2014 ISSUE 2 Develop, Innovate, Prosper
Okmulgee on the Rise
One Main Street is changing the heart of a community Since 1986 Okmulgee has worked under Oklahoma Main Street’s Four Point Approach ™ of organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring. Using these guidelines, Okmulgee has seen progress in many areas including the continued revitalization of their historic district. The area, like so many main streets across America, has a cache of incredible, sturdy buildings with amazing detail. While they had different uses and purposes in the past, these buildings from the boom days have something in common – potential.
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“A few weeks later I received an email from the Sapulpa Main Street Director, Cindy McDonald, inviting me and a couple of my board members to a presentation she was hosting the next week,” said Sumner. “The speaker was Ron Drake. I remembered the name because I still had [Flip This Town] on my desk.“
Okmulgee Main Street, Inc. and Director Heather Sumner are working with consultant Ron Drake to provide a much needed boost to their historic district.
Drake specializes in looking at communities from a unique perspective. In his hometown of Siloam Springs, Ark., he is known as a visionary that transformed the town into one of the top four best Main Streets (Parade Magazine) and the 14th Best Small Town in America (Smithsonian Magazine.)
“Downtowns are the heart of every community; revitalize them and the effects will be felt across your town,” said Ron Drake.
Drake focuses on providing fresh looking housing in downtown buildings to help sustain and grow business downtown.
When Sumner was hired in January, Margaret Hess, 2014 Vice President of Okmulgee’s Main Street Board suggested she read the book Flip This Town.
“We went to hear him speak in Sapulpa and immediately knew we Continued on page 7
IN THIS ISSUE Economic Indicators
Business News
Community News
Workforce News
Main Street News
What Makes Us Best for Quality of Life p. 2
Governor Mary Fallin Applauds International Paper p. 3
Disaster Relief Recovery
Oklahoma Celebrates
Okmulgee Rising p. 7
Funds Update p. 8
Manufacturing Day p. 4
Upcoming Events Annual Environmental Excellence Celebration p. 11
Boeing to move 900 more jobs to Oklahoma p. 3
Rural Energy for America Program p. 9