) 593-5573 www.stillwaterchamber.org

$130,000 Average Home Price

28.82% Home Turnover Percentage

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JEFF ADKINS

Health & Wellness

A cyclist cruises along a trail at Lake McMurtry, one of many hiking and biking outlets throughout Stillwater.

Exercising the Body and Mind RUNNING, BIKING OPPORTUNITIES BOOST PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

spring morning in Stillwater saw both a 5-year-old girl and a woman in her mid-80s behind a walker both take to the running track – just two of the nearly 1,200 runners and walkers who participated in the annual Remember the 10 Run at Oklahoma State University. The wide age range isn’t unusual for a race in a community that encourages everyone to get out and get moving – and gives them plenty of opportunities. From fun runs to full marathons to bicycle tours, Stillwater residents of all skill levels have many chances to join others in pursuit of healthy, active living, while taking in the beautiful outdoors and often helping a worthy cause. The Remember the 10 Run is a memorial to 10 Oklahoma State University basketball players, staff members and media who were killed in a plane crash in 2001. Proceeds from the April event benefit the university’s grief counseling services for individuals who lose a loved one during their college years. “Sometimes it’s very different to have strong mental health unless, physically, you exercise,” says Kerry Alexander, founder and chair of the annual event. “It’s just an important component, for those who can, to be active, and that’s why we have a 1-mile fun run. People who are just beginning their health journey, they can get out and enjoy it.” Another memorial event that encourages people to exercise

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for physical and mental health is the Run for the Thin Blue Line, held annually in April to benefit survivors of police officers killed in the line of duty. “There’s actually a lot of research about physical activity in terms of dealing with depression and grief, and the benefits of that. So I think we’re not only raising money for a good cause, but we’re encouraging people to do something that’s healthy for themselves, physically and emotionally,” says race director Kathy Thomas. “Those kind of events also encourage people who are non-runners to get out and walk, or whatever.” For those who are not of the running persuasion, there’s also the Tour de Payne Bicycle Tour each July, one of several events sponsored by the Red Dirt Pedalers, a local biking organization. Stillwater also offers a variety of exercise options, from the walking and bike path around Boomer Lake to various health clubs such as Stillwater Medical Center’s Total Health, OSU’s Seretean Wellness Center and the local YMCA. Lake McMurtry and Couch Park provide other scenic options for stretching your legs. “I guess it depends on what you prefer as your method of exercise,” says Kendra Moreland, director of public relations for Eskimo Joe’s, a local watering hole that hosts an annual run and golf tournament to benefit United Way. “I think there are a lot of opportunities in our community.” – Michaela Jackson S T I L LWAT E R

Where Innovation

Meets

Education Something Ventured, Something Gained OSU entrepreneurship center turns dreams into dollars

Flying High The skyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no limit for OSUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aerospace engineering graduates

Special Advertising Section

Where Innovation Meets Education

Intellectual Capital

OSU’S INNOVATIVE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS LEAD TO KEY DISCOVERIES

ANTONY BOSHIER

Special Advertising Section

Oklahoma State University

PHOTO COURTESY OF PHIL SHOCKLEY

reativity thrives at Oklahoma State University, a venue on the cutting edge of research and innovation. OSU faculty and students are leaders in addressing the nation’s need to find alternative sources of energy, collaborating to capture information from biomedical signals and developing new technologies for aerospace engineering. “Oklahoma State University is proud of its heritage as a land-grant university and is more committed than ever to its mission of teaching, research and outreach,” says Burns Hargis, OSU president. “Today, we have a bold vision of creating a modern land-grant university that cuts across disciplines to form a truly new structure, one that better prepares students for a new world and expands outreach across our state and around the globe.” The university’s strategic vision of study, research and the free exchange of ideas has resulted in key discoveries by OSU alumni and faculty in the treatment of Alzheimer’s, new dental materials and agricultural biosecurity. “Pursuing this vision involves fostering a culture of creativity where all of our scholars, scientists and students are free to explore creative ideas, to collaborate and to develop entrepreneurial programs that will involve many disciplines,” Hargis says. “I see OSU developing into a truly interactive venue of intellectual capital.” “Our faculty and students are solving problems and delivering solutions to the state and the nation as we continue to educate Oklahomans to be resourceful citizens,” says Kyle Wray, associate vice president of enrollment management and marketing. He says global challenges such as hunger, security, environmental sustainability and economic viability demand new answers and big solutions, a process in which OSU is fully engaged. Bricks and mortar also play a role in

Oklahoma State University’s myriad of innovative research programs and courses of study enrich the lives of Oklahomans while growing a stronger, more vital economy.

furthering the university’s cause. A fiveyear master plan currently under way includes more than $826 million in academic, athletic and student life projects, such as a new Interdisciplinary Science Research Building, which is set to open in fall 2010. The caliber of OSU’s faculty as well as the university’s quality of student life attract the best and brightest high school graduates, who expand their academic excellence in OSU’s strong learning environment and consistently win the nation’s elite Truman, Udall and Goldwater scholarships. Two OSU students were named 2009 Fulbright Scholars, bringing the total to six in the last three years. Three students received national scholarships from SAS Global Forum in 2009 – out of just 20 awarded nationwide. The Innovative Solutions Team took top honors at the Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup Collegiate Business Plan Competition, and five students received scholar www.okstate.edu

awards from the National Society of Black Engineers. “The creativity of students, faculty and staff is in abundant supply across the OSU campus and throughout our system,” Hargis says. “Creativity will not only set OSU apart, but it can elevate our community and our state to new levels of success and prosperity.” This special section is published for Oklahoma State University by Journal Communications Inc.

CU S TO M M AG A Z INE M ED I A

For more information, contact: Oklahoma State University 121 Cordell • Stillwater, OK 74078 Phone: (405) 744-5000 • Fax: (405) 744-8445 www.okstate.edu ©Copyright 2009 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this special advertising section may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. On the cover: The OSU Spirit Rider by Jim L. Hamilton Photo by Jeff Adkins

Where Innovation Meets Education

Flying THE SKY’S NO LIMIT FOR OSU’S AEROSPACE ENGINEERING GRADUATES

design and build scale-sized unmanned air vehicles for entry in the competition, sponsored by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the Office of Naval Research and Cessna. “We have a short amount of time that we’re working on this project each year, and it is really a time-compressed, highstress environment,” Arena says. “But seeing how hard the students work, how much heart they are putting in and the number of hours they work, it is really fun to be around.” OSU students are unparalleled in the contest that features 60 teams from the world’s top engineering schools. They took the top two honors at the AIAA competition for the fourth time in 2009.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PHIL SHOCKLEY

hen it comes to airplanes, Andy Arena, Ph.D., is the proverbial kid in a candy shop. “There are so many airplanes I like, and there is so much about each one that is special,” he says. “I don’t have a favorite.” As the Maciula Professor of Engineering at OSU’s School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Arena works to impart that same enthusiasm and respect to his students. OSU offers a premier degree program that gives hands-on training to develop the means to f ly, evidenced by the impressive record amassed over the past decade in the International Student Design/Build/Fly competition. Each year, seniors in Arena’s course

High Since 1999, the two teams OSU sends to the contest each year have won first place six times and second place seven times. In 2006 and 2007, OSU claimed three separate world records. Arena himself received the AIAA National Faculty Adviser Award in 2008. These world-class achievements reflect the program’s effectiveness, and Arena says consistently ranking at the top takes hard work and years of preparation. “We’re not just studying about airplanes, but taking them apart, testing them, maintaining and servicing them and putting them back together,” Arena says. “Students see the whole design cycle, and they see there are consequences for the decisions they make. By the time they get to my class, they’re really well prepared, and we can turn them loose.” The rubber meets the tarmac after graduation, as the school’s reputation for qualified aerospace engineers results in competitive recruitment. “We are producing well-trained engineers who can go out and work in the field,” says Arena, who likens the process to athletic recruiting. “Companies come here, meet the students, take them out and offer them good positions that often include financial incentives. We are very proud of that fact.”

Aerospace engineering students build unmanned air vehicles for competition.

Special Advertising Section

Oklahoma State University

Sweet

Returns

SORGHUM RESEARCH GENERATES INCOME POTENTIAL AS OSU’S AG BIOSCIENCES EXPANDS

PHOTO COURTESY OF TODD JOHNSON

igger is not always better, as OSU’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (DASNR) has determined through an award-winning decentralized approach to renewable energy processing. “It is going to benefit Oklahoma’s rural communities to have small, decentralized projects in harvesting and processing biomass,” says Danielle Bellmer, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering department and the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Research Center. Bellmer works with the OSU Biofuels Team, whose decentralized processing study was named a National Grand Challenge winner in Washington, D.C.’s BioEnergy Awareness Days. “We wanted to demonstrate that if we can take some of the processing to rural sectors and make it smaller in size, then the economies in the agricultural and rural areas of the state can benefit,” she says. The team has been working on a new process for in-field ethanol production, where sorghum juice and other biomass products can be collected, fermented and distilled in the field, ending the need for a centralized processing plant. “This allows for optimum technology selection, matching a region to the appropriate resources and generating local solutions for the fulfillment of energy needs without negatively affecting food and fiber production,” Bellmer says. Sweet sorghum can be used as an additive for petroleum-based fuels because it is

Biosystems engineer and associate professor Danielle Bellmer, far right, showcases OSU’s sorghum-related biofuels research to producers and agribusiness operators.

exempt from the complex heat processing required to convert starch to simple sugars, which are directly juiced from the stalks but have to be fermented immediately. This makes in-field processing an attractive option for small farmers – and saves the costs of centralized processing plant construction and the transportation to get raw goods to that plant. Enhancing OSU’s research will be the new 33,000-square-foot Institute for Agricultural Biosciences located near Ardmore in south-central Oklahoma. Built with assistance from the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, the institute is expected to come online in 2011. www.okstate.edu

Simply stated, OSU’s renewable energy research – which has been under way for decades – is about helping people and communities across the state and the region to prosper. “In many ways, Oklahoma is the intersection between agriculture and energy,” says Robert E. Whitson, Ph.D., DASNR dean and director and OSU vice president of agricultural programs. “We have long believed and promoted that an interdisciplinary outlook is the best way to develop solutions to the challenges facing society, and addressing real-world issues is a vital part of the land-grant mission and the reason why OSU exists. It’s who we are at our core.”

Where Innovation Meets Education

Dummies Here INSTITUTE FOR PROTECTIVE APPAREL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPS CUTTING-EDGE “SMART” SUITS

post-doc researcher, a lab manager and 10 undergraduate and graduate students, as well as mechanical engineering, computer science and entomology faculty and students. “IPART has grown from a small group of dedicated professionals to a high-profile center within the university, enjoying significant federal and private support,” says Stephen McKeever, Ph.D., OSU’s vice president for research and technology transfer. “Laser scanning technology, environmental test chambers and knowledge of materials and their uses and limitations come together to enable the design of the very best protective apparel.”

“Walter” serves as a test subject for IPART researchers.

Special Advertising Section

ARTICLE AND PHOTO COURTESY OF OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

n a big metal chamber at OSU’s Institute for Protective Apparel Research and Technology stands what could be a member of the Blue Man Group surrounded by blinking lights, wires and electronics. Except OSU’s “Walter” doesn’t spray his audience of researchers with paint or confetti. He’s a life-size, blue-fabric-covered mannequin designed to mimic several characteristics of the human body, such as circulation, body heat, temperature tolerance, sweating and walking. Walter, says IPART Director Donna Branson, aids in the development of advanced garment systems and textiles. The only one of his kind in the nation, the mannequin is part of an array of high-tech tools used to develop products such as body armor for U.S. Marines and “smart” clothing for firefighters. Housed at OSU’s Oklahoma Technology & Research Park, IPART is the only lab in the region where most stages of design research, production and evaluation can take place on site. Part of the College of Human Environmental Sciences Department of Design, Housing and Merchandising, IPART has yielded successes such as cooling vests for first responders and award-winning body armor, QuadGard™, for the Marines. Developed with FSTechnology, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, the armor protects soldiers’ limbs without hindering movement. “Before we put a soldier or a firefighter in an environment that’s difficult to control and monitor,” Branson says, “we can simulate multiple environments in the laboratory and better predict human response without endangering test subjects.” Other technology includes a motion capture system to study interaction between the clothed body, muscle exertion and mobility, and a full body scanner to quickly and accurately measure body dimensions that also doubles as a design tool. A grant from the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science & Technology funds research for the firefighters’ smart clothing, which uses sensors to monitor the environment and physiological condition of its wearers. Assistant Professor Semra Peksoz says the system could be in production in five years thanks in part to help from industry partner Fire-Dex. IPART has expanded to include five faculty members, a

Oklahoma State University

Hanging

TOUGH W

hen the going gets tough, the tough get tougher – and when it comes to a tough economy, OSU’s Center for Innovation and Economic Development is there for companies, providing them with hands-on tools to help them succeed in today’s business climate. “Our economy is shifting, so we are now helping companies stabilize. That’s the first order of success, and then we can grow,” says Dr. Joe Alexander, CIED president. “In our region, we’ve had a rough year. Manufacturing jobs are declining. However, especially in the sensor technology arena, we have been able to hold our own, and we’re looking at that sector as a critical part of our overall future success.” The “sensor arena” to which Alexander refers is the burgeoning Sensor Corridor, a 40-mile stretch along U.S. Route 177 between Stillwater and Ponca City dotted with sensorrelated companies. These high-tech businesses are growing thanks to a regional approach to economic development that offers tailored assistance through low-interest loans, workforce training and business-to-business and businessto-government relationships. “A lot of progress has been made in the past year,” says Glenn Freedman, Ph.D., CIED vice president for research and programs. “Laboratories have been equipped, and more research is being conducted. New companies have come online, and new contracts have come in.” He notes that Stephen McKeever, Ph.D., vice president for research and technology transfer, spearheaded the sensor technology initiatives. Another emerging focal point revolves around unmanned aerial vehicles and their potential applications, Freedman says. “We now have additional testing capabilities that can be used by the private sector and the government, both military and

JEFF ADKINS

OSU CENTER GIVES BUSINESS THE TOOLS FOR INNOVATION

civilian. In the case of UAVs, Oklahoma State’s talented faculty and students are research leaders.” The likelihood of high-tech companies settling in rural Oklahoma is fueling the drive behind CIED’s Revolving Loan Fund, which launched in 2007 through a $750,000 USDA Rural Development grant. The $470,000 loaned through May 2009 has been leveraged to create $2.5 million in additional investment, with about 70 jobs created or retained, according to program director Max Kunisch. Kunisch cites Food ProTech as one example of success. “They started in Meridian Technology Center’s local incubator and then needed to expand,” Kunisch says. “We provided a $150,000 loan, which helped them get additional funds from the bank. Next, they purchased and reworked a larger building, creating more jobs and resulting in a greater economic impact.” Today, this food-testing company features a highly skilled work force serving a global market, and they train food industry companies to improve the safety and integrity of their products. A committee of bankers, financial experts and OSU team members reviews and advises CIED during the loan process. “These are interesting times,” Freedman says. “Everybody’s feeling their way through the recession. For example, when a company lays off its workers, we don’t want our state to lose that talent. It’s important for us to get new companies up and started. It’s our mission.”

From left: VP for Research and Technology Transfer Stephen McKeever, CIED VP for Research and Programs Glenn Freedman and Communications Coordinator Kelly Green discuss business at the OSU Center for Innovation and Economic Development.

www.okstate.edu

Where Innovation Meets Education

Something

Ventured,

Something Gained OSU EXPANDS PROGRAMS, OUTREACH FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP

urning dreams into dollars is the goal of OSU’s new Riata Center for Entrepreneurship and new Department of Entrepreneurship. Funded through the second-largest academic gift in OSU’s history, the center realizes a dream of benefactors and entrepreneurs Malone and Amy Mitchell. The Mitchells, OSU graduates who founded Riata Energy in 1984 with a $500 loan, say their vision is for OSU to be the nation’s leading institution for entrepreneurship education, research and community engagement. They want students exposed to best practices in how to recognize and capitalize on entrepreneurial opportunities. The Riata Center offers a diverse portfolio of experiential programs to immerse students in entrepreneurship as well as outreach programs for small-business owners and aspiring enterprisers. “This incredible expression of generosity will have an enormous impact on OSU academics,” OSU President Burns Hargis says. “The program we will create with this gift supports our vision of a new land-grant university that cultivates greater creativity and collaboration among students and faculty.” Launched in the fall 2009 semester, the academic program is housed in the Spears School of Business and offers degrees in entrepreneurship with MBA and Ph.D. concentrations available. The Riata Center is headed by Nola Miyasaki, while the new Department of Entrepreneurship is led by Michael Morris, Ph.D. Together, the two units provide academic and outreach programs

where students can learn by doing through initiatives such as the campuswide Riata Business Plan Competition, the Entrepreneurial Internship Program, the Riata Student Incubator, the Native American Entrepreneurship Initiatives, the OSU Entrepreneurs Bootcamp and Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship. The center also offers the Veterans with Disabilities Entrepreneurship Program, an entrepreneurial training program that provides the business support and resources necessary for disabled soldiers returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom. The program aims to develop viable approaches for turning veterans’ business ideas into workable business models and helping them create their

own sustainable companies. “We are excited about building the premier entrepreneurship program in the country at OSU,” Morris says. “Our hope is to reach every student on campus with our message of dreaming and doing. We’ll do this not only with state-of-theart curriculum, but with high-impact outreach, experiential learning and community engagement.” Morris hopes that within three years the program will enroll 1,000 students a year in entrepreneurship courses. The program is well on the way to building a world-class faculty and staff team. Kyle Wray, associate vice president of enrollment management and marketing, adds that the program will build upon the significant impact OSU has on the Stillwater community.

Special Advertising Section

Sports & Recreation “Cowboy” Kenny Bartram

Going to Extremes CITY EMERGES AS OFF-ROAD SPORTS DESTINATION

tillwater resident K.C. Andrews remembers zipping around his backyard on a dirt bike almost before he learned how to walk. Twenty years later, when Andrews had the unexpected chance to snap up a 60-acre property full of rugged hills and classic Oklahoma red dirt, he knew exactly what to do with it. Today, the property is home to Area 51 Motocross Park, which attracts thousands of visitors each year from Stillwater and beyond who are passionate about S T I L LWAT E R

the growing sport of motocross racing and recreational riding. “It’s a great property with all kinds of elevation changes to the landscape and lots of hills,” says Andrews. “It’s a natural for motocross. It’s been a hobby of mine all my life, and now I kind of feel like a golfer opening his own golf course. It’s a great experience.” Area 51 Motocross, which Andrews says is named for its location along Highway 51 and Interstate 35, is one of three popular Stillwater area motocross

sports locations. Cooperland Raceway attracts competitive racers from across the country, and Stillwater Motorcycle Park, locally known as “The 500,” is known for off-road motor biking. Andrews has seen the sport increasing in popularity in the nine years since he opened Area 51 Motocross. He attributes that to the fact that the sport – whether it involves motorbikes or four-wheel ATVs – is surprisingly family friendly. “We see people of all ages participating, from 50-year-old women to 5-year-old kids,” Andrews says. “It’s something that everybody can participate in, unlike a traditional sport like football. Mom and dad don’t get out on the field and do that with you, but motocross is something everyone can do together.” In response to the growing popularity of Stillwater’s motocross locations, retailers have opened up businesses to cater to riders. They can get their gear at places like Yamaha of Stillwater, which opened in 2002, and AIS Extreme Sports Apparel, which opened in 2008 in response to growing demand for new and used bikes, ATVs and racing gear. Stillwater also lays claim to “Cowboy” Kenny Bartram, one of the best-known freestyle motocross riders in the nation. Bartram, whose career has spanned competitive freestyle riding, stock car racing and Hollywood stuntman, continues to live in Stillwater while racing all around the country and even appearing on television shows such “The Tonight Show.” With his signature black cowboy hat and down-to-earth style, Bartram also writes a popular blog about his trips around the United States, but often talks about how happy he is to return home to what he calls “some of the best riding in the country.” – Anita Wadhwani I M AG E S S T I L LWAT E R . C O M

Education

Inspiring Tomorrow’s Pioneers STILLWATER HIGH SCHOOL EXPANDS CAMPUS, EXCELS IN ACADEMICS

tillwater High School’s Pioneer mascot is a historic figure for Oklahoma but one that is still relevant as the school continues to explore new territory – in campus and technology upgrades, as well as academic achievement. The high school’s 1,000 students now receive announcements through Twitter and Internet videos. Activities fill the school’s performing arts center, which is only four years old. Meanwhile, construction has recently been completed on a 6,000-seat multipurpose sports stadium – just in time for the 2009 football season. “It’s an incredible facility,” says Stillwater High School Principal Uwe Gordon. “Our last one, Hamilton Field, was built in 1948. It was a beautiful field. It had just kind of run its course.” Though only a few miles away from the high school, playing at the older field meant that football players, band members and cheerleaders had to pack up and drive. No game was ever really a home game. Voters approved bond financing in 2008 for the $21 million Pioneer Stadium. With its grand opening in September 2009, it will also host other sports, such as soccer. Still, strong athletic support doesn’t eclipse the high school’s primary focus on academics, which in many cases extends beyond the classroom. The school ranks among the top five Class 6A schools in Oklahoma, according to the state’s academic performance index. In 2008, Stillwater students had the highest average ACT scores in the state. What’s more, Expansion Management magazine has given the school a Gold Medal rating – the magazine’s highest – for workforce preparation. Part of that preparation comes from programs that allow Stillwater students to study off-campus and earn college credits before they receive their high school diplomas. During the 2008-09 academic year, more than 240 students enrolled in college classes. Another 75 Stillwater High School students regularly head to Meridian Technology Center, which accepts students from 10 area high schools. There, they can choose career pathways ranging from biotechnology to culinary arts. Through a cooperative alliance with Northern Oklahoma College, the high school students earn college credits. “When they finish with us, they already have a transcript at the college,” says Ken Koch, Meridian’s chief communications and marketing officer. Students pay $8 per credit hour, but it’s still significantly less expensive than paying for two years of tuition, as well as S T I L LWAT E R

room and board costs, Koch says. “We do have students that graduate from their home high school, earn their certificate at Meridian and earn their associate degree in applied sciences at one of the colleges,” he says. While some students are getting a jump start on higher education, Stillwater Public Schools administrators also are keeping an eye toward the future, particularly the growing number of elementary school pupils who will become tomorrow’s Pioneers. “Our graduating classes now are between 325 and 350. The second grades and below are close to 500,” Gordon says. “We’re getting ready for those. Having the opportunity to expand our campus and modernize our programs is helpful.” – Victoria Eckenrode

I M AG E S S T I L LWAT E R . C O M

Arts & Culture

Where Artists Are Born MULTI ARTS CENTER INSTRUCTORS INSTILL CREATIVITY IN A NEW GENERATION

JEFF ADKINS

Elementary school students sculpt artwork at the Multi Arts Center.

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s public schools around the nation cut back on “extras” such as art and music classes, elementary school students in Stillwater continue to enjoy weekly hands-on classes taught by professional artists. The 15,000-square-foot Multi Arts Center features glass blowing, ceramics and pottery studios, and a year-round art gallery. And during the week, the center’s classrooms fill with children from local elementary schools who come to learn pottery, watercolors and other media from talented Oklahoma artists. Every third-, fourth- and fifth-grader in the Stillwater Public School system takes a weekly art class at the facility, says Jessica Novak, the center’s supervisor. “We have a really high-quality art world for such a small town like Stillwater,” she says. “The Multi Arts Center gives artists a place where they can be supported – either to display and sell their works, or by sharing their passion with a new generation.” The center started out in the 1970s as a gathering spot in an old barn for artists to share lessons. After outgrowing the barn, it moved first into a shared space. In 2001, after successful fundraising efforts and widespread community support, the standalone center opened. Stillwater families can take lessons at the center, which offers parent-child classes for participants as young as age 2. The city-owned center also offers a Summer Art Camp day program. All classes are taught by local artists, whose work is displayed in the center’s gallery. The Multi Arts Center serves more than 1,000 elementary children per year and provides classes for older children at their schools. “Maybe a kid isn’t all that interested in sports or other activities,” Novak says. “We give them a place to explore their own creativity.” – Anita Wadhwani

What’s Online e Go inside the Multi Arts Center in a quick video at imagesstillwater.com.

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Ad Index 10 ALEXANDER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY 32 ALL AMERICAN INSURANCE 28 BETH PETERSON 35 CEDAR OAKS APARTMENTS & DUPLEXES C2 CHICKASAW TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES INC. 2 CITY OF STILLWATER & DOWNTOWN STILLWATER 32 COMMUNITY ESCROW & TITLE CO. C3 DONNA RHINEHART HOMES 4 FISHER PROVENCE REALTORS C3 GRAND RIVER DAM AUTHORITY 35 KWIK CAR SERVICE CENTER

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