2012 Accomplishments
IMPROVING THE BUSINESS CLIMATE
- Provided management services to the Ardmore Development Authority (ADA).
- ADA recognition as Business Facilities Magazine’s “Top Economic Development Agency in Cities Under 50,000”.
- Coordinated bi-weekly luncheons with local legislators during the Legislative Session providing opportunities to receive updates and have timely input and influence on legislation.
- Legislative action network kept members informed via newsletters, emails, and fax alerts
- Coordinated the 35th Annual State of the City Luncheon to update members on city projects and priorities
- Coordinated GAPS election efforts
- Promoted the Oklahoma Prosperity Project, encouraging local business and industry to encourage employees to register to vote and providing non-partisan information on business-related issues. The voter registration effort resulted in over 100 new voters being registered at 3 schools and businesses.
- Participated in legislative monitoring with the Research Institute for Economic Development (REID). Since the advent of REID, legislators have demonstrated a more pro-business attitude
- Hosted numerous meetings with the Governor, State Department Officials and Legislators to educate them on Ardmore area needs and to promote a pro-business environment.
- Coordinated “Ardmore Day” at the State Capitol, affording members an opportunity to meet with elected officials and relay the Ardmore Pro-Business Legislative Agenda.
- Promoted the summer “Sales Tax Holiday” providing tax relief on back to school items
- Coordinated Tax Increment Finance District projects for the City and the Ardmore Development Authority (ADA)
- Participated in the National Super Coalition (NASCO) a multi-state and international coalition working to improve transportation and logistics along the I-35 corridor
- Provided expert assistance for legislative committees on Tax Reform and on Tax Incentives
- Served on the Governor’s Science and Technology committee that is developing a state-wide plan for growing and attracting technology companies.
- Served on the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission
- Served on the State Chamber Board of Directors
- Served on the State Chamber Aerospace Committee
- Served on the OEDC (Oklahoma Economic Development Council) Legislative Affairs Committee
ORGANIZATIONAL AFFAIRS
- Coordinated the 21st Leadership Ardmore Class and instituted updates and curriculum changes
- Coordinated Ardmore Youth Leadership Class III for area sophomores and juniors
- Provided support for the Ardmore Young Professionals Organization and their community activities, social events and the Annual Mega Mixer.
- Provided Management services to the Ardmore Development Authority, the Ardmore Tourism Authority and Chamber of Commerce Foundation
- Served on the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Executives Special Committee, State Chamber of Commerce Board, Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission (Chairman), Center for Chamber of Commerce Excellence, Oklahoma Society of Association Executives and other organizations
- Coordinated the implementation of Ardmore 2020 Initiatives
- Named finalist in the ACCE Chamber of the Year competition
- Raised $260,000 in Total Resource Campaign
EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT
- Coordinated the GAPS initiative to transition the University Center of Southern Oklahoma into a branch university.
- Coordinate the GAPS initiative that will allow continuation of the ¼ cent sales tax for schools that will actually expand the tax countywide.
- The Cornerstone Program in seventh operational year.
- New Benchmark testing software in use at all school sites
- Summer school totally funded by Cornerstone Program
- The AVID Program was funded and expanded at Ardmore City Schools
- Assesssment and potential development of Phase II of Cornerstone
- 22 Oklahoma Scholars graduated in May from Ardmore High School
- Coordinated the training and promotion of the Oklahoma Scholars Program to 8th grade students in the Ardmore City Schools
- Hosted the twelfth Annual Teacher Appreciation Reception, attended by over 320 area educators
- Served on the State Chamber Education and Workforce Committee
COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
- Provided regular news articles for the Sunday Ardmoreite. In addition, fax, e-mails and the website were used to inform members of pertinent issues and special events
- Completed production of the Annual Report in conjunction with the Awards Banquet
- Provided all new members with a free advertisement in the Daily Ardmoreite, and reduced rate advertising at the Southern Oklahoma Radio Center to promote their business
- Maintained active involvement with all media to notify them of chamber and community events and encouraged their coverage of Chamber activities
- Produced enhanced monthly “E News” electronic newsletter as a compliment to the monthly newsletter
- Continued enhancement to the information on the Ardmore.org website: specific events and visioning information were added for community access, community links were increased, and event registration including on-line payment options were added.
- Produced a Membership Directory that is provided to all Chamber members and is included in all relocation and tourism packets
- Improved informational packets to promote Chamber members; created new city map
- Developed statewide and regional programs for promotion of Ardmore including Oklahoma Today Magazine, Preview Magazine and Metro Family Magazine.
- Enhanced the Chamber E-News electronic newsletter and Chamber Facebook page to increase exposure to Chamber events, publications and members
- “Chamber Chatter” column was featured the first Sunday of each month
- Provided programs to various civic and community organizations
- Completed production of "Today in America" segment that aired in the spring of 2012
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
- Coordinated the planning and campaign for the 5 initiatives known as GAPS (Growth. Action. Progress. Success for Carter County). This has involved interaction with steering committee, consultant and community volunteers and encompasses all campaign activities.
- Coordinated the GAPS election for the renewal of the ½ cent city tax for infrastructure
- Promoted Health Initiatives that included Breath the Music event; coordinated and hosted a workshop for Certified Healthy Business designation with 25 business applications from Ardmore.
- Construction commenced on park in Southwest Ardmore. Estimated completion date in 2013
- Hickory Ridge Phase III development underway.
- Promoted retail and dining/entertainment in conjunction with community partners – Main Street Authority, Charles B. Goddard Center and Hardy Murphy Coliseum
- Coordinated the 2012 Festival of Lights Auction.
- Provide Community Tours for professionals considering relocation to Ardmore.
- Obtained approval for Wayfind sign system for Ardmore and initiated bid process
- Support of the Art in Public Places initiative through financial support of students in Jesus Morales workshops. The result was a sculpture for placement in the downtown area.
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
- Launched the a new affordable insurance product that rewards healthy behaviors (Ardmore Chamber Care)
- Introduced a Corporate Challenge to membership to encourage healthy lifestyles among employees
- Conducted seminars and meetings to provide support for small businesses. Personnel Roundtable sessions addressed HR topics of interest to our members
- Coordinated monthly Business After Hours providing an excellent venue for networking
- Assisted with the SOBIC (Southern Oklahoma Business and Industry Council) luncheon meetings
- Expanded New Member Orientation programs to include all membership in order to keep them abreast of Chamber benefits and activities
- Coordinated successful Health and Fitness Expo in conjunction with A2A Marathon
- Coordinated the Chamber Ambassador program to recruit and retain chamber members and involvement
- In conjunction with the Oklahoma State Chamber, continued promotion of “Chamber Blue” an affordable health insurance product designed to meet the needs of small employers
- Increased use of membership software to provide specific benefits to members