Page 1 - Ardmore Chamber of Commerce

Presenting Sponsor
In Business, For Business
February 2008
Report
A Monthly Publication by the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce
LAKE MURRAY RESORT GROUNDBREAKING
Groundbreaking ceremonies were held Wednesday, January 16, 2008 for the new
Lake Murray Resort.
Phase I is the construction of a new Luxury Hotel. The new hotel will feature 150
guest rooms with approximately 15, 000 square feet of meeting space. The new
complex will also include a fine dining restaurant, lakeside bar and café, boat docks,
swimming pool, fitness facility and many other amenities for family-oriented events.
All facilities and amenities at Lake Murray will reflect the original “CCC” (Civilian
Conservation Corp) character of native stone and wood.
The historic groundbreaking event represents a unique public/private partnership
that results in the State of Oklahoma retaining ownership of the land, and a luxury
resort facility being developed and operated by a private enterprise. Included in the
groundbreaking ceremony were Lt. Governor Jari Askins, members of the Oklahoma
Tourism and Recreation Commission, area state legislators and Ardmore City
officials. “This partnership is very exciting for Ardmore and Oklahoma’s Tourism
Department,” Lt. Gov. Jari Askins said. "With all the development and expansion
Ardmore is experiencing, the addition of this first-class resort will enhance
Ardmore's tourism appeal and also create a tremendous amenity for our state park."
“As Oklahoma’s first State Park, Lake Murray will always hold a special distinction,”
Tourism Director Hardy Watkins said. “It is fitting that the area includes a resort
property to compliment the Park’s natural beauty and to meet the competitive
demands of today’s market place.” Senator Johnnie Crutchfield of Ardmore
commented that the creation of a destination resort would provide more visitors
the opportunity to discover the “hidden jewel” of Southern Oklahoma and the
economic impact of tourism has the potential to be a driving factor in the area’s
continued growth and success. Representative Greg Piatt echoed these sentiments
when he stated, “I am excited about the future of Southern Oklahoma and know
that the development of the resort will be a catalyst for continued economic development and success.” story continues on page 7
What’s Inside
Business Spotlight
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Chamber Ambassadors
2
Building an Effective Network
3
Business After Hours
3
Economic Indicators
4
Economic Indicators
5
10 Reasons You Need a Logo
6
Chamber Website Statistics
6
Amethyst Research
7
Upcoming Events
7
Member News
8
ATA
8
Tips for Business
9
State Chamber Legislation
10
Oklahoma Prosperity Project
10
SOBIC
11
Legislative Luncheon
11
New Members
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ARDMORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2008 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
KEY ISSUES
HIGHER EDUCATION - ARDMORE BRANCH UNIVERSITY
- Transitioning the Ardmore Higher Education Center to a branch of a University is the highest priority for the Chamber.
COMMON EDUCATION
- Enhance academic achievement by incorporating higher standards
- Extend the school year to the regional average
- Forgive student loans for math and science teachers who teach in Oklahoma for the first five years after earning a teacher’s certificate.
- Implement career awareness and career pathways programs
- Promote character building instruction
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
- The Chamber’s proposal to create an Enterprise Fund. The Fund would provide investments for research and a “closing fund” to attract special, large and
high-impact projects.
- The Quality Investment Act was passed to provide incentives to encourage Oklahoma industries to invest in modernization and expansion.
- Quality Jobs Act adjustments have been made over the years. While strongly supporting the concept, the Chamber understands some tightening of requirements may be necessary.
RESEARCH
- Increase, or maintain, funding for the Oklahoma Center for Assistance for Science and Industry with additional emphasis on Bio-Technology.
- Further enhance funding for Bioenergy Research and the advancement of the Biofuels Industry
- The Oklahoma Council for the Advancement of Science and Technology has proven to be an effective investment. For every dollar directed to OCAST by the
Legislature, $17 in funding has been generated in support of research and new technology commercialization.
ENVIRONMENT
- A comprehensive water plan should be completed before changes are made in Oklahoma water law
LAWSUIT REFORM
- The 2004 “reform” bill did not reach far enough. Reform passed in the 2007 Session was vetoed by the Governor. The Chamber urges the Governor and
Legislature to pass meaningful judicial reform that protects the rights of individuals while discouraging frivolous lawsuits.
TRANSPORTATION FUNDING, PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION
- Protect and increase funding for Oklahoma’s roads and bridges.
- Relocate the ODOT Maintenance Facility at I-35 & US 70.
- North America Super Coalition (NASCO) – Support efforts of NASO to improve the safety, security and mobility of national transportation systems.
- Support the widening of U.S. 70 east to Arkansas and an alternate route west to Lawton.
- Ardmore Loop: Actively work to obtain funding for a transportation loop around Ardmore:
INDUSTRY INCENTIVES – WORKER RECRUITMENT
- Reasonable and competitive incentives need to be in place in order for Oklahoma to be competitive—in attracting new industry for modernization and
expansion. An equal, or perhaps even greater, priority should be placed on recruiting workers to Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma Prosperity Project
One of the great privileges of being an American citizen is the opportunity to vote for the candidate of your choice on Election Day.
Voting couldn't be more important. The Legislators we elect make decisions that impact the ability of Oklahoma’s companies to
succeed and grow. This affects all of us – our jobs, our economy, and our families’ future.
Oklahoma's 2008 election season begins with the Presidential Primary on February 5th and ends with the General Election November
4th.
The Prosperity Project website is a great election resource to help you:
Register to vote.
Be informed – Learn about the candidates running in your district or for President, and where they stand on economic issues that
matter.
The Prosperity Project is a nonpartisan, election education service. It does not endorse candidates and does not tell you how to vote.
That important decision is up to you.
Make up your own mind - and VOTE! www.okprosperity.com
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The ABC’s of Immigration Compliance
Highlight February SOBIC Luncheon
The Southern Oklahoma Business and Industry Council (SOBIC) Luncheon will meet at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, February 6, 2008,
in the Seminar Center located on the campus of the Southern Oklahoma Technology Center. Bill Wells, a Labor Litigation Attorney of
the Wells Law Firm, OKC, will be the main speaker at the luncheon.
As an attorney, Bill works with business and industry throughout the state offering advice on current human resource and labor law.
At the February SOBIC meeting Bill will provide a summary of the current status of immigration law at the federal level, the e-verify
system and Oklahoma House Bill 1804.
The purpose of SOBIC is to provide business and industry professionals the opportunity to network while exploring topics of interest
crucial to business success. SOBIC is co-hosted by Ardmore Development Authority, Ardmore Chamber of Commerce, Southern
Oklahoma Technology Center and the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance. The cost of the luncheon is provided by sponsors.
The 2008 SOBIC Sponsors are:
Gold Sponsors - Barry Ross Century 21
Silver Sponsors - Atlas Roofing, DOT Foods, V.E. Enterprise, Inc
Participating Sponsors - The Benham Companies
Legislative Luncheons
With several local and national elections right around the corner the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce along with Presenting
Sponsor: The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Gold Sponsors: CableOne and Valero and Silver Sponsors: Oklahoma Natural
Gas, MTC Federal Credit Union and AT&T, have organized several Legislative Luncheons in an effort to provide relevant information about issues that affect area businesses and community life. Local State Legislators will be on hand to speak about current
local and state issues that affect Oklahoman’s. This is the perfect chance for you to meet with those legislators and ask questions
that effect your life. These legislative forums address issues such as: local and state ballot issues, proposed tax reform bill,
economic development, safety and security issues, and international business. This event also includes a facilitated question and
answer segment, which provides the opportunity for attendees to address the featured speaker directly about the issues that our
region faces.
Please mark your calendars to attend the 2008 Legislative Luncheon series that kicks off February 29, 2008. The luncheons are
held every other Friday of the month February through May from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Ardmore Convention Center, 2401 N.
Rockford Road. Reservations can be made online at www.ardmore.org, or by calling the Chamber office at 223-7765. Deadline for
RSVP’s is by noon on Wednesday preceding the luncheon. No reservation is needed if a lunch is not being requested.
Luncheon Dates:
February 29th
March 14th
March 28th
April 11th
April 25th
May 9th
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New Members
The following companies are new members of the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce.
Dunn’s Tank Servie - Whataburger Inc. - Trinity Baptist Church - Telco Supply Company
Chickasaw Long Distance - Chickasaw Telecommunications - Nurses Home Care
Simple Curiosities - Tower Climbers Intergrated LLC
The Ardmore Report is a monthly publication of the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce, 410 W. Main, Ardmore, OK 73401.
Annual subscription rate is $12 and is included in membership dues. Send change of address to PO Box 1585, Ardmore, OK
73402 or phone (580) 223-7765.
business
spotlight
Ruth Young Travel Service
Established 1949
312 E Street NW
Ardmore, OK 73401
580-223-0888
rtravelservice@sbcglobal.net
Ruth Young Travel Service, 312 E Street NW, was established in 1949 by Ruth
Young. In 1991, Kay Laske, Belinda Morris and Beverly Wellnitz purchased
the business after working at the agency for many years, continuing the
tradition of exceptional service.
As your local travel experts we are committed to helping you find the
perfect trip, everytime. We specialize in tours, cruises and honeymoons. As
a member of the American Society of Travel Agents, Cruise Line International Association and Vacation.com we are able to secure your best vacation value. We listen carefully to what you want from your vacation and can
save you money with early booking discounts, special fares, accommodation details and travel advisories. In addition we offer support before,
during and after your trip.
Call or come by and see travel specialist Belinda Morris, Kay Laske, Sandra
Pruitt, Becky Walker, Vera Adams, Lauren Robbins or Earl Jenkins to help you
plan your next trip. Collectively the agency offers over 75 years of travel
experience.
Remember…without a travel agent you are on your own!
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Chamber
Ambassadors
Ardmore Convention
Center
First National Bank &
Sheila Bell
Trust
IMTEC
Tisha Belt
Angela Bradsher Angela Bradsher, CPA
Pickens, IT, Title &
Debbie Brewer
Closing Co.
DeeAnn Chatham Aflac
Sunshine Industries
Jamie Crane
B & N Carpet Cleaning
Nick Danker
Harvey-Douglas
Brian Douglas
Funeral Home
United Way of South
tobi Ervin
Central Oklahoma
Kelly Murphy-Fryer Advanced Care
Medical Equipment
Cable One
Jeremy Ham
Harn Custom Siding &
Pam Harn
Windows
Shiloh Morning Inn
Bob Humphrey
The Mortgage Team
Tatum Lee
Lake Murray Resort
Janet Logan
Dobson Realty Group
Jerry Landrum
Engineering Services
Shane Long
& Testing
Mazzio’s Italian Eatery
Monte Meier
New York Life
Bill Parker
Insurance
Parker Family Vision
Ryan Parker
Center
Southern Oklahoma
Win Patton
Radio - KKAJ
Century 21-Clark &
Vance Porter
Reed
First National Bank &
Toni Price
Trust Co
Landmark Bank
Vicki Quinby
Edward Jones
Al Schneider
Gene Scrugham, Jr. Ray’s Hallmark Gifts &
Office Supplies
Dianne Shepard Oasis Staffing
Randy Simmons OG & E
Express Personnel
Kim Smith
Services
Southern Oklahoma
Jody Westervelt
Radio
AT&T
Jason Winborn
So. Ok. Blood Institute
Teresa Woehst
Marty Auten
Building An Effective
Referral Network
For many small-business owners, the thought of attending a
networking event is enough to make them cringe. After all,
many are overworked, and don’t enjoy spending their small
amount of free time in a crowded room of people; making
small talk with complete strangers; attempting to sell
products or services to disinterested prospects; and often
having little to show for their time invested.
Business After Hours
With over 180 participants, the Ardmore Convention
Center was the site for the January Business After Hours.
The Chamber hosted the kick-off event and included
booths with several area business providing information on their products/services to the attendees.
Instead of networking with potential clients, consider
networking with other businesses that can help you succeed.
When you network with other businesses, you are looking for
ways to meet new clients through the other company’s
referrals and to create strategic alliances thus increasing your
business’s perceived capabilities.
Four local caterers were on hand to share their special
cuisines with networkers. The evening showcased
everything from Mardi Gras themed booths to new
Toyota vehicles!
The Convention Center provided a demonstration of
their new custom lighting displays giving every event
the ability to create a special atmosphere.
If the idea of networking with other business sounds more
appealing than chasing down clients all the time, consider
the following guidelines to make your networking endeavors a success.
1. Know Thyself
Before you attempt to network, you first need to know your
business and what makes it unique. Why would someone
choose you over your competitors? What do you do or offer
that no one else can match? The idea is to precisely pinpoint
why another business would want to partner with you and
refer their clients to you. Be specific. Simply saying you offer
“great customer service” is not unique. However, offering a
lifetime guarantee or same-day delivery may be key factors
that set you apart.
2. Be Clear About Your Wants
You need to know your goals and objectives before you
contact another business. What do you hope business can
do for you? What kind of referral are you looking for? A
bunch of referrals that do not meet your company’s target
client profile is useless. So if you’re looking for referrals who
are dog owners, live on the north side of town and earn over
$50.000 per year, state that. By doing so, you can better team
up with other companies that can give you that specific type
of referral.
3. Network Face to Face
Now that youre clear on who you are and what you want, its
time to make some contacts. You can do this by going to
Chamber events, forming a mastermind group with other
businesses or joining a referral or network club. When you
initially meet new business owners, be sure to have your
thirty second elevator speech memorized. This short speech
should cover who you are, who you help, what you do, and
how you do it-all thirty seconds or les. Also, when you
network, make sure you do it face-to-face, not through
emails or phone calls.
4. Follow Up
As with any networking endeavor, follow-up is extremely
important. Chances are someone won’t remember you after
one brief meeting. You’ll need to remind the person of your
business and re-state what you said you could do. Also
realize that sometimes following up with someone doesn’t
involve business talk at all. You may need to conduct some
social meeting for breakfast or lunch, and just talk as people
not as business contacts. That kind of personal touch will
greatly enhance the relationship.
The next BAH will be February 18, 2007 at The Spring
Hill Suites. Remember to loosen your tie and be a part
of the best after hours networking event available!
Upcoming
SpringHill Suites Marriott
2501 Centinnial Drive
The SpringHill Suites by Marriott will be hosting this months Business After
Hours on the 18th at 5:00pm.
The SpringHill Suites is the newest all-suites property in Ardmore, offering an
experience that is a breath of fresh air and a list of amenities that make it easy to
call this hotel “your home away from home.”
The SpringHill staff will be available to conduct a full tour of their spacious suites,
the comfortable breakfast area and many other features that enhance their
guests’ experience.
A special menu has been selected for the evening and Southwest Sales will be
sponsoring drinks for the event.
So mark your calendar for the SpringHill Business After Hours.
5. Give As Well As Get
No relationship can be one-sided and successful. You have to give referrals to those
you’ve built alliances with as well as get referrals. If you’re always on the getting end
and never giving, the other business owners will perceive you as greedy and as misusing the relationships. So be sure you’re constantly giving referrals and never getting
them, you need to re-consider the relationship and whether it is truly beneficial to you.
Finally, when you do get a referral from someone, whether the referral pans out or not,
be sure to thank the referring party for the opportunity.
6. Network to Win
While networking with an individual client may give you some quick rewards,
networking with other businesses and creating referral sources will give you
long-term results. Think about it…you can only prospect so many clients at a time. But
if you have alliances with ten other businesses, you’ve just expanded your potential
client outreach by ten times. At the same time, you can likely devote less money to
advertising because you have the power of word of mouth (the very best form of
advertising) working for you. So begin thinking about the kind of businesses that can
help you, as well as those you can help. Network with the owner or decision maker,
build the relationship and then watch your business grow.
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November Economic Indicators
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December Economic Indicators
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Economic Indicators Show Mixed Results for 2007
2008 Executive Committee
Economic indicators for 2007 show an increase for the overall Ardmore
business environment. According to figures released by the Oklahoma Tax
Commission, retail sales, annual retail sales represent a 4.2% increase from
2006.
In residential real estate, The Southern Oklahoma Board of Realtors, report a
6.9% decrease in the number of home sales 2007 (389 home sales) compared
to 2006 (418 home sales). The City of Ardmore reports a decrease in the
number of building permits issued through December 2007 (452 in 2007 compared to 614 in 2006). The value of building permits decreased from $50.9
million in 2006 to $46.8 million in 2007. This represents an 8% decrease in the
value of building permits.
10 Reasons Small Businesses Need a Logo
Experts urge small business owners to "brand" their businesses with a logo. However, they rarely
explain the reasons behind this advice. Read more about Developing Your Company's Logo.
Below are some of some of the benefits of a professionally designed logo and identity system:
1. To look "bigger" and "established." Home-printed business cards or cards printed with
Microsoft clipart scream "small-time vendor" to your potential clients — and that is how they
will want to compensate you.
2. To attract more clients. Some clients look for a well-defined company, and "look and feel"
may be one of their criteria for making a purchasing decision.
3. To brand yourself. If you are a consultant, you need a logo in order to build an image and a
brand that is greater than your individual identity.
4. To convey that you are reputable. A logo and professionally-printed materials show that
you are committed to both your business and to your clients.
5. To be more memorable. Forty percent of people remember what they see than what they
hear or read. So to have graphics associated with your business, and to keep those graphics
consistent, makes you more likely to be at the forefront of potential clients' minds when they
need your goods or services.
Jessica Pfau, Chairman
Ardmore Village
Nathan Verner, Chairman Elect
IMTEC
Pam Plesher, Treasurer
Main Street Coffee
Shane Long, Membership Services
Engineering Services & Testing
Jay Johnson, Governmental Affairs
Mercy Memorial Health Center
Keith King, Past Chairman / Education
First National Bank and Trust Co.
Board of Directors
Kim Benedict
Daily Ardmoreite
Kevin Butler
American National Bank
Dr. Ruth Ann Carr
Ardmore City Schools
Tom Dunlap
Ardmore Oil and Gas Professionals
Gene Fryar
OG & E
Darcy Jordan
Valero - Ardmore Refinery
Chuck Jones
Oklahoma Natural Gas
Letha Khaladj
Khaladj-Ayers Team
Re/Max Master Associates, Inc.
Jerry Landrum
Dobson Realty Group
Dr. Bill Parsons
Mercy Memorial Health Center
T.J. Riley
The Bramlett Agency
Barbara Simon
Barklee Collection
Trey Whatley
V.E. Enterprises, Inc.
6. To explain your company name. If your company name contains a little-known word or an
acronym, the logo can give visual clues to its meaning.
7. To endear your company name to your clients. A
difficult-to-pronounce or hard-to-remember company
name makes it challenging for clients. When potential clients
need your services, they may not recall a tricky name. But if
you reinforce the name with interesting, compelling graphics, they are more likely to remember you, pick up the phone,
and hire you.
8. To explain an unusual line of business. If your business
is nontraditional or in a hard-to-explain industry, a logo can
help to clarify exactly what it is that you do.
Chamber Website Statistics
Average Monthly Hits on Banner and Logo Ads
on the Chamber Website
Banner
9. To differentiate you from your competition. A
well-designed logo can have many subtle meanings and can
begin to tell the story of how you do business.
10. To comply with expectations. In some industries, a logo
is just expected. In the creative services industry especially,
having a logo is an industry standard.
These benefits could boost your business and your
confidence, so consider developing a logo to sell your
business.
Logo
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February
AMETHYST RESEARCH
CONTINUES TO PROSPER IN ARDMORE
Amethyst Research Inc. develops an advanced process that
improve the performance of infrared “night vision” detectors
while simultaneously reducing the cost of their production. The
company began operations in Ardmore 2006. They have grown
from 2 employees to seven employees with an annual budget of
$835,000. Amethyst, located at the Ardmore Technology Transfer Center – a technology based business incubator developed
by the ADA, has received $1,060,000 in new contracts since the
beginning of the year. They have additional research contracts
pending at a value of $4,600,000.
Dr. Terry Golding (Amethyst Research Inc.) explains the commercial benefits of their company’s process. “This clears the way for
a change in the infrared focal plane array industry and the imaging applications it serves. This could dramatically improve the
lives and effectiveness of a broad range of users, such as soldiers
and fire fighters.”
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Upcoming Events
2/8
Chamber Awards Banquet
6:30 pm Convention Center, 2401 N. Rockford
The long-term objective of the business incubator is to create a
technology park in Ardmore that will focus on commercial
ventures based on scientific research,” states Brien Thorstenberg
(ADA Vice President). “This will create more professional jobs in
the community. The Ardmore Development Authority is
currently discussing plans with Amethyst to build a permanent
building in one of our industrial parks.”
2/15
Noon
Find more about Amethyst at: www.amethystresearch.net
2/20
SCORE
10:00 am Chamber of Commerce, 410 W. Main
CONVENTION CENTER COMPLETES SUCCESSFUL YEAR
2/20
Chamber Board Meeting
4:00 pm Chamber of Commerce, 410 W. Main
The Ardmore Convention Center completed another successful
year in 2007. Event numbers continue to grow with over 160
events held during the year. The events represent 124 different
individuals, groups or associations utilizing the Center. Once
again, the events ranged from depositions with 4 – 6 individuals to
the Spirit Seekers and Mercy Memorial Women’s Health Forum
with hundreds of participants. Revenue generated by Room
Rental Income increased over 48% and income derived from Food
Service and other amenities also increased.
2008 plans to be successful as well! 71 events are already booked
including state conventions including The Oklahoma Association
of Pupil Transport, Oklahoma District Attorneys Council and the
Oklahoma Historical Society. The Convention Center is the perfect
site for weddings, conventions or small meetings, if you’re looking
to plan an event contact the Ardmore Convention Center at
226-2862.
AYPO “Crash The Party”
Convention Center, 2401 N. Rockford
2/18
ADA Board Meeting
3:00 pm Chamber of Commerce, 410 W. Main
2/18
Business After Hours
5:00 pm SpringHill Suites, 2501 Centnnial Dr.
2/28
ATA Board Meeting
8:00 am Chamber of Commerce, 410 W. Main
2/29
Legislative Luncheon
11:30pm Convention Center, 2401 N. Rockford
3/14
Legislative Luncheon
11:30 pm Convention Center, 2401 N. Rockford
3/17
ADA Board Meeting
3:00 pm Chamber of Commerce, 410 W. Main
3/17
Business After Hours
5:00 pm Sweet!, 109 E. Main St.
3/19
Chamber Board Meeting
4:00 pm Chamber of Commerce, 410 W. Main
3/27
ATA Board Meeting
8:00 am Chamber of Commerce, 410 W. Main
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Member News
Hunter Graphix: Windows, Walls, Doors, Floors and More No matter the location or the message, HUNTER GRAPHIX has
a sign for your business. HUNTER GRAPHIX offers signs, banners, labels, decals, custom signs, vehicle graphics, business signs,
yard signs, and much more. HUNTER GRAPHIX can help you design and install signs for every possible need. From the yard
and exterior of your building to the point of purchase, We will work with you to ensure that your message is not only seen,
but that it's effective. We use state-of-the-art, computer-aided sign-making systems and techniques to create high-impact,
cost effective signs that get you results. Best of all, we make the whole process simple.
UPS Store: After proudly serving the Ardmore community for 10 years, we have experienced a terrific problem! We've
outgrown our present facility at 720 N. Commerce. Follow us over to 1405 4th Ave. NW, 1 block West of Homeland entrance,
and let us continue to serve your UPS/Postal and business communications needs with a brand new 3,000 square foot
interior with unlimited parking. Look for us to move late March or a day in April!
Whataburger: Family-owned Whataburger Restaurants’ signature orange and white stripes will soon be visible in
Ardmore. The new Whataburger restaurant, located at 921 Holliday Dr., across the street from the Michelin tire plant, will
open its doors in late-February. Whataburger’s first venture in Ardmore will be open 24 hours a day and will serve all of
Whataburger’s signature menu items including: the made-to-order Whataburger as well as the WhataChick’n sandwich,
fresh salads and chicken strips. The restaurant will also offer a full breakfast menu, served from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m., featuring
honey butter chicken biscuits and taquitos, among many other breakfast items. The new restaurant will bring about 80 new
jobs to the area. If you are interested in applying for a position at Whataburger, please call Thomas Thompson at (580)
319-2288.
Lake Murray Resort Groundbreaking cont.
Groundbreaking for a private resort development at Lake Murray was the result of a project initiated by the Ardmore Tourism Authority
President and CEO Wes Stucky in 2004. “The resort is an important part of improving the overall appearance and quality of offerings in
Southern Oklahoma.” The Ardmore Tourism Authority, a Public Trust of the City of Ardmore executed a land lease with the Oklahoma
Tourism and Recreation Department in April 2007 and subsequently subleased to Knewt Resorts, LLC. of Dallas Texas for the redevelopment of the resort.
The opening of the hotel is scheduled for the Fall of 2009.
Upon completion of the new hotel facility, the redevelopment of the existing historic Lake Murray Lodge will begin
and be a part of Phase II, which will include the remodeling
of existing cabins, construction of new cabins and
construction and creation of a Safari Village. The reconstruction planned will keep the historical significance and
character of the old lodge and cabins while upgrading
them to a higher standard.
Ardmore Chamber of Commerce
Wes Stucky, President & CEO
Mita Bates, Vice President - Operations
Todd Larkin, Events Coordinator/Public Relations
Annilisa Peevy, Administrative & Foundation
Assistant
Lisa Cowan, Administrative Assistant
Ardmore Development Authority
Additional services provided throughout the resort area
will include an amphitheater, two new swimming pools, a
large playground and new boat docks for guests and day
use.
Landscaping enhancements will be featured
throughout the area and all of the proposed development
and renovations will be environmentally responsible.
Wes Stucky, President & CEO
Mita Bates, Vice President - Operations
Brien Thorstenberg, Vice-President, Ardmore
Development Authority
Elizabeth Crowley, Research & Development
Roy Givens, Industrial Parks Manager
Ashley Cox, Adm. Assist. Ardmore Airpark
Gary Ross, Airpark Maintenance
An international hotel design firm, Leo A. Daly Company, is
designing the new facility and project redevelopment.
Ardmore Convention Center/Tourism
The project will be owned and operated by Knewt Resorts,
LLC and partners. Funding for the project is being
arranged by SCS Capital Group, LLC and Today Realty
Advisors, Inc.
Wes Stucky, President & CEO
Mita Bates, Vice President - Operations
Janet Bateman, Marketing Coordinator
Marty Auten, Convention Center Manager
Angel Martin, Administrative Assistant
Cameron Jackson, Maintenance Personnel
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Tips for Business
Keys to Hiring Great Employees
Of course every business owner wants to hire the best employees possible. How does one go about finding the best? Take each piece of
information including resumes, cover letters, telephone conversations and interviews along with pre-employment testing and references to
narrow down the field to the "one".
Utilizing several different recruiting methods is a sure way to increase your odds of finding a diverse group of individuals. The wider and more
complete your search, the greater the results. Place powerful advertisements in your local newspaper as well as online job-hunting sites that
will attract people from other areas of the country that might be moving to your town. Be specific, prospective employees want to know
exactly what tasks they will be responsible for.
Resumes and cover letters will start flowing in the day the ad runs. Much is to be said for someone´s resume and cover letter. Are there
misspelled words? Does the cover letter portray an individual with potential for this particular position? You will receive resumes from
overqualified individuals as well as under qualified. Take the time to review each one carefully, screening out the ones that are absolute "no´s".
Always prepare for your interview process and allow enough time for each interview. Screen your candidates by telephone prior to the
interviews to eliminate those who immediately reveal that they are not right for the job. There are certain expectations on each side, such as
salary requirements, if there is overtime involved, etc. There is nothing worse for an applicant than showing up for an interview, only to find
out at the end of their interview their pay is much lower than they are willing to accept. There is no sense in wasting anyone´s time — yours
included.
The questions you ask in an interview should reflect the most important responsibilities associated with the job. Closely review a candidate´s
application and resume for valuable information. Look for inconsistencies, gaps in employment history, or frequent job changes. Ask why an
individual left previous jobs. Ask about strengths and weaknesses.
Listen — the less you speak the better. As the candidates speak, prepare your next question. Review the resume for consistency. Ask openended questions, smiling and responding where appropriate. Make the interviewee feel at ease. Thank the candidate for the time it took to
interview and let them know you will be in touch, no matter what your decision. This is much appreciated. It does not show professionalism
when you say you are going to make a decision by the end of the week and you will be in contact, and then do not follow through. Always keep
your word.
Obtain at least three references and call them. A person might present themselves very well in an interview and then when references are
checked, a whole new scenario appears. Narrow the selection down to three and if needed, call the candidates back for a second interview. You
should always go with your initial instinct. Remember, interviews are like dates — people have their guard up, they don´t reveal their true
personalities and you have to read them by their facial expressions, body movements and voice tones. Hopefully you did a wonderful job in
picking the right person you never truly know someone in such a short amount of time.
Personnel Roundtable
Post your current job openings online at jobs.ardmore.org
PERSONNEL ROUNDTABLE PLANNING 2008 MEETING YEAR
The 2008 Personnel Roundtable hosted by the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce, Ardmore Development Authority and the Southern Oklahoma Technology Center is planning the 2008 meeting calendar. The group of Human Resource associates met on January
31 for Strategic Planning of the 2008 calendar year. This meeting will help the group decide whether to continue with the SHRM
Norman teleconference or allow speakers to come and address the group personally.
Personnel Roundtable is an opportunity for local human resource representatives to gather once a month over lunch provided by
Rhonda’s catering to address issues that affect their workplace. This event is sponsored by: Gold Sponsor – 1-800-FLOWERS; Silver
Sponsors-Hampton Inn, Best Buy, EJIW and Dollar General. For more information on Personnel Roundtable, please contact Elizabeth
Crowley at 223-6162.
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