VALUES January 2023

ABC Seamless of N.E. Oklahoma 31

Affordable Insulation of Oklahoma

Amplify Broken Arrow Awards 54

AVB Bank 29

BA Med Spa & Weight Loss

Black Hat Chimney & Dryer Vent Cleaning 29

Bob Moore Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Tulsa 40

Buffalo Wild Wings 10

Challenges = Success at Martial Arts Academy 42 Derksen Buildings 34 22

Don Julio Mexican Bar & Grill 45

Dun-Rite Roofing

Exhibitors & Vendors: Sign-Up for the Tulsa HBA Claremore Home & Garden Show!

Face & Body: New Morpheus8 at BA Med Spa & Weight Loss

Generate Your Own Clean Energy 12

Gleam Guard Whole Home Wood Refinishing 46

Greg Wilson Agency, Farmers Insurance

Grigsby’s Carpet, Tile & Hardwoods 11

Grout Care of Tulsa 4

Hello Garage, Tulsa 9

High Tower Accounting & Tax 10 24

Inola Portable Buildings & Pole Barns 35 14, 15

James R. Webb M.D.

Jersey Mike’s Subs 56

Katie Witcher Promoted to

AVB Bank Loan Compliance Officer

Martial Arts Academy 22 34

Mother Nature’s Pest Control & Lawn Care 56

Needful Things Market 44

Oklahoma Bankers Assn. Honors Kelley Rash

Outdoor Creations Roofing & Solar 48

Planning Your Stress-Free Wedding

Premium Cabinets

Reveal Skin Studio 19

Select Outdoor Solutions 28

South Pointe Chevrolet 2

South Pointe Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram 23 South Pointe Honda

Stillwater Milling Company 55 Stop Smoking Workshop with Browning Clinical Hypnotherapy

Strategies for Saving Money on Your Taxes

Things to Do Presented by Central Bank 50

Think Wilson! for your Insurance Coverage 26

Three Twenty on Main Weddings & Events Venue 34

Tile by Tony Remodeling 31

Tulsa County Assessor’s Office 10

Tulsa Higher Education Consortium Linking Leaders

Valentine’s Day Comes to Floral Creations

Written

©

For over t he p as t

2 0 yea rs, t he

Cl aremore Home & G arden Show, hoste d by t he Tul s a Home Bu ilders A ssociation and Visit Cla remore , ha s provided nor theast Ok la hom a w it h a n ex tensive dis pl ay of pro duc t s for a ll home a nd l ifes ty le improvement needs . T he show a llow s g uest s to vi sit w it h top businesse s i n t he reg ion to prepa re for upcom ing sea sona l interest s.

“When attending the Claremore Home and

Garden Show,” said Je Smith, CEO of Tulsa HBA. “You can expect to see more than 100 vendors to improve and update your home.”

And though it may only be Januar y now, the show’s set date of March 24-25 will be here before you know it. With the goal of making the freeto-attend show bigger and better ever y year, they’re looking for vendors who want to help homeowners, business owners, and renters make the most of their home or property. Some vendors already signed up are Vickrey Heat & Air, Claremore

Fence, JT Septic, Marble Elegance, Apex Title, and Alert 360. To inquire about a booth at the show, contact Sarah Gentr y at sgentr y@tulsahba.com or 918-663-5820.

When asked what area of the show attendees especially enjoy, Smith said it’s the Master Gardeners. “Guests enjoy the opportunity to speak with them as they enter the show.”

BY KATHY SMITH

With over 50-years of experience in the banking industry, Kelley Rash has learned the banking industry from the ground-up, growing up in a family of bankers and serving in multiple roles at AVB Bank (AVB). Rash is the fourth generation of her family to serve AVB, proudly continuing a family legacy that dates back to before statehood. She assumed the leadership role as AVB Chairman of the Board in 2001.

Her “People First” focus has been one of kindness and sharing within her family, community, and banking roles.

Ted Cundi , AVB Bank President and Chief Executive O cer (CEO), “Kelley Rash has a passion for the Broken Arrow community that is unmatched. Whether she is volunteering, fundraising, strategic planning, collaborating, donating, leading…she is modeling the mission of our Bank – SERVE, CONNECT and SUCCEED TOGETHER.” He continued, “A passionate advocate, Kelley is dedicated to the growth,

development, and betterment of Broken Arrow. roughout the years that I have known Kelley, I have seen her positively impact this community and our Bank, and I am consistently in awe of her kindness and generosity.”

In the words of a long-time AVB Bank customer, “Kelley Rash is the ultimate example of what is possible when quality business leaders look to give back to their community and represent something bigger than themselves.”

From one of her employees, “Kelley does not like to be the center of attention. Recognition is not necessary for her to do what she does. She is not boastful. Everything that she does for AVB Bank - our employees and customers - and for our community is done because she wants to make a di erence…and she does that with HEART. I so admire this woman and am blessed that I was led to AVB and have been given the opportunity to work with, for and on behalf of her.”

Cooper Rash, Kelley’s son, shared: “My mom strongly encouraged me to explore career options upon graduating with my university degree. Seeing the love, concern and pride that she and

my grandparents have always had for the Bank, how they were connected with the employees, customers and community, I wanted that. I am so proud of my mom…what she does, how she does it and who she is. And, as the h generation of my family to serve AVB, it is my greatest desire to make her proud.”

Kelley attributes her longevity in the banking industry to several factors. “We focus on hiring the right people and provide them with training and growth opportunities; and treating our customers right. For over, 117 years, generations of customers have called AVB Bank their bank. One thing has never changed…AVB’s respect for tradition, honesty, and integrity,” explained Kelley.

AVB Bank continues their investment into the community and Kelley and her employees work passionately to make a positive impact. At many Broken Arrow events you will likely see where AVB has rolledup their sleeves to contribute and employees participating to make a di erence

Left to right are AVB Board of Directors Ted Cundiff, Russell Brown, Sally Wilton, Georgeanna Thomas, Kelley Rash, Cooper Rash and Topper Causby

e banking industry has changed through the years. Kelley said her favorite part about working in the banking industry has been helping to maintain an independent nancial institution through tough economic and regulatory times…even throughout a pandemic!

She and her employees have established a legacy of strengt h, stability, and service that their thousands of clients have come to rely upon. “A handshake is, and always has been, a symbol of our bond; a symbol of trust, stability, and passionately working hard for our customers. While there is more paperwork and documentation to be done in today’s nancial industry, business is still conducted based on that personal connection between you and the customers. Rash is adamant that AVB bankers never forget the foundation and values the Bank was built upon – doing business the old-fashioned way, with a handshake, creating a lifelong bond between you, your customers, and our communities,” Kelley expressed. AVB is a strong re ection of the Brown-Kimbrough family values that Rash embraced, de ned, and personally committed

herself to…today, tomorrow, and for the tomorrows to come.

e joys and memories of her 50-year career encompass her early days in training as a bank teller…to demonstrating to customers how to use the Bank’s new technology, the ATM machine, outside in the summer

to multiple summer internships at AVB Bank … receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in business (with emphasis in management and marketing) from Oklahoma State University, Cooper o cially began his banking career in 2016. He serves as AVB Bank Vice President of Marketing, specializing in market research, data analysis, media communication, web content, search engine optimization strategy and support of customer-focused delivery channels.

He is continuing the strong commitment to hometown family banking and is the h generation to serve on the Bank’s Board of Directors. Regarding his election to the AVB Bank Board of Directors, Cooper stated, “AVB Bank has ser ved our customers with honesty and integrity for over 117-years. My family has served multiple generations, and I am humbled to be part of the next generation to continue this ser vice.

e signi cance of such a longlasting legacy is certainly not lost on me…successfully maintaining an independent/family-owned nancial institution shows resilience and commitment to our customers, employees, community, and shareholders, and I am humbled to be a part of our Bank’s future.”

Kelley and Cooper share the same ideals set forth 117 years ago and maintain their strong sense of helping others and serving their communities.

Kelley is a life-long resident of Broken Arrow, her pride and joy are her two children, Cooper and Sara Cruncleton, and grandchildren, Lottie and August Cruncleton.

heat wearing a dress and panty hose… working at her desk while her son was under the desk, playing or asleep…to sharing the many of life’s milestones with employees and customers who are all considered her extended family. All of these moments, and more, have been heartwarming and sometimes very funny.

e family legacy continues with Cooper Rash. From his early beginnings playing and sleeping as a small child under his mother’s desk…

The Oklahoma Bankers Association recognized Kelley Rash’s outstanding 50-year banking career. At front, left to right: Topper Causby, Donna Malaguti, Gary King, Jamie Wheeler, LaTonya Cundiff, Kelley Rash, Nema Dobbins, Kelli Sowell, Jody Manning. Back row: Javier Gamarra, Ben Dejene, Ted Cundiff, Randy Waldrup, and Cooper Rash.

Mother and son, Cooper Rash and Kelley Rash share in continuing the legacy of AVB Bank.

Earlier this month, the Tulsa Higher Education Consortium hosted an annual Fall Convening at the University of Tulsa for its member institutions, local educators, and Tulsa-area business and industry leaders. is Convening was the third and largest Convening hosted by the Consortium. With nearly 200 people in attendance, attendees participated in conversations on how to best support Tulsa-area college and university students on their journeys to degree completion and beyond.

Speakers at the event included Rebecka Peterson, Oklahoma’s 2022 Teacher of the Year, George Justice, Provost for the University of Tulsa, and a keynote address from Leonelle ompson of Williams. Other highlights included a student panel of Tulsa-area students and graduates and time to collaborate and connect with professionals who work to support students “ e University of Tulsa supports the work of the Tulsa Higher Education Consortium and, as such, gladly hosted the Fall Convening. We recognize the bene ts that will come to Tulsa and the region as more students have the opportunity to complete a college degree by leveraging the variety of exceptional institutions and

programs available to them locally,” said Brad Carson, President of the University of Tulsa.

e Tulsa Higher Education Consortium is a collaboration of seven Tulsa-area higher education institutions including Langston University, Northeastern State University, OSU-Tulsa, OU-Tulsa, Rogers State University, Tulsa Community C ollege and the University of Tulsa, and seven a liate organizations. “ e Tulsa Higher Education Consortium is a direct result of collaboration between Tulsa-area institutions, business, industry, civic and philanthropic groups across our city. is work has increased accessibility of information related to higher education leading to an increase of bachelor’s degrees in our region,” says Dr. Laura Latta, Executive Director of the Consortium.

Founded in 2021, Tulsa Higher Education Consortium is committed to advancing student learning, improving student success and degree completion, achieving equity in outcomes, and meeting workforce needs by collaborating to increase higher education opportunities in the region. e Tulsa Higher Education Consortium is made possible through the support of the Charles and Lynn Schusterman

Family Philanthropies.

For more information about the Consortium and its upcoming events, go to www.tulsahighered.com

Taxes some ti me s fe el li ke a foreig n la ng ua ge and ca n become a daunti ng task when fi li ng them. Rebecc a Olson, ow ner of High Tower Ac counti ng & Ta x, ha s remove d th at commun ic at ion ba rr ier. Olson st ri ve s for trus t and an open co nver sation with he r cl ient s. “Somet imes [t ax ru le s] ca n ch ange se vera l ti me s in a ye ar and commun ic at ion with an accounta nt is so import ant,” Olson sa id . Olson works to take the complexities of tax law and make it easy to understand. When taxpayers can comprehend their nancial data, “it empowers that business owner,” Olson said. “ ey might look at new ways to reinvest back into their business more strategically. roughout the year, we prov ide our clients with strategic spending knowledge enabling them to advantage of t ax credits and incentives,

and maximize their cash ow. at’s empowerment!”

Tax return concerns? Need guidance during a complex tax situation?

As a licensed tax representative in all 50 states and a QuickBooks advisor with the highest certi cation, Olson uses her 15 years of experience to give local business owners the tools to succeed with their tax and accounting needs.

Taxes grow and evolve but your stress over them doesn’t have to.

“I make sure our clients understand not only their tax return but their taxpayer rights,” she said. So whatever the size or structure of your business, High Tower Accounting & Tax has the expertise to help simplify areas of frustration.

Expect realistic timelines and a strategic plan of action when choosing Olson and her team. “When [our clients] know they have a team that is responsive, and an accountant that will explain things so they understand wh y and how we are going to take that next step, they are put at peace,” she said.

Olson and her team believe real tax accounting work is also part counseling. “You have to have a heart that is willing to help and an ear ready to listen,” Olson said.

She believes when local businesses succeed it also enriches the community. High Tower Accounting & Tax has fostered Broken Arrow businesses for the past decade. With a secondary location announced to open in Wagoner, Olson and her team are excited to extend their ser vices to new and existing clients. Set to open to the public in spring 2023, with a so opening for existing clients in Jan. 2023.

ife bri ngs d if ficu lt decision s a nd get ting t hem right ca n be cha llengi ng Thi s is e ven more t rue w hen it come s to protecting you r assets. Choosi ng home , c ar, business, and l ife i nsuranc e ca n feel l ike a d au nt ing task w hen you’re un su re w hic h que st ions to pr ioritize

Fortunately, longtime business owner and family man Greg Wilson, e Wilson Agenc y owner, has answers to questions you may not have considered when it comes to insuring the meaningful possessions in your life.

irty years of ser vice to our South County region covering Bixby, Jenks, Glenpool, as well as surrounding areas, Greg with his son Matthew, have cemented the Elm Street Farmers Insurance agency as a trusted community choice for insurance needs.

A 2021 nominee for Agent of the Year, Greg adheres to his personal motto, “We work for you. ”

Family is a notable aspect to Wilson’s success, having learned the importance of navigating Medicare and other insurance types through personal experience. “Having gone through coinsurance experiences with my mom, we decided to help others with their Medicare insurance

needs. Our rsthand knowledge has helped countless others avoid some of the unknowns and di culties we faced when caring for my mom,” Wilson said.

With insurance rates continuously rising, Wilson is invested in helping steer individuals to the best policies for them, at the best possible price.

Providing an overall positive and straightforward experience to his clients is essential to Wilson, whether initiating a quote, ling a claim, or relying on him or his sta to handle the major moments in your life.

“We have multiple lines within Farmers, so we are able to x most of the problems our clients have,” he said. “Our coverages are reliable.”

Partnering alongside numerous car dealerships in the surrounding area, Wilson o ers immediate motor vehicle insurance to help streamline the purchasing process for buyers.

Processing on average 400 quotes monthly, Wilson–together with his full sta –are quali ed to answer any concerns or questions with trusted expertise resulting in customer satisfaction.

No matter if you just bought a new home, want to protect your family through life insurance, su er a chronic illness, or coming up on your 65th birthday, the Wilson’s are here to help.

“We’re going to ght for you on claims. We’re going to ght for you on rates. We’re going to ght for you on everything that we do,” Wilson said

AVB Bank Promotes Katie Witcher to Loan Compliance Officer

BY KATHY SMITH

AVB Bank President and Chief Executive O cer (CEO), Ted Cundi , announced the promotion of Katie Witcher to Loan Compliance O cer. Witcher is responsible for implementing and overseeing consumer and commercial lending regulatory compliance, Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) compliance and managing the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act Loan Application Register (HMDA LAR).

Witcher has been with AVB Bank since 2015, ser ving as a consumer mortgage assistant and loan operations specialist and assisting with loan compliance.

“Katie has been a valuable resource in our loan compliance department, and we are excited for her to assume additional responsibilities in that area,” stated Cundi . “Our loan compliance department is an integral component of the bank functioning at the highest level, and we are pleased to have a talent such as Katie serving in this capacity.”

AVB Bank Senior Vice President, Loan Compliance and CRA O cer, Tammy Kee on the promotion of Witcher, “I am thrilled for Katie and look forward to continuing to work with her in our world of compliance. She has an extensive background in nancial compliance, and her knowledge is invaluable to AVB.”

Witcher is a graduate of the American Banking Association (ABA) National Compliance School, ABA Intermediate Compliance School, ABA Compliance Risk Management School, and the University of Central Arkansas Community Development Institute. Witcher is a member of the National Charity League (NCL) Bixby Chapter.

Witcher stated, “I love the people and atmosphere at AVB, and how they care about each and every one of us employees. ey show appreciation o en and it’s rewarding to work for, and with, such a great group of people.”

Since 2010, BA Med Spa & Weig ht Loss Center in Broken Arrow has made their ma rk as the place to go for cutting edge tech nology in body contou ring, Coolsculpt ing for fat loss, Emsculpt for muscle ma ss and loose sk in, Ultherapy to li sk in, C02 resu rfacing, and microneedling for encouraging collagen production. Even with that plet hora of top-qu alit y serv ices, CFO Melody Hawk ins said they’ve now

added one more FDA approved procedure to the list—Mor pheus8.

“Morpheus can treat a multitude of di erent concerns,” Hawkins said. “Such as, ne lines, wrinkles,

loose skin, st retch marks and acne scars. ”

Morpheus8 is a deep fractional, radiofrequency treatment that delivers exceptional skin and collagen remodeling to

improve skin appearance and reduce irregularities. But its bene ts far exceed the face. Morpheus8 can be used anywhere you wish to see diminished scarring or rmer skin with more

elasticity. e non-invasive treatment requires little to no downtime or recover y a erward. But if you want to shed some of those holiday pounds before trying Morpheus8, Hawkins said that is what they are inquired about o en. “We’re excited to bring in Semaglutide into our weight loss practice,” she said. “Semaglutide has already made big news under the brand name Wagoovy. We o er the raw concentrated medication of Wagoovy.”

By privately compounding the medication themselves, as well as having their own pharmacy on-site,

BA Med Spa is able to o er this revolutionary medication for a great price without needing insurance. Hawkins said one of the bene ts of scheduling a complimentary consultation with one of their on-site weight loss

experts is that they can prescribe and dispense to patients in the same visit. “ at way, you can leave with eve rything you need in one visit to make 2023 your happiest and healthiest year yet.”

FLORAL CREATIONS

ABOVE: Celebrate the holidays with unique gifts found only at Floral Creations.

BY AARIKA COPELAND

ore t ha n just f lowers , Flor a l Cre at ions i n Cl aremore ha s been a trus ted provider for t he past 19 ye ar s of not only hand- cr af te d flor a l a rrangement s , but a ls o of fering a n a rray of one -ofa-ki nd g if t s for a ny occasion and e ver y season . “Flower s are ver y emotional . I t hin k it ma kes people feel good,” F lora l

Creation s O wner Daw n McCla in sa id ab out customer s recei vi ng flor a l del iver ie s . “But we have s o much more to offer t ha n jus t fresh f lowers. We have u nique gi ft s a nd u nique items you c an’t ju s t buy at t he store .”

With Valentine’s Day approaching, it is important to get your perfect holiday arrangement ordered early to ensure the best selection of bouquets and owers will be instock. ey have

Valentine’s bouquets available to browse and order on their website, including in-house special designs for the holiday. With a wide selection of bouquets in many di erent sizes and styles, there’s something beautiful for every budget. Floral Creations also has new and unique Valentine’s gi s that you won’t nd in big box stores, including jewelry, chocolates, candles, spa gi s and

Find a truly unique V someone special in your life.

more. Any of their gi items can be delivered with a ower bouquet and will make any recipient feel extra special. Shoppers can browse the seasonal selections with con dence they are getting something truly special. “We have people come in here and say, ‘oh my gosh, I had no idea you had all of this cool stu ’,”

Enjoy a relaxing Valentine’s Day with Floral Creations spa gifts. more. Any of their gi items can be delivered with a ower bouquet and will make any recipient feel extra special. Shoppers can browse the seasonal selections with con dence they are getting something truly special. “We have people come in here and say, ‘oh my gosh, I had no idea you had all of this cool stu ’,”

Emily Seat said, oral designer at Floral Creations. e new year is a perfect time to give your home a refresh. With their brand-new line of luxur y home goods that includes acacia wood cutting boards, real marble trays, ser ving platters, and beautiful woven textiles such as tea towels and throw blankets. Each high-quality piece is beautiful, a ordable, and designed to elevate your existing home decor.

Emily Seat said, oral designer at Floral Creations. e new year is a perfect time to give your home a refresh. With their brand-new line of luxur y home goods that includes acacia wood cutting boards, real marble trays, ser ving platters, and beautiful woven textiles such as tea towels and throw blankets. Each high-quality piece is beautiful, a ordable, and designed to elevate your existing home decor.

With new items rotating the shelves, you’ll likely nd something special each time you visit. “We like to encourage people to come see what we’ve got, and to shop local,” McClain said. A timeless custom, the sentiments behind oral gi ing still apply today. “ ere ’ s so much meaning behind it. You’re conveying the care for the individual receiving it,” Seat said. “And for someone who has gotten to deliver them,

it’s amazing to see the change in somebody. eir whole face lights up.” Floral Creations is proud to provide premium Ecuadorian roses to the community for the holiday. eir roses are longstemmed, fragrant and absolutely beautiful. A dozen red roses is a classic Valentine’s bouquet that makes a big statement, and sends a heartfelt message of love and appreciation to the recipient.

it’s amazing to see the change in somebody. eir whole face lights up.” Floral Creations is proud to provide premium Ecuadorian roses to the community for the holiday. eir roses are longstemmed, fragrant and absolutely beautiful. A dozen red roses is a classic Valentine’s bouquet that makes a big statement, and sends a heartfelt message of love and appreciation to the recipient.

Nothing says “I love you” like a classic bouquet of roses.

With new items rotating the shelves, you’ll likely nd something special each time you visit. “We like to encourage people to come see what we’ve got, and to shop local,” McClain said. A timeless custom, the sentiments behind oral gi ing still apply today. “ ere ’ s so much meaning behind it. You’re conveying the care for the individual receiving ,” Seat said. “And for someone who has gotten to deliver them,

Flowers have the ability to communicate emotion and are a perfect expression of sympathy, love, friendship, joy and much more. Trust Floral Creations with each beloved message.

Flowers have the ability to communicate emotion and are a perfect expression of sympathy, love, friendship, joy and much more. Trust Floral Creations with each beloved message.

For your convenience, you can order online at oralcreationsclaremore.com

For your convenience, you can order online at oralcreationsclaremore.com

a classic bouquet of roses.

Find a truly unique Valentine’s bouquet for someone special in your life.

Enjoy a relaxing Valentine’s Day with Floral Creations spa gifts.

PL ANNING YOUR STRE SS-FREE

Three

BY HAYLIE SMART

For a historic downtown venue that drips with vintage elegance, some might be surprised to know that weddings only allot for 40% of bookings at ree Twenty on Main in Claremore. “We do ever ything from baby showers, bridal showers, weddings, memorial ser vices, business meetings, private dinners, and birthday parties,” said Director of Events Susan Gebhart. is versatility was by design by completely renovating a dusty, xer-upper in the heart of downtown Claremore almost six years ago. Now a stunning venue with rich and varied histor y, it’s easily accessible for all. Its amenities include a vintage replace, bar, and staircase, farm tables and chairs that seat up to 120 people, bridal lo , indoor bistrostyle lights, ballroom and gallery, and several other vintage furnishings.

“Over the course of time, we have added things into our packages

without changing the price to make the value for the money better,” Gebhart said. Some ser vices that can be added onto packages are event coordination, a screen and projector, other sizes of tables, linens, and decor. When delivering a memorable guest experience, Gebhart has one goal. “I want people to walk out of here and say, ‘It was perfect. I wouldn’t have changed a thing.’” And delivering that kind of experience comes easy for Gebhart due to her over 30 years

LEFT: Susan Gebhart has over 30 years of experience in meeting and event planning, and now uses that expertise to help people have the best guest experience.

of experience in meeting and event planning. “Where that goal starts is the ver y rst time I talk to someone on the phone I’m asking questions about what they have in mind and what they want their event to be like,” she said. For Gebhart, a happy host is a relaxed host, and to get a relaxed host is to plan for them. “I take my notes in terms of timeline, what needs to happen, and what’s their budget. I’m ver y meticulous about being budget compliant.”

Twenty on Main is an affordable and flexible event venue for a stress-free wedding, party, brunch, or meeting

A beautiful staircase offers various vantage points for stunning photos.

Three Twenty on Main is located at 320 W Will Rogers Blvd.

Our most valuable asset in life that we can never get back is time! Do you want to get your car repaired by Certified Dodge, Chrysler & Jeep technicians but don’t want to be without your vehicle for days and sometimes weeks?

Maybe our shop is older and not as fancy as some other dealership service departments in town. But what we do have is happy employees because they

work with ownership and management that care about their employees.

Our employees are not just an employee number, we’re a family that enjoys our time with each other and we enjoy what we do.

Happy employees make for happy customers because we appreciate each customer that walks in our doors. We’re centrally located in Tulsa and we’re asking for your business!

OKLAHOMA FAMILY OWNED DEALERSHIP

Not

UPFRONT HONEST PRICING

Not

BY HAYLIE SMART

n ever y soci al se tting, there are leaders and follower s. And for Ma rt ia l Arts Ac ademy Ow ner Chris Ve le z, he ha s made it hi s mission in li fe to create conf ident leaders th roug h ma rt ia l arts .

“It’s a very structured environment,” Velez said. “ e primar y focus overall in training is to help a student develop con dence and discipline.”

ough a student will also learn how to defend themselves, get in shape, and become exible, Velez

said that’s not the end goal. “ ey will achieve those things,” he said. “But martial arts is a means to an end. When a student comes here you can boil it down to that they will experience challenge and success. e more challenge and success they experience, that’s where the growth takes place. And overtime it becomes easier for them to see themselves as successful.”

When a parent sends their child into the world to lead their own life, a way they can have peace is to know their child is rmly established in con dence and discipline.

“It takes con dence to be who

you are,” Velez said. “And to be the positive example. ey can have all the knowledge of what’s right and what’s wrong, but it’s another thing to actually execute that.”

A longtime resident of Owasso, Velez began his training at an early age, in Owasso

Velez worked, trained, and taught martial arts throughout high school, and he sp ent so much time there people started asking him if he was going to open his own school? “At that age, I wasn’t considering the idea because I hadn’t been exposed to

Chris Velez, Martial Arts Academy Photo by Trisha Jiménez

many martial arts business owners,” Velez said. But one thing led to another, opportunity presented itself, and Velez took a leap of faith. He opened his business in Owasso in 2003 and Martial Arts Academy is now not only working—it’s thriving. His successful business is a true testament to the practices of martial arts.

“We are helping parents raise con dent leaders and adults reach their true potential,” he said.

When explaining the di erent options at the academy, Velez said, “ ere’s two schools within this school. We have the martial arts students, and then we have instructors. Developing instructors is di erent from developing students. We give instructors space and a platform to gain experience.” Velez is proud to note that all of his current instructors began as students at his

young and he has enjoyed watching them grow up. “I had a couple ladies that were counting down the days to when they could actually work here,” he said. “ ey had put in a lot of instructor hours in learning and assisting students and classes. ”

ough Velez stays busy with running the business, he still trains and involves himself in nearly all of the classes.”I’m on the oor, here, and present the whole time. Ever y person that comes in to enroll, I meet them personally.”

If intereste d in enrolling, or if

you want to learn more about the principles of martial arts, call 918-376-9080 or go to martialartsacademy.net.

Amplify Broken Arrow Awards

BY LINDSAY CUNNINGHAM

The Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation hosted their yearly Economic Outlook luncheon at Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center November 10, 2022. The Economic Outlook featured keynote speaker, Dr. Russell Evans, Partner and Chief Economist of Thorberg Collectorate. In addition, the Economic Development Corporation added the Amplify Broken Arrow Awards that were awarded during the program.

“Economic Development is not an organization, it is an action and it takes an entire community participating and investing to make it successful. The Amplify BA Awards recognized individuals, businesses, and organizations who have made a significant contribution to Broken Arrow through their economic development efforts,” stated Jennifer Conway, President & CEO of the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation.

Awards and recognition were received by the following: Innovation

Recipient: Kyle Al-Rifai Automotive Industries

This award recognizes a successful project, program, product, or service that thinks outside of the box and continues to stretch the boundaries of and has proven to be a leader in innovation.

Restoration Recipient: Bill Leet Primus Properties

This award recognizes a project that brings new life into an aging building or program.

Transformation Recipient: Neal Bhow Tiger Hill Development

This award recognizes a building, project or program that transforms the world around it, impacting the entire community and fostering economic growth of those around it.

Creation

Recipient: Kim Washburn Laurannae Baking Co.

An individual who exemplifies entrepreneurship by creating a successful new business or industry.

Amplification

Recipient: Steve Easley OakTrust Development

An individual or business that has made a significant investment of resources (time, talent, treasures) in Broken Arrow that fosters economic development, positively impacting the quality of life by creating opportunity and ensures the success of Broken Arrow and the economy.

“We know that our community would not be where it is today without the vision and commitment of these individuals. The Broken Arrow Chamber and Economic Development Corporation felt it was important to recognize them, their contributions, and the legacy that will continue to bless our city for generations to come,” commented Conway.

Innovation Award: Kyle Al-Rifai, Automative Industries with Jennifer Jezek, Board of Directors Chair & Jennifer Conway, President & CEO

Restoration Award: Bill Leet, Primus Properties with Jennifer Jezek, Board of Directors Chair & Jennifer Conway, President & CEO

Transformation Award: Neal Bhow, Tiger Hill Development with Jennifer Jezek, Board of Directors Chair & Jennifer Conway, President & CEO

Creation Award: Kim Washburn, Laurannae Baking Co. with Jennifer Jezek, Board of Directors Chair & Jennifer Conway, President & CEO

Amplification Award: Steve Easley, OakTrust Development with Jennifer Jezek, Board of Directors Chair & Jennifer Conway, President & CEO